THE MACKAY REGION Visitor Guide 2018
mackayregion.com
WELCOME TO THE MACKAY REGION Reserve your spot amongst nature
The Mackay Region offers a world of nature waiting to be explored with locations and experiences that will leave you yearning for more. Wake up with the wallabies and kangaroos at sunrise, explore rainforest and freshwater gorges, spot platypus in the wild, or hook a winning catch while taking in the beautiful blue-water views of the Pioneer River. Relax and unwind at one of 31 uncrowded beaches, indulge in fresh, local produce in the revitalised City Centre and learn more about the rich culture and history of The Mackay Region. Whether it’s inland, on the coast or in the City Centre, see where nature truly springs to life, in The Mackay Region. CONNECT WITH US Share your holiday snaps on social media #meetmackayregion #mymackay #thisisqueensland facebook.com/mackaytourism instagram.com/visitmackay youtube.com/visitmackay
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EDITORIAL: Melissa Woods COVER: Finch Hatton Gorge, Eungella National Park, Casey Eveleigh LEFT: Sunrise Experience, Cape Hillsborough National Park, Jules Ingall Peter Faust Dam Proserpine
MAP LEGEND PCW Airport Bicycle Tracks
Restrooms Hiking Trails
Shopping Fishing Net-free fishing zone Wifi Access Boat Ramp
Lookout Camp Ground Cape Hillsborough CONTENTS Swimming Wildlife Shoal Point EXPERIENCES Playground Jellyfish Nature & Wildlife 4 Finch Hatton Bucasia Fishing & Boating 6 Pacific Coast Way Great Inland Way Dolphin Heads Eungella Dam Family Fun 8 Mackay Eun Eimeo gella Melba Culture & Heritage 10 Rd House Blacks Beach Local Flavours 12 Broken River Mackay LOCATIONS Kinchant Dam Cape Hillsborough & The Hibiscus Coast 14 Pioneer Valley & Eungella 16 Mackay City & Marina 18 Hay Point Northern Beaches 20 Sarina & Surrounds 22 Isaac Inland 24 Sarina Isaac Coast 26 Lake Elphinstone IMPORTANT INFORMATION Events 28 Shopping & Markets 30 Koumala Planning Your Trip 30 Nebo d Membership Directory 38 R ord Downs Sar i na Living in Paradise 40 Oxf Getting Here & Around 42 Ilbilbie M
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Mackay Visitor Information Centre D
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320 Nebo Rd, Mackay Open: 9am – 5pm, 7 days* e
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R Clairview Railway Square Open: 9am – 5pm, 7 days d Bruce Hwy, Sarina Ph: 07 4956 2251 E: [email protected] Melba House Visitor Information Centre Melba House, Open: 9am – 3pm, 7 days Eungella Rd, Marian Ph: 07 4954 4299 E: [email protected] Broken River Visitor Information Centre 534 Eungella Dam Rd, Open: 10am – 4pm, 7 days Broken River Dysart Ph: 07 4958 4745 E: [email protected] St Lawrence Clermont Visitor Information Centre Lords Table 17217 Gregory Hwy, Clermont Open: 9am – 3pm, Wed – Sat Clermont Mountain Ph: 07 4983 3311 E: [email protected]
*Weekend hours subject to change
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Shoal Point Finch Hatton Bucasia Dolphin Heads Eungella Dam Mackay Eun Eimeo gella Melba Rd House Blacks Beach Broken River Kinchant Dam Mackay
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Theresa Dam NATURE & WILDLIFE Lush rainforest, crystal-clear freshwater gorges, rugged hinterland peaks and unspoilt surroundings. The Mackay Region has endless nature and wildlife experiences for those that seek out life’s quieter corners.
