Mackay

ABOUT THIS REGION Mackay is a city on the eastern coast of Queensland, about 970 kilometres (603 mi) north of Brisbane, on the Pioneer River. Mackay is nicknamed the sugar capital of Australia because its region produces more than a third of Australia's cane sugar. The Mackay region is an inviting blend of secluded beaches, elusive wildlife and rural communities. A gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This beautiful region enjoys a glorious year-round climate — perfect for snorkelling, exploring rainforests, sailing the Coral Sea or just relaxing by the beach. Mackay is the vibrant heart of the region containing lovely Art Deco buildings and streets lined with rows of palm trees. The Pioneer River flows past the city's historical buildings. Beautiful beaches and a world-class marina are within minutes from the city heart. As the hub of Mackay region, the city offers a diverse range of shopping, dining and entertainment options, an award winning gallery and picturesque botanic gardens. The Pioneer Valley marks the gateway to the spectacular wilderness area of Eungella National Park, the longest and oldest continuous stretch of subtropical rainforest in Australia covering over 51,700 hectares. Broken River near Eungella is the ideal place to view the shy platypus or head for fresh water swimming holes at Finch Hatton Gorge. Many animal and plant species discovered here are found nowhere else in the world. Brampton Island offers a real island experience with its 11 kilometres of walking tracks on this popular tropical haven. Other islands in the region include the Newry Island Group, with six national park islands offering great fishing, snorkelling and bird watching as well as a small resort and camping facilities. The Cumberland Group of islands include Keswick, Scawfell, Carlisle and St Bees which is perfect for a secluded island experience and only accessible by private vessel. Situated between Mackay and the Whitsundays are the Lindeman Group of islands renowned as home for the Club Med Lindeman Island Resort. INDUSTRY RESOURCES Regional Tourism Website : Mackay Tourism Regional Tourism Website : Queensland Tourism Research and Statistics : Tourism and Events Queensland Local Councils : QLD Councils CREDITS Information Source : Wikipedia Information Source : Queensland Tourism Image Credit : The Keswick Island Guest House : Tourism and Events Queensland : 2011 Ben Southall Regional Map : Copyright 2014 GoPanda Communications GoPanda