Airlie Beach QLD

G'day Tony,

There is not much available in 4WD activity around Airlie Beach.

Further down there is some serious stuff on the track into Cape Palmerston NP from Ilbilbie, but thats south of Mackay.

A bit closer there is the back track from Mackay to Eungella NP via Mia Mia State forest and Raspberry Creek. That can be a bit of a challenge at certain times.

You might also find some if you head off into the hinterland behind the ranges - seek local knowledge

You won't find any serious beach driving in this part of the world. Being inside the reef and away from the pounding Pacific Ocean the sand is a wee bit too soft.

Anyway mate, you must have better things to do on a honeymoon :) :) :)

While you are there an island and reef cruise is a must. The waters in that area are what peace and tranquility is all about.

Enjoy!!!!!

DennisN

Tony

Get your priorities right....leave the Mrs behind and take the boys on a 4WD adventure. You will be with the Mrs for rest of your bloody life!!!!

Only joking mate. Don't tell the Mrs.

Make sure you do one of the reef trips, very touristy but fantastic. If you do, don't clam it all in one day ie..you can snorkel, dive, fish and do a glass bottom boat thing. With lunch sqeezed in, it's all too much for 4 -5 hours on the reef. Just pick two, say a snorkel dive and something to keep the Mrs happy. Way to go.

Good luck

Andy

lived there most of my life 2wd trip to cedar creeek falls is the best youll find there (should be good after the rain) further afield is Cathu State forest near bloomsbury and there is a great trip to the Bowen River from the back of Eungella nat park many other tracks lead to mosquito swamps
or places that used to be beautiful with old beach huts and free camping but the powers that be - like shire councils have canned all the fun and adventure and bulldozed the beach huts. :-(
Try Earlandos and or Montys place up towards bowen.
kes

Hi Tony,

Airlie is my home town so here's my tips:

All comments made above are fairly valid. Around Airlie itself, not much 4WDriving. You used to be able to get up into the Conway NP following Brandy Creek Road but these days there is a locked gate about 8 km's up the track. Still worth an afternoon drive if you like rainforests.

Best 4WDriving is around Mackay region, and some north around Bowen:
Mackay Region:

Cape Palmerston NP - South of Mackay, 4WD access only in this coastal park. Very scenic with stretches mangroves, beaches etc and good fishing. Camping at Windmill Bay, Cape Creek and Clark Bay but you need to be self-sufficient and carry water.

Mia Mia State Forest - West of Mackay, 4WD only. Some challenging 4WDriving at the base of the Clarke Ranges.Bush camping on Teemburra Creek at Captains Crossing but you need to get an access permit from Qld Parks & Wildlife Service at least 2 weeks prior.

Cathu State Forest - Nth of Mackay, 4WD only. Also part on the Clarke Ranges. This is a top spot with excellent grassy bush campsites beside the creek in which you can cool off. Area consists of rainforest, pine plantations and natural woodlands. Also great veiws all the way to the coast.

Cape Hillsborough NP - Not really 4WD but excellent spot if you like to do a bit of bushwalking with coastal views for miles. Camping at Smalley's Beach.

Finch Hatton Gorge - West of Mackay. Turn right off the Eungella Road for nice camping beside the creek. A few nice swimming holes and waterfall.

Eungella NP - West of Mackay. Beautiful, pristine rainforest with spectacular views across the Pioneer Valley. Camping at Broken River and if you're lucky you might see a platypus or two. Lovely large swimming hole near the picnic area. Might be a few leaches around in April depending on how wet it is.

Crediton State Forest - In the Eungella Ranges, 4WD only. Lovely place with bush camping at "The Diggings" (just beware of some open mine shafts in the area) and scenic 4WD track around Cockies Creek and Broken River.

Eungella Dam - About 40km SW of Eungella with excellent camping around the dam. Grassy, shady sites. Popular area with water skiers but rarely anyone else about mid-week. Just past the dam there is a moderate (unless wet) 4WD track going all the way through to Collinsville. Drive takes you passed cattle stations and natural bush with winding sections. Not a bad run. From Collinsville you can continue along unsealed roads to the Burdekin Dam Falls or return to the coast via Bowen. Along this route you'll come across a popular gemstone fossicking area which is a good place to bush camp overnight or longer.

Between Airlie and Bowen there is some good bush camping along the coast (if you know where to go!). One of our favourite spots was Emu Creek with easy access from the Bruce Highway across private property. Owner doesn't seem to mind allowing access as long as people continue to do the right thing. Anyway, camping is at the mouth of Emu Creek above sandy beach with some shade. Crabbing and fishing in the Creek is tops or fish in the ocean where there is a shallow reef out front. Another spot closer to Airlie is Billy Creek with bush camping along several mangrove lined creeks. Midgies can be a bit friendly but if you're taking a tinny, the crabbing is tops.

You shouldn't have any trouble finding some 4Wdriving and camping now Tony. Enjoy your honeymoon.

:o) Melissa

Was at Airlie MAy 2002. Stayed at Cape Palmerston NP for 1 night on the way up from the south east. Don't bother. The camp site was littered with rubbish, there were fire rings everywhere from illegal camp fires and the we drove 95% of the track in 2wd. We did stop at the first camp site, so the other sites may have been nice.

Cedar Falls near Airlie are beautiful and the ecotour on the river near bowen was really good. Stayed at Agnes Waters (Deep Water NP) for 2 nights on the way home and it was fantastic. Clean camp grounds, beach driving available if you want it.

All the best.