Full Itinerary

Boasting 31 beaches, one for every day of the month, ancient reefs teeming with life off untouched Great Barrier Reef islands, a lush tropical rainforest and rugged golden hinterland, Mackay is a gem in the Queensland tourism tale. Enjoy the year-round, near perfect climate, which blends a laid-back lifestyle with a cosmopolitan culture. Wander the city streets for a taste of the historic architecture of Mackay, which was also once home to acclaimed opera singer Dame Nellie Melba or head to Artspace Mackay for one of Queensland's finest regional galleries. Drive out to the Marina for some fresh seafood and ocean breezes, or visit the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

Hay Point Lookout, north of the Sarina township, is the best vantage point from which to view the operations of one of the largest coal export facilities in the world, at Hay Point and the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminals.

Venture onto the Sarina Sugar Shed at the Field of Dreams Parkland, Railway Square. It's Australia's only fully-operational miniature sugar mill and distillery. Watch how sugar cane is transformed into sugar, take a tour of the facility, enjoy some freshly crushed cane juice and sample the liqueurs, schnapps and ginger beer.

Finish the day with an afternoon trip to Sarina beach. Check out the spectacular views at the lookout, relax on the beach or picnic areas, or have a meal at one of the local eateries.