Mackay Qld 4740 (Pop 73 000)

Mackay is a successful tropical coastal city located 950 km n-w of Brisbane. It is an interesting mixture of heritage and Art Deco buildings combined with modern and sophisticated architecture. Additionally there are major port facilities, great beaches, an historic hinterland and close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. European settlement began in 1860s with sugar cane growing eventually replacing the cattle industry. Today Mackay produces over a quarter of the country’s sugar and nearby coal discoveries have also been a great boost to the economy. Mackay markets Sat am. Festival of the Arts (July), Sugartime Festival (Sept).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Artspace Mackay, Gordon St comprises a modern art gallery/museum with local & international artworks and interesting historical displays and memorabilia. Closed Mon. Regional Botanic Gardens, Lagoon St features specialized regional gardens and pretty lagoon boardwalks. Queens Park, Goldsmith St home to the Orchid House with over 3 000 orchids on display. 

Nearby:
Eungella NP (80 km west) one of Qld's most ecologically diverse parks with large numbers of both tropical and subtropical plant species, large areas of wilderness and rugged gorges. The park offers over 20 km of walking trails, scenic lookouts and a huge variety of native flora & fauna. Camping permits through Qld Dept of Environment. Tel (07) 4951 8788. Mackay Beaches include Harbour (patrolled /good fishing), Blacks (area’s longest), Lamberts (excellent lookout). Kinchant Dam (40 km west) well known area for fishing and many watersports. Cape Hillsborough NP (50 km north) rugged and scenic coastal 850 ha park of rocky headlands, rainforest covered hills, sandy beaches, walking tracks and tidal rock pools. Camping at Smalleys Beach with permits through Qld Dept of Environment. Tel (07) 4951 8788. Greenmount Historic Homestead (15 km west - Walkerston) (1915) fully restored with original furnishings and comprising a pioneering museum.  Open (9.30am-12.30pm) Mon-Fri and (10am-3pm) Sun. Mirani (33 km west) small Pioneer Valley town with an interesting museum.

Accommodation:
Mackay has over 30 motels, 8 hotels/resorts, 6 caravan parks & many holiday apartments. Visitor Information Centre: OldTown Hall, 320 Nebo Rd. Tel (07) 4952 2677 or 1300 130 001.