LIFE OF A MACKAY RANGER with Ben Hall What is a great family-friendly national park? What national parks are there in The Mackay Eungella is great for a family trip! You can view Region? Eungella has the longest stretch platypus at Broken River, stay in one of the of subtropical Rainforest in Australia, while scenic camping areas, cool off with a swim Cape Palmerston is significant for its lowland at Finch Hatton Gorge or explore one of the coastal vegetation and long sandy beaches. walking tracks through the Mackay Highlands. Cape Hillsborough has geologically diverse Where are the best wildlife experiences in The volcanic landscapes and the Newry Islands Mackay Region? Enjoy the unique experience feature rocky headlands, open woodlands and of viewing wallabies on the beach at sunrise at dense rainforest. Cape Hillsborough. Eungella National Park is Tell us about your job as a National Parks one of the best locations in Australia to spot a ranger? We can be out in the parks building platypus. During the colder months, humpback infrastructure, educating the community or whales migrate up the east coast and are protecting the estate by managing fire and pests. readily seen in the waters around Mackay!
DID YOU KNOW?
The Eungella Honeyeater is only found in the rainforest of Eungella National Park and surrounding state forest woodlands.
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TOP ROW (L to R): Volcanic boulders at Finch Hatton Gorge; meet the locals at Cape Hillsborough National Park; camping with a view at Eungella National Park; incredible views from the Eungella Chalet. BOTTOM ROW (L to R): Go platypus spotting at Broken River; waterfalls at Finch Hatton Gorge; Ulysses Butterfly found at Cape Hillsborough National Park; Barramundi fishing in the creeks. OPPOSITE: Bushwalking at Eungella National Park.
SHARE SUNRISE WITH WALLABIES AND KANGAROOS SWIM IN FRESHWATER GORGES Cape Hillsborough National Park. As dawn begins to break Finch Hatton Gorge. Cool off in the crystal-clear waters of and the sun rises over the Coral Sea, you will see some of Finch Hatton Gorge after an exciting bushwalk. The most Australia’s most iconic animals feeding on the shoreline at popular spots are Araluen Cascades or the Wheel of Fire for Cape Hillsborough Beach (also known as Casuarina Beach). spectacular waterfalls surrounded by large rock pools.
SPOT PLATYPUS IN THE WILD LANGUAGES Broken River, Eungella National Park. The most reliable place to Platypus pronounced around the world spot a platypus in the wild is Broken River, within Eungella National GERMAN: Schnabeltier Park. The key to spotting these shy creatures is patience and ITALIAN: Ornitorinco perseverance. Watch for air bubbles that rise to the water’s SWEDISH: Näbbdjur surface.Enjoy a scuba diving experience in rainforest waters at CHINESE: Yãzu shòu Finch Hatton for the chance to see these creatures under water. JAPANESE: Kamonohashi BUSHWALKING IN NATIONAL PARKS Eungella National Park, Cape Palmerston National Park, Cape Hillsborough National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned Top parks in Mackay bushwalker or simply want to stretch your legs, The Mackay Region’s national parks offer something for every nature-lover, ranging from 250 metre circuits, to multiple day hikes. Guided EUNGELLA NATIONAL PARK tours through the rainforest are an option for those who want Australia’s longest stretch of subtropical rainforest. further insight into the landscape. Eungella is an Indigenous word meaning ‘land of the cloud’. HOOK THE BIG ONE CAPE HILLSBOROUGH NATIONAL PARK Cape Hillsborough, Seaforth, Eungella, Teemburra, Kinchant Where dense rainforest meets the ocean and and Theresa Creek Dams, and Lake Elphinstone. With some friendly wildlife gather on the beach at sunrise. of the best fishing along the east coast of Australia, The Mackay Region’s dams and lakes are stocked to the brim CAPE PALMERSTON NATIONAL PARK with freshwater species and crayfish, while the net-free Uncrowded, undeveloped coastline with windswept fishing zone around Cape Hillsborough and Seaforth ensures headlands, rainforest, swamps and sand dunes; everyone’s a winner in the fishing stakes! definitely one for the 4WD enthusiasts.
mackayregion.com 5 FISHING & BOATING Within 45 minutes, you could be fishing from a tropical reef, a rainforest stream, a blue water river, a sandy estuary or an inland dam. The options are endless and varied for any angler.
