For those inquisitive holiday-makers travelling throughout the region of Mackay, be sure to take a self-drive adventure along the Hibiscus Coast! It’s a 93 kilometre stretch of remarkably diverse landscapes that run from Farleigh (20 kilometres north of Mackay) to the cordial coastal town of Midge Point. One of the main attractions along this route is the spectacular 816 hectare National Park of Cape Hillsborough! Nestled into the coastline where the rainforest meets the ocean, this area is well-known for the wallabies that come down to the long sandy beaches each morning at sunrise, its wonderful short walks, whale watching from either Twin Beach or Turtle Lookout, and its rugged coastline.

Other attractive hideaways that dot the Hibiscus Coast include Ball Bay, Halliday Bay and Seaforth – all of which provide accommodation, restaurants, shops and friendly, warm welcomes! Nearby Victor Creek provides access to Rabbit Island as well as popular Newry Island. Continue north through the rolling landscape and lush cane fields and stop in at Kuttabul, Mt Ossa, Calen, St Helen’s and Midge Point before arriving at the northernmost point in the Mackay region.

Accommodation options: Campervan parks. camping sites and Oh Deere Farm Stay,

Along the rugged Clarke Range behind the Whitsunday coast is Cathu State Forest. Forests and woodlands range from distinctive poplar gum Eucalyptus platyphylla woodlands and exotic Caribbean pine plantations on the creek flats to dense rainforest, hoop pine plantations and tall wet eucalypt forