What makes the perfect Australian road trip? Is it fishing, bushwalking, nature and wildlife? Or the pristine beaches, cascading natural gorges and great local produce? Whatever your scene, Mackay has something for everyone.

THE BEST SPOT IN THE WORLD TO VIEW WILD PLATYPUS

Just 80km west of Mackay, Eungella National Park has 22 kilometres of walking trails through towering tropical rainforest, with spectacular views over the rolling mountains and sugar cane in the Pioneer Valley. Broken River is heralded as the best spot in the world to view a platypus in the wild; dawn or dusk are the best times for viewing.

CAPE HILLSBOROUGH SUNRISE WITH THE WALLABIES TOUR

Cape Hillsborough National Park is full of stunning scenery, rocky headlands, rugged forests and beautiful bushwalks. The only crowd you’ll see is a friendly family of wallabies and kangaroos who feed on the beach at sunrise each morning. There’s a heap of bushwalking tracks and beaches to explore so it’s the perfect place to set up camp for a few days and relax.

Visit sunrisewallabytours.com for more information

SOAK UP COUNTRY HOSPITALITY IN OUTBACK ISAAC

You will love the peace and quiet of the country in the Isaac Region. Visit the past in Nebo (90km west of Mackay) by admiring relics at the museum or enjoy a beer at one of the heritage-listed buildings. Go gold fossicking in Clermont or discover what was once a bustling gold mining town at Mt Britton.

EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF FINCH HATTON GORGE

Nestled in the Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton Gorge is the perfect way to spend a day. Enjoy a bushwalk before cooling off in the crystal clear waters of the gorge. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of the Finch Hatton Rainforest with a zipline adventure experience. Or go scuba diving in platypus waters with Rainforest Scuba.

LEARN HOW CANE IS CRUSHED WITH A MILL TOUR

The multi-award-winning Sarina Sugar Shed will give you an insight into the history and production of sugar cane in the region. Learn how to crush cane and taste some great products unique to the Sarina Sugar Shed.

While in Sarina, don’t forget to pop into the Field of Dreams Parklands which are situated just off the Bruce Highway. The Field of Dreams Parklands is a historical and educational hub, providing the perfect place to recharge and plan a fun-filled adventure in the Mackay Region.

HOOKED ON MACKAY

The Mackay Region is Australia’s premier recreational fishing destination.

From hard-hitting pelagic offshore, iconic barramundi and Sooty Grunter in the dams—to the exciting sports fish right at Mackay’s doorstep. Complete with net-free zones, and something for both the professional angler to those that are fishing for the first time—you’ll find the 365 days a year fishing available will have you Hooked on Mackay!

Visit hookedonmackay.com for more information.

MACKAY CITY CENTRE

The Mackay City Centre is full of art deco-inspired buildings, modern streetscapes and beautiful views. Take in the blue Pioneer River with a stroll or bike ride along the Bluewater Trail or step back in time with a Heritage Walk through the City Centre, where you can view a range of public art installations along the way.

The Mackay City Centre comes to life when the sun goes down. Enjoy funky roof-top bars, fine dining or drinks at a local bar. There are also plenty of family friendly offerings to keep everyone happy. The nearby Mackay Marina Village caters for all tastebuds, including fresh seafood straight from the sea. Relax at the Lighthouse and take in the views with a cold drink and delicious meal any time of the day.

Mackay

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Bushwalking | Scenery | Wildlife | Nature | Outback

EUNGELLA NATIONAL PARK

This mist-shrouded national park is made up of lush, green vegetation, unique and rare wildlife, and picturesque winding roads with magnificent views of the Pioneer Valley below.

Eungella National park has more than 20 kilometres of walking tracks, varying from easy, 30-minute walks to the longer multi-day treks like the Mackay Highlands Great Walk.

Amazing freshwater gorges can also be found in the area, like the popular Finch Hatton Gorge.

FUN FACT:  
 Eungella National Park is touted as the best, and most reliable, place in the world to spot platypus in the wild.

HOMEVALE NATIONAL PARK

Explore Homevale National Park by vehicle where you can link up with the Eungella and Mackay Highlands drive which extends from Pine Grove (Eungella National Park) to Mount Britton (Homevale National Park). These gravel tracks will give you a different view of the rainforest, home to over 100 bird species. There are a series of short walks you can do in the area.

TIP:
Step back in time at Mt Britton. Issac Regional Council maintains markers on the original streets and displays historical photographs to give visitors a glimpse of the town in the 1880s.

 CAPE PALMERSTON NATIONAL PARK

Boasting windswept headlands, rainforest, swamps and sand dunes that meet stunning blue water.

The three camp sites can only be reached by 4WD and permits are required. Visitors can camp up to 22 nights at a time at Windmill Bay, Cape Creek and Clark Bay. Fishing and crabbing are popular activities at Cape Palmerston.

CAPE HILLSBOROUGH NATIONAL PARK

Famous for its beautiful sunrises and the wallabies and kangaroos that greet visitors on the beach each morning. The national park is a 45-minute drive north of Mackay, with accommodation available at the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park.

Easily-accessible bushwalks boast spectactular views and scenery, where you can see marine life, including turtles, from the lookout.

TIP:
The Old Station Tea House located nearby offers high tea and delicious homemade food for hungry travellers.

National Parks