Mackay Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Exciting wreck diving is to be had at the historic 'Llewellyn' site, east of Mackay on the Great Barrier Reef. The steamer was last seen departing Cape Capricorn Lighthouse on 17 July 1919 and disappeared during heavy gales as it sailed from Rockhampton to Bowen. The location of the vessel remained a mystery until 1997, when the shipwreck was located 35 kilometres east of Mackay.

Armstrong Beach is renowned for fishing and prawning, these activities are best attempted from the beach, a Four Wheel Drive is required to launch a boat from the beach. From Armstrong Beach head to freshwater point, which is where Captain Cook first landed in 1770 looking for freshwater, hence its name. Armstrong Beach facilities including a picnic area and caravan park accommodation.

Discover the arts and culture of the Mackay region when you visit Artspace Mackay, the regional art gallery and museum in the centre of the city. This architecturally award winning building provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the people and history of Mackay through the Spirit and Place: Mementoes of Mackay exhibition.

Celebrate the arts through an ever changing array of exhibitions drawn from local, interstate and international collections which showcase the talents of Australian artists.

Enjoy lunch or coffee at the Foodspace Cafe which overlooks the green gardens of the Mackay Civic Centre Precinct. The char grill style menu offers something tasty for every budget and the best coffee in town.

Corporate or community groups can book meetings, small seminars and functions at the Seminar Room (capacity 50 people) or after hours cocktail functions using the spacious foyer.

Group tours can be booked with well trained volunteer guides who will provide visitors with insights into the exhibitions on display.

Artspace Mackay is part of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network of heritage and cultural attractions throughout the state and was opened by the Queensland and Commonwealth Ministers for the Arts in February 2003.

The picturesque beach settlement of Ball Bay is located 35 kilometres north of Mackay. Ball Bay offers secluded camping on a small grassy campground. The facilities include toilets, cold beach showers, wood barbecues and drinking water, however animals are not allowed. Ball Bay offers easy and close access to Cape Hillsborough National Park bushwalking tracks. Ball Bay is also a great beach for fishing.

Rock-strewn, sandy beaches and hoop pine-dotted hillsides that plunge towards the sea contrast with sub-tropical rainforest and mangrove-fringed wetlands - they all combine to make Cape Hillsborough one of the most scenic national parks along the Central Queensland coast.

Open eucalypt forest with a grassy understorey covers the hills and headlands, while sheltered valleys and creeks support lush rainforest. Patches of low heath grow on exposed slopes. West of the picnic area, mangrove forests provide an important breeding and feeding ground for marine wildlife.

The area's longest stretch of beach, lined with tropical gardens (about six kilometres), Blacks Beach at Mackay's Northern Beaches is a great place to watch the Blue Pacific roll in at sunset.

Guests at any one of the beachfront caravan, camping, resort, self contained and motel style accommodation spots dotted along this sandy coastline wake up each morning to the sound of the gentle surf. Bream and whiting are caught off the beach. A beautiful spot with seasonally patrolled beaches and located only 10 to 15 minutes drive from the city centre.

The first thing visitors to Clermont must do is book a place on one of the Blair Athol Coal Mine Tours which leave Clermont twice a week. Coal was first discovered at Blair Athol, which is located 22 kilometres north of Clermont in 1864. Through out the two and a half hour coal mine tour visitors will learn about the mine and how it is Australia’s largest exporter of thermal coal.

The tour is absolutely free and leaves Clermont on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8.45 a.m. and returns at 1.00 p.m. during the off season. The tour leaves from the Tourist Office in Capella Street and is approximately three and a half hours long.

The tour also visits the Clermont Museum, and through the township of Clermont with commentary on the historical Sites in the region and re-telling the tragic tale of the 1916 flood that claimed 65 lives. The tour ends at the Copperfield Store and Chimney where visitors can learn about a town that once was.

Comprising of three tiered lagoons, the Bluewater Lagoon is a free family-friendly leisure facility overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River in the heart of Mackay's City Centre. Covering an area equivalent to three 50 metre swimming pools, the Bluewater Lagoon provides a safe all-round stinger-free swimming environment.

Facilities include a waterfall which connects the two main lagoon areas which vary in depth up to 1.8 metres, a 19.5 metre water slide from the top lagoon to the middle lagoon, and an interactive children's water playground and drop-bucket. The lagoon also provides disabled and elderly access with handrails and suitable water levels. Electric barbecue facilities are available as well as Vines Bluewater Cafe with a variety of snacks, drinks and ice creams. A 1.2 metre fence surrounds the facility to provide a secure and safe environment.

Scenic continental Brampton Island was once part of a mainland mountain range. Today it is surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters, rising from sea level to 214 metres at Peak Lookout.

Its rocky headlands dotted with hoop pines, open grasslands, woodlands, sheltered bays, and long sandy beaches make this island one of the most scenic off the Queensland coast.

Walking on Brampton Island is a rewarding and invigorating experience. The island circuit passes through a diverse environment of open eucalypt forests on ridges and sheltered slopes, and dense vine forest in gullies and valleys. Rocky headlands with dark hoop pines and wind sheared coastal scrub contrast with sandy beaches shaded by graceful beach she-oaks.

The track offers magnificent panoramic views and access to the many scenic bays surrounding the island.

Brampton Island National Park, at the southern entrance to the Whitsunday Passage, consists of Brampton and Carlisle islands. Amazing marine life and corals surround both islands which offer secluded bays, long sandy beaches, rocky headlands and a variety of forest types. Both islands are important turtle rookeries.

Take a leisurely walk along Brampton Island's 8.7 kilometre circuit to discover the island’s plants and animals. Go birdwatching for orange-footed scrubfowl, white-bellied sea-eagles and ospreys. At 214 metres, Peak lookout on Brampton Island offers views across the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. At low tide, walk between Brampton and Carlisle islands. Bush camp on Carlisle.

In Cape Hillsborough National Park, rainforest literally meets the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, providing unique habitats for plants and animals. Rugged, rainforest-clad hills plunge to rocky headlands of rhyolite boulders. Created by volcanic activity, the boulders separate white sandy beaches in this scenic and peaceful park. The Yuibera Aboriginal people continue their traditional use of the rich natural resources found here. The 1.2 kilometres Yuibera plant trail illustrates traditional uses of native plants. Observe more than 150 species of birds and 25 species of tropical butterflies. Enjoy a range of walking tracks. Along the award-winning Diversity boardwalk, see shell middens from Yuibera feasts. Explore tidal rock pools. On a moonlit walk along the beach you will discover thousands of crabs scurrying for food. Camp or picnic at Smalleys Beach.

Cape Palmerston National Park features sandy dunes, unspoilt beaches and rocky headlands, with Mount Funnel towering to 344 metres. Within its 7200 hectare expanse, this park protects a range of plant communities and threatened animals. The false water-rat lives in the mangroves and beach stone-curlews frequent the shores. Both are considered threatened species. Enjoy nature in this remote, undeveloped park. Scramble up Cape Palmerston for breathtaking views towards the Northumberland Islands and Mount Funnel. Try your luck fishing or crabbing, but remember to be croc wise. Self-sufficient campers can bush camp at Windmill Bay or Cape Creek.

Along the rugged Clarke Range behind the Whitsunday coast, Cathu State Forest offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers. Featuring tall eucalypts, dense rainforest and pine plantations, this forest also provides magnificent views over the Whitsunday coastline. Take binoculars to watch wildlife: more than 100 species of birds, exquisite Ulysses butterflies, whiptail and agile wallabies, and northern quolls. Bushwalk or drive scenic tracks. From Clarke Range lookout, seven kilometres from the camping area, enjoy the views. Picnic or camp beside seasonal Pandanus Creek. Before cycling or horse riding, contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Mackay. Dogs are permitted on a leash and in daytime only.

Eungella's National Park's foothills endure tropical sun, but its mountain tops rise to a cool and often cloudy world where rainforest thrives. Here you can enjoy a short walk in the shade of giant trees and dense palms.

The Cedar Grove Track is part of the Mackay Great!Walk. Continue from the Pine Grove Track to feel dwarfed by towering red cedars and tulip oaks. Take a moment to stand inside the strangler fig tree arch - a great photo opportunity. After crossing bridges over gentle creeks and brushing past livistona palm fronds, stay a while and relax at Sky Window picnic area.

Following the discovery of gold at Nelson’s Gully in 1861, January 1862 saw the first rigging of camps alongside the prospectors on the gentle sloping banks of Hood's Lagoon. Within the year the settlement boasted a general store and around 30 diggings.

With essential needs met, the rush was on and by the end of 1863 over 1,000 miners were operating in local fields.

The town reserve was proclaimed on 25 March 1864. During this year the town prospered, with the establishment of a Doctor, Newspaper, Banks, Churches and a Hospital.

It's believed that Clermont was originally known as 'Hood’s Lagoon'.

Clermont prospered however flooding was a problem: 1896 saw the fourth flooding since the town's establishment. There was little damage to buildings but the flood on 28 December 1916 resulted in vast destruction of property and loss of life. Following the flood, the town was changed to where the re-built town stands today.

The lagoon remained a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, providing the railway’s water needs (extended to Clermont in February 1884), serving many windmills along its banks and supplying water for gardens within the new town.

The site of the old town, lay dormant for over half a century. It re-established its worth beginning with the placement of the Flood Memorial in 1980, followed by tree plantings, replacement of the lagoon bridge, sporting ovals and the general beatification of the Lagoon area with the walkway (now night-lit) and its many monuments to our past.

A quiet place to have a picnic, talk to a stranger, watch a game of cricket or softball, fly a kite, go for a leisurely walk, snap off a photo or two, have a barbecue, you might even be lucky enough to spot the koala, the latest resident to the area.

Wow! What it is to find a nugget! Clermont Detectors are three hours inland from Mackay and one hour from Emerald. Most people come to Clermont to stay through the winter in search of Gold with Metal Detectors. This climate is great with consistent fine weather of warm days and cool nights. Clermont is
unique in the fact that the shallow gold bearing ground covers thousands of hectares. Nine general permission areas for the public have been created which allow fossickers to prospect without fear of trespassing onto private properties.

Fossicking Kits with Maps and Queensland Licences are available from Clermont Detectors, as well as the whole range of Minelab products and accessories. Professional Training is available daily to assist novices to learn and experience detecting - right on the Goldfields! This is followed by nightly discussions at their Tree of Knowledge. Clermont is known for it's friendly people and is well equipped with all the modern conveniences with great fishing, fossicking, site seeing, bird watching and memorable times. Visit the website for more information or upcoming events. See there you soon.

The Clermont Museum and Heritage Park was officially opened on the 22nd of October 1988 by one of Clermont’s most admired personalities, Mrs Win McTrusty.

The Museum and Heritage Park complex is the result of many years of hard work and lobbying by the Clermont and District Historical Society who saw a need to preserve the history of the district for future generations to enjoy.

In 1983 the Society received a parcel of land from the Council, finally setting the wheels in motion for the establishment of the Museum and Heritage Park. A generous donation from Blair Athol Coal and continued assistance from Council enabled the Society to purchase a shed and fencing to cordon off the two-hectare site. The Society has continued to gather together as many artefacts, original building and other items of historical significance for the museum.

Items on display include a power shovel from Blair Athol, an old train, the old Masonic Lodge, an old steam engines which was used to shift the town after the flood, a shearing shed and fire engine – to name but a few. These items, together with approximately 8000 other historical artefacts and working displays contribute to make Clermont Museum well worth a visit.

The old Masonic Lodge houses photo collections and family histories. The building dates back to the late 1800s, and is itself historically significant, making it another fine asset for the society as it strives to preserve the past for the residents of Belyando and for the many national and international visitors who visit the museum annually.

In Crediton State Forest, dry eucalypt forests contrast with lush pockets of rainforest and dramatic views. Tall, ancient rose gums continue to survive. Scattered relics remain from gold mining in the 1800s. Take a scenic drive along Cockies Creek Road. Camp at Crediton Hall or Denham Range, or enjoy bush camping on grassy flats at The Diggings. (Obtain your permit before you visit.)

Observe safety signs and keep to roads and tracks to avoid mine shafts. Dogs are permitted on leash and in daytime only. Experienced walkers can grab a backpack and journey through the changing landscape of the 56 kilometre Mackay Highlands Great Walk (three to five days - April to September usually offering the best weather).

Dolphin Heads is a part of the Northern Beaches in Mackay and is 10 to 15 minutes drive from the city centre. There is a beautiful resort located along the beachfront of Dolphin Heads.

At low tide, you can walk from Eimeo Beach to neighbouring Dolphin Heads, which is believed to have been named after the unique characteristics of its headlands, which appear similar in shape to the heads of two dolphins.

Eimeo Beach and Sunset Bay are popular beaches with locals and also lure the keen anglers. The beach is seasonally patrolled.

Any trip to Eimeo Beach would not be complete without a visit to the Eimeo Pacific Hotel. This pub is popular among locals and tourists alike who enjoy a 'counter lunch with a million dollar view'. The pub's enviable position overlooks the Coral Sea, Eimeo Beach and Sunset Bay.

Set in mist-shrouded mountains west of Mackay, Eungella National Park is one of Queensland’s most ecologically diverse parks. Its 860 plant species include species from both subtropical and tropical rainforests. Much of the park is wilderness, dissected by rugged gorges. It is home to the Eungella honeyeater, one of five new Australian bird species discovered during the past 50 years.

Bushwalking is great at Eungella, with more than 20 kilometres of walking tracks, scenic lookouts and interesting plants and animals. From the viewing platform at Broken River visitors often see platypus diving to feed. Enjoy a bush picnic under huge swamp mahoganies and red gums. Go spotlighting to spy gently on many other forest residents.

George's Thai on the Marina serves authentic Thai cuisine on the Mackay Marina Waterfront, fully air conditioned indoors plus open air outdoor seating. There is a function room for a private party up to 30 people. A cooking class is available every month in a small group. George's Thai on the Marina is a very popular evening out with family and friends. Gift vouchers are available.

15 minutes down the road from Sarina is Grasstree Beach, situated on Zelma Bay. Once you've discovered the spot you'll be hooked. Grasstree Beach has a wonderful climate and is protected by a group of islands. The beach itself is magnificent, and beach walking is a favourite activity. Sarina, with banks, supermarkets and services, is 13 kilometres away. Fishing is a popular pastime, and anglers will find great opportunities for both beach and creek fishing, or even reef fishing if they prefer. The creeks have flathead, whiting and bream, so holiday makers can catch a few good meals during their stay. Boat ramp facilities are available at the creek. Grasstree Beach dates back to the 1880s when gold was found in the hills at the back of the beach.

Located just South of Hay Point, Half Tide Beach is the home of Tug Boat Harbour that services the giant Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminals, while delightful Salonika Beach is the destination for many holiday makers and Sarina residents.

Nestled between Half Tide and Salonika Beaches is Grendon Park which offers sweeping views of the surrounding coastline and a peaceful spot for relaxing, carefree experience.

The Park is named after the original owners of the property prior to its development into the Half Tide and Salonika Beach communities, with facilities at the Park including, toilets, shelters, playground and barbecue.

A five to ten minute drive north of the city centre and adjacent to the multi-million dollar Reef Marina development, the popular Harbour Beach is patrolled and is a favourite with locals - offering the ideal spot for picnics, fishing and swimming. The Harbour Beach area is renowned with locals for good jew, mackerel, trevally, bream and tuna fishing.

Also nearby the Harbour is Mulherin Park, a shady retreat with barbecues, picnic tables, public toilets and children's play area.

It is also home to the Mackay Surf Life Club, Mackay Yacht Club, Satchmo's tapas restaurant, the Lighthouse Seafood Restaurant, take-away and sports bar. Enjoy lunch overlooking the beach and tropical off shore islands.

Harrup Park Country Club is closely situated to the city heart of Mackay and offers a comprehensive sporting, dining and entertainment facility. Boasting a bistro, bar, coffee lounge and kids club, al fresco dining on The Deck, a nine hole par three golf course, gaming lounge, TAB and Keno, the Club has
something for everyone to enjoy.

Indulge in sumptuous meals for lunch or dinner with regular live entertainment in Covers Bistro or treat yourself to a coffee and snack in the Don's Coffee Lounge - open until midnight every night, it's the perfect environment for relaxing and chatting. Why not kick back and enjoy the live entertainment on
The Deck every Friday and Saturday evening or watch live sports on the oval and on the big screens inside the Club.

Harrup Park also offers a highly versatile venue for conferences and conventions, weddings and other special occasions. With the advice and support of the professional and friendly events team, the Club ensures that your event will be a success.

So join us ... at the Club.

The city Heritage Walk highlights some of Mackay’s magnificent turn-of-the-century architecture. A must for any visitor, the 90-minute walk includes many buildings that are listed with the National Trust including the Mackay Court House and Commonwealth Bank façade.

The prosperity and confidence of the City is reflected in the 22 fine older buildings which are highlighted in the Heritage Walk brochure. Many of our historic buildings were lost in devastating fires, during the notorious historic cyclone of January.

The some of the buildings you will enjoy on the Heritage Tour of Mackay include: The Leichhardt Tree – listed with National Trust of Queensland, Former Police Station, The Court House - listed with National Trust of Queensland, The Commonwealth Bank - listed with National Trust of Queensland, Town Hall, Holy Trinity Parish Church, Masonic Temple, Former National Australia Bank Victoria Streetscape, The former Daily Mercury Building, McGuires Hotel, Customs House - listed with National Trust of Queensland, Ambassador Hotel, Facades of Sydney Street, St. Paul’s Uniting Church - listed with National Trust of Queensland.

The “Heritage Walk in Mackay” self-walk brochure is available from the Mackay Visitor Information Centre’s at 320 Nebo Road or Town Hall, 63 Sydney Street.

Beyond the town beaches, approximately 25 kilometres north of Mackay, lies the Hibiscus Coast. Enjoy a day trip that takes you through a cradle of fertile sugar fields and unique mountain formations to these isolated beaches. Surrounded by the delightful seaside towns of Seaforth, Halliday Bay, Ball Bay and Cape Hillsborough, this area provides accommodation, restaurants, shops and friendly, warm welcomes.

Seaforth and Halliday Beaches are two largely untouched beaches that are very popular with tourist and locals for their picnic and barbecue areas, dotted along the foreshore. Both have stinger resistant nets. Located 50 kilometres north of Mackay with facilities nearby.

Cape Hillsborough’s 816 hectare national park nestles into the coastline, sharing this spectacular beach with kangaroos and ominous rocky crops. The park includes a National Park Information Centre, picnic and barbecue area and public toilets. Also offers a variety of walking trails and the nearby Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort offers accommodation options from caravan and camping, motel suites to beachfront huts.

Illawong Beach is a popular windsurfing destination for locals. The beach also offers great views of Dalrymple Bay and excellent fishing. Toilets, a playground, barbecues and picnic facilities are provided at Quota Park. There is also a memorial site at Illawong Beach for the 29 Adults and children that crashed in 1960.

Lake Barfield is situated between the beach communities of Half Tide and Salonika Beach. Lake Barfield is a beautiful lake that provides quiet and peaceful waters for a variety of fish, bird and animal life. The lake was constructed by the Barfield Family, as they were one of the original founding families in the Hay Point area.

Lamberts Beach is seasonally patrolled and the lookout offers fabulous sea views out to the Cumberland Islands. It's also a popular spot for surfers when the swell is right, and a great whale watching platform during the winter months. Shady areas, picnic tables, play equipment and barbecues are all available at Lamberts Beach. Slade Point Reserve lies at Lamberts Beach stretching 73 hectares and conserving one of the last remaining areas of coastal dunes and paperbark wetlands in the Mackay region. Visitors can walk through the reserve.

Lamberts Beach and Slade Point, on the other side of McReady's Creek are often favourite haunts for mackerel and reef fish.

There is also a hotel at Slade Point for accommodation.

Lindeman Islands National Park is made up of a group of peaceful tropical islands, the result of the ancient drowning of a mountain range in rising seas. Aboriginal people referred to the main island, Lindeman, as 'Yara-kimba', the place of snapper-bream fish. Well-maintained tracks traverse Lindeman and Seaforth islands. While water is usually clearer on the northern end of outer islands, snorkelling over reef flats at high tide can still be rewarding.

From May to September look for humpback whales. View sunsets over Neck Bay and admire spectacular vistas from Lindeman's Mount Oldfield. Birdwatchers will delight in more than 90 species. Camping is permitted on three islands. Check restrictions on activities such as spearfishing, collecting and fishing.

The Heritage Walk at the Mackay Cemetery, on Cemetery Road, looks at the history of the Mackay Region between 1862 and 1883 and provides an insight to the lives of the Pioneers of Mackay. The walk is a one and a half kilometre circuit and takes about 45 minutes and can be self walked with the booklets, which are available at Mackay Cemetery. The booklet expands on the lives of those recorded along the walk. Many of the region’s most recognised family names are included in this walk, the descendents of which still live in the region.

The Cemetery also contains the graves of ten servicemen who lost their lives during World War II. The graves are located throughout the cemetery with five in the Church of England section, three in the Presbyterian and one each in the Methodist and Roman Catholic. The first wartime burial was that of the Pilot Officer H. A. Lenne of No. 24 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, who died on the 19 December 1940.

The Mackay Entertainment Centre is the premiere entertainment and function venue in Mackay and is available for meetings, seminars, conferences and functions and has the flexibility to stage any sized event. The centre attracts high profile international, Australian and local acts, you can check their busy schedule of events by visiting the Mackay City Councils website or by contacting them direct.

There is a professional team of audio, lighting and sound technicians experienced in a comprehensive array of state of the art technology to assist with any event. Equipment available includes a lectern, microphones, whiteboard, overhead projector, screen, video and tape recorders and audio visual equipment.

The Auditorium can seat up to 1090 for presentations and is fully equipped with lighting and sound facilities.

The Space seats 100 in the theatre mode and up to 140 in classroom style. The Space can also be used for banquet style events requiring tables and chairs (120 seated) and for cocktail functions (200 standing).

The Foyer of the Mackay Entertainment Centre is a multi functional room. It can be set for up to 400 in banquet style, with a stage and dance floor included. Without a dance floor, 460 can be seated comfortably. Up to 300 can be accommodated in classroom style for meetings and seminars, with 1100 being the maximum for cocktail functions. The foyer is also large enough to be used as an exhibition area for trade displays. There are two mezzanine areas, each with a large external balcony ideal for small functions and suitable for breakout areas during conferences. The Foyer has a large, well stocked bar plus a bistro which operates for pre-show dinners, post show suppers and during interval.

The Centre’s professional caterers can cater for any size of function held at the Centre.

Stunning scenery including dense rainforest, deep gorges, steep escarpments and tranquil farming communities in Eungella and Homevale National Parks and Crediton State Forest, make the Mackay Highlands Great!Walk a very special experience.

Eungella National Park is a nature lover's paradise as it is located close to the boundary between subtropical and tropical rainforest, the area supports species from both vegetation types. Starting at Eungella township, some of the walk's highlights include a magnificent rainforest of red cedar, massive Mackay tulip oak, and groves of piccabeen and alexandra palms.

Views of the Pioneer Valley are a feature from several locations along the Great Walk, and you might even catch a glimpse of a platypus from the cool banks of the Broken River. Further along, the track will enter mixed eucalypt forests featuring fragrant lemon-scented gums, bloodwoods, ironbarks, banksias and stunning grasstrees.

Mackay's magnificent world-class Marina Village has a tropical ambience, with leafy palms lining the waterfront esplanade and a view beyond to luxury yachts, sailing boats, blue skies and tropical islands.

The thriving commercial precinct boasts an impressive array of shops, bars and restaurants as well as the luxury four and a half star Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina. The hotel contains 79 self-contained suites - each with waterfront view - Latitude 21 Bar and Restaurant, function facilities, walk-in wine cellar, 24-hour reception and tour desk. Tours and activities available include game fishing, sailing, rainforest treks, platypus watching, nature trails and much more.

The marina is next to sandy Harbour Beach and home to the Pine Islet Lighthouse, one of the only working kerosene lighthouses left in the world. The marina itself contains 328 berths, with six Mega Berths of 60-metre capacity and alongside vehicle access, 18 new big boat berths, which can hold boats of up to 38 metres and 32 fishing berths - plus one maintenance berth. The marina offers berths purpose-built for multi-hull vessels and is designed for vessels with a four and a half metre draught at lowest average tide.

Discover a living piece of Mackay's heritage at the Town Hall in Sydney Street, Mackay. Originally built in 1912 the Mackay Town Hall is a beautiful historic building in the centre of the city which has been transformed into a heritage interpretative centre about the history of Mackay. Mackay Tourism Limited manages an accredited Visitor Information Centre at the Mackay Town Hall with information about attractions, accommodation and tours within the Mackay region.

The Queensland Heritage Trails Network exhibition about the history of Mackay provides visitors with opportunities to discover the major events and happenings which have affected the Mackay community. Artspace Mackay manages the old Council Meeting Room upstairs as an innovative artists studio space with and a regular program of events including artistic and heritage exhibitions, art classes and workshops. The Town Hall is available for bookings including functions, meetings and events by calling Artspace Mackay.

The Town Hall was refurbished as part of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network of cultural and heritage attractions by the state and federal governments and was officially reopened in December 2001.

Nestled in the foothills of the Clarke Range, 20 kilometres from Pinnacle west of Mackay, Mia Mia State Forest is mostly open eucalypt forest. Bush camp and swim at Captain Crossings on Teemburra Creek. Four wheel drive access only. Roads may be closed during wet weather or high fire danger.

Mount Britton is situated in Nebo Shire approximately 92 kilometres west of Mackay. Mount Britton was founded in 1880 when a tent city for gold mining sprung up on the banks of Oxley Creek and the township became known as Mount Britton. Within a few weeks the area was turned into a bustling township. Within a few months there were many pubs, stores, butchers and bakers in the township. There was even a tobacconist, a book seller and a photographic studio.

Today Mount Britton still holds evidence of this once prosperous mining town, with many old mining equipment and materials still on site. Some say the main reef has not been struck and that if found it could yield some excellent specimens that would pay considerably, prospectors are today still lured to Mount Britton by the thought of undiscovered gold. On-site at Mount Britton there is a lookout, a mining display, and several rustic Shelters containing high quality period prints and an information board on the history of Mt. Britton. Gold mining tours and an interpretative centre are available at Mount Briton.

Nebo area is the key link to the 1800s and early life in the Mackay Region (being the closest rural and gold mining historical town to Mackay).

In the early 1980s, to celebrate the Shire’s Centenary in 1983, a group of locals began the process of gathering 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 opened in 1998 and is run by volunteers of the local community. The museum is a tribute to the pioneers of the past and is well worth a visit. The diverse range of the collection can be viewed each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m., or arrangements can be made with the Nebo office of Isaac Regional Council (next door) to visit at other times.

The Mount Britton Collection of paintings, on display at the museum, tell a story about the way of life of the early pioneers. Similar pioneer stories have occurred throughout this great land, as it was settled and so these prints have a universal Australian appeal.

Nestled close to the coast north-west of Mackay is Newry Island, part of a group of hilly continental islands that form Newry Islands National Park. Newry Island features grassy open forest with gnarled ironbarks, bloodwoods and blue gums.

Small patches of dry rainforest grow in sheltered pockets on the southern slopes. Hoop pines tower over the canopy of Mackay tulip oaks and mountain ash. Orange-footed scrubfowl build nesting mounds in the rainforest. This is the most southerly limit of the pied imperial-pigeon, a migratory bird which feeds on rainforest fruits.

The Newry Island Circuit walk takes you through rainforest and open forest. Vantage points along the way offer views of nearby islands and the mainland.

Sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and sandstone cliffs fringe the wild and windswept islands of Newry Island National Park. Surrounding them is the majestic Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park. Snorkelling is a popular activity. Seagrass beds provide a haven for threatened dugong. In summer, green turtles nest here. Newry Island's 2.8 kilometre circuit track takes in rainforest and open forest. From the lookouts along its path, enjoy views to the mainland and across to the other islands. Watch for wildlife: orange-footed scrubfowl with nesting mounds on the forest floor and fairy gerygones and superb fruit-doves among the hoop pines and tulip oaks. You may even sight a bandicoot or a koala.

Eungella's National Park's foothills endure tropical sun, but its mountain tops rise to a cool and often cloudy world where rainforest thrives. Here you can enjoy a short walk in the shade of giant trees and dense palms.

The Pine Grove Track is part of the Mackay Great!Walk. It is a fairly level track suitable for most visitors. Walk in the rainforest shade and catch glimpses of the Pioneer Valley through tall trees. Stop at the lookout to take in the valley floor view - a patchwork of green and brown canefields with a steep mountain backdrop.

The Port of Hay Point, 30 kilometres south of Mackay, is one of the biggest and most efficient coal ports in the world. The Port Administration building features a public viewing gallery offering fantastic views of the two coal terminals.

From the viewing area you will see two separate coal terminals – the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and the Hay Point Services Coal Terminal. The terminals are operated independently, each one comprises rail unloading equipment, stockpiles with stacking and reclaiming equipment, conveyors and ship loaders on off-shore wharves.

The two wharves at Hay Point (1.5 kilometres Hay Point Services and 3.8 kilometres Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal) stretch out into the Pacific and fill massive bulk carriers with coking coal bound for every corner of the globe. Coal trains, which can be over two kilometres long, and are drawn by four electric locomotives, arrive at the Port constantly with loads of up to 8,500 tonnes.

Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal has a throughput capacity of about 44 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). Mines supplying Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal are Blair Athol, Goonyella - Riverside, German Creek, Oaky Creek, North Goonyella, Burton, Moranbah North, Foxleigh and Coppabella. Mines supplying Hay Point Services are Goonyella - Riverside, Peak Downs, Saraji, Gregory, Norwich Park and South Walker. Hay Point Coal Terminal has a throughput capacity of over 30 mtpa.

Together the two terminals serve the mines of Central Queensland. The mines are linked to the port terminals through an integrated rail-port network. Both terminals have purpose-built in-loading facilities, on-shore stockpile yards and off-shore wharves.

Loading takes place on a 24 hours per day, 365 days per year basis – over 5,000 ships have departed Dalrymple Bay since the terminal was opened in 1983 and over 7,300 ships from Hay Point since it's opening in 1970.

The Ken Burgess Orchid House is situated in Queen’s Park in Mackay City and has often been described as one of Mackay’s secret treasures. Established in 1886, Queen’s Park covers about six hectares. It is an oasis of large tropical trees such as the Banyan Fig and Royal Palm, some well over a Century old. The grounds also include a cricket oval, children’s playgrounds, exercise equipment and a rotunda.

However, one of the most significant attractions in the park is the Ken Burgess Orchid House which opened in 1988. The building is made of hardwood, stands 5.8 metres high, is circular in design, and covers about 270 square metres.

When the facility opened, Mr Burgess supplied plants from his private collection. These, along with the City’s own orchid stocks, have grown to become one of the finest collections of its kind in Australia. The Orchid House today boasts about 3000 orchids with many of the 989 species aged between 60 and 70 years. There are also about 6000 foliage plants. A nursery supporting the facility has 2100 orchids and 8000 foliage plants to allow for flowering plants to be rotated.

Located North of Sarina, delightful Salonika Beach is the destination for many holiday makers and Sarina residents.

Unit accommodation is available at Salonika Beach at the southern end which also has a licensed restaurant. At Salonika Beach there are sea eagles, rare sightings of loggerhead turtles, echidnas, bush turkeys and on occasion, seasonal whales and dolphins.

Salonika also gives you easy access to Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal complex which is the largest coal export facility in the Southern Hemisphere, with a total capacity of over 50 million tonnes per annum, all of this can be seen from a nearby viewing gallery.

Sarina Beach, just a few minutes from Sarina, has ample facilities including a Surf Lifesaving Club, boat ramp, beachfront store, picnic area, and a lookout offering spectacular views. The beach is patrolled seasonally by the local Surf Lifesaving Club. Motel style accommodation is also available. Fishing and boating are very popular at Sarina Beach as well.

Ideally located at the southern entrance of Sarina in the Field of Dreams Parkland, Railway Square, the Sarina Sugar Shed offers a truly unique experience with an educational and tasting experience of the Queensland Sugar Industry. This miniature sugar mill and distillery is the only one of its kind in Australia. Experience the whole factory tour in one easy accessible level.

An ideal adventure for all ages, visitors have the opportunity to see the machinery and equipment that process sugar into the by-product molasses and the distillation process for the production of rum and other alcoholic beverages. As the sugar cane is crushed through "Bill the Mill Junior" taste the cane juice. Children will love the fairy floss.

