How to spend sunrise with the wallabies at Cape Hillsborough

Wallabies rarely live near coastal areas, preferring dense wooded areas like the rainforest instead. This is because a large part of their diet involves foraging in undergrowth for grasses and foliage. Casuarina Beach is ideally located between the forest parkland and glittering ocean, bringing a wallaby’s natural habitat right to the shoreline. It’s one of the reasons Casuarina is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the state.

Close relatives of the kangaroo, ‘wallaby’ comes from Indigenous Dharug dialect, and is an informal catch-all term for any macropod smaller than a kangaroo. Even if you’ve never seen them on the ocean shore, you’ll probably have caught sight of them rustling around in the bushland, but it’s rare for so many wallabies to forage in such wide open spaces.

What attracts the marsupials down to the shore is not just the promise of a majestic sunrise, it’s breakfast. The early hours of the morning (specifically, low tide) are prime feeding times for wallabies after high tide transforms the beach into a buffet of mangrove seed pods that are staples of their herbivorous diet.

The best time to see wallabies

Holidays might be for a little R&R, but this is one wildlife experience you'll want to set your alarm for. While wallabies may venture down to the beach throughout the day, the best time to see them is approximately an hour either side of sunrise, so make sure you time your visit carefully.

Wallaby-watching etiquette

Head onto the sand and you'll most likely spot a mix of Agile Wallabies and the Eastern Grey Kangaroos foraging for breakfast. Their small size and timid tempers mean they’re safe to observe - but as wild animals, they can get spooked if you come too close or make too much loud noise.

Naturally, you’ll want to remember this day so taking photos is encouraged. Just be cautious of any flash photography or loud sounds.

Keep your distance but watch closely: some of the wallabies here at Cape Hillsborough may also have a joey in their pouch. You might catch a glimpse of the baby poking its head out, but be aware that the mother will be extra alert with a little one on board.

Before you arrive, book a ranger led tour. The park's resident rangers protect the wildlife and ensure that the forest remains in pristine condition - and they can get you as close as possible to the wallabies without disturbing their morning routine, and show you the best viewing spots on the beach.

Along the tour, your ranger guide will also teach you everything you need to know about the Cape Hillsborough eco-system and the resident wallabies and kangaroos that visit daily. You'll be sure to leave with a lasting memory and a deep appreciation for Australia’s unique and wondrous wildlife.

Getting there

Located just 52km from Mackay, Casuarina Beach is where Cape Hillsborough National Park meets the east coast.

Being so remote, you'll need a set of wheels to get to Cape Hillsborough. So, if you’re visiting Mackay, be sure to hire a car. If you’re driving north on a road trip from Brisbane, take the Pacific Coast Way for an unforgettable ride.

Where to stay

The best way to make sure you’re there for sunrise is to sleep on site. Immerse yourself in the area's beauty and camp under the stars in a powered or unpowered site at Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park, or along Smalleys Beach, which is less than a 10 minute drive away. Both sites have cooking facilities and shower amenities.

To dial up the comfort factor, head to Seaforth where you’ll find Halliday Bay Resort, and Seaforth Holiday Units for self-contained accommodation that feels like home. The trade off is waking up earlier to get to Casuarina before sunrise, but that’s a pretty good deal.

And while you’re in Cape Hillsborough, make sure you spend some time exploring the rest of the parkland and the Hibiscus Coast.