Information Hostel Accommodation Backpacking in Mackay

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Mackay

At the heart of the Sunshine State, within a day's drive of most regional centres, Mackay is surrounded by amazing natural diversity. Secluded beaches, spectacular rainforests, Barrier Reef islands, authentic bush experiences and an historic farming and mining hinterland are all on the doorstep of this thriving sugar centre.

As if that weren't enough, some of Queensland's best fishing is up for grabs alongside world-class golf facilities and a huge range of activities, attractions and day tours.

At the hub of it all is the Mackay City Heart, as charming a Queensland centre as you'd ever hope to find. With its colourful mix of colonial architecture and modern infrastructure, the City Heart hugs the bank of the Pioneer River in a garden-like setting of palm lined streets and tropical foliage. Here you'll find all the dining, shopping and conveniences of any cosmopolitan centre, but on a scale that remains relaxed and people friendly. Perhaps that's the key to Mackay's special brand of hospitality as the region is known to welcome visitors with country warmth and an unassuming style that can be hard to find in other centres.

As enjoyable as the City Heart is, an impressive lineup of holiday highlights are just a short drive away along the region's coasts, in the rainforest-clad mountains or in the hinterland. At the top of the list for many is a visit to Eungella National Park at the head of picturesque Pioneer Valley. Ranging over 51,700 hectares, the park draws its name from an Aboriginal word meaning Land of the Clouds. Here visitors have the chance to explore the oldest - and largest - tract of subtropical rainforest in Australia with over 22km of trails suited to all fitness levels. Aside from spectacular scenery, Eungella is home to amazing flora and fauna including giant fig trees, endangered frog species and the shy platypus, which is often spotted by visitors to Broken River.

Further down the valley lies Finch Hatton Gorge with its beautiful waterfalls, rock pools and nearby sugar farming hamlet complete with craft shops and homemade ice cream.

For folk wanting to follow the cultural holiday trail further afield, a wonderland of history and bush culture awaits in the region's Central Highlands and hinterland townships.

From farm stays and cattle mustering at Stoney Creek to Australia's largest annual Campdraft at Nebo, from Moranbah's Country Music festivities to Clermont's 141 years of gold fever, you never know what you'll find when you start heading west from Mackay.

Then again, if it's salt in your veins, the region boasts 31 unspoiled beaches ranging from patrolled swimming spots just minutes from the city centre to miles of untouched coastline.

The coastal Cape Hillsborough National Park about 20km north of Mackay is renowned for its rugged scenery, walking tracks and native wildlife.

The closest thing to a crowd on a beachfront stroll in this neck of the woods is likely to be a friendly family of kangaroos. And much the same can be said of the majority of the region's attractions.

Hugging the coast along the city's northern beaches, stop in at scenic spots like Bucasia.

The southern beaches are famous for great fishing and most beachside locations offer camping, caravan, picnic and barbecue facilities. When it comes to accommodation, the region caters to all tastes, budgets and group sizes. From the luxury of Laguna Quays Resort with its famous Turtle Point Golf Course to a natural campsite in a National Park, everyone's made welcome in the heart of Queensland

For more information:
Mackay Tourism
Tel +61 7 4944 5888 Photography by Tourism Queensland

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Hostels

Larrikin Lodge Mackay Backpackers 32 Peel Street Mackay QLD 4740 Phone 49513728

McGuire's 17 Wood Street Mackay 4740 Phone (07) 49577464

Queensland

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