Mackay Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Bakers Creek is a meat processing town, located near Mackay. Hang about, as this is where some of the best Central Queensland T-bones are 'created'.

There are no shops or facilities, but then it is not the sort of place one stops off for a picnic, being located just a few kilometres south of Mackay. It's worthwhile taking a break to inspect the town's war memorial, which pays tribute to a US plane which crashed in the district back in World War II.

The town's main claim to fame is the annual Oakenden rodeo, usually held each June, catered by the Dundula School as its major fundraiser. Those in the know also frequent Bakers Creek because of its fishing opportunities. They are also aware that the local tavern depicts a typical Aussie pub.

Blacks Beach is located just 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Mackay. It’s the longest of Mackay’s northern beaches, and a great place to base yourself as you explore what this balmy North Queensland destination has to offer.

Boasting six kilometres of clean sparkling sand and gentle waters, this palm-lined beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing with a good book. During the school holidays the beach is patrolled by the local life savers making it a safe spot to take the kids.

The beach fishing here is some of the best in the state with bream and whiting on the menu. Fire up one of the free barbecues on the foreshore and enjoy a fresh feast of fish as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Just south of Blacks Beach is Lamberts Beach and Slade Point. It’s a popular spot for surfers when the swell is up and boasts spectacular views out over the ocean and surrounding coastline. The Point is also a great whale watching platform during the winter months.

To the north at Eimeo you’ll find a famous pub perched on the side of a cliff. Enjoy a meal and a cold one, but be prepared to be blown away by the knock-out views!
Accommodation at Blacks Beach ranges from camping and caravan parks to self-contained and motel style apartments. All accommodation is within easy walking distance to the beach.

Sitting at the southern entrance of the Whitsunday Passage, Brampton Island is a blue water, white sand tropical island haven. Almost entirely National Park, Brampton has seven glorious beaches and its own coral reef.

Nestled amidst lush landscaped gardens, Brampton Island has an intimate 106 room resort overlooking the Cumberland Group of Islands. There are stunning salt-water and fresh-water pools to laze by, entertainment and a host of land and water based activities - most included in the tariff.

Brampton Island has an abundance of native bush and wildlife, including kangaroos. Explore the island on a leisurely bushwalk through the National Park. Snorkelling safaris exploring Brampton's coral gardens are one of the many ways to enjoy the remarkable blue waters of the Whitsundays and guests can also sail a catamaran, take out a paddle ski or simply laze in a beachside hammock and savour the tropical setting.

Cape Hillsborough with its 816 hectare coastal National Park about 20 kilometres north of Mackay is renowned for its rugged scenery, walking tracks and native wildlife. The closest thing to a crowd on a beachfront stroll in this neck of the woods is likely to be a friendly family of wallabies.

The park is scattered with walking trails, the most popular being the 1.6 kilometres Juipera Plants Trail. This trail illustrates the way the Juipera Aboriginals used the parks native plants for survival. Other walks include the Diversity Boardwalk, Beachcomber Cover Track and Andrew Points walking track which passes six lookouts offering spectacular views make the climb up numerous steps at the beginning of this track worthwhile. At low tide a causeway links the end of the track to Wedge Island. Check tide times before embarking on this track and only attempt the crossing to Wedge Island on a falling tide. At low tide, walker may return to the picnic area along the beach; this route is inaccessible at high tide.

Over 150 species of bird life and tropical butterflies live amongst the parks eucalypt forests, hoop pines, creeks, mangroves and headlands. The park includes a picnic and barbeque area and public toilets. Nearby Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort offers a variety of accommodation options from caravan and camping, beachfront huts and motel units.

Carmila is situated approximately 96 kilometres south of Mackay on the Bruce Highway. Carmila offers a 24 hour roadhouse, caravan park, general store, post office and library, and is a major sporting and social centre for the surrounding cane farms. Carmila beach is only six kilometres from the town, with camping facilities including amenities blocks, barbecues, playgrounds and a boat ramp.

Clairview is approximately 123 kilometres south of Mackay city. Wet a line at Clairview Beach while sitting back and enjoying the view… you might even see a dugong or two. Clairview is a popular fishing and crabbing village with camping permitted in designated areas and a caravan park with full facilities. During the winter months, local groups sell arts and crafts and offer morning teas and soups.

Be transported back to Australia’s early gold rush days in Clermont – one of the oldest inland settlements in tropical Queensland. First explored by Ludwig Leichardt in 1845, it wasn't until the lure of gold attracted settlers in 1861 that the town flourished. However, in 1916 Clermont was devastated by flood and the town was relocated to a higher site nearby.

Today, visitors can still see the remains of the original town site. The Piano in the Tree, in Capricorn Street, is a quirky reminder of the height of the floodwaters. The Clermont Museum has historical artefacts and is home to many machinery displays. Located off the Peak Downs Highway just outside Clermont.

Experience a real working coal mine at Blair Athol. Free guided tours leaving from Clermont take you through the workings of the mine on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.00 a.m. Tour includes a tour of the city sights and Clermont Museum. Morning tea is served at Clermont Museum prior to doing mine tour. After the mine tour you visit the Historic Copperfield Store.

Bookings essential by calling Clermont Tourist Information Centre. Meet at the Clermont Caravan or Clermont Tourist Information Centre at 8.45 a.m. Tour returns approximately 1.00 p.m.

The Mine tour is free, an AUD6.00 per person fee is charged for entry to the museum which includes morning tea.

Mining towns are sometimes overlooked when planning an itinerary, yet if you happen to be into birds, there's one mining town worth visiting. It's Dysart, south-west of Mackay, in a district renowned for its bird-watching activities.

It's basically a service town for the mining fraternity, which means that should you be passing through, it makes an ideal place to top up fuel, groceries and goods and chattels.

Eimeo is one of Mackay's seaside suburbs, one which has got it all together. So much so, that the surf club, the sailboard club, the catamaran club have all amalgamated. Members of the club provide a seasonal beach patrol which makes for safer use of the waters of the Coral Sea and the beach is regularly patrolled by the Department of Primary Industries who are responsible for a shark netting program.

At Eimeo, the publican of the Pacific Hotel scored the best piece of real estate. Better known as The Eimeo Pub, patrons have the best views in town, with expansive views over the ocean and nearby islands. Massive views, and massive tides! The beaches here have a 6 meter tide, which means that it's possible walk out for about a kilometre when the tide is out.

Do not get caught when the tide changes, otherwise you could miss out on the monthly markets which are organised by the surf-sailboard-catamaran club.

Eton is situated on the Peak Downs Highway and is approximately 25 kilometres west of Mackay city. This little sugar town has a popular country hotel, lovely catholic church, butcher, general store and showgrounds where the local pony club is regularly seen practising and competing. Just past the township of Eton, you can enjoy country life to the full at Stoney Creek. Go horse trail riding or join a cattle muster, complete with a barbecue lunch including damper and billy tea, budget and cottage accommodation is also available.

An hour west of Mackay, in the rainforest-clad mountains lies Eungella National Park, at the head of the Pioneer Valley. Australia’s longest, oldest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest, ranging over 51,700 hectares, the Park draws its name from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Land of the Clouds’.

Thousands of years of isolation have allowed the rainforest to nurture an abundance of native life such as the Eungella Honeyeater, only one of five new bird species discovered in Australian in the past 50 years. 225 bird species have been recorded including the Wompoo Pigeon, Crimson Rosella, Regent Bower Birds and the endemic Eungella Honey Eater. It is also home to the gastric brooding frog and the orange-sided skink plus many other rare natives such as the platypus, and is one of the very few places in Australia to spot this shy creature in its natural environment. Be at Broken River’s platypus viewing deck at sunrise and sunset for your opportunity to spot this fury creature.

22 kilometres of existing bushwalking tracks, plus the Mackay Highlands Great Walk, offer increasing access with varying degrees of difficulty and breathtaking views. Wheelchair access is provided at the Sky Window walking track.

Further down the valley, within Eungella National Park is Finch Hatton Gorge, with waterfalls that flow all year round, fresh-water swimming holes, wonderful walking tracks, Forest Flying and a picnic area complete with tables and public toilets makes it one of the most popular spots in the Pioneer Valley especially in summer. Cabin, Bush Hut and camping accommodation is also available. Finch Hatton Township offers an Internet Access Centre and local history at the old Railway Station, a Coffee Shop which has some specific Pioneer Valley creations to tickle your taste buds, a hotel with a very interesting menu, a Convenience Store and a second hand store. The Showgrounds are some of the most picturesque in Australia and the Pioneer Valley Show and the Country Music Festival are held here each year in June and March respectively.

Gargett is located approximately 65 kilometres west of Mackay city in the picturesque Pioneer Valley. This friendly little township has a local hotel that provides meals with a very interesting bric-a-brac shop close by. It also hosts a very popular Rodeo in September each year. Approximately seven kilometres south of Gargett Township is The Sugar Bowl, which has a large range of gift ideas with a country style and old fashioned theme. The Memorabilia Shed features a collection of Sugar Bowls, the business’s namesake. Farm tractors date back to 1938 with a selection of farm machinery, an old fire engine, a unique ride on mower, gravity petrol bowser, motor bikes and an ever growing collection of early household items, ideal for the enthusiastic collector or those who just enjoy old wares.

Hay Point lies just south of Mackay. This region may be one of the world's greatest sugar growing areas, yet two lengthy jetties have nothing to do with the sugar industry. It's from here that the efforts of coal miners in the Bowen Basin have their results shipped out. One of the jetties is 4 kilometres long, making it the longest coal loading jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. The second jetty is only a small one, it's 3 kilometres in length.

You'll get a good view of Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay at the lookout just past the Louisa Creek turnoff. You'll probably catch some of the action as workers are at it, creating a third jetty.

Keswick Island is situated 32 kilometres off the tropical city of Mackay and is the southern most island in the Whitsundays. The temperatures vary from 17 celsius to 24 celsius in winter (water temperature is a steady 20 celsius) and 24 celsius to 30 celsius in summer (water temperature is a steady 26 celsius). Keswick Island is designated national park with a total area of 530 hectares or 1300 acres, with a majority of this dedicated as natural habitat.

The sheltered bays of Keswick Island are home to colourful coral gardens and a myriad of tropical fish that rates amongst the best in the Great Barrier Reef. It offers divers a unique diving experience, as there are very few places in the world where you can experience world class diving, and one of the few places in Australia where you have the potential to dive three wreck sites all from within half an hour of the island.

There are several walking treks that lead to secluded beaches with beautiful views along the way. Keswick Island in still being developed, currently the only visitor accommodation is the Keswick Island Guesthouse and Bed and Breakfast.

The Kuttabul Camel-boks are probably the biggest thing to come out of Kuttabul, up the road from Mackay. This feature of the town may not attract tourism, that is, unless the boys are in one of their two modes of dress. You see, the Camel-bok boys form the local rugby union team and they play hard when wearing the team colours. And, when they're socialising, their mode of dress is full kilt.

There's another reason to spend some time in this town: it's the meat! The local butchery is well known through the whole region for its quality product.

Perhaps one more reason to call in is to check out the handicraft talents of the local ladies. Kuttabul crafts include woodwork, folk art and Aboriginal styles through to concrete garden ornaments.

Tropical, picturesque and relaxed, Mackay city offers everything you could want from a major regional centre. The blue Pioneer River flows past the city's historical buildings, while stately palm trees fringe the main street with shopping hotspots. There’s plenty of magical spots for a picnic by the river and places to dine al fresco by the marina on the fabulous local seafood. The botanic gardens, beautiful beaches and a world-class marina are just minutes from the city heart.

Mackay is within 31 beautiful beaches, ranging from patrolled swimming spots just minutes from the city centre, spectacular coastal national parks, to miles of untouched coastline, all lapped by the warm, tropical waters of the Coral Sea. Mackay's northern beaches offer some top spots for swimming, fishing and boating.

The wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and its tropical islands are within easy reach of Mackay. Take an exhilarating scenic flight over the reef, or set sail on the day trip of a lifetime. Indulge in a romantic break on secluded Brampton Island, a favourite for honeymooners.

There's plenty of accommodation choices as well, from luxury resort to natural campsites by national parks, consider this your welcome to lovely Mackay.

Marian is the gateway to the Pioneer Valley and is situated approximately 30 kilometres west of Mackay. This riverside town is home to the region’s largest sugar mill; all sugar cane grown in the Valley is now crushed at this mill. The crushing season extends from mid June to November each year.
Melba House is the Pioneer Valley’s Visitor Information Centre and also the house in which famous Australian Opera Singer, Dame Nellie Melba, lived during her time in the area. It is an excellent spot to stop off for local and tourist information, learn more about Melba and her time there, check out craft by very talented locals and buy local produce like Honey and Dried Mango. Marian is also serviced by a hotel, Convenience and Takeaway stores, bowls club and a service station.

Travelling inland, bustling Middlemount has all the facilities expected of a major country town including a shopping centre, banks, swimming pool, golf course, hotel, cafes, sports centre and well maintained parks and gardens. It is only a stones throw to majestic Bundoora Dam, which is great for skiing and swimming.

Heading out through Mackay and beyond the Hibiscus Coast lies the charming Midge Point area. Midge Point is an ideal place to bushwalk, go fishing and crabbing and generally relax in a peaceful and tranquil area by the beach. It is home to various accommodation houses such as the friendly Travellers Rest Caravan Park set in 68 hectares of semi tropical rainforest. The park is well shaded under the large tress with direct beach access offering hours of fishing, walks and fossicking. Traveller’s Rest Caravan Park is famous for its morning smoko- a great way to meet your fellow travellers.

A little further north of Midge Point is Laguna Whitsunday's Resort, home to Queensland’s number one resort golf course. Set amongst almost 2,000 hectares of coastal bushland, Laguna Whitsunday's Resort is world class. This 150 room, five star resort offers a variety of deluxe rooms and suites and a choice of one, two or three bedroom villas. Enjoy a host of resort activities including golf, horse riding, watersports, beach and pool volleyball, tennis, archery, nature walks.

Mirani is situated 38 kilometres west of Mackay in the Pioneer Valley. It boasts a museum and library, Post Office, Olympic sized swimming pool, Caravan Park, 18 hole golf course and three squash courts. The 112 year old Mirani Hotel can supply you with a cold beer and some interesting yarns from the locals. Groceries, meat, bakery and fuel supplies are all available.

Mirani area highlights include; the Mirani Museum which brings to life the early pioneer lifestyle and also includes historical industry displays, Illawong Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (don’t miss animal feeding time!), Meadowsweet Herb Gardens, Kinchant Dam – a water sport wonderland which offers a resort with caravan and camp sites as well as cabins and which is home to Australia’s largest rustic bush furniture display, and the picture perfect Pioneer Valley Golf Course – watch out for the kangaroos!

The Kungurri Hill Climb, a dirt bike race to find “King of the Mountain” is held once a year approximately 16 kilometres from Mirani township.

The Wintermoon Folk Festival is held on the Labour Day long weekend every year at Cameron’s Pocket about a half hour drive from Mirani.

