View Caravan Parks in the Mackay region
Welcome to the Mackay Region
Thirty one stunning beaches, pristine reefs and islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia's largest rainforest national park and platypus capital, friendly outback towns and a buzzing tropical city - we have it all! The lush Pioneer Valley, the highland rainforests of Eungella National Park, the picturesque Hibiscus Coast, delightful Sarina, the relaxing Serenity Coast, fascinating historic towns such as Nebo and Clermont and beguiling islands and reefs of the Great Barrier Reef...Welcome to the Mackay-Isaac Region. Mackay offers holiday experiences to suit every taste, budget and interest. Enjoy the year-round, near perfect climate in a place far from crowds. From the growing urban landscape with its local culture, dining and the arts, to the outback experience and heritage of our hinterland and rich 'black gold' country, Mackay offers a diverse range of real Aussie experiences. We proudly call it our home and we hope you can too… if only for a while.
Pioneer Valley & Eungella National Park
The Pioneer Valley's lush lowlands are carpeted by sugar cane fields and dotted with charming country townships and is the gateway to Eungella and Australia's longest stretch of ancient subtropical rainforest. It is also one of the world's best places to spot an elusive platypus in the wild! Eungella National Park has more than 20km of walking tracks and is the starting point for the 56km Mackay Highlands Great Walk. Finch Hatton Gorge, located in the foothills of the Eungella Range has excellent walking trails through the rainforest to Araluen and Wheel of Fire waterfalls. Take a refreshing dip in the deep natural swimming holes surrounded by the high gorge walls and rainforest.
Fishing
The Mackay Region boasts some of the most spectacular fishing spots in Australia with brilliant salt and freshwater fishing options - beach, reef, estuarine, freshwater creek and well-stocked inland dams. Many of the best fishing spots can be reached without a boat. For those without a boat, there is a charter or cruise to suit your needs! Fabulous locations just off Mackay's coast will suit those who wish to snorkel and those who prefer to cruise our pristine waters while relaxing onboard and taking in the spectacular scenery.
Dining Out and Nightlife
With access to the freshest produce, beef and seafood Mackay has a wide variety of eateries to choose from - dine alfresco and relax in our tropical city centre or catch regular live weekend entertainment at the Mackay Marina restaurant precinct. Enjoy the multitude of options, from a la carte restaurants or genuine counter meals at licensed sporting clubs, to pub meals or simple take away fare. You could take in some live music at the local hotel or relax in one of our fine dining establishments. There's something to satisfy every taste and budget. When the sun goes down, the clubs, bars and eateries of the city centre come to life.
Shopping
Mingle with the locals in the palm-fringed city centre, where you'll find a range of
Australian and international brands available in a variety of delightful boutique stores. Take a short walk or jump on a local bus to visit one of Mackay's three large undercover complexes offering specialty stores, medical services and food courts. Market-goers will enjoy perusing the local wares on offer at the many regular markets throughout the region. Sunday morning markets in the city centre are a highlight.
Mackay City
Picturesque and relaxed, Mackay combines a small town feel with big city conveniences. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Pioneer Promenade boardwalk and Bluewater Quay on the bank of the sparkling blue Pioneer River. The Bluewater Lagoon is fun for the whole family, located right at the river's edge and comprises of a three tiered lagoon, waterslide, interactive children's water playground. Artspace Mackay is the city's architecture award winning art gallery. Enjoy touring the exhibitions, local arts and heritage located in the city centre. The stunning botanic gardens located a few minutes from the city centre offer free guided tours for visitors to explore and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the gardens.
Brampton Island National Park
Located 32km north of Mackay, the Brampton Island National Park's rocky headlands are dotted with hoop pines, open grasslands, woodlands, sheltered bays and long sandy beaches making these islands some of the most scenic off the Queensland coast. This park protects Brampton and Carlisle Islands with access by private boat. You may also access Brampton Island via commercial operators departing from Mackay Marina. Bush camping is available on Carlisle Island - permits required and fees apply. Resort accommodation is available on Brampton Island.
Cape Hillsborough National Park
Cape Hillsborough is located north of Mackay, off the Bruce Highway. With rocky outcrops, sandy beaches, hoop pine-dotted hillsides plunging towards the sea, subtropical rainforest and mangrove-fringed wetlands, it is one of the most scenic parks along the central Queensland coast and recently named in the top 10 best day walks in Australia by Australian Geographic. Discover how Aboriginal people use plants along the Yuibera Plant Trail. Picnic on the foreshore and see wallabies hopping along the beach late afternoon (please do not feed the wildlife). Bush camp at Smalleys Beach, or stay near the picnic area at Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort offering motel rooms, cabins, camp and caravan park. Accommodation is also available at nearby Seaforth.
The Mining Trail
Situated south-west of Mackay city is the Isaac region. Located within the Bowen Basin, Australia's
largest coal seam, this is a hinterland rich in natural resources, where townships and industries have grown around the region's valuable gold and coal deposits. Today this vast and sometimes desolate region offers a diverse range of historic and outback experiences for the intrepid traveller, including gold fossicking and coal mine tours. Follow the Mining Trail along the Peak Downs Highway from Clermont, via Moranbah and Coppabella, through the Nebo district and over the range to the Dalrymple Bay and Hay Point Coal Terminals.