10 Best hikes and trails in Cape Hillsborough National Park

Best trails in Cape Hillsborough National Park

4.3(817 reviews)

Australia
:
#100 of 638 national parks

Cape Hillsborough National Park is located on the central coast of Queensland, in the Mackay Region. Its coastal landscape consists of rugged rock formations and cliffs, rainforests, eucalypt forests, white sand beaches, and crystal clear marine waters. It is thus a great place to hike, swim, snorkel, and spend some time at the beach.

Top trails

#1 - Andrews Point Track

This is a beautiful and diverse easy walk through the forest and overlooking the ocean from the headlands of Cape Hillsborough. If timed correctly, you can walk back along the beach at low tide, otherwise, the trail can be double backed once you reach the water. Wonderful views of Wedge Island are present the whole way, and at low tide, you can also traverse the narrow sandbar to visit Wedge Island. Don't get caught across the water at a change of tides, be sure to double-check the tide...

#2 - Cape Hillsborough to Smalleys Beach

3.9(110)

•Moderate

•5.9 mi

This walk has beautiful coastal scenery starting at Cape Hillsborough car park. Explore Smalley's Beach and the gorgeous bushland of Cape Hillsborough National Park. Initially, the walk is on a formed track before it descends to the beach. Then, it turns left and follows a rough track uphill. Take a detour to view Cathedral Cave, then return to the main track and walk to the lookout, which is ideal for taking a break. Continue on the rough track and make another detour to a second cave,...

#3 - Beachcomber Cove Track

Soak up some glimpses of ocean and mountain views as you climb through forests of hoop pines, ferns and vines on this track in Cape Hillsborough National Park. A lookout on the ridge overlooks the secluded Beachcomber Cove, your next destination. A great spot for a picnic on the beach (during low tide) or to throw your line in the water for some fishing.

#4 - Wedge Island Lookout and Beachcombers Cove Trail

Starting from the carpark off Risley Parade, there's a wonderful walking trail around Cape Hillsborough. Begin by following the Andrews Point Track, which offers a bit of elevation for stunning views of the surrounding area. After that, head back to the beach and join onto the Beachcomber Cove Track. The track is fairly easy to follow, but there are a few sections with unclear signposts. Remember to bring your water bottle, as there are no facilities along the way. This one is best done at...

#5 - Hillsborough Lookout

4.2(73)

•Moderate

•2.4 mi

This is a fantastic bushwalk in Cape Hillsborough National Park. The route is well-marked with some rocky terrain to navigate. At the lookout, visitors will be met with stunning 360-degree views. The track begins from the Cape Hillsborough Day use area on the corner of Cape Hillsborough Road and Risley Parade, a short distance from Casuarina Beach.

#6 - McBrides Lookout

A short walk up to the lookout that offers spectacular views near Haliday Bay, Queensland. This easy walk despite the few rocky sections on the track. From the top you have some of the best views or any peak in the Mackay area. They look over Ball Bay, north to islands and inland to the national park. In summer it is a great spot to watch the sunrise.

#7 - Twin Beach Lookout

This is a lovely short hike to stretch your legs when staying at Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park. Beginning from the parking area, you'll head alongside Casuarina Beach and up a small hill to Twin Beach Lookout. If you're looking to add some distance to your journey, you can continue on to Andrews Point Lookout.

A short easy hike in Cap Hillsborough National Park, not too far from Mackay on the east coast of Queensland. There are signs along the trail which highlight the wealth of plants that the Yuibera Aboriginal people used for food and medicine, and describe traditional life in this rich coastal country. Keep an eye out for the remains of an Aboriginal fish trap, and for good views across Sandy Bay.

#9 - The Diversity Boardwalk

A well-signed trail in Cape Hillsborough National Park on the coast of north Queensland, not too far from Mackay. The trail itself is partially boardwalk and the remainder is gravel path. Enjoy walking through the cool shaded melaleucas, tall eucalypts and vine thickets of coastal mangrove with opportunities to learn about how these thriving plant communities have been shaped over time and their importance to the Yuibera people.

There is spectacular scenery along this coastal stretch the national park. Start the walk from Cape Hillsborough National Park car park and walk north along the beach for 1.0 km and ascend the headland, then climb over the peak and descend to the beach on the other side. Walk along the beach to the creek, up the creek, turning right and then a further 200m to the falls. Retrace to the beach and walk around the headland and along the beach to the start, being sure to mind coastal tidal change...

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Trail reviews for Cape Hillsborough National Park

1,135 trailgoers Busiest in July

Naomi Buttigieg

Yesterday•Hiking

Good viewsNot crowdedBathrooms available

Saturday 2nd August. A gently ascending bush trail starting at Halliday Bay beach which leads to great views over Cape Hillsborough. Trail is narrow & rocky with quite a few tree roots. We could have sat for hours on the giant granite boulders & watched the whales play.

McBrides Lookout

Terry Power

Jan 24, 2025•Hiking

Good conditionsNot crowded

The trail starts at the northern end of the Cape Hillsborough beach and takes you over the ridge to Beachcomber Cove and the creek that empties onto the beach. This walk can be done as a circuit of the tide is low as you can simply walk back along the beach.

Beachcomber Cove Track

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Cape Hillsborough National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Cape Hillsborough National Park is Andrews Point Track, which has a 4.6 star rating from 294 reviews. This trail is 2.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 370 ft.

What is the longest trail in Cape Hillsborough National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Cape Hillsborough National Park is Cape Hillsborough to Smalleys Beach. This trail is estimated to be 5.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Cape Hillsborough National Park?

There are 10 trails in Cape Hillsborough National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 817 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Cape Hillsborough National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Cape Hillsborough National Park has you covered. Cape Hillsborough to Smalleys Beach boasts the most elevation gain with 1,102 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Hillsborough Lookout, which will get you 820 ft of elevation gain.