REEL FISHING with Jason Kidd conditions are all contributing factors to of Inshore Fishing Charters a successful fishing trip – and a bit a luck When is the best time of year to go fishing doesn’t go astray! in The Mackay Region? The start of August to end of October. Barramundi and other JASON’S TOP FISHING SPOTS estuary species start firing up in the creeks, Seaforth and Cape Hillsborough’s creeks and and the pelagic species enter our inshore islands; the net-free fishing zones provide water. It is also a good time of year for our great diversity of fishing and the scenery is offshore islands and reefs with usually good spectacular. Offshore islands and reefs can weather conditions. provide fantastic fishing action, with species What’s the key to a successful fishing trip? like Coral Trout, Red Emperor and Spanish Planning for suitable tides, having all your Mackerel being the target. Kinchant Dam fishing tackle and safety equipment, having provides explosive fishing action when a big contingency plans in place, and reading the freshwater Barramundi strikes.
DID YOU KNOW?
For local tips and inspiring photos, follow local fishing guru Luke Galea via Facebook at Luke’s Fishin Mission
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TOP ROW (L to R): Ocean fishing at Blacks Beach; releasing a bream at Murray Creek; fishing in the freshwater creeks; boating and watersports at Theresa Creek Dam. BOTTOM ROW (L to R): Local fishing identity Luke Galea hooks a massive catch; Seaforth fishing in the net-free zone; beach fishing in Mackay; special fishing platforms in Mackay City. OPPOSITE: Clairview, south of Mackay.
THE BEST FISHING SPOTS IN THE MACKAY REGION Eungella Dam. 27 kilometres along Eungella Dam Road, Whiting Coral Trout Red Emperor past Broken River in Eungella National Park. It holds 131,000 megalitres of water and is 890 hectares in size. Flathead Mangrove Jack Sweet Lip Lake Elphinstone. 92 kilometres west of Mackay, close to Bream Barramundi Trevally Glenden. It offers good fishing as well as Red Claw crayfish. Mackerel Sooty Grunter Tuna Free camping is available. Salmon Fingermark Black King BEACHES INSHORE The Northern Beaches, Mackay. Child-friendly with easy Pioneer River, Bluewater Quay, Mackay. Fish straight off the access to great fishing spots, cast straight from the beach. dedicated fishing platforms in the Mackay City Centre and you Mackay Harbour & Marina. With a 1.8 kilometre rock wall could be having fish on the dinner menu. you can drive onto, the Mackay Marina is a popular fishing St Helens Creek, Seaforth. Use lures, soft plastics or live platform. The main and eastern beaches also provide quality bait, with the warmer months being the ideal time for fishing fishing opportunities. this area. Clairview Beach, Isaac Coast. Approximately 120 kilometres Cattle Creek, Pioneer Valley. It’s popular for kayak fishing with from Mackay, this quiet seaside community offers great the main target species being Sooty Grunter. fishing and crabbing. OFFSHORE Mackay and Southern Whitsunday Islands. If you have a boat, head approximately 100 kilometres from the Mackay Harbour Permits & Ramps for deep-water fishing at its best, including Coral Trout, Red Throat Emperor, Nannygai or Sweet Lip. DO I NEED A FISHING PERMIT? Newry Island, Seaforth. Coral Trout and Giant Trevally can be A Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) may be required for caught around the island, it’s easy to navigate and there are some Queensland dams. SIPs cost $10 per week for those over also great spots to throw the crab pots in. 18 years of age. Visit qld.gov.au/recreation or purchase them at the Mackay Visitor Information Centre. FRESHWATER DAMS & LAKES Kinchant Dam, Mirani/North Eton. Approximately 30 minutes’ BOAT RAMPS drive west of the Mackay City Centre, Kinchant Dam is a great There are more than 20 boat ramps in The Mackay Region. spot for camping and fishing. These are listed online, visit mackay.qld.gov.au
mackayregion.com 7 FAMILY FUN Whether it’s making a splash in the City Centre or flying through the rainforest on a zipline, release your inner child and explore what Mackay’s family-friendly destinations have to offer.
SWIMMING EDUCATIONAL The Bluewater Lagoon – River Street, Mackay With three tiered Sarina Sugar Shed – Field of Dreams Parkland, Sarina lagoons, a 19.5 metre water slide and interactive children’s Discover the history of the region’s sugar cane industry, watch water playground with drop-bucket, the free Bluewater Lagoon how sugar is extracted from the cane on miniature processing and is a safe and secure environment for young and old. distilling equipment, then taste a range of sweet delights made on- Platypus Beach – Mirani A pristine freshwater swimming spot site with this educational and interactive tour for the whole family. on the Pioneer River, the Platypus Beach riverbed has been Tour an Organic Farm – Eton, The Pioneer Valley Learn how cleared, refurbished and offers free public amenities. holistic farming produces healthy, nutritious, tasty food on this Finch Hatton Gorge – Eungella National Park Follow the pasture-based, chemical-free farm. Kids will love the hay trailer ride 1.6 kilometre trail through lush flora and volcanic boulder and the chance to see and touch real farm animals. formations to the Araluen Cascades. Further along is the Wheel Dudley Denny Library – Victoria Street Mackay Boasting of Fire, another popular swimming hole. the latest technological innovations, robotic teaching aids and Patrolled Beaches Mackay Harbour Beach (365 days), Sarina, dedicated children’s areas, the Dudley Denny City Library is Eimeo and Lamberts Beach. modern, centrally located and interactive for young and old.
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TOP ROW (L to R): The Bluewater Lagoon provides hours of fun; bushwalking through the rainforest; scenic flights across The Mackay Region; parklands near the Mackay Marina Village. BOTTOM ROW (L to R): Scuba dive in platypus waters or see them from Broken River; experience the Sarina Sugar Shed; organic farm tours in Eton; Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. OPPOSITE: Ziplining through the rainforest at Finch Hatton Gorge.
ADVENTURE Bluewater Trail – Mackay City Centre. The 21 kilometre Scuba Dive in the rainforest – Finch Hatton Gorge. (min. age is 8 yrs) Bluewater Trail is pedestrian and cyclist-friendly and follows the Finch Hatton Gorge is the only place in the world where you blue Pioneer River, linking with the Mackay Regional Botanic can scuba dive in platypus waters. See a range of unique Gardens, the Bluewater Lagoon, cafés and shops, and the aquatic life, including turtles, eels and a variety of fish species city’s beaches. See the eye-catching public art along the way. while keeping your eye out for the platypus. Zipline through the trees – Finch Hatton. (min. weight is 18 kgs) Travel 340 metres through the rainforest canopy on a flying fox 25 metres above ground. A safe and exciting experience for young and old; view nature at its finest through the treetops. Take to the skies for a scenic flight – Mackay. Where can you take in views of both the rainforest and the reef in under an hour? From the air, of course! Be amazed by the kaleidoscope of green and blue as you pass over the Pioneer Valley and Mackay’s offshore islands. PARKS & RECREATION Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens – Lagoon Street, Mackay. Stroll along more than 3 kilometres of scenic tracks and boardwalks overlooking the beautiful lagoon. Enjoy the views from the elevated café or find a quiet place of your own for a picnic. “We had lots of chances to get wet in Mackay, but my favourite Lamberts Beach Lookout – Lamberts Beach Esplanade. With spot was the natural pools at Araluen Falls in Finch Hatton views of Lamberts Beach, the Cumberland Islands and Slade Gorge, even though it was so freezing I’m surprised my toes Point, the lookout offers stunning 180 degree views of the didn’t fall off. It was a big hike to get there and then I made my Coral Sea. It is also a popular spot to see migrating whales dad blow up a giant pineapple, so he was a bit exhausted, but playing off the coast of Mackay. my sister and I had loads of fun floating around the waterhole, Mulherin Park – Mackay Marina. Featuring huge grassy and playing on the rocks and in the rapids.” areas under palm trees, kids’ playgrounds and free public facilities, Mulherin Park is just a stone’s throw from the — Rafferty Laight, 9 beach and the perfect spot for a family picnic. @boyeatsworld
mackayregion.com 9 CULTURE & HERITAGE From outback gold mining towns in the Isaac Region to Mackay’s inner city art-deco buildings and public art displays, there’s a world of history and culture to be discovered.
STEP BACK IN TIME Mackay Cemetery – Cemetery Road, Mackay. A self-guided Heritage Walk – Starts from River St, Mackay. Take a free, walk can be taken exploring the history of the Mackay guided walk each week between May and September through Cemetery, believed to have been on the site since 1868, with Mackay’s City Centre to learn about the region’s interesting brochures available at the Mackay Visitor Information Centre. history and unique art-deco buildings. This 90-minute walk A restoration and identification project to honour over 100 can also be done self-guided with a brochure available at the South Sea Islander graves can also be found on this site. Mackay Visitor Information Centre. Clermont Historical Centre — Gregory Highway, Clermont. Greenmount Homestead – Walkerston. Greenmount was Clermont is one of the most historic towns in northern developed by Albert (A.A.) Cook on the cattle run first taken up Australia. Learn about the days of the gold-rushes, copper by Captain John Mackay and contains a number of buildings mines, shearers, stockmen and squatters at the Centre. on the grounds, including a 1915 Queenslander homestead, with a historical collection exceeding more than 20,000 items. CREATIVE SPACES Melba House – Marian. The 1882 home of opera singer Dame Artspace Mackay – Gordon St, Mackay. This large, regional Nellie Melba is now a historical museum and accredited art gallery displays new artwork every six to eight weeks Visitor Information Centre along the banks of the Pioneer featuring international, national and local collections. River on entrance to The Pioneer Valley. It displays recordings, There’s also art trails and workshops for children. Browse photographs, memorabilia, books and furniture from Melba’s the amazing collection of creative gifts handcrafted by life and career. Queensland artists.
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DID YOU KNOW? TOP ROW: Artspace Mackay, a regional art gallery; Greenmount Homestead in Walkerston. MIDDLE ROW: Mackay’s old Bank and the old Parish Hall, both buildings are a part of the Heritage Walk. BOTTOM ROW: Display of old mining equipment at Mount Britton; learn more about the sugar cane industry with Mackay is renowned for welcoming world class various tours in the region. OPPOSITE: The Mackay Town Hall, built in 1912. acts, including Sir Elton John. During his 2017 tour, streets were renamed in his honour!
Public Art – Mackay City Centre and surrounds. There are over 100 public artworks currently on permanent display through Mackay’s City Centre and along the Bluewater Trail. Find the large fishbones installed at the Bluewater Quay, or stroll The Sugar Capital further down the river to find a nine-metre-tall Mangrove Cap. of Australia MUSEUMS Mackay Museum 4 Casey Avenue, South Mackay The Mackay Region has a rich history with sugar cane Open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 10am – 2pm. farming. In the late 1990s, The Mackay Region’s sugar Closed December – January. cane crushing reached more than nine million tonnes. Pioneer Valley Museum Victoria Street, Mirani Open Tuesday to Thursday 9.30am – 2.30pm. Between 1863 and 1904, 62,000 South Sea Islanders Sarina Historical Centre Field of Dreams Parklands, Sarina were brought to Australia to work in the sugar industry. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 2pm. Nebo Museum Reynolds Street, Nebo Find out more with tours of the Sarina Sugar Shed Open Tuesday to Thursday 9am – 3pm. or Farleigh Mill, or a free Heritage Walk. Clermont Historical Centre Gregory Highway, Clermont Open Wednesday to Saturday 9am – 3pm.
mackayregion.com 11 LOCAL FLAVOURS Tantalising fresh produce, hidden cafés in the rainforest and real paddock-to-plate experiences, The Mackay Region has a delightful food culture around every corner.
FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD with Trudie Bishop getting to talk directly with the farmers at the from The Family Table (home of Gather) Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Markets and by What is Mackay best known for in terms of purchasing directly from them, we are keeping local produce? We are best known for our the dollars in their pocket as well as helping seafood and tropical fruits in summer but the them to grow their business by introducing quality and the variety of produce that we have new lines of produce that customers ask for. in our region all year round is incredible and it What’s the best thing about cooking with just keeps growing. friends at The Family Table’s cooking classes? Why buy food and ingredients from local One word sums this up for me, connection. It’s farmers? You can’t go past the freshness! connecting people with their closest friends Most of the produce that we buy is picked and family, connecting them with strangers that day or the day before so it lasts a lot who become friends and also connecting longer and it also reduces the food miles with them with our local farmers and the stunning less travel. There is also the added benefit of produce that is grown right here in our region.
Museums
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TOP ROW (L to R): The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Markets are held every Wednesday; fresh local beetroot; pineapples for sale; dine at an Italian café and restaurant in the Pioneer Valley. BOTTOM ROW (L to R): Cocktails and canapés at The Dispensary; Mackay is home to fresh seafood; locally grown produce at the Farmers’ Market; Devonshire Tea and fresh scones at The Old Station Teahouse. OPPOSITE: The award-winning Freckle Farm tours are a delight for young and old.
LOCAL PRODUCERS OF WORLD CLASS FLAVOURS CITY CUISINE The Mackay Region is proud of its seasonal local produce, With an attractive streetscape and high-quality restaurants innovative chefs and high-quality food experiences. Uncover and cafés, The Mackay City Centre rivals major cities with its real ingredients and take part in the region’s food culture. flourishing food scene. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market, Bluewater Quay, tempting tastes can be found in every direction. River Street, Mackay. Held every Wednesday, The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market is the showcase of local, fresh MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS, NORTHERN BEACHES and seasonal produce direct from farmers within the Mackay, In addition to the jaw-dropping views, the northern beaches of Isaac and Whitsunday Regions. Mackay also have some hidden gems when it comes to food. Organic Farm Tours, Eton. See how pasture-based, chemical- Try a hilltop pub serving delicious food all day, or a pretty café free farming procedures have resulted in award-winning in Bucasia serving local produce made fresh daily. produce and healthy, nutritious and tasty food. Micro-Brewery, Paget. Get hands-on experience in the brewing process and choose from over 200 brews including beer, cider Don’t miss the yodelling Austrian chef and ginger beer, and the famous Mackay Lager. at Broken River, who serves some of the Sugar Shed, Sarina. See the process, and taste the flavours, of best waffles you’ll ever taste! award-winning rums, liqueurs and a range of sauces, chutneys and sweet treats made within Australia’s only miniature sugar mill and distillery. High Tea, Cape Hillsborough. Lose track of the time at this delightful 110-year-old former railway station hidden in a Top Food Festivals beautiful rainforest setting on the road to Cape Hillsborough National Park. Enjoy high tea or a light meal before exploring the lush gardens and antique collectables. G&S ENGINEERING WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL JULY: Queens Park, Mackay UNPRETENTIOUS PIONEER VALLEY Whether it’s a hearty world famous pie served with a side of LAMBERTS BEACH SEAFOOD & WINE FESTIVAL country charm, a converted-church with the finest Italian cuisine, MAY: Seabreeze Tavern, Lamberts Beach or organic, gluten-free goodies in the rainforest of Finch Hatton, the Pioneer Valley has tasty delights around every corner. SWEET SECRETS TRAIL MAY: Various Locations
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