Known for its sugar cane plantations and beautiful beaches,
the city of Mackay is central for many camper travellers
along the magnificent East Coast of Australia. With a
population nearing 80 000, Mackay is a popular tourist
destination and often used as a base to explore the
surrounding beaches and natural attractions.
Located on the central Queensland Coastline, almost between
Brisbane and
Cairns, the Mackay district covers a massive
stretch of land, including islands in the Great Barrier
Reef. The tropical weather means sunny days and blue skies, with
close to perfect temperatures throughout most of the year.
There is the occasional thunderstorm, but cyclones are not
as common.
The hub of Mackay is the city centre and, as a result of a
recent community arts project, the central area has been
beautifully revamped with 580 pieces of environmental art.
Close by is Artspace Mackay which is the museum and art
gallery. You could also spend a day or more enjoying the
400 plus shopping outlets, located in three major shopping
centres in Mackay.
South of the city is the Regional Botanical Gardens which
have only been opened for a few years. You will find all
species of vegetation common to the tropics and surrounding
rainforests. Support the local industry and visit a sugar mill. During
July � November, which is the crushing season, you can join
a tour which takes about two hours, and includes taste
tests.
Brampton Island is known for its spectacular national park,
brilliant coral reefs and dozen white beaches. You will
need to book ahead and stay on the island overnight if you
wish to visit, but the peace and solitude will make it a
memorable stay. Smaller islands are Keswick, St Bees and
Skawfell which deserve attention as they are also National
Parks, and day trips are allowed.
There are not too many beaches in the world that have a
rainforest backdrop. You will find this at the beach at
Cape Hillsborough National Park, located back on the
mainland. There are also 30 other beaches to choose from,
which means one for every day of the month. Just watch out
for box jellyfish and other stingers, but if you are
swimming in patrolled areas you are unlikely to come across
them. Enjoy all forms of water sports, walking the many
tracks available or simply driving your
campervan hire Queensland along the
amazing beach roads.
Fishing is a popular past time with the locals, with fishing
competitions running through the year. Everywhere you
turn there seems to be a great spot to cast your line and
relax. The estuaries, river systems, beaches and creeks
are all brimming with great eating fish so even if you are
not a keen fisherman it is a great place to learn.
The National Parks are equally as alluring as the beaches,
and are all completely unique. Eungella National Park is
located close to 90 minutes west of Mackay. The camping
grounds have campervan facilities and are central to the
beauty of this region. There are many short walks to choose
from, or the Mackay Highlands Great Walk is a must to make
the most of the breathtaking scenery and getting into the
heart of the rainforest.
Finch Hatton Gorge is located an hour from Mackay in the
Eungella Range, and promises brilliant scenery. The two main
rainforest walks which take you to the Wheel of Fire
and Araluen Falls where will enjoy a sparkling swimming hole
and waterfall.
Mackay is a tropical haven, and the perfect city to stop for
a while and enjoy the raw beauty of the Australian
coastline. For a long or short trip you will
find plenty to do in this beautiful part of the world.
Jenny Brewer
