Finch Hatton Gorge
Finch Hatton Gorge is home to the Wheel of Fire, Callistemon Crossing, and the Araluen Cascades. This hidden gem is full of waterfalls, lush flora, and volcanic boulder formations. And best of all, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the gorge.
Location - Eungella National Park, Central Queensland, Australia
Distance - 4.2 km return
Duration - Allow 1.5-2 hours return
Difficulty - Grade 3
Finch Hatton Gorge is a hidden oasis that is becoming increasingly popular. It's a wonderful landscape of waterfalls, lush flora, and volcanic boulder formations. Enjoy the rainforest walk and swim in the gorge.
There are many walking tracks that weave through the sub-tropical rainforest. One of the most popular trails starts at the Finch Hatton picnic area and takes you on a 1.6-kilometre journey to the beautiful Araluen waterfall. After enjoying the views (and maybe a refreshing dip), continue 1.4 kilometres passing the Callistemon Crossing 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.
Interactive Map
Notes
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.
Also, see the Mount Dalrymple & Mount David hike.
As these trails become increasingly popular, we will need to be more diligent in practising our Leave No Trace philosophy. Please take everything back home with you. If you find rubbish, please pick it up and hike it out. Let's take only photos (and other people's rubbish) and leave only footprints... and, of course, a cleaner environment.
The Callistemon Crossing is a place where the stream can rise fast and strong currents occur after moderate rainfall. Never attempt to cross fast-flowing streams.
Serious injuries and deaths have occurred at Finch Hatton Gorge. Six lives have been lost since 1976. Parts of Araluen Cascades and Wheel of Fire are restricted and are closed to keep you safe. Do not go beyond the markers. Penalties apply.
This article, and all other articles, are for entertainment purposes only and are not to be used as a guide. Please see our Disclaimer for more information.