What makes the perfect Australian road trip? Is it the fishing, bushwalking, nature and wildlife? Or the pristine beaches, cascading natural gorges and great Local produce?
Whatever your scene, The Mackay Region is always the best place to explore and experience.
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See the sunrise with wallabies and kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough
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. If you want to stay overnight, it’s the perfect place to set up camp for a few days and relax. If you are going with family or a bunch of friends, then having a caravan or camper trailer hire from a company that would be an ideal to getaway for few weeks.
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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.
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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.
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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 known as Forest Flying. Or go scuba diving in platypus waters with Rainforest Scuba.
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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.
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Fishing
On the land, in the river or from a jetty. the Mackay Region offers some of the best fishing along the east coast of Australia. The best part is, you don’t need a boat and you can even catch something in the middle of the city, in Mackay’s blue Pioneer River.
Here are the lists of favorite locations that you must visit.
Eungella National Park
High above the surrounding plains, Eungeila National Park is one of Queensland’s most ecologically diverse parks with 860 plant species and 20hm of walking tracks to explore. With a wonderful variety of wildlife and the opportunity to see platypus in the wild, it’s worth staying a few days
Whether you are a first-time camper or completely self-sufficient, there are plenty of camping options including Fern Flat camping area and the Broken River Bush Camp.
How to get there: From Machay, drive 80km west along the MachayEungella Road to the Eungella township. Turn left at the Eungella-Dam Road for Eungella National Park.
Cape Hillsborough National Park
With its rugged coastline surrounded by rocky pine-covered cliffs and the resident kangaroos and wallabies that come to feed at sunrise, Cape Hillsborough is simply stunning. This park is featured on Courier Mail.
You can camp just metres from the beach at Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort. If you have your own kayak or paddleboard, try exploring some of the offshore islands.
How to get there: From Machay, travel north on the Bruce Highway for 20hm and turn right at Seaforth Road. Travel a further 20km and turn right on Cape Hillsborough Road. Continue on that road to Cape Hillsborough National Park.
Cape Palmerston National Park
Cape Palmerston National Park on the Isaac Coast covers 7,200 hectares and boasts sandy dunes, unspoilt beaches and rocky headlands Nature lovers can enjoy breathtaking views towards the Northumberland Islands or try fishing or crabbing.
Self-sufficient campers can set up at Windmill Bay, Cape Creek or sleep under the stars right on the beach. Camping fees apply. The best way for camping is to travel with a recreation vehicle
How to get there: You need a 4WD vehicle buy used car to visit Cape Palmerston National Park. It is 115km south-east of Machay. Turn off the Bruce Highway at Ilbilbie and drive east towards Greenhill. Before Greenhill, turn left onto Cape Palmerston Road.
Keswick Island
It’s a little slice of island paradise that you won’t have to share with anyone else. Pitch a tent or indulge with the convenience of ‘clamping’ where you can enjoy the outdoors with all the creature comforts.
Hire a golf cart and explore the island, see the bees and butterflies, enjoy magnificent views of nearby islands, go snorkeling, kayaking, diving, fishing or just relax at Basil Bay.
How to get there: Megaforce Charters offer day trips to the island as well as transfers or take a short but spectacular flight with Island Air from Casey Avenue in Machay.
You can even visit Keswick Island in your own boat, if weather permits.
For more popular spots, please read more in this article 5 secret camping spots near Mackay