Mackay

A coastal city in central Queensland, where kangaroos feeding on the beach at sunrise at Cape Hillsborough and platypuses in Eungella rainforest are the two signature attractions.

Mackay lies on Queensland's central coast, with a population of about 120,000. It is a regional centre roughly 970 km north of Brisbane and is known as the 'Sugar Capital of Australia': sugarcane fields in the Pioneer Valley produce about one-third of the country's sugar. The city itself is known for its Art Deco-style streetscapes rebuilt after the 1918 cyclone, the blue-water lagoon by the Pioneer River and its harbour marina. Most visitors, however, come for two wildlife experiences nearby. About 45 minutes north, Cape Hillsborough National Park offers the chance to see kangaroos feeding on the beach at sunrise. About 1 hour 20 minutes west, Eungella National Park's Broken River lookout offers reliable sightings of wild platypuses, and along the way Finch Hatton Gorge has swimmable rainforest waterfalls. To the south, the Sarina Sugar Shed lets you experience sugar-making firsthand.

The climate is tropical. The dry season from May to October brings comfortable temperatures and little rain and is the best time to visit. From November to April it is hot and humid with frequent rain, and tropical cyclones are possible. Box jellyfish are present in coastal waters from October to May, so swim only at beaches with stinger nets or in pools. Mackay Airport has direct flights to Brisbane, Sydney and other destinations, and long-distance trains also run. Attractions are spread out, so a car is almost essential. Allow two to three days. Heading north for about 1.5 hours takes you to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands.

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