This rather picturesque route travels up the Pioneer Valley .. essentially
following the Pioneer River then Cattle Creek to the head of the valley. A long,
steep climb is made to Eungella township. The surrounding area is then dairy farm
country with areas of rain forest.
0 km Turn off (veers north) from Peak Downs highway at a distance of 6.5 km
from Mackay City Gates.
[5.9 km]
5.9 km PLEYSTOWE .. town.
[8.5 km]
14.4 km Edward Lloyd Park .. north side between road and Pioneer River.
Class 5, 21° 08.315'S 148° 57.753'E, Hema map 9, D 8.
Toilets, BBQ, rubbish bin, water. Melba House immediately to the east.
[2.6 km]
17.0 km MARIAN .. turn south Marian to Eton Rd .. sealed road to Peak Downs Highway.
----------------------------
0 km turn off south.
[10.7 km]
10.7 km North Eaton .. disused sugar mill .. straight ahead for Eaton.
[3.7 km]
14.4 km MARINI ROAD .. turn south (left) for Eaton, north for Marani .. part gravel road.
[1.4 km]
15.8 km Peak Downs Highway.
------------------------------
EUNGELLA ROAD .. continued.
[0.5 km]
17.5 km .. turn north .. short cut to Bruce Highway.
[8.5 km]
26.0 MIRANI .. turn south .. Mirani to Eton Rd .. 20 km, about 50% gravel.
[1.1 km]
27.1 km veer south for Eungella. Veer north for Mt. Ossa.
------------------------------
0 km .. veer north along Mirani - Mt. Ossa Rd. to Bruce Highway.
[25.5 km]
25.5 km Mt. Charlton .. intersection.
[20.0 km]
40.5 km Bruce Highway at Mt Ossa.
At Mt. Charlton, turn NW (left), 1.8 km gravel road to BOULDER CREEK.
Continue past Boulder Ck., 18.2 km (about 50% is garvel) to Calen on Bruce Highway.
* BOULDER CREEK .. parking on South West side of road, toilet etc. opposite. Medium size grass ..
slight slope. Maintained by local farmers in memory of Warren John Jackson.
Class 1. 21° 00.547'S 148° 43.181'E Hema map 9, D 8.
Toilet, tables, some shade, water from creek, BBQ, close to road, but little night traffic,
OK big rigs, no reasonable time limit, good TV, weak CDMA.
------------------------------
EUNGELLA ROAD .. continued.
[14.2 km]
41.3 km GARGUTT .. town.
[1.5 km]
42.8 km REST AREA, west side of bridge, south side of road.
Class 3?. 21° 09.40'S 148° 43.93'E Hema map 9, D 8.
Table, little shade, town water, rubbish bin, 30m from road (suggest noisy),
OK big rigs if not congested.
[2.3 km]
45.1 km PINACLE (pub)
[7.2 km]
52.3 km turn north for the popular Finch Hatton George .. about 6 km ? ..camping.
[2.1 km]
54.3 km FINCH HATTON .. town.
[10.7 km]
65.0 km NETHERDALE .. town.
[2.4 km]
67.4 km bottom of range. Rather steep with hairpin bends. Used by milk trucks,
school bus etc., so should be OK for big rigs. But suggest enquire re big rigs
with trailers or large caravans.
[4.3 km]
71.7 km top of range.
[0.3 km]
72.0 km EUNGULLA. The pub on the left is popular for lunches. Hang glider
launching ramp in front garden of pub .. good view down the Pioneer Valley.
There is some parking in the area to the right of the main road near the
SES building. There are a number of "devonshire tea" type establishments on
the road south towards Broken River.
The road to the north .. towards Mt Dalrymple .. has been explored. Nothing
really of interest noted apart from Peases Lookout and a nice drive through
rain forest. Take care that you have enough room to turn around, though there
are some side roads unless you go too far and end up in a farm!
[5.8 km]
77.8 km BROKEN RIVER .. National Park camping ground .. fees apply. Popular
for platypus viewing and bush walks. All camping ground facilities, kiosk,
info centre, parking on eastern side of road.
[3.0 km approx]
80.8 km (approx) CREDITON LOOP ROAD .. turn east (left).
[7.0 km]
87.8 km * CREDITON COMMUNITY HALL .. had a CMCA chapter meeting here,
hall was hired for the weekend. So facilities (water, toilets etc.) are locked.
Suggest parking permitted at rear .. ask around for caretaker.
Class 1 (with permission). 21° 12.358'S 148° 32.788'E Hema map 8, D 7.
[5.4 km]
93.3 km continuing around Loop Road and back on main road. To the west (left)
.. signposted Eungella Dam 23 km (gravel road) where it is believed camping
is possible, think fees apply.
Also signposted 152 km (gravel roads through properties etc) to Collinsville.
I also believe it is possible to get to Glenden via "the pipe line" road ..
suggest this may the maintenance road for the pipe line running from
Eungella Dam to the Glenden area.
To the north (right) leads back to the entrance of the LOOP ROAD and to
Eungulla.
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