Mackay hosts a number of fun and interesting man-made tourist spots like Artspace Mackay, the Bluewater Lagoon, and Bluewater Trail.
Yet, the natural attractions in the region are the ones really driving holidaymakers and property buyers towards the region. From national parks to white sand beaches, rainforests to inland rivers; Mackay is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery.
A Beautiful Part of Queensland
If you’re planning a trip to Mackay or thinking of moving to here, then you’ll love this list of our favourite natural attractions that you can experience and explore in this beautiful part of Queensland.
Cape Hillsborough
This national park is located at the tip of a volcanic peninsula within the Central Mackay Coast Bioregion. Cape Hillsborough is mostly covered by a rainforest that is home to over 200 animal species, including Ulysses Butterflies and Brush Tailed Possums. However, what attracts most of the visitors to the area is the beach, where you can see the friendly Agile Wallabies and Eastern Grey Kangaroos hopping around at sunrise.
Located approximately 50 km north of Mackay City.
Eungella National Park
Do you want to try freshwater scuba diving? Maybe mountain biking between the high eucalyptus trees? You can do this and more at Eungella National Park. It is also home to the Araluen Falls, Broken River- home of the iconic platypus, a magnificent subtropical rainforest with 22km of bush walking tracks.
Located 80 km west of Mackay City, it is nestled on the plateau of Eungella, which literally means “land of the cloud”.
Finch Hatton Gorge
A place of magnificent waterfalls, volcanic granite boulders, and rare animals make Finch Hatton Gorge one of the best natural attractions in Mackay. Just a few kilometres away from Eungella, it’s the best place to go in the summer to take refreshing dips in its freshwater pools.
You can also enjoy walking through subtropical rainforest and relax on the camping ground at the heart of this beautiful landscape.
While you’re at it, why not experience the Forest Flying tour and enjoy a magnificent view of the rainforest from above.
Bucasia Beach
Bucasia Beach is one of the longest and most popular beaches in the Mackay region. Nearly four kilometres in length, locals and tourists visit the beach for its soft white sand. You can enjoy walking, swimming or fishing for flatheads at high tides.
With a caravan park located at the beachfront, it is also a popular stop among caravanners. Bucasia Beach is located between Shoal Point and Dolphin Heads.
Eimeo Beach
Just 15 minutes away from the Mackay CBD, Eimeo Beach is situated right at the tip of Dolphin Heads. Be mesmerised by the stunning views of the Coral Sea while enjoying the powder-white sand underfoot.
Swimming is best during summer when volunteer lifeguards patrol the beach. You can also enjoy a coastal view while enjoying a picnic at Eimeo Esplanade.
Mackay Fishing Spots
The natural attractions in Mackay include some of the region’s best fishing spots. The Pioneer River, for instance, can give anglers a good haul of bream, flathead and whiting.
If you want to hook some monster barramundi, the Kinchant Dam near the Pioneer Valley Golf Club are your destinations. Sandy Creek is the best fishing spot for salmon, while Constant Creek is home to fingermark bream and the red snapper “mangrove jack”.
Anywhere you go in the Mackay Region, there are some great areas to cast your fishing rod.
Pioneer Valley
Discover more of Mackay’s wonderful hinterland by driving to the Pioneer Valley. Just a 45 minute drive west of the Mackay CBD, you’ll find the emerald green lowlands covered with sugarcane fields. Combined with the bright blue sky and the gentle rolling hills, it’s a great place for photographers to snap some awesome pictures. Go to Sky Window Lookout at Eungella to get a breathtaking view of the entire valley.
The best months to visit Pioneer Valley are from June to November during the harvest season.
Get Closer to Nature at The Waters Ooralea
You can experience the natural attractions in Mackay year round by joining the community at The Waters Ooralea.
Our fully-integrated residential community is just a few kilometres south of the Mackay CBD and has access to all the natural attractions that the region can offer including nature right at your door step… 1.5 kms of landscaped tidal creek frontage with sea access, a magnificent Melaleuca nature walking reserve and one of Mackay’s best equipped community parkland playground and outdoor gym.
Call us now on 0438 683 933 or view our available house and land packages to discover a new community in Mackay that will bring you and your family closer to nature.