If you are looking to get away from Australia’s popular resort towns, but are still looking for great weather, friendly service, and pristine beaches, Mackay is the place for you. Located about six hundred miles north of Brisbane, Mackay is the sugar capital of Australia as the area produces more than one-third of Australia’s cane sugar crops. The region is home to fantastic beaches, many of which are patrolled year round, and is also a popular place for fishing. There are several islands off the coast where visitors can indulge in a luxurious stay at a romantic resort or where they can get close to the land by camping. St. Bees Island is a great place to see koalas, and the neighbouring Keswick Island is known for its reef diving.
The most popular park in the region is Eungella National Park. This is Queensland’s most ecologically diverse park, and is a great place to visit because many of the walking tracks are relatively short and easy, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenery. There are also two scenic drives and a multitude of picnic spots. Be sure to visit Sky Window for the exceptional views and the Broken River viewing platform where, if you’re lucky, you might spot a platypus!
Cape Hillsborough National Park is another popular place, mainly because its resident wallaby population is inordinately friendly and makes a morning trek down to the beach. For your safety and theirs, please don’t feed the wildlife, no matter how friendly they appear. Here the rainforests cover the mountains and extend right up to the sandy edge of the beach and in the water beyond lies the Great Barrier Reef.
The city of Mackay itself makes a great stop as well, with a new modern art centre and their local botanical gardens. With excellent accommodation and dining, it is a great place to start your exploration of this remarkable area.
