Mackay

Driving through it’s obvious to see that you are in cane country. Cane fields surround the city and during cane season you will hear warnings on the TV and radio to be wary at train crossings. There are a few mills in the area that you will see billowing smoke in the distance. During the mining boom Mackay was a very lively town. Now days are a lot quieter and you will notice some shops and houses are empty. Canelands shopping centre was once filled with shoppers that had money to spend. On the plus side, nowdays it is very easy to get a park at the shopping centre and they have great relaxing zones for adults and a wonderful indoor play area for the kids.

Things to do

Bluewater Lagoon is a free swimming area opposite Canelands shopping. It has a couple of large pools and a water slide and bucket area for the younger kids. There is a cafe on premises but my advice would be to pack your own esky of food and drink. 

Harbour Beach and Slade Point (Lamberts Lookout)

Gooseponds

Eungella

Finch Hatton Gorge

Cape Hillsborough

A little slice of paradise right here. Only $6 per person to stay in the National Park (Smalleys Beach), but with limited spots you need to book in ahead of time. The camp spots are huge, with sites 1 & 2 seeming to be the best access for caravans. Get up early to see the Kangaroos on the beach at Sunrise- this is where Qantas has taken photos for advertisements. See the Aboriginal fish traps that are still there, but make sure you get there at low tide. We also checked out the local tea house which was a beautiful spot to unwind.

Dudley Denny City Library