Located in the northern part of the Isaac Regional Shire, Moranbah is approximately 200 kilometres south-west of Mackay. Moranbah is a modern town which services the surrounding coal mining industry and associated support industries. Although Moranbah is modern in most aspects, it also has the charm and warmth of a rural community. The Gregory Highway passes through it on the way to Charters Towers and onto Townsville. Moranbah and Clermont have airstrips utilised by private and charter aircraft.

Nebo has a diverse array of offerings, with significant coal deposits, prime gazing land and crop cultivation. Historical sites in the region include Lake Elphinstone, the Mount Britton Gold Mining site, and the intrepid traveller can find the site where Leichhardt camped as he explored the region in 1845.

In the early 1980's, to celebrate the Shire's Centenary in the 1983, a group of locals began the process of gathering the many relics of the past and putting them together in a museum collection originally situated in the old Nebo Police Station. Today's relocated museum is a tribute to that effort and to the pioneers of the past and well worth a visit.

The Nebo Shire Museum is the result of many locals coming together to gather relics and information on the Shire's past. Nebo has a diverse and interesting history and this can be viewed by visiting the museum.

The Pioneer Tracks of Queensland Gallery is housed in the Marley Accommodation Centre complex just outside Nebo on the highway. The Gallery houses a photographic collection of the early years of the settlement of the State.

Pinnacle is situated in the Pioneer Valley and is approximately 64 kilometres west of Mackay city. A relatively new addition to the Pinnacle area is Teemburra Dam, constructed to facilitate much needed irrigation to the local sugar cane farms. The dam is only 10 kilometres off the Eungella Road and is fabulous for fishing. The Pinnacle Pub is the local ‘watering hole’ and also serves meals and the famous Pinnacle Pie.

Located at the foothills of the Connors Range, Sarina is a relatively unspoiled area, which has retained much of its natural charm, while having developed into a thriving business area. Enjoy the country hospitality, beautiful beaches, scenic mountain ranges, prime fishing and prawning.

Sarina Tourist Art and Craft Information Centre will provide you with friendly local advice. It also carries a host of beautiful locally made arts, crafts and souvenirs.

A few of the beachside communities surrounding Sarina include Sarina Beach, Grasstree Beach, Salonika Beach and Freshwater Point. They are popular areas for fishing, prawning, boating and picnicking. There are a range of accommodation with licensed restaurant facilities, takeaways and local convenience stores.

Lake Barfield which adjoins Salonika Beach, is a great place to stop as it is now a bird sanctuary and is home to black swans, white herons and egrets.

Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminals are the largest coal export facilities in the world with a throughput of 44 million and 68 million tonnes per annum respectively. The administrative building at the Hay Point Coal Terminal operates a viewing platform where the handling and export activity can be viewed.

The trip to Seaforth takes you past beautiful and mountainous countryside. Seaforth itself is a quaint beachfront town that is also one of the most popular recreational fishing destinations in the region, especially from its well maintained boat ramp at Victor Creek.

Today sugar and tourism are thriving industries for Seaforth which offers all vital services including two multi-purpose stores that sell fuel, bait, take away food, souvenirs and supplies. Other facilities include a bowls club, public swimming enclosure, nearby public toilets, and a well maintained caravan and camping area located directly on the beach.

Sunday morning markets offer local crafts, produce and bargains from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. every week. The Pictorial History of Seaforth Area and Mural can be seen at the Seaforth Community Hall on Wednesdays 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. or by appointment.

Walkerston is situated approximately 10 kilometres west of Mackay on the Peak Downs Highway, a small country town with most facilities and services.

Be sure to turn off the highway to the Historic Greenmount Homestead. The Greenmount site was first settled in 1862 by Captain John Mackay and the homestead was later built in 1912 by the pioneering Cook family. This home is now a beautifully preserved museum that serves as gateway to the region’s past, with traditional Queensland Architecture, complete with original furniture, fittings and ornaments, and the original owner’s house maid - Gloria Arrow. Tours around this grand home are open to the public at a small fee. The Greenmount Homestead is open 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Sunday to Friday.