Cape Hillsborough: Where Australia Wakes Up Wild

Cape Hillsborough, just 20 kilometres north of Mackay, is one of Queensland’s most enchanting coastal escapes—a place where rugged headlands meet rainforest, where ancient Aboriginal stories echo through the landscape, and where sunrise belongs not to people but to the wallabies and kangaroos that gather on the sand each morning. With 816 hectares of pristine National Park, this is a destination that feels untouched, elemental and deeply connected to Country.

A Coastal Wilderness Like No Other

The moment you arrive, Cape Hillsborough wraps you in its sensory tapestry: the scent of eucalypt forests warmed by the sun, the rhythmic hush of the Coral Sea, and the sight of volcanic rock formations rising dramatically from the shoreline. Crowds are rare here—your beach companions are more likely to be a curious wallaby or a flash of wings from one of the park’s 150 bird species.

This is a place for travellers who crave immersion. For photographers, it’s a dreamscape. For families, it’s a natural playground. For walkers, it’s a network of trails that reveal the region’s cultural and ecological richness.

Things to Do

Meet the Wallabies at Sunrise

Cape Hillsborough’s most iconic experience happens at dawn. As the sky blushes pink and gold, wallabies and kangaroos hop down to the shoreline to forage—an unforgettable wildlife encounter and one of Australia’s most photographed moments.

Explore the Walking Trails

The park is laced with scenic tracks that showcase its diversity.

• Juipera Plants Trail (1.6 km)
  A gentle, interpretive walk that reveals how the Juipera Aboriginal people used native plants for food, medicine and survival. It’s a cultural journey woven through nature.
• Diversity Boardwalk
  A short but fascinating stroll through mangroves and melaleuca forest, ideal for spotting butterflies and birdlife.
• Beachcomber Cove Track
  A coastal walk offering sweeping views and access to secluded coves.
• Andrews Point Track
  The park’s signature hike, passing six spectacular lookouts. At low tide, a natural causeway appears, linking the headland to Wedge Island.
  Important: Only cross on a falling tide and check tide times before setting out.

Enjoy the Beach and Picnic Areas

The Cape Hillsborough National Park includes shaded picnic spots, barbecues and public facilities—perfect for a relaxed lunch after a morning of exploring.

Wildlife Watching

From vibrant butterflies to sea eagles, kookaburras and forest-dwelling marsupials, Cape Hillsborough is a haven for nature lovers.

Where to Stay

Just steps from the National Park, Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort offers accommodation for every style of traveller—beachfront huts, motel-style units, powered caravan sites and shaded camping areas. Wake up to ocean breezes, fall asleep to the sound of the forest, and enjoy direct access to the beach and walking trails.

How to Get There

Cape Hillsborough is an easy 30-minute drive north of Mackay.

• By Car: Follow the Bruce Highway, then turn onto Yakapari–Seaforth Road and continue to Cape Hillsborough Road.
• By Air: Fly into Mackay Airport, which receives regular services from Brisbane and other major cities. Hire cars are available at the terminal.
• By Campervan or Motorhome: The route is sealed and suitable for all vehicles.

Best Time to Visit

Cape Hillsborough is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something unique.

• Winter (June–August): Cooler temperatures, ideal for hiking and wildlife watching.
• Spring (September–November): Wildflowers bloom and butterflies are abundant.
• Summer (December–February): Lush rainforest and warm seas—perfect for early morning adventures.
• Autumn (March–May): Calm weather and fewer visitors, making it a peaceful time to explore.

For the famous wallaby sunrise experience, arrive early—dawn is magical in every season.

Why You’ll Love Cape Hillsborough

Because it’s raw, real and wonderfully wild.
Because it offers the kind of moments that stay with you long after you’ve brushed the sand from your shoes.
Because it’s one of the few places in Australia where nature still feels like it’s in charge—and welcomes you in with open arms.