Top Mackay Outdoor Adventures: A Local’s Guide

Mackay, that coastal Queensland treasure, might be very famous for its seemingly endless sugar cane fields, yet it’s almost overflowing with seriously amazing outdoor things that, frankly, are simply wanting to be noticed. We, those fortunate enough to call Mackay home, get to indulge in all that this region offers. So, pack your bags, because we’re about to check out what I reckon are the five top outdoor experiences that you simply have to add to your Mackay itinerary. Really, I’m certain you’ll agree it is one of the best places to spend time.

1. Cape Hillsborough National Park: Where Kangaroos Greet the Sunrise

Cape Hillsborough National Park, which tends to be just a little north of Mackay, offers a truly unique encounter, and is known best, is that so, for its early morning kangaroo and wallaby gatherings right on the beach. You’ll want to get there before sunrise; very picture yourself walking on the beach just as the first light appears on the horizon. Seemingly, there you’ll find these totally adorable marsupials hopping about, nibbling on seaweed, or just chilling as they appreciate the tranquility of the morning.

Apparently, it’s not just all about kangaroos, though. That is to say, Cape Hillsborough is actually a stunning location for walking, and even offers great scenic trails through rainforest and along the coast. Maybe try the Diversity Boardwalk which may be an easy stroll suitable for nearly anyone, otherwise if you’re really looking for a bigger challenge, there is the harder Yuibera Trail that actually goes to Andrews Point giving superb ocean views. We found that the best time to enjoy that natural paradise could be, more or less, between May and September. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cape Hillsborough adventures)

2. Eungella National Park: Cloud Forests and Platypus Spotting

Speaking of a little escape up into the mountains, head west and you may reach Eungella National Park, where you can experience the rainforests wrapped in clouds, that tends to be a welcome respite from, arguably, the coastal heat. This park just could be, I mean really, is renowned as possibly the best place anywhere in Australia to view platypus. The Broken River viewing platform is where you might go to actually watch these shy creatures swimming within their environment.

Anyway, there is lots more than just platypus too it’s almost Eungella’s network of tracks for walking cater to actually anyone – and I’m sure everyone will find one for them – that ranges from beginner trails all the way to more challenging overnight hikes. Seemingly, you will love, similarly to your experience at Cape Hillsborough, the scenery, and, unlike your visit to Mackay City itself, the crisp, refreshing air. Yet, you want an insider’s tip? Actually, that tends to be a good one, is that early morning or late afternoon provides the best platypus viewing chances. Read our full review: Eungella National Park Full Review and Details

3. Bluewater Lagoon: A Free Tropical Oasis

Very central within Mackay itself, that Bluewater Lagoon could be just a super free water facility along the Pioneer River. As I was saying, perfect to unwind and relax, and even take a swim within a risk-free, patrolled environment. So, think about bringing your youngsters; for example, it has multiple tiered pools that are, kind of, fit all ages and has playground gear that would, actually, keep children very busy. Then too it’s almost, the lagoon includes barbecues too, so this means you really can make a whole day of the trip without leaving.

Right, imagine that, following a day of walking, you simply just intend to relax and cool off? Yet, the Bluewater Lagoon’s calm waters, and, that tend to be nice, grassy edges offers an ideal place. Apparently, keep in mind, it might be busy in peak season and on hot days but usually the vibe is actually calm. In that case, the Bluewater Trail could be the right answer if you’d like something a bit much more vigorous, connecting, kind of, several of the city’s key attractions, including the lagoon, of course. You might, literally, stroll and bike alongside the river, and view regional plant life and bird life. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Relax at Bluewater Lagoon)

4. Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens: A Green Escape

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens might be, possibly, just an incredibly gorgeous location to spend time admiring different flora and relaxing. Then too it’s almost, split into distinct themed locations, this area displays plants native to the region, combined with plant life from various areas across the globe. Walking across the gardens might be both peaceful as well as instructional, that is to say with posted data accessible about the plants and also their relevance.

Speaking of other things to consider, seemingly it offers areas such as a lagoon, that seems like a boardwalk and specialized themed gardens, really it provides many opportunities for, as a matter of fact, photography, birdwatching or simply relaxing within a calm location. Actually, this actually tends to be frequently utilized for local occasions and is the great location to simply unwind away, I mean away, from Mackay. Read our full review: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Full Review and Details

5. Lamberts Beach: A Relaxing Coastal Retreat

Lamberts Beach, simply a few minutes from the city’s central business area, delivers a very quiet retreat when you need to escape those usual tourist crowds. Just a bit quieter when compared with a number of the additional famous beaches of this area, it provides kilometers of apparently untouched shoreline just suitable for walks that may be long, sunbathing, and even an occasional swim, too.

Very, you intend to learn to see Mackay from higher up? You could potentially try heading for the Lamberts Beach lookout providing apparently superb vistas of the area, more or less just the azure seas out to the city by itself. Clearly, Lamberts Beach could be actually the ideal spot to decompress while enjoying, literally, all of Mackay’s natural splendors if that actually could be just something laid-back as well as local sounds tempting for you. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Escape to Lamberts Beach)