Botanical Gardens: We visited here a couple of times, the first time we went for a walk from where the cafe is to the north checking out the different sections of gardens that have been created. The second time we took our bikes are started at the southern end riding to the northern end and back. The botanical gardens are always such a lovely spot to just sit and enjoy the beauty of the area. We even saw Ulysses butterfly; these were also spotted at Finch Hatton. There is also a breast cancer support group that meets here once a month at the Botanical Gardens. 

Island Cruise: We did have intentions to spend an entire day relaxing and enjoying the Great Barrier Reef and all its beauty. I ended up doing this one alone. I booked myself onto a day cruise that went around the islands cleaning up them up for the turtles, we focused on St Bees Island. At the end of the day, the captain found a lovely spot at Cockermouth Island and allowed everyone to go snorkelling. It was a lovely day and Wildcat Cruises were great.

Greenmount House: Built in 1915 by Albert Cook, the former cattle property forms part of the original claim taken up by Captain John Mackay in 1862. Following the death of Albert’s son Tom, the homestead was gifted to the city in 1983 and has operated as a heritage site ever since. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 9 am to 1 pm and the last Sunday of the month from 9 am to 1 pm. Tours begin at 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am.

Sarina: approximately half an hour south of Mackay. One of the best things in the area was the Sugar Shed. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was great. They walk you through the entire process of how sugar is grown, harvested and turned into what you buy on the supermarket shelf. It was very interesting. Just south of Sarina is Cape Palmerston, we had every intention of visiting here, but unfortunately, time did not allow it. It is definitely on the list when we pass by next. Just north of Sarina is the turn-off to Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminals; the Mackay Region’s coal export facilities. The administrative building at the Hay Point Coal Terminal operates a viewing platform for panoramic views over the massive facility. Make sure you go for a drive-up and have a look, it’s pretty incredible.

Keep an eye out for Buffy, a large Cane Toad statue placed in the middle of the Sarina township, in between the north and southbound lanes of the Bruce Highway.

Midge Point: If you google it will will find Midge Point is a coastal town and rural locality in the Mackay Region, Queensland, Australia. In the 2021 census, the locality of Midge Point had a population of 435 people. It doesn’t tell you about the Marble Rock – to get there walk south along the beach at Midge Point at low tide, cross the creek and continue south on the sand around the mangrove-lined foreshore of Midge Mountain until you come to a beach. Without proceeding further, simply double back behind the mangroves for around 100m where you will quickly find this magnificent rock. The walk is approximately 1.5 km (20 mins) from the caravan park at Midge Point. It is best to complete the walk in the morning, tide permitting, as the rock gets shadowed by the mountain in the early afternoon. If you want to explore more and have plenty of low tide, go to the northern end of the beach and look out for basalt lava flows along the foreshore. 

Proserpine: The people I was working with actually factored into their day schedule when they were in the region, a visit to the Proserpine Bakery. Another local business that caught our eye was “Colour Me Crazy”, be sure to check it out! A fun fact about the area is the number of crocodiles said to be in the river, quoted as being 5.5 crocodiles per kilometre, the highest density of crocodiles anywhere in Queensland.

Separate posts are on:

• Eungella National Park;
• Cathu State Forest;
• Finch Hatton;
• Whitsundays;
• Cape Hillsborough.