Homevale National Park
Homevale National Park is 50km north of Nebo.
Cliffs, peaks and spires are prominent here.
Thirty million years ago a series of eruptions covered older basalt rocks with lava, creating hard granite formations.
Over time, basalt eroded away more easily leaving the spectacular Diamond Cliffs, Marling Spikes and Sydney Heads you see today.
Forming along the Bowen Basin, these volcanoes also produced gold deposits and fertile basalt soils now supporting diverse plant life.
Plant communities growing in Homevale include open grassy woodlands, Notophyll vine forests, dry softwood scrub, open eucalypt forests and Brigalow-belah communities.
Important fossil localities are also present with fossils dating from the Permian period (280-225 million years ago).
Park access
From Nebo: drive back towards Mackay along the Peak Downs Highway for 6km before turning left onto the Suttor Development Road (Nebo-Glenden Road). Follow this road for 11.2km and turn right into Turrawulla Road. From this intersection, drive about 23km past the Homevale-Mt Britton turnoff to the signed right-hand turn into Moonlight Dam camping area. Nebo to Mt Britton is accessible by regular vehicle with caution (particularly during wet weather) however for those continuing to Moonlight Dam, 4WD access only is recommended.
From Mackay: It is also possible to reach Homevale from the north via Eungella National Park. It is recommended this trail be driven in a 4WD only. To reach Eungella from Mackay, drive 80km west along the Mackay-Eungella Road to Eungella township. At the head of the valley, the road winds sharply and steeply up the Clarke Range - not recommended for caravans. When you reach Eungella Township at the top of the range, follow the road sweeping left through Eungella National Park to Broken River. From Broken River, follow Eungella Dam Road for 24.5km before turning left into Pipeline Road (also known as Lizzie Creek Road). Follow Pipeline Road for 17.3km and turn left into Turrawulla Road. From this intersection, it is 36.1km to the signed left-hand turn into the Moonlight Dam camping area.
Camping and accommodation
Camping at Moonlight Dam is available for a small fee to people who have organised a permit through Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service at Mackay or Eungella. Alternatively permits can be arranged by phoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68). Moonlight Dam offers basic camping facilities with water and toilets. Open fires are not permitted. Commercial cabin-style accommodation and motels are available in Eungella and Nebo.
Things to do
- Mackay Highlands Great Walk (Eungella to Mt Britton) 62km one way (3-5 days) Grade: Moderate to difficult. The Mackay Highlands Great Walk is 56 km long and takes 3-5 days to walk. It is recommended for experienced walkers with high fitness levels. Experience rainforest and palm groves, quiet roads and farming communities, and cliffs and peaks. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service strongly recommends that you walk from north to south to follow track markers and avoid very steep climbs in dry and exposed conditions. Depending on how far you wish to walk, remember to arrange a support vehicle to pick you up at a set place and time. The Overnight Adventures brochure available from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service gives detailed driving directions.
- Drive from Moonlight Dam to Mt Britton - 15km one way (20-minute drive). This is a gravel road suitable only for 4WD vehicles. Please watch for walkers on shared sections. This short drive takes you to Mt Britton, an old gold-mining township. All buildings are gone but Isaac Regional Council maintains the markers on the original streets and presents historical photographs to give you a glimpse of the town in the 1880s.
- Picnic and wildlife watch at Moonlight Dam or nearby Mt Britton. Set in the heart of this dry landscape, Moonlight Dam is a wildlife haven. A regular water source for bush birds and stopover point for migratory birds, the dam is the perfect spot to observe Homevale's bird life. About 100 bird species, from Honeyeaters to Brolgas, are known to live or visit here. A wander around with your binoculars and bird guide will be rewarding.