Finch Hatton Gorge Walking Trail & Swimming near Mackay

If you’re travelling through Central Queensland and looking for a natural adventure, Finch Hatton Gorge near Mackay is one destination you won’t want to miss. Famous for its rainforest, and waterfall swimming holes, I think it’s a spot that truly showcases the best of the Pioneer Valley.

For first-time visitors, though, planning a trip here can raise a few questions. How do you actually get to Finch Hatton Gorge? Do you need a 4WD or is a regular car enough? And what about the walking trails, are they long, difficult, or suitable for families?

Having explored the gorge several times over the years, I’ve put together this complete guide to help you plan with confidence. So, swimming at places like the Araluen Cascades or Wheel of Fire in Finch Hatton Gorge will be well worth the wait and help you make the most of your visit.

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my disclaimer, T&C’s & privacy policy here.

How to Get to Finch Hatton Gorge from Mackay

Finch Hatton Gorge is nestled over an hour inland from Mackay (please see location & direction Map Here)or about 30 minutes via off the Major A1 Highway.

Finch Hatton Gorge may require a 4WD to get to the car park, then a 2.8 Km return hike to the popular, Arulean Cascades for swimming. However, the Wheel of Fire swimming hole is about 5 km return.

On my several visits to the area, I’ve either day-tripped from Mackay or used it as a stopping point when traveling along the highway on a road trip from Brisbane to Cairns. 

Do you need a 4WD?

The Finch Hatton Gorge road is primarily an unsealed dirt track and can become muddy and slippery during wet weather. It’s a single-lane road with two-way traffic, requiring you to stop in areas for other passing vehicles. 

Since there is no public transport, most of the time you will need a High clearance 4WD vehicle (or to hire one in Mackay). While I’ve seen some locals using a two wheel drive vehicle in the low rainy seasons, it’s not something I would recommend for first-time tourists.

➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

Know that a 4WD will definitely be required during the wet season from December to March. But If you’re unsure of the road conditions, the safest bet will be to ensure you have a sturdier high-clearance vehicle.

Car Park

The Car Park at the end is relatively large, fitting anything up to 50 cars. But this can get full during busy times, and it might need another few hundred metres to walk to the beginning of the walking trail.

How long is the Walk?

Firstly, know there are two main areas you can swim and you can click HERE for the Hiking Map details. This includes:

• “Arulean Cascades”, is essentially it’s 2.8 kilometres return, which is the closer and more popular spot to hike and swim.
• The “Wheel of Fire,” is 4.2 kilometres return, which is a longer walk and sometimes inaccessible the rainy season.
• It’s 5 kilometres return or about 3 to 4 hours to see both, including swimming time. We did both and you can see my You Tube for a visual experience.

Both the Arulean Cascades and Wheel of Fire Waterfalls start from the same car park and on the same walking track. As you get closer (about 1 kilometre in), the track comes to a T junction.

The Arulean Cascades are to the left and closer of the two. The Wheel of Fire gorge is to the right and further up many stairs, requiring a rock hopping over the Callistemon crossing.

Both falls are open 24 hours a day but safer during daylight hours. You also have the convenience of Bathrooms at the car park, and I recommend using them before embarking on your journey.

Note: This is a wild swimming location, and you cannot touch the bottom in most areas. Therefore, before stepping in, please consider the conditions and your swimming capabilities, or use flotation devices!

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

The Arulean Cascades

Visiting Arulean Cascades is the most common of the two and is often used by locals for exercise. It’s the more accessible track, being nicely formed and with minimal elevation. Obviously, the added bonus with a deep swimming hole and waterfall at the end. 

The best news is this waterfall is running all year round (even in the winter). Therefore, you can enjoy it anytime your passing through. However, keep in mind the water temperatures are on the chilly side most of the year, and winter is extra cold. 

Note: My last visit was in August, and after 10 minutes in the water, my hands were numb, and it was hard to grip on the rocks to get out.

The Wheel of Fire

The Wheel of Fire waterfall is a little more challenging to get to, but not out of the question for most people. There is more elevation, stairs, more rocks to climb, and the track is less formed. There is also one section where you need to scale large boulders that can be impassable after heavy rain. 

The waterfall is less prominent, with it hiding around the rocks, but the waterhole for swimming is broader and shallow in some sections. The best part is that fewer people are generally here, and you will likely be the only person there. 

Note: I walked in both tracks in thongs/flip-flops! While this was relatively fine for the first track, it’s probably best with closed-in shoes for the Wheel of Fire track.

Best time to visit?

The Finch Hatton gorge track and waterhole can be accessed throughout the year, especially if you visit for hiking.

If you’re going in for a swim, then I recommend it during the warmer summer months between December and March. However, the shoulder months before and after (November and April) will limit rainfall and remain relatively warm.

There is a lot of shade around with the bushland and forest, and with the water constantly moving, it can keep the waterholes very cold for swimming. This includes the summer months, but even colder in the winter. 

Are there crocodiles?

The Finch Hatton area is just a little too high up the mountain for Crocodiles. Not only that, but the fast-running water move too quickly (and too cold) for these aquatic reptiles.

Where to Stay?

When it comes to finding somewhere to stay in Mackay, you’re totally spoilt for choice! For the budget traveller, there are many backpacker hostels with self-catering facilities. 

➡  Compare prices for Accommodation HERE with Booking.com

However, if you’re looking to treat yourself, the Marina Boardwalk is definitely the place for ocean views. Here, amongst floating boats and sea breezes, you can find luxury resorts that boast world-class amenities. 

My Best Safety tips

• Always tell friends and family where you are.
• There are plenty of beautiful places to explore, but it’s important to stick to the marked trails.
• Carry a first-aid kit.
• It’s essential to stay hydrated when spending time outdoors, so make sure to bring plenty of water with you. A few snacks wouldn’t go astray, either!
• Don’t climb the rocks around the cascades.
• Don’t jump off the rocks into the waterholes.
• Wear closed-in shoes that you can comfortably walk in for long periods of time and that will protect your feet from any potential hazards.
• Please don’t drink the water, or at least boil it beforehand.
• Carry a mobile phone for emergencies ( Call 000 or 112)
• There are a variety of dangerous animals in Australia, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Wrap Up!

Thanks for reading this blog post on How to get to Finch Hatton Gorge from Mackay, and I hope you found the information you were looking for. If you are still on the hunt for more places to check out, please see my other Queensland blogs for inspiration!

• Best Place to Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• 10 Day Brisbane to Airlie Beach Road Trip Stops, Itinerary & Map
• Best Australian Waterfalls you must see
• Exposing the Downsides to a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Tour
• Tips to know BEFORE planning a Queensland Road Trip
• Reasons Bowen is Worth visiting!
• Find the Cape Hillsborough Kangaroos on the Beach near Mackay
• Best 5 day Itinerary in Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays