Ball Bay Attractions

Jo
Ball Bay Attractions

Entertainment & Activities

AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE A unique Australian hands on experience where you'll have the opportunity to handle some of Australia's magnificent wildlife such a snakes, lizards, baby crocodiles, cuddling the beautiful Koalas and see resident crocodiles being hand fed. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL. Phone: 0457 777 937 95 km (75 min drive) north of Mackay MUST HAVE BOOKING Bredl's Wild Farm is located at Bloomsbury Queensland Australia. •65kms (60min drive) South of Airlie Beach •95kms (75min drive) North of Mackay •114kms (90min drive) South of Bowen To visit the farm you MUST have a booking! Bredl's Wild Farm is a guided tour and one of a kind, unique and personal experience. It is not a zoo or a park it is the Bredl families private property where you will have the opportunity to hold most of the animals, at no extra cost which includes snakes, baby crocodiles, lizards, koala and more (only children over 12 years old can hold the koala). They will take you down to the big crocodiles where they will hand feed them only metres from where you are standing which will AMAZE you. This will be a day out you'll remember forever. We only book a maximum of 34 people per day, the group will be split into 2 smaller groups, making it a very personal hands on experience. Full payment is required when booking. Minimum number 6 Adults are required for tour to run. Once you have booked and payment has been processed you will be emailed your receipt, booking confirmation and map to the property which is located at Bloomsbury Queensland approximately 1 hours drive from Airlie Beach or Mackay. We have a bus operating from Airlie Beach and will pick you up from your accommodation, for more information please contact us. The tour starts at 10am and runs till approximately 2pm. Tour's run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Closed Wednesday's and Sunday's. If we are running a tour on one of our closed day's we will post on Facebook. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kylie on 0457 777 937. BOOKINGS We have two options of visiting our farm, drive yourself or by bus from Airlie Beach. •Adults: $70, Children (2-15 years): $40 Under 2 years old: Free (GST Inclusive)•Payment Methods: Visa/Mastercard/Cash •Bookings and Enquiries please call 0457777937 •Minimum number of 6 Adults are required for a tour to go ahead. If we do not have our minimum we will pencil you in and contact you to book as soon as we reach that
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bredl's Wild Farm
523 Lindeman Dr
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE A unique Australian hands on experience where you'll have the opportunity to handle some of Australia's magnificent wildlife such a snakes, lizards, baby crocodiles, cuddling the beautiful Koalas and see resident crocodiles being hand fed. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL. Phone: 0457 777 937 95 km (75 min drive) north of Mackay MUST HAVE BOOKING Bredl's Wild Farm is located at Bloomsbury Queensland Australia. •65kms (60min drive) South of Airlie Beach •95kms (75min drive) North of Mackay •114kms (90min drive) South of Bowen To visit the farm you MUST have a booking! Bredl's Wild Farm is a guided tour and one of a kind, unique and personal experience. It is not a zoo or a park it is the Bredl families private property where you will have the opportunity to hold most of the animals, at no extra cost which includes snakes, baby crocodiles, lizards, koala and more (only children over 12 years old can hold the koala). They will take you down to the big crocodiles where they will hand feed them only metres from where you are standing which will AMAZE you. This will be a day out you'll remember forever. We only book a maximum of 34 people per day, the group will be split into 2 smaller groups, making it a very personal hands on experience. Full payment is required when booking. Minimum number 6 Adults are required for tour to run. Once you have booked and payment has been processed you will be emailed your receipt, booking confirmation and map to the property which is located at Bloomsbury Queensland approximately 1 hours drive from Airlie Beach or Mackay. We have a bus operating from Airlie Beach and will pick you up from your accommodation, for more information please contact us. The tour starts at 10am and runs till approximately 2pm. Tour's run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Closed Wednesday's and Sunday's. If we are running a tour on one of our closed day's we will post on Facebook. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kylie on 0457 777 937. BOOKINGS We have two options of visiting our farm, drive yourself or by bus from Airlie Beach. •Adults: $70, Children (2-15 years): $40 Under 2 years old: Free (GST Inclusive)•Payment Methods: Visa/Mastercard/Cash •Bookings and Enquiries please call 0457777937 •Minimum number of 6 Adults are required for a tour to go ahead. If we do not have our minimum we will pencil you in and contact you to book as soon as we reach that
FOREST FLYING TOUR ABOVE THE RAIN FOREST AT FINCH HATTON Discover all the fun of a fully guided FOREST FLYING Tour and see the pristine beauty of the Finch Hatton Gorge from the treetops! $60 p.p. Please book directly with us. The Ultimate Rainforest Experience! Experience our unique flying fox tour at Finch Hatton Gorge west of Mackay Are you looking for an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Queensland's stunning rainforests? Locals and visitors to the Mackay area love the fun and adventure of Forest Flying! The Forest Flying eco-tourism experience is set up to allow you to view the rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge from a unique angle. Our flying fox is an overhead cable and pulley system up to 25 metres above ground that allows you to travel 340 metres through the rainforest canopy. To learn more about our great rainforest tours or to make a booking, simply call the team at Forest Flying today! If you want to fly, call us! 07 4958 3359 Get a bird's eye view of Queensland's beautiful rainforest. Forest Flying takes you into the tree tops for a fascinating up close view of the pristine rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge. Your personal harness and pulley glides along the cable for a serene and educational outing, all with minimal disruption to the habitat. You will have total control of the speed at which you travel along the cable. Glide through the treetops on a flying fox! Do you live in the Mackay area and are looking for a fun family outing or weekend activity? Or perhaps you are visiting the region and want a totally unique tourism experience? Get up close and personal with Mackay's nature! There is no better way to see Mackay's pristine rain forest than with a flying fox tour! Forest Flying will have you gliding through the treetops serenely and safely. Our tours are a fantastic way for people of all ages to get up close and personal with the wonders of nature. If you want to make a booking, simply contact our friendly team today! Forest Flying Tour The Forest Flying Tour lasts for between one and one and a half hours. Tour Times are 10.30 am and 1 pm daily, weather permitting. Booking is essential. The fully guided session and tour. Please inform the instructor of any illness or disability that may affect your ability to take part. Who can Take Part? The minimum weight to use the flying fox is 18 kilograms and the maximum weight is 120 kilograms. Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. No special fitness required but Forest Flying is not suitable for infants. If you can do an average bush walk you can do Forest Flying! What to Bring Wear what you would for a regular bush walk for example shorts, t-shirt, closed in shoes and a hat. Remember that red attracts the Ulysses butterfly! You are most welcome to bring a camera (nb a camera with a strap is better than a mobile phone). You may also like to bring a water bottle. All possessions such as cameras, hats, water bottles and eye wear are to be safely secured. Our team can help you with securing any loose items. For safety reasons, long hair must be tied back. How to find us To find us from Mackay head towards Eungella National Park, but just before Finch Hatton turn right to Finch Hatton Gorge. Follow the signs towards Finch Hatton Gorge. Once you have driven through the first causeway take the first left (Van Houweninge's Road), take another left onto Oliver's Road and then turn right to Forest Flying. Please follow the road up the hill. You will find ample parking and a warm welcome from our tour guides at the top! Price and Bookings To reserve your place, just e-mail Forest Flying, phone 07 4958 3359 or use the online form on our contact page. The Forest Flying Tour costs $60, which includes the $15 entry charge. Please note that a $15 entry fee applies to each person not flying (i.e. spectators). EFTPOS facilities are available for your convenience
20 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Finch Hatton Gorge
Gorge Road
20 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
FOREST FLYING TOUR ABOVE THE RAIN FOREST AT FINCH HATTON Discover all the fun of a fully guided FOREST FLYING Tour and see the pristine beauty of the Finch Hatton Gorge from the treetops! $60 p.p. Please book directly with us. The Ultimate Rainforest Experience! Experience our unique flying fox tour at Finch Hatton Gorge west of Mackay Are you looking for an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Queensland's stunning rainforests? Locals and visitors to the Mackay area love the fun and adventure of Forest Flying! The Forest Flying eco-tourism experience is set up to allow you to view the rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge from a unique angle. Our flying fox is an overhead cable and pulley system up to 25 metres above ground that allows you to travel 340 metres through the rainforest canopy. To learn more about our great rainforest tours or to make a booking, simply call the team at Forest Flying today! If you want to fly, call us! 07 4958 3359 Get a bird's eye view of Queensland's beautiful rainforest. Forest Flying takes you into the tree tops for a fascinating up close view of the pristine rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge. Your personal harness and pulley glides along the cable for a serene and educational outing, all with minimal disruption to the habitat. You will have total control of the speed at which you travel along the cable. Glide through the treetops on a flying fox! Do you live in the Mackay area and are looking for a fun family outing or weekend activity? Or perhaps you are visiting the region and want a totally unique tourism experience? Get up close and personal with Mackay's nature! There is no better way to see Mackay's pristine rain forest than with a flying fox tour! Forest Flying will have you gliding through the treetops serenely and safely. Our tours are a fantastic way for people of all ages to get up close and personal with the wonders of nature. If you want to make a booking, simply contact our friendly team today! Forest Flying Tour The Forest Flying Tour lasts for between one and one and a half hours. Tour Times are 10.30 am and 1 pm daily, weather permitting. Booking is essential. The fully guided session and tour. Please inform the instructor of any illness or disability that may affect your ability to take part. Who can Take Part? The minimum weight to use the flying fox is 18 kilograms and the maximum weight is 120 kilograms. Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. No special fitness required but Forest Flying is not suitable for infants. If you can do an average bush walk you can do Forest Flying! What to Bring Wear what you would for a regular bush walk for example shorts, t-shirt, closed in shoes and a hat. Remember that red attracts the Ulysses butterfly! You are most welcome to bring a camera (nb a camera with a strap is better than a mobile phone). You may also like to bring a water bottle. All possessions such as cameras, hats, water bottles and eye wear are to be safely secured. Our team can help you with securing any loose items. For safety reasons, long hair must be tied back. How to find us To find us from Mackay head towards Eungella National Park, but just before Finch Hatton turn right to Finch Hatton Gorge. Follow the signs towards Finch Hatton Gorge. Once you have driven through the first causeway take the first left (Van Houweninge's Road), take another left onto Oliver's Road and then turn right to Forest Flying. Please follow the road up the hill. You will find ample parking and a warm welcome from our tour guides at the top! Price and Bookings To reserve your place, just e-mail Forest Flying, phone 07 4958 3359 or use the online form on our contact page. The Forest Flying Tour costs $60, which includes the $15 entry charge. Please note that a $15 entry fee applies to each person not flying (i.e. spectators). EFTPOS facilities are available for your convenience
Sarina Sugar Shed (about 20 minutes south of Mackay on the Bruce Highway) Take the Tour - Taste the Action! There is no greater story in Australia’s history than that of Australia’s sugar cane industry. This story is ideally showcased, for visitors of all ages, at the Sarina Sugar Shed where you can "take the tour and taste the action." Sarina Sugar Shed, an award winning tourist facility, is a miniature sugar mill and distillery. Open all year round, visitors of any age can enjoy a fully personalised guided tour of the entire facility and see firsthand how sugar is grown, processed, milled and distilled in the unique miniature mill. The tour takes you on a 'touchy-feely-tasty' journey of three generations of farming sugar cane. Take a tour to experience the tasting of the products produced at the Sugar Shed. Lime and Mango gourmet sauces, liqueurs and schnapps. Smooth flavours of chocolate, rum, local Bowen mangoes tantalise taste buds and have you wanting more. The big attraction for all ages the creation of fairy floss. We love it, you’ll love it! Open Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. Tours 9.30am 11.00am 12.30pm and 2.00pm. Closed Public Holidays.
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Sarina Sugar Shed
Railway Square
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Sarina Sugar Shed (about 20 minutes south of Mackay on the Bruce Highway) Take the Tour - Taste the Action! There is no greater story in Australia’s history than that of Australia’s sugar cane industry. This story is ideally showcased, for visitors of all ages, at the Sarina Sugar Shed where you can "take the tour and taste the action." Sarina Sugar Shed, an award winning tourist facility, is a miniature sugar mill and distillery. Open all year round, visitors of any age can enjoy a fully personalised guided tour of the entire facility and see firsthand how sugar is grown, processed, milled and distilled in the unique miniature mill. The tour takes you on a 'touchy-feely-tasty' journey of three generations of farming sugar cane. Take a tour to experience the tasting of the products produced at the Sugar Shed. Lime and Mango gourmet sauces, liqueurs and schnapps. Smooth flavours of chocolate, rum, local Bowen mangoes tantalise taste buds and have you wanting more. The big attraction for all ages the creation of fairy floss. We love it, you’ll love it! Open Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. Tours 9.30am 11.00am 12.30pm and 2.00pm. Closed Public Holidays.
There is a 9-hole golf course here and a swimming enclosure for year round swimming at the beach. Haliday Bay is right next door to Ball Bay.
Haliday Bay
There is a 9-hole golf course here and a swimming enclosure for year round swimming at the beach. Haliday Bay is right next door to Ball Bay.

Sightseeing

WALLABIES AT SUNRISE A tour of CAPE HILLSBOROUGH and The HIBISCUS COAST Cape Hillsborough and The Hibiscus Coast is full of surprises. Catch the wallabies on the beach at dawn at Cape Hillsborough or walk great walking tracks to see exciting rock pools on Wedge island. For a start, there are no hibiscus flowers on its namesake, and that’s only the beginning of this coastline’s curiosities. Fifty kilometers north of Mackay, you’ll find ancient volcanoes, an island you can walk to, and a national park filled with hoop pines that grow right down to the beach. If you’re looking for a holiday that will have you putting down that iPhone and finding yourself in fantastic surroundings, then take a vacation filled with nature to discover the rugged mountains, secluded bays, and picture-perfect beach terrain of The Hibiscus Coast. Got 48 hours to spare? Here’s some suggestions to sweeten your visit to the sugar capital: Day 1 9 AM: Meet The Mackay Region 1/9 For a regional city, Mackay has the accessibility of one of Queensland’s majors. In fact, a large number of flights arrive into the city each week from metropolitan centres. Travelers more comfortable with four wheels on the ground will find The Hibiscus Coast in the middle of the Queensland coastline, (almost) the exact same drive distance (approx. 1000km) from Brisbane and from Cairns. Regardless of whether you fly or drive, start this itinerary with a lay of the land, or at very least check out the Pioneer River, the Bluewater Lagoon and popular breakfast haunts like the Coco Cubano, which serves Cuban food on exactly the same latitude as Cuba, in Mackay. If you have more time to explore the city, be sure check out the many things to see and do and read about before hitting the road. 11 AM: Hit the highway to the Hibiscus coast 2/9 There are 20 sugar cane-filled kilometers between the city center and your first stop north of Mackay on this itinerary, THE LEAP HOTEL. This drive is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque stretches of the 1652 km-long Bruce Highway, with verdant sugar cane country on either side of the bitumen. The towering cane fields somehow manage to make this drive feel more like a rural country drive than a national highway, which is good news for people who prefer the road less traveled. When you see signs for The Leap Hotel prepare to stop to sate your appetite for good stories and a menu that serves chicken a few ways – Kiev, parmigiana or grilled over a salad. The Leap Hotel is a pub turned mini-museum and is the best place to hear how the area got its name. Spoiler alert: The name came after a local tribe woman made the ultimate sacrifice atop Mt Mandarana Cliff, plummeting to the valley below in 1868… or so legend tells us. 1 PM: Pick up supplies Following lunch, check out the jewelry and trinkets at THAT SAPPHIRE PLACE for the ultimate keepsake souvenir like a pendant necklace, ring or bracelet dripping in precious stones. If you’re not literate in all things gemstones, a quick chat to owners Peter and Josephine will teach you the difference between “sapphires” and “Sapphires”, the latter of which are stocked a plenty at this store. And just beside this shop you'll find a country craft store oozing with quality crafts made by the local artisans. 3/9 After leaving The Leap, when you turn off the highway onto the Seaforth road pay a visit to organic heaven, The Organic & Natural Store, to pick up supplies to self-cater tonight, which is a must if you choose to stay at Ball Bay as there are no shops there. The Airbnb Beach Hut comes with a full kitchen, so don’t be shy when picking ingredients for stove top. 2 PM: Onwards and further east to Cape Hillsborough. Follow the Seaforth Road and visitor information signs for Cape Hillsborough. Head inland and watch the sugar cane dissolve into rugged Australian bushland. 3 PM: Hike the headland 4/9 Cape Hillsborough National Park is the second-largest national park in The Mackay Region at 1012 ha (losing out only to Eungella National Park, which you can read about here). The best way to discover it is one of the four short walks through the park, which take you through dense native bushland and rainforest. Walks range from 1.2 – 5.2 kms so you have a choice, depending on your appetite for the great outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for the 140 birds, 22 mammals and 500 plant species that make this national park such a diverse ecosystem and popular with researchers all over the world. Binoculars, camera and a bottle of water are the only items you don’t want to forget to pack! 5 PM: Start the walk to sunset Sure, the sunrise might be what’s so famous about Cape Hillsborough but the sunset gives it a run for its money, especially when you catch it at Hidden Valley, on The Hibiscus Coast. It turns out, this valley is not so hidden – it takes just 40 minutes to walk from the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park to the last bay, Hidden Valley –check in the shop for directions and maybe a sweet treat. You’re promised a secluded sunset, with an amber glow that make the sand glisten like someone spilled a bag of gold glitter all over the beach. Every now and then you’ll see a flash of bright blue dotted against the golden sands – from the wings of Ulysses butterflies who add a pop of colour to this rugged setting. 5/9 7 PM: Cook up a family favourite Back at the Beach Hut at Ball Bay you can take your time wandering the long expanse of the beach or enjoy a glass of chilled Australian wine on the veranda watching the tide come in before a leisurely dinner. Get to bed early, though – the headline act at Cape Hillsborough only rewards early birds . Day 2 Drive to Cape Hillsborough 5:30 AM SUNRISE with the WALLABIES This famous mob of macro-pods are quickly becoming the most famous animal encounter in Queensland. It’s so famous in fact, it even features on a Qantas inflight safety briefing alongside Aussie-icon heavyweights like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Uluru. Aside from natural beauty, the best part is that this is a non-ticketed, wild event that plays out on Casuarina Beach, in Cape Hillsborough. But if you prefer a guided tour NB. Mackay Tourism offers tours that commence 30 minutes before sunrise each morning, check www.sunrisewallabytours.com for times. Tours take approximately 90 minutes. If you want to be part of the Rangers Tour group on the beach with a narration it'll cost you $22 adult. Children 4-14 $14. Family 2 adults 2 children $60. For reasons unknown, the mob of eastern grey and agile wallabies gather on the beach to fossick for seaweed and seed pods that have washed ashore. Mystery aside, you’ll be glad they choose to take their breakfast buffet here. The wallabies create the perfect silhouette against the rising sun and don’t mind their photo being taken (just don’t get too close because these shy mammals don’t do encore appearances once scared off by tourists going in for the selfie). Looking for more photogenic spots? Check out this activity. 6/9 8 AM: Breakfast With the main event of your day out of the way well before 7 am, you can duck back to bed or for a few extra $$ join the team at the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park Café for breakfast. Or, make the most of the morning and squeeze in Andrews Lookout, which is 2.8 km walk (return) from the beach. Once you’ve finished the track, you’ll be in perfect position to cross the sand-flats to Wedge Island, low tide permitting of course. 9 AM: Walk to Wedge Island How would you like to visit the most accessible island of the Great Barrier Reef? The commute time is 15 minutes, oh, and you can get there on foot (tides permitting) via sand and rock flats. Strap on your reef shoes for a day of rock walking and reef exploration with a visit to Wedge Island, which you can see from the national park. Once you grow weary of spotting crustaceans hiding in rock pools, visit the western side of the island to discover Wedge Beach, with 150 m of sand to sunbathe upon. Just keep an eye on the tides so you don't get stranded on the island. 7/9 If you return early to the mainland, walk to the epicenter of the ancient volcano which created the landscape here, found at Pinnacle Rock just north of Cape Hillsborough beach. Ask at Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park shop for a map or directions. 1 PM: Take lunch at THE OLD STATION TEAHOUSE along Cape Hillsborough road on your way to Ball Bay. Refuel after your hiking adventure with carbs and camellias in the beautiful gardens at The Old Station Teahouse. Best known for their four different scone recipes, The Old Station Teahouse Devonshire Tea is what afternoon tea dreams are made of. If it’s a fine day, sit back, relax and take it in the gardens, which have been transformed around the old Marian railway station. If you’re looking for something more substantial, their wood-fired pizzas will hit the spot too. 8/9 3 PM: Enjoy a few coldies at the Seaforth Bowls Club Head north-east toward Seaforth from Cape Hillsborough to discover a few quaint seaside villages. The Hibiscus Coast can thank years of volcanic activity for dividing the once endless stretch of beach into secluded beaches and bays. Spend the afternoon driving the loop between Ball Bay Beach, Seaforth, Smalley's and Halliday Bay, which each have their own community by the bay. Take a beach walk at Ball Bay if you want to experience that feeling of being the only person in the world. Or have a swim in the enclosure at Halliday Bay next to the golf course. Finish your self-guided town tour with a few coldies at the Seaforth Bowls Club, the best place to watch the afternoon light dance off the water, while enjoying a beer and piping hot, salty chips. With your ions positively charged from natural encounters, make tracks back to Ball Bay. Enjoy!! 9/9 Hannah Statham
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Seaforth
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
WALLABIES AT SUNRISE A tour of CAPE HILLSBOROUGH and The HIBISCUS COAST Cape Hillsborough and The Hibiscus Coast is full of surprises. Catch the wallabies on the beach at dawn at Cape Hillsborough or walk great walking tracks to see exciting rock pools on Wedge island. For a start, there are no hibiscus flowers on its namesake, and that’s only the beginning of this coastline’s curiosities. Fifty kilometers north of Mackay, you’ll find ancient volcanoes, an island you can walk to, and a national park filled with hoop pines that grow right down to the beach. If you’re looking for a holiday that will have you putting down that iPhone and finding yourself in fantastic surroundings, then take a vacation filled with nature to discover the rugged mountains, secluded bays, and picture-perfect beach terrain of The Hibiscus Coast. Got 48 hours to spare? Here’s some suggestions to sweeten your visit to the sugar capital: Day 1 9 AM: Meet The Mackay Region 1/9 For a regional city, Mackay has the accessibility of one of Queensland’s majors. In fact, a large number of flights arrive into the city each week from metropolitan centres. Travelers more comfortable with four wheels on the ground will find The Hibiscus Coast in the middle of the Queensland coastline, (almost) the exact same drive distance (approx. 1000km) from Brisbane and from Cairns. Regardless of whether you fly or drive, start this itinerary with a lay of the land, or at very least check out the Pioneer River, the Bluewater Lagoon and popular breakfast haunts like the Coco Cubano, which serves Cuban food on exactly the same latitude as Cuba, in Mackay. If you have more time to explore the city, be sure check out the many things to see and do and read about before hitting the road. 11 AM: Hit the highway to the Hibiscus coast 2/9 There are 20 sugar cane-filled kilometers between the city center and your first stop north of Mackay on this itinerary, THE LEAP HOTEL. This drive is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque stretches of the 1652 km-long Bruce Highway, with verdant sugar cane country on either side of the bitumen. The towering cane fields somehow manage to make this drive feel more like a rural country drive than a national highway, which is good news for people who prefer the road less traveled. When you see signs for The Leap Hotel prepare to stop to sate your appetite for good stories and a menu that serves chicken a few ways – Kiev, parmigiana or grilled over a salad. The Leap Hotel is a pub turned mini-museum and is the best place to hear how the area got its name. Spoiler alert: The name came after a local tribe woman made the ultimate sacrifice atop Mt Mandarana Cliff, plummeting to the valley below in 1868… or so legend tells us. 1 PM: Pick up supplies Following lunch, check out the jewelry and trinkets at THAT SAPPHIRE PLACE for the ultimate keepsake souvenir like a pendant necklace, ring or bracelet dripping in precious stones. If you’re not literate in all things gemstones, a quick chat to owners Peter and Josephine will teach you the difference between “sapphires” and “Sapphires”, the latter of which are stocked a plenty at this store. And just beside this shop you'll find a country craft store oozing with quality crafts made by the local artisans. 3/9 After leaving The Leap, when you turn off the highway onto the Seaforth road pay a visit to organic heaven, The Organic & Natural Store, to pick up supplies to self-cater tonight, which is a must if you choose to stay at Ball Bay as there are no shops there. The Airbnb Beach Hut comes with a full kitchen, so don’t be shy when picking ingredients for stove top. 2 PM: Onwards and further east to Cape Hillsborough. Follow the Seaforth Road and visitor information signs for Cape Hillsborough. Head inland and watch the sugar cane dissolve into rugged Australian bushland. 3 PM: Hike the headland 4/9 Cape Hillsborough National Park is the second-largest national park in The Mackay Region at 1012 ha (losing out only to Eungella National Park, which you can read about here). The best way to discover it is one of the four short walks through the park, which take you through dense native bushland and rainforest. Walks range from 1.2 – 5.2 kms so you have a choice, depending on your appetite for the great outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for the 140 birds, 22 mammals and 500 plant species that make this national park such a diverse ecosystem and popular with researchers all over the world. Binoculars, camera and a bottle of water are the only items you don’t want to forget to pack! 5 PM: Start the walk to sunset Sure, the sunrise might be what’s so famous about Cape Hillsborough but the sunset gives it a run for its money, especially when you catch it at Hidden Valley, on The Hibiscus Coast. It turns out, this valley is not so hidden – it takes just 40 minutes to walk from the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park to the last bay, Hidden Valley –check in the shop for directions and maybe a sweet treat. You’re promised a secluded sunset, with an amber glow that make the sand glisten like someone spilled a bag of gold glitter all over the beach. Every now and then you’ll see a flash of bright blue dotted against the golden sands – from the wings of Ulysses butterflies who add a pop of colour to this rugged setting. 5/9 7 PM: Cook up a family favourite Back at the Beach Hut at Ball Bay you can take your time wandering the long expanse of the beach or enjoy a glass of chilled Australian wine on the veranda watching the tide come in before a leisurely dinner. Get to bed early, though – the headline act at Cape Hillsborough only rewards early birds . Day 2 Drive to Cape Hillsborough 5:30 AM SUNRISE with the WALLABIES This famous mob of macro-pods are quickly becoming the most famous animal encounter in Queensland. It’s so famous in fact, it even features on a Qantas inflight safety briefing alongside Aussie-icon heavyweights like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Uluru. Aside from natural beauty, the best part is that this is a non-ticketed, wild event that plays out on Casuarina Beach, in Cape Hillsborough. But if you prefer a guided tour NB. Mackay Tourism offers tours that commence 30 minutes before sunrise each morning, check www.sunrisewallabytours.com for times. Tours take approximately 90 minutes. If you want to be part of the Rangers Tour group on the beach with a narration it'll cost you $22 adult. Children 4-14 $14. Family 2 adults 2 children $60. For reasons unknown, the mob of eastern grey and agile wallabies gather on the beach to fossick for seaweed and seed pods that have washed ashore. Mystery aside, you’ll be glad they choose to take their breakfast buffet here. The wallabies create the perfect silhouette against the rising sun and don’t mind their photo being taken (just don’t get too close because these shy mammals don’t do encore appearances once scared off by tourists going in for the selfie). Looking for more photogenic spots? Check out this activity. 6/9 8 AM: Breakfast With the main event of your day out of the way well before 7 am, you can duck back to bed or for a few extra $$ join the team at the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park Café for breakfast. Or, make the most of the morning and squeeze in Andrews Lookout, which is 2.8 km walk (return) from the beach. Once you’ve finished the track, you’ll be in perfect position to cross the sand-flats to Wedge Island, low tide permitting of course. 9 AM: Walk to Wedge Island How would you like to visit the most accessible island of the Great Barrier Reef? The commute time is 15 minutes, oh, and you can get there on foot (tides permitting) via sand and rock flats. Strap on your reef shoes for a day of rock walking and reef exploration with a visit to Wedge Island, which you can see from the national park. Once you grow weary of spotting crustaceans hiding in rock pools, visit the western side of the island to discover Wedge Beach, with 150 m of sand to sunbathe upon. Just keep an eye on the tides so you don't get stranded on the island. 7/9 If you return early to the mainland, walk to the epicenter of the ancient volcano which created the landscape here, found at Pinnacle Rock just north of Cape Hillsborough beach. Ask at Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park shop for a map or directions. 1 PM: Take lunch at THE OLD STATION TEAHOUSE along Cape Hillsborough road on your way to Ball Bay. Refuel after your hiking adventure with carbs and camellias in the beautiful gardens at The Old Station Teahouse. Best known for their four different scone recipes, The Old Station Teahouse Devonshire Tea is what afternoon tea dreams are made of. If it’s a fine day, sit back, relax and take it in the gardens, which have been transformed around the old Marian railway station. If you’re looking for something more substantial, their wood-fired pizzas will hit the spot too. 8/9 3 PM: Enjoy a few coldies at the Seaforth Bowls Club Head north-east toward Seaforth from Cape Hillsborough to discover a few quaint seaside villages. The Hibiscus Coast can thank years of volcanic activity for dividing the once endless stretch of beach into secluded beaches and bays. Spend the afternoon driving the loop between Ball Bay Beach, Seaforth, Smalley's and Halliday Bay, which each have their own community by the bay. Take a beach walk at Ball Bay if you want to experience that feeling of being the only person in the world. Or have a swim in the enclosure at Halliday Bay next to the golf course. Finish your self-guided town tour with a few coldies at the Seaforth Bowls Club, the best place to watch the afternoon light dance off the water, while enjoying a beer and piping hot, salty chips. With your ions positively charged from natural encounters, make tracks back to Ball Bay. Enjoy!! 9/9 Hannah Statham
Platypus encounters at Eungella National Park Head to Eungella National Park. The drive alone makes the trip worthwhile, with stunning mountain views on either side of the twisty terrain. At the Platypus Lodge Restaurant & Café beside the Broken River resort diners can eat native Australian meats like crocodile and kangaroo while watching platypuses swim in the waters below. You can take a short bush walk along Broken River to the platypus viewing platform and if you're lucky you can watch them swimming about. Early morning and late afternoon is the best viewing time.
36 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Eungella National Park
36 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Platypus encounters at Eungella National Park Head to Eungella National Park. The drive alone makes the trip worthwhile, with stunning mountain views on either side of the twisty terrain. At the Platypus Lodge Restaurant & Café beside the Broken River resort diners can eat native Australian meats like crocodile and kangaroo while watching platypuses swim in the waters below. You can take a short bush walk along Broken River to the platypus viewing platform and if you're lucky you can watch them swimming about. Early morning and late afternoon is the best viewing time.
Be inspired by the highest standard of contemporary art at Artspace Mackay, with three impressive gallery spaces and an ever-changing exhibitions program. Artspace hosts a diverse range of travelling exhibitions from national and regional gallery collections, and also curates shows from its own Mackay Regional Council Artists Book Collection. Public and educational programs for all ages including art classes, workshops, master classes, lectures, seminars, performances, presentations, guided tours and events all take place at this cultural venue. Location: Civic Centre Precinct, Gordon Street, Mackay Contact: Phone > (07) 4961 9722 www.artspacemackay.com.au Opening hours: Tuesdays – Fridays from 10am – 5pm and Saturdays – Sundays from 10am to 3pm Admission is free.
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Artspace Mackay
61 Gordon St
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Be inspired by the highest standard of contemporary art at Artspace Mackay, with three impressive gallery spaces and an ever-changing exhibitions program. Artspace hosts a diverse range of travelling exhibitions from national and regional gallery collections, and also curates shows from its own Mackay Regional Council Artists Book Collection. Public and educational programs for all ages including art classes, workshops, master classes, lectures, seminars, performances, presentations, guided tours and events all take place at this cultural venue. Location: Civic Centre Precinct, Gordon Street, Mackay Contact: Phone > (07) 4961 9722 www.artspacemackay.com.au Opening hours: Tuesdays – Fridays from 10am – 5pm and Saturdays – Sundays from 10am to 3pm Admission is free.
Greenmount Homestead Greenmount Homestead (five kilometres west of Walkerston) is one of Mackay's most valued historic attractions. Greenmount was developed by AA Cook on the cattle run first taken up by Captain John Mackay and was gifted to the city by the Cook Family in 1984. The grounds contain a number of buildings including a 1915 Queenslander homestead, which houses intact a collection of more than 20,000 historical items. The gardens and grounds played an important role in Cook family life, and feature a formal front garden, fernery and arbour. Opening hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday > 10am to 2pm Last Sunday of each month > 10am to 2pm Public Holidays > closed Tours are available at other times by appointment > book here Phone: 4959 2250 Download the Greenmount Homestead Self Guided Tour brochure (PDF 1.64MB) Location Greenmount Road, Walkerston Admission Fees Adult: $7.00 Concession Card Holder (Identification required) $5.00 Child (5-18 years): $3.00 Child (Under 5 years): No charge Adult Groups - Per Person (minimum of 10 people): $6.00 School Group Tours - Per Person (minimum of 10 people, including adults and children): $3.00
Greenmount Homestead
139 Greenmount Road
Greenmount Homestead Greenmount Homestead (five kilometres west of Walkerston) is one of Mackay's most valued historic attractions. Greenmount was developed by AA Cook on the cattle run first taken up by Captain John Mackay and was gifted to the city by the Cook Family in 1984. The grounds contain a number of buildings including a 1915 Queenslander homestead, which houses intact a collection of more than 20,000 historical items. The gardens and grounds played an important role in Cook family life, and feature a formal front garden, fernery and arbour. Opening hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday > 10am to 2pm Last Sunday of each month > 10am to 2pm Public Holidays > closed Tours are available at other times by appointment > book here Phone: 4959 2250 Download the Greenmount Homestead Self Guided Tour brochure (PDF 1.64MB) Location Greenmount Road, Walkerston Admission Fees Adult: $7.00 Concession Card Holder (Identification required) $5.00 Child (5-18 years): $3.00 Child (Under 5 years): No charge Adult Groups - Per Person (minimum of 10 people): $6.00 School Group Tours - Per Person (minimum of 10 people, including adults and children): $3.00
This National Park has a fabulous beach where you can see the wallabies at dawn. There also are many walking tracks with great ocean views.
25 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cape Hillsborough National Park
Cape Hillsborough Road
25 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This National Park has a fabulous beach where you can see the wallabies at dawn. There also are many walking tracks with great ocean views.

Food scene

A great pub to stop at for a cold drink and a look at lots of Australian memorabilia. Right on the highway before the Cape Hillsborough turn off coming from Mackay.
The Leap Hotel
1954 Bruce Hwy
A great pub to stop at for a cold drink and a look at lots of Australian memorabilia. Right on the highway before the Cape Hillsborough turn off coming from Mackay.
Best Meat Pies in Region On your way to Finch Hatton Flying Fox tours and Eungella National Park stop in at the Pinnacle Hotel for the best meat pies in the region.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Pinnacle Hotel
21 Child St
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Best Meat Pies in Region On your way to Finch Hatton Flying Fox tours and Eungella National Park stop in at the Pinnacle Hotel for the best meat pies in the region.
The Tea House is known for Devonshire teas and their wood fired pizzas for lunch. It is located on Cape Hillsborough road just past the Ball Bay turn off.
11 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Old Station Tea House
231 Cape Hillsborough Rd
11 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Tea House is known for Devonshire teas and their wood fired pizzas for lunch. It is located on Cape Hillsborough road just past the Ball Bay turn off.

Neighborhoods

Several bush walks in this area and a beautiful chalet to sit and enjoy the views of the valley from.
Eungella
Several bush walks in this area and a beautiful chalet to sit and enjoy the views of the valley from.