Mackay – also known as the Sugar Capital – is a city on Queensland’s east coast, 11 hours’ drive north of Brisbane and eight hours’ drive south of Cairns. It’s famous for its cosmopolitan population, Art Deco architecture and fresh seafood.
It’s also home to the longest stretch of subtropical rainforest in Australia, which makes it great for day trips, especially for nature lovers – whether you head to Cape Hillsborough to watch sunrise on the beach surrounded by kangaroos or to Sarina to explore Mackay’s connections with the sugarcane industry.
SHARE SUNRISE WITH KANGAROOS AT CAPE HILLSBOROUGH
One of the most magical experiences you can have in Queensland is sunrise at Cape Hillsborough, which is just 40 minutes’ drive from Mackay. Every morning, local kangaroos and wallabies hop down to the beach at sunrise – and you can join them. You will, of course, have to get up early to make it in time, but you won’t regret it.
Once the sun is up, spend the rest of your day exploring the national park, where the rainforest meets the sea. There are several excellent walking trails, including the Diversity Boardwalk, which meanders through mangroves, eucalypts and vines, and Andrews Point, which hugs the coast for 2.8 kilometres, taking in incredible views of sweeping beaches and nearby islands.
DIVE INTO SUGARCANE HISTORY AT SARINA
At Sarina, which lies 30 minutes’ drive south of Mackay in the foothills of the Connors Range, you’ll find out why the city is also known as the Sugarcane Capital.
Begin your adventures in the Field of Dreams. At the Sugar Shed, take an interactive journey through how sugar is made from sugarcane, which includes tastings of the Shed’s sugarcane-infused treats, such as ice cream and ginger beer. Afterwards, head to the Sarina Art and Craft Centre to browse locally-made artworks in a former courthouse built in 1901.
Sarina is also home to several gorgeous beaches. Visit Sarina Beach for a picnic, and, if you’re there between November and March, look out for turtles nesting in the sand. From there, it’s just 15 minutes’ drive to Grasstree Beach, which is popular for its beautiful scenery. Meanwhile, Salonika Beach – just north of Sarina – is home to wildlife of all kinds, from black cockatoos and sea eagles in the air to turtles and echidnas on the land.
SWIM BENEATH A WATERFALL AT FINCH HATTON GORGE
Finch Hatton Gorge is an hour’s drive west of Mackay in the spectacular Eungella National Park. There’s at least two waterfalls you can swim under. The first is Araluen, which is a 1.6-kilometre walk through subtropical rainforest from the Finch Hatton Picnic Area. It’s surrounded by giant granite boulders, and there are several rock pools for dipping.
If one waterfall isn’t enough, continue the trail for another 1.8 kilometres to reach the Wheel of Fire Cascades. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for plants and animals you won’t see anywhere else, including the Eungella dayfrog, the Eungella spiny cray and the Eungella honeyeater.
Please note: it’s important to take care while visiting Finch Hatton Gorge. For more information, visit the Queensland Government’s Parks and Forests website.
GETTING TO MACKAY
Mackay is well connected with Australia’s capital cities, including Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. For a convenient holiday, why not fly in, then pick up a car rental at SIXT Mackay Airport? We’re in the terminal, so you can get behind the wheel in minutes.
If you’ve a longer trip in mind, then make Mackay a stop on a road trip from Brisbane to Cairns.
