Finch Hatton Showgrounds Camping – Gateway to Eungella National Park

Nestled in the lush, verdant Pioneer Valley, the Finch Hatton Showgrounds offers a fantastic, low-cost camping experience for travellers seeking to explore the wonders of the Mackay hinterland. This friendly, well-maintained facility is the perfect gateway to the spectacular Eungella National Park, a world of ancient rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the elusive platypus. The showgrounds provide a vast, flat, and grassy expanse, with plenty of room for all types of caravans, motorhomes, and campers to find a comfortable and shady spot. It’s a classic country showground with a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal base to unwind after a day of hiking, swimming, and exploring one of Queensland’s most beautiful natural areas.

The amenities at the Finch Hatton Showgrounds are excellent for a budget-friendly camp, offering great value for a very modest fee. Visitors have access to numerous powered and unpowered sites, a clean and reliable amenities block with toilets and hot showers, laundry facilities, and a dump point. The on-site caretakers ensure the grounds are welcoming and secure. The showgrounds are located right in the charming historic sugar town of Finch Hatton, putting the classic country pub and local shops within easy walking distance. The main attraction, the breathtaking Finch Hatton Gorge, with its crystal-clear swimming holes at Araluen Cascades and the Wheel of Fire, is just a short drive up the road. Further on, the Eungella National Park offers the chance to see platypus in their natural habitat at Broken River. For an affordable, well-equipped, and perfectly positioned base to discover a true tropical paradise, the Finch Hatton Showgrounds is a top-tier choice.

Site Information

• Name: Finch Hatton Showground
• Address: 21 Anzac Parade, Finch Hatton QLD 4756, Australia
• Phone Number: 4958 3162 (Caretaker)

• GPS Coordinates: -21.139667, 148.631571

• Website: www.pioneervalleyshow.com.au

Campground Details

• Location: In the town of Finch Hatton, in the Pioneer Valley, west of Mackay.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, from tents to the largest motorhomes and fifth-wheelers.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable to the on-site caretaker.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management for stays longer than one week.
• Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, toilets, hot showers, dump point, laundry facilities.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; service for other carriers can be patchy.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others, but powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Huge, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, swimmers for the gorge, good hiking shoes, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are very welcome but must be on a leash (not permitted in the National Park).
• Fishing: Freshwater fishing for Sooty Grunter in the local creeks.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the showgrounds and through the town.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Finch Hatton Hotel: Approx. 1 km
  • Pinnacle Family Hotel, Pinnacle: Approx. 18 km
  • Eungella Chalet, Eungella: Approx. 24 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Ulysses Garden Cafe: Approx. 4 km
  • Pinnacle Pub (famous for pies): Approx. 18 km
  • Finch Hatton Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 1 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Finch Hatton Gorge (Araluen Cascades, Wheel of Fire): Approx. 8 km
  • Eungella National Park (platypus viewing at Broken River): Approx. 24 km
  • Forest Flying (ziplining): Approx. 2 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Finch Hatton Gorge Cabins & Camping: Approx. 4 km
  • Broken River Bush Camp (Eungella NP): Approx. 24 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Boulder Creek Camping Area (basic): Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Finch Hatton. More options in Marian.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the park in the centre of Finch Hatton.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Dry Season (Apr-Oct): The ideal time to visit. Days are warm, sunny, and dry with pleasant nights. Temperatures average 15°C to 28°C.
• Wet Season (Nov-Mar): Hot and very humid, with a high likelihood of heavy tropical downpours and thunderstorms, which can cause flash flooding in creeks. Temperatures average 23°C to 32°C.