Beachcomber Cove track
Climb the ridge for spectacular views and then drop down to a gold-flecked beach in a secluded cove.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 2.2km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 1.5hrs walking time.
- Grade
- Moderate (walk)
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural)
- Walking
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![Look for vulnerable beach thick-knees on the beach.]()
Look for vulnerable beach thick-knees on the beach.
Photo credit: © Mike Griinke
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![At low tide, you can return to the day-use area along the scenic beach.]()
At low tide, you can return to the day-use area along the scenic beach.
Photo credit: © Mike Griinke
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![Beachcomber Cove is a scenic destination at the end of the Beachcomber Cove track.]()
Beachcomber Cove is a scenic destination at the end of the Beachcomber Cove track.
Photo credit: John Atkinson © Queensland Government
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![Decend from the ridge along the Beachcomber Cove track to the beach.]()
Decend from the ridge along the Beachcomber Cove track to the beach.
Photo credit: John Atkinson © Queensland Government
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![Hike to the top of a ridge for views of Beachcomber Cove.]()
Hike to the top of a ridge for views of Beachcomber Cove.
Photo credit: John Atkinson © Queensland Government
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![Scenic view along the Beachcomber Cove track.]()
Scenic view along the Beachcomber Cove track.
Photo credit: John Atkinson © Queensland Government
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![Look for wildflowers along the Beachcomber Cove track.]()
Look for wildflowers along the Beachcomber Cove track.
Photo credit: John Atkinson © Queensland Government
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![At low tide, enjoy a stroll along the beach at Beachcomber Cove.]()
At low tide, enjoy a stroll along the beach at Beachcomber Cove.
Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw
Pack a picnic and your fishing gear, check the tides and head off from the Cape Hillsborough day-use area. Take in glimpses of ocean and mountain views as you climb through forests of hoop pines, ferns and vines. A lookout on the ridge overlooks your secluded destination—Beachcombers Cove.
Spread out your picnic rug under a pandanus on the long sandy beach. The cove is enclosed in steeply-forested slopes and interrupted by Cascade Creek. During the wet season the creek is a raging torrent that roars into the surf. For the rest of the year it sedately crosses the beach on its way to the ocean.
You can walk back to the day-use area along the beach if the tide is low, otherwise retrace your steps up and over the ridge.
Getting there and getting around
The Beachcomber Cove track is in Cape Hillsborough National Park, 50km north-west of Mackay, on the Central Queensland coast.
The track starts at the northern end of the Cape Hillsborough day-use area, 2.3km from the park entrance on Cape Hillsborough Road. Access is suitable for conventional vehicles.
From Mackay
- Travel north on the Bruce Highway for 20km and turn right onto Seaforth Road.
- Travel a further 20km and turn right onto Cape Hillsborough Road.
From Proserpine (without caravan)
- Travel south on the Bruce Highway for 79km to Mount Ossa.
- Turn left onto the partly-unsealed Mount Ossa Road and travel 15km towards Seaforth.
- Turn right onto Seaforth Road then left onto Cape Hillsborough Road.
From Proserpine (with caravan)
- Travel south on the Bruce Highway for 104km and turn left onto Seaforth Road.
- Travel a further 20km and turn right onto Cape Hillsborough Road.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Beachcomber Cove track is open 24 hours a day.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Cape Hillsborough safely and Walk with care.