Visiting Homevale safely

Getting there and getting around

• Eungella and Mackay Highlands map (PDF, 522.4KB)

Homevale National Park is 70km south-west of Mackay, near Nebo. From Nebo, drive back towards Mackay along the Peak Downs Highway for 6km before turning left onto Nebo-Glenden Road. Follow this road for 11.2km and turn right into Turrawulla Road. From this intersection, drive about 23km, passing the Homevale-Mount Britton turnoff, to the signed right-hand turn into Moonlight Dam camping area. From this turnoff, it is 6km to the camping area.

It is also possible to reach Homevale from the north via Eungella National Park. To reach Eungella from Mackay, drive 80km west along the Mackay-Eungella Road to Eungella township. At the head of the valley, the road winds sharply and steeply up the Clarke Range—not recommended for caravans. When you reach Eungella township at the top of the range, follow the road sweeping left through Eungella National Park to Broken River. From Broken River, follow Eungella Dam Road for 24.5km before turning left into Pipeline Road (also known as Lizzie Creek Road). Follow Pipeline Road for 17.3km and turn left into Turrawulla Road. From this intersection, it is 36.1km to the signed left-hand turn into Moonlight Dam camping area. From this turnoff, it is 6km to the camping area.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities in Homevale National Park.

Staying safe

Consider your fitness, ability and weather conditions carefully before setting out. Be well prepared and responsible for your own safety—even on a short stroll. Do not expect to be warned of every possible danger.

• Never walk alone—walk with family or friends.
• Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans, inform them. Plan to complete your walk well before dark.
• Keep to tracks to avoid getting lost.
• Carry extra food and drinking water in case your walk takes longer than expected.
• Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
• Wear boots or sturdy shoes for a comfortable walk.
• Dress for comfort, use insect repellent and protect yourself from sun and rain.
• Carry a mobile phone and call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, but remember coverage is very limited. Otherwise, send the fittest members of your party to get help, leaving someone behind to care for the injured.
• Before leaving home, consider downloading the Triple Zero emergency + app on your phone—to help identify your location in times of emergency.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• sufficient food and water
• first-aid kit—and know how to use it
• fuel stove and fuel—fires are not permitted
• sturdy footwear
• protective clothing
• insect repellent
• ground sheet
• strong rubbish bags—bins are not provided.

Opening hours

Homevale National Park is open 24 hours a day, although closures may be enforced during severe weather conditions.

Permits and fees

Camping permits are required and fees apply.

• Find out more about camping in Homevale National Park.
• Book your camp site online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Commercial photography permits are required if you intend to sell any photographs taken of Queensland’s parks and forests.

Organised event permits are required for organised group activities that may interfere with general public use.

View permits and fees for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Homevale National Park.

Climate and weather

The region's dry season occurs during winter (June to August), with average temperatures from 10°C to 20°C. Between October and March, high humidity, strong seasonal rainfall and average temperatures of 20°C to 30°C make walking less comfortable.

Much of the yearly rainfall falls between December and March with the driest months being August/September.

Walk only between April and September to avoid wet and dry weather extremes. Be prepared for track closures during periods of high fire danger.

For more information see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Mackay, Proserpine, Nebo and Eungella. For more information see the tourism information links.