Mackay and Witsundays

Embark on a journey of exploration and discovery into one of Queensland's most unspoilt destinations, filled with secluded beaches, rainforests, historical country towns and outback experiences.

Nestled on the coastline halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, the Mackay Region can be accessed via Air, Train, Bus or Self Drive.
......[More]

Mackay and Witsundays

Embark on a journey of exploration and discovery into one of Queensland's most unspoilt destinations, filled with secluded beaches, rainforests, historical country towns and outback experiences.

Nestled on the coastline halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, the Mackay Region can be accessed via Air, Train, Bus or Self Drive.

Some of the area's best kept secrets include the lush scenery and wildlife at Eungella National Park and Finch Hatton Gorge, the dramatic coastline at Cape Hillsborough National Park, over 31 beautiful beaches, access to the Great Barrier Reef, and the region's historical hinterland.

Take the opportunity to get up close and friendly with a platypus, experience the ride of your life on a sea flight to a deserted island, and catch a flying fox that has you skimming over a spectacular rainforest canopy.

Beaches
The Mackay region's diverse coastline ranges from city beaches just minutes from town, to deserted National Parks.

Town and Illawong beaches are close to Mackay's Central Business District, just some of the 31 beaches in the Mackay region.

The northern beaches and the picturesque Hibiscus Coast offer easy touring options. Visit Bucasia, Blacks Beach, Dolphin Heads or Eimeo - with its cliff top location offering multi-million dollar views of the coast from the hotel.

Secluded beaches within Cape Hillsborough National Park offer you the chance to see possums and native birds at Smalleys Beach and Ball Bay.

Rocky Hoop Pine headlands form part of Cape Hillsborough, a 816 hectare national park with walking paths including the Jupiera Aboriginal Boardwalk Trail. See wild kangaroos, wallabies and bush turkeys on the beach, an unforgettable memory.

Then head to St Lawrence, a port which was frequented by paddle steamers in the 19th century. The Serenity Coast encompasses Sarina Beach, popular Salonika Beach which is home to echidnas, loggerhead turtles and bush turkeys and the industrial coal terminals at Dalrymple Bay and Hay Point.

The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is a paradise of islands. Of the 74 islands, only 8 are inhabited leaving 66 virtually untouched islands which provide the perfect setting for a day of exploring or simply relaxing on the secluded beaches and coves.
Consistently voted as one of the world's best beaches, Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is a jewel in the Whitsunday's crown. Don't miss the experience of walking along this 4 mile stretch of sweeping, pure white silica sand.
Of the resort islands, there is a choice ranging from world-class luxury and sophistication to budget hideaways. Resort islands in the Whitsunday region include Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream, Lindeman, Brampton, Long, Hook and South Molle.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is often the first stop for visitors to the Whitsundays and is an ideal location to base yourself for a host of day trips covering the area.

To start with, there's scuba diving the outer reef, coral viewing, fishing, rainforest walks, a visit to a wildlife park or scenic flights. The magnificence of the reef in the East is set against the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the rainforests in the West.

The Whitsundays is home to one of the world’s oldest continually surviving rainforests. The Conway and Dryander National Parks along with the State forests provide shelter to some of Australia’s unique flora and fauna, including the Proserpine Rock Wallaby, ferns, orchids and enormous hardwoods.

Walking tracks lead into the heart of the forests, which enable you to marvel at the massive strangler figs, stands of red and white cedars and the exotic wild orchids hanging in clusters from ancient trees.

Information sourced from www.destinationqueensland.com [Less]