Enjoy a complimentary taste or two of products produced in the mini distillery. Visit their Just Sweet Cafe or Gift shop where you can shop for souvenirs, gifts and their very own liqueurs, schnapps and ginger beer produced at the mini distillery. A range of gourmet sauces - Chefs Gusto - are also produced at the Sugar Shed and are sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Enjoy a cappuccino and homemade sweet in the "Just Sweet Cafe".

Shoal Point is the most northern beach of the Northern Beaches and is approximately 15 minutes from Mackay City Centre. Shoal Point offers a beachfront, shady picnic area with views to the islands, Cape Hillsborough National Park and the Hibiscus Coast. It also provides excellent reef fishing; the more open sections of the beach are the spots for whiting, bream, trevally and flathead.

Slade Point Reserve lies at Lamberts Beach stretching 73 hectares and conserving one of the last remaining areas of coastal dunes and paperbark wetlands in the Mackay region. Visitors can walk through the reserve. Lamberts Beach and Slade Point, on the other side of McReady's Creek are often favourite haunts for mackerel and reef fish.

Smalley's Beach is situated approximately 35 kilometres north of Mackay and is part of the Hibiscus Coast. This secluded beach is also located in the Cape Hillsborough National Park and offers limited camping sites. Facilities include toilets, and small secluded sites. Water must be brought with you. Camping is by self registration.

Scawfell Island is the largest island in the South Cumberland Islands Group and is located about 60 kilometres northeast of the Mackay coast. It is a continental island with a rocky, indented coastline, granite cliffs, hoop pine forest and open eucalypt woodland. A turtle nesting area is also on the island and there are beautiful bays where you can snorkel off the beach and view delicate coral formations and tropical fish. Safe anchorage can be found at Refuge Bay. Bookings are essential in the holidays. Access is by private boat or cruise. Bush camping is available on the island however campers must be self-sufficient. Take water and a fuel stove.

Stroll and discover the mosaics, terrazzo images and the bronze plaques and sculptures of the Mackay Horizons Project, completed by members of the community in 1993. On each of the four corners of the crossroads you will find the centre piece of the street. There are five areas to look for — The Rainforest, The Pioneer Valley, The Coast, The Islands and The Reef.

The artworks can be seen in Victoria Street, between Gregory and Sydney Streets in the Mackay City Centre.

A brochure is available from both Visitor Information Centres detailing the artwork.

Take an opportunity to explore a relatively unspoiled area that has retained much of its original historic charm while having developed into a thriving business area. The townships that comprise the Sarina area, south of Mackay are collectively known by the locals as The Serenity Coast. Enjoy the areas country hospitality, beautiful beaches, scenic mountain ranges, national parks and especially it's prime fishing areas.

Some of the key attractions within the Serenity Coast include viewing the largest coal export facilities in the world. Visit one of the area's many unspoiled beaches providing swimming, sailing and fishing as well as sweeping views of the surrounding coastline from selected lookouts.

So if it’s a relaxed, carefree experience you are searching for, take time to discover the Serenity Coast.

Theresa Creek Dam is located off the Peakvale Road approximately 22 kilometres from Clermont and was constructed in 1983 by the Blair Athol Coal Project to supply water for Clermont when the Blair Athol Coal Mine was developed. Covering an area of approximately 300 hectare, the dam provides a picturesque spot with picnic facilities available, coin operated barbecues, shaded tables and toilets. It is also an ideal spot for water skiing, sail boarding and fishing. The dam has been stocked with Golden Perch, Jewfish, Saratoga and Silver Perch by the Theresa Creek Dam Fish Management Group, DPI and BSC. To protect this recreational resource, fishing is not permitted 200 metres upstream or 400 metres downstream of the dam wall.

There is no kiosk and the water, although clean, has not been treated for human consumption and visitors must take their own food and drinking water.
A permit is required to camp at the Dam area and permits may be obtained from the Isaac Regional Council office at Clermont between 8.45 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. weekdays.A concrete boat ramp has been installed between the picnic area and the ski club building. The best swimming area is in front of the Ski Club Building.

Popular for their sensational sunrises, Town beach offers great views of Flat and Round Top Islands and Dalrymple Bay. Town Beach is very popular among locals and visitors for late afternoon walks, fishing and watching the impact of Mackay's huge tides which can go out for miles during peak times. Town Beach is only a five minute drive from Mackay's city heart. This beach also offers well equipped park areas with playground facilities and shady barbecue and picnic areas.

Rock-strewn, sandy beaches and hoop pine-dotted hillsides that plunge towards the sea contrast with sub-tropical rainforest and mangrove-fringed wetlands all combine to make Cape Hillsborough one of the most scenic national parks along the Central Queensland coast.

The Yuibera plant trail is a self-guiding trail highlighting plant food utilised by the Yuibera Aboriginal people.

The Yuibera people lived in this area for thousands of years and have left behind reminders of their special connection to the Cape.