Along the rugged Clarke Range behind the Whitsunday coast is Cathu State Forest. Forests and woodlands range from distinctive poplar gum Eucalyptus alba woodlands and exotic Caribbean pine plantations on the creek flats to dense rainforest, hoop pine plantations and tall wet eucalypt forest along the range. The rainforests were selectively logged during the 1960s and 70s.
Cathu is west of the Bruce Highway, 72km or one hour north of Mackay or 51km south of Proserpine. Jaxut camping area is 12km off the highway.
Registered vehicles, including motor cycles, trail bikes and bicycles may be driven or ridden on roads in this forest.
This is a quiet retreat for people who like to relax and enjoy the bush. Go wildlife watching. See Ulysses butterflies, whiptail and agile wallabies and northern quolls. Take your binoculars and go birdwatching. More than 100 species of birds have been seen in the forest.
Go for a scenic drive beyond the camping area. Enjoy spectacular views over the beautiful Whitsunday coast from the Clarke Range Lookout, 7km from the camping area. From Windy Point, you can see Eungella National Park to the south. Mountain bike riding and horse riding is allowed in the forest.
