Lying halfway between the cities of Cairns and Brisbane, right on the southern bank of the Pioneer River along the coasts of Whitsunday is the beautiful city of Mackay. Mackay is most especially considered to be the sugar capital of Australia, because the area produces a third of Australia's supply of sugar cane.
The region is very prosperous and houses everything from a large, sophisticated and highly modern central business area, to beautiful beaches, and major port facilities. To complement these amazing sites, there are a wide range of hotels and motels, good restaurants, great boating facilities and a number of interesting things waiting in the historical hinterland. Read more...
There are also camping grounds and caravans, aside from luxury resorts and farm stays. There is definitely one in the area for each preference or taste. The main street of the region is Victoria, wherein outstanding old buildings with huge Doric columns, such as the Commonwealth Bank, can be found. This street is very much worthwhile to visit most especially those who love historic, warm and cozy communities.
With an average subtropical temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, the climatic conditions in the area are very ideal for a relaxing vacation, an overnight get-away from the pressures of daily life, or a stop-over location. The city also has a developing tourism market with new facilities being constructed. One of the newest structures include Artspace Mckay showcases the culture of the town and attracts tourists who are interested in the varied cultures of the town.
Of course, the stunning botanic gardens such as the MacKay Regional Botanic Gardens (commonly called The Lagoons) are rich in the rarest native plants of the central part of Queensland. It is also furnished with the prettiest flowers, great pathways, children's rides and quality restaurants. Equally renowned is the Cape Hillsborough National Park which is a combination of the ocean and the hills, as well as the rhyolite boulders of the Pinnacle Rock, and the sandy beaches where kangaroos occasionally visit. The national parks in the area are ideal for bush walking, its nearby beaches are great for swimming or simple sun bathing. Camping facilities are also available for those who prefer staying the night. Mackay lies very close to the Eungella National Park, the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef (one of the natural wonders of the world) and the Whitsunday Islands, which are also worth going into side trips in.
The most interesting route that visitors usually take is one right down on the Peak Downs Highway, leading to Mirani and Walkerstone. In Walkerstone lies the popular Greenmount Historic Homestead. Beautiful old houses beautifully located in the midst of the tropical splendour as well as a top view of the sugar plantations can be enjoyed here.
The MacKay region is home to over 30 beaches. Some of the most interesting activities that can be done along the coast lines include fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and water skiing. In between water activities, visitors can pass by the magnificent Artspace MacKay which provides visual information on the history and contemporary art of the area. There are art and culture exhibitions as well as historical displays showcased all throughout the year.
The Mackay region is indeed an inviting combination of amazing wildlife, unspoilt beaches and sub-urban hospitable communities. The region as well as those surrounding it, is just perfect for a relaxing holiday that is either away from the stresses of daily life or nature-based adventure.