Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest
Surrounded by gnarly, shady trees in the Abergowrie State Forest, Broadwater’s cool, clear waters make it the perfect spot for a refreshing escape.
Bring your boogie boards and ride the gentle cascades as water flows over smooth rocks or settle into your own peaceful rocky nook and simply relax.
Take a deep breath and cool off with a refreshing dive from the pontoon into the deep natural pool, or enjoy safe, ankle-deep paddling along the shoreline with the kids.
Broadwater is an ideal destination for a day trip, with covered picnic areas, gas barbecues, picnic tables, toilets, and cold showers all available.
Spend your day your way. Whether it’s short walks, swimming, birdwatching, or simply soaking up the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding forest.
With its large open spaces, it’s also perfect for group gatherings and a popular choice for school visits during the week.
Discover nature at Broadwater
Broadwater is home to two distinct vegetation communities — lush rainforest and open forest — offering a diverse and rewarding nature experience.
A small patch of rainforest sits alongside the day-use area, featuring the impressive Broadwater Fig (Ficus virens var. sublanceolata), which can be viewed along a wheelchair-accessible track.
Here, you’ll also find fan palms, black beans, Alexandra palms, strangler figs, pink evodia, bird’s nest ferns, and staghorns.
Wildlife is abundant, with species such as the noisy pitta, wompoo pigeon, emerald dove, orange-footed scrubfowl, spotted catbird, yellow-footed antechinus, and even the spectacular Hercules moth.
In contrast, the open forest features a grassy understorey where agile wallabies are often seen.
This area is dominated by forest red gum, brown salwood, and swamp mahogany.
Keep an eye out for rufous owls, blue-winged kookaburras, forest kingfishers, eastern yellow robins, feathertail gliders, and common brushtail possums.
Getting there
There are two scenic routes from Ingham to Broadwater. Although both routes are currently closed due to road conditions, Council remains hopeful they will reopen in the future. Visitors are encouraged to check the latest road and access updates before planning their journey.
Option 1:
Travel west along Lannercost Street, continuing onto Abergowrie Road for approximately 22 minutes. Turn right onto Elphinstone Pocket Road, then follow the signs to Broadwater.
Option 2:
Head north along the Bruce Highway and, just after crossing the Herbert River (around 1km from town), turn left onto Hawkins Creek Road. Continue for approximately 27km, then turn right onto Broadwater Park Road and follow the signs.
Travel Tips
Please note that the access road to Broadwater is not fully sealed.
Once you turn off the main road, you’ll travel along gravel roads through scenic pine plantations — so take care and drive to conditions.
For more information, visit: https://parks.qld.gov.au/parks/broadwater-abergowrie
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