Cape Hillsborough National Park

Cape Hillsborough National Park is one of the most striking and peaceful places on the Central Queensland coast. It’s teeming with life and diverse habitats—from rainforest and eucalypts, to mangroves, beaches and rocky headlands. It’s a brilliant place to hike, picnic, boat, fish, relax and explore.

You’ll need a few days to fully appreciate this magical part of the world so make Smalleys Beach camping area your home-away-from-home—it’s just a stone’s throw from the beach and walking tracks.

Dense rainforest meets the ocean and fine sandy beaches fringe the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Make your way over the intricate stippled patterns created by sand bubbler crabs, and search tidal rock pools for sea creatures. Agile wallabies gather on the beach to search for food at sunrise and sundown. Grab your camera! This is a truly iconic Australian experience that you shouldn’t miss.

The Yuibera Aboriginal people lived in this country for many thousands of years before explorer James Cook named Cape Hillsborough in 1770. Visit The Diversity boardwalk and Yuibera plant trail to understand the Yuibera people’s connection to this country, and their traditional way of life.