Airlie Beach: Platypus, Eungella and Waterfalls Day Tour

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Take a day trip from Airlie Beach to search for the wild Australian platypus at Eungella National Park. Explore the ancient rainforest at Finch Hatton Gorge, and swim in a natural waterfall.

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Highlights

  • Search for the shy but adorable Australian platypus on a day trip from Airlie
  • Swim in cool waters of natural waterfalls and rockpools at Finch Hatton Gorge
  • Walk amongst the trees through the ancient rainforest of Eungella National Park
  • Climb to the Wheel of Fire Cascades for breathtaking views and a cool swim
  • Enjoy an Aussie BBQ lunch, morning tea and snacks throughout your day tour

Description

Explore Eungella National Park, search for platypus and other native wildlife, swim in waterfalls, and walk in ancient forests. Travel south from Airlie Beach into the Mackay/Whitsunday hinterland for a day of Australian nature. High above the surrounding plains, Eungella (an aboriginal word meaning land of cloud) is a mist-shrouded and forest-clad mountain refuge. One of Queensland’s most ecologically diverse parks with 860 plant species and a wonderful variety of wildlife, it is here you'll search for the platypus at Broken River. These unique and shy little mammals can be hard to find but if you are quiet and patient you may be rewarded and get to watch them swimming in the water from one of several viewing areas. To see a platypus in the wild is a treat not many get to enjoy. After a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch, it's off to Finch Hatton Gorge, a wonderful landscape of waterfalls, lush flora, and volcanic boulder formations. There are many walking tracks that weave through sub-tropical rainforests, allowing you to explore the mighty forest. One of the most popular trails starts at the Finch Hatton picnic area and takes you on a 1.6-kilometer journey to the beautiful Araluen waterfall. The granite boulders and surrounding vegetation make this an ideal place to take in the scenery. Take a refreshing dip in one of the nearby rock pools, a cooling haven favored by locals in summer. Continue 1.4 kilometers to reach the Wheel of Fire Cascades, another beautiful waterfall with a large rock pool at its base, popular for swimming. This second part of the walk is more challenging, with uphill segments and stairs to climb, but the views are well worth it. Keep an eye out among the rainforest for rare and unusual flora and fauna, such as the rare gastric brooding frog, the orange-sided skink, Mackay tulip oak, Eungella spiny cray, and Eungella honeyeater. At the end of the day, return to Airlie Beach with spectacular photographs and unforgettable memories of your trip into the Australian bush.

Includes

Hotel pickup and drop-off Guide Morning tea with cake and biscuits Aussie BBQ lunch 2 standard drinks of beer or wine. Bottled water Travel snacks (sweets, chips, popcorn, chocolate bars) Zooper Doopers (freezies/ice blocks)

Important Information

  • Platypus are wild creatures and sightings cannot be guaranteed

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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