Things to do
Attie Creek Falls, Cardwell Forest Drive.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
A view from Cardwell lookout, Cardwell Forest Drive.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Spa Pool, Cardwell Forest Drive.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Camping is not permitted in Cardwell State Forest. Camping is permitted in the nearby Girringun National Park, Abergowrie State Forest, Girramay National Park and Tully Gorge National Park, camping fees apply.
Other accommodation
There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around Ingham, Tully and Cardwell, including caravan parks, motels, holiday units, cabins and hostels. For more information see the tourism information links.
Walking
Cardwell Forest Drive
Two walking tracks will help you explore Cardwell Forest Drive.
Hinchinbrook Island, Hinchinbrook Channel and Rockingham Bay lookouts
Distance: 1.6km return
Time: 60min
Details: Make your way along the walking track that starts from the Cardwell lookout car park (Cardwell Forest Drive map ). The first of the 3 lookouts offers views of the Hinchinbrook Channel and Oyster Point. Continue along the trail until you reach the fork, take the left track and make your way to the Rockingham Bay lookout. On a clear day you will see the Goold, Garden and Family Group Islands, Hecate Point on Hinchinbrook Island, Meunga Creek on the mainland and of course Rockingham Bay. Return to the fork and head further down the trail to the Hinchinbrook Island lookout This view shows the many spectacular peaks of Hinchinbrook Island. The track surface is uneven with loose gravel and several steps. Some sections of the track are reasonably steep. A moderate level of fitness is required.
Attie Creek Falls
Distance: 1.4km return
Time: 30min
Details: Take a 700m uphill walk to view Attie Creek Falls. The walk begins in the carpark at Attie Creek. Keep in mind that the falls are seasonal and may not be flowing all year round. Some sections of the track are reasonably steep. A moderate level of fitness is required.
Driving
Cardwell Forest Drive
Cardwell Forest Drive is 9km long and is best completed as a return trip from Cardwell Township via Brasenose Street. Take your time to explore the 4 nodes along the drive (Cardwell lookout, Attie Creek, Dead Horse Creek and Spa Pool). Allow 2 to 3 hours so you can visit all the nodes. See the (Cardwell Forest Drive map ) for facilities at each node.
Please remember that Cardwell Forest Drive is a working forest and has a large network of roads (beware of logging trucks). Heavy trucks and machinery frequent the track network. Visitors are reminded to stay on the designated marked roads at all times and not to venture off these roads as harvesting may be occurring.
Picnic and day-use areas
Cardwell Forest Drive
Picnic tables are provided at Attie Creek, Dead Horse Creek and at Spa Pool along the Cardwell Forest Drive. There are no toilets or rubbish bins along the drive.
Five Mile Creek day-use area
A picnic table, wood barbecues and toilets are provided at Five Mile Creek, 8km drive south of Cardwell township.
Viewing wildlife
The Cardwell area is home to a variety of mammals, frogs and reptiles, as well as over 70 species of birds including doves, pigeons, rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, kingfishers, honey eaters and figbirds. Bring binoculars and watch for many colourful birds at the waterholes along the Cardwell Forest Drive.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.