The Mackay region, situated on the eastern coast of Queensland, is a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists alike, thanks to the abundance of wildlife and marine attractions. Off the spectacular blue coastline is an area of the Great Barrier along with the St. Bees and Keswick islands, both rich in marine life and bio-diversity. Head further inland and you’ll come across the Eungella National Park, a protected habitat for the famed platypus.
Holiday makers generally flock to the city because of its central location, plus, it offers plenty of accommodation to choose from, such as the Oaks Rivermarque, for example, a chic and contemporary hotel in Mackay which overlooks the Pioneer River. However, if you would rather get closer to nature, Mackay has plenty of beautiful camping spots. If your ideal trip includes camping under the stars whilst the sound of waves breaking on shore lull you to sleep, then Cape Hillsborough is where you need to be. Camp alongside pine covered cliffs, just meters away from a beach where kangaroos come to feed, all for free!
The public area at Cape Hillsborough provides outdoor tables, toilets and shower blocks, which on most days, you’ll have all to yourself. At dawn, watch kangaroos chomping on seaweed before exploring the rocky outcrops and tidal pools. During the warmer months, the sea is off limits to swimmers due to the presence of highly-toxic jellyfish, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can kayak further out to one of the islands.
A stone’s throw from Cape Hillsborough, Ball Bay Beach offers calmer weather whilst large red rocks which jut out of the sand, provide a uniquely rosy glow during sunsets. A small grassy area near the beach provides a camping ground with basic facilities. For an authentic outback experience, travel deep into the rain forest, to the Eungella Village. The camping ground known as Fern Flat is a great base for explorers who come in search of the platypuses who live nearby.
| Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+ |
