Community Welcomes RVs: Mackay

Look out for the ‘Community Welcomes Recreational Vehicles’ signage on your next trip and rest easy knowing that your destination is equipped to welcome you and your caravan, camper trailer, motorhome or campervan. This month we are profiling Mackay.

These towns have made a commitment to offer easily accessible long vehicle short term parking within the town centre and have clear directional signage to their local visitor information centre.

Sitting halfway along the Queensland coastline, just 340km north of the Tropic of Capricorn is Mackay.  Renowned as Australia’s Sugar capital, Mackay was discovered in 1860 by John Mackay for pastoral opportunities. Today, it has become an important tourism, agricultural, marine and mining hub, easily accessed by air, road and rail.

Mackay is one of Queensland’s finest examples of Art Deco design and early pioneer life. Take a historic walk through the CBD and view the Cominos Building and Wide Bay Australia House, or venture further afield and experience pioneer life at Selwyn House and Greenmount Historic Homestead. If you’re into machinery in a big way, visit the Coal Terminals at Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay or taste the sweet success of sugar at the Marian Sugar Mill or ever-popular Sarina Sugar Shed – Australia’s only miniature sugar mill and distillery at the Sarina Field of Dreams Parklands.

The Field of Dreams Parklands is the perfect spot to plan your next move in the Mackay region. Let the friendly staff at Queensland’s award-winning Sarina Tourist Art and Craft Centre help you plan and book your perfect stay, then take time to explore the Sarina Historical Centre and Sarina Art Gallery.  Refresh yourself in the Parklands facilities where you’ll find a playground for the kids, free WiFi for the tech-addicts, bins, toilets, tea and coffee, BBQs and a dump point.

Today Mackay is a bright, modern, entertaining city. Cross the Forgan Smith bridge over the Pioneer River to visit Harbour Beach and Mackay Marina entertainment precinct to find great dining and entertainment options. Or explore the CBD to reveal modern dining, art and galleries, botanical gardens and shopping. But, if you want to walk on the wild side, why not enjoy the stunning natural beauty of lush sub-tropical rainforest, reef and islands that make this region famous.

The Pioneer Valley and coastal ranges offer nature lovers the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. Head about an hour west of Mackay and take a break in beautiful Eungella National Park where you can dive in crystal, sub-tropical rainforest waters, view Platypus in their natural habitat, picnic by waterfalls and climb over volcanic boulders. Or head north up to stunning Cape Hillsborough National Park and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise with Wallabies as they fossick for their breakfast in the early morning tide.

The Mackay region is beautiful, Insta-worthy, and an all-round exciting destination sure to make the closest of friends and family very jealous.

For more information, please visit the Community Welcomes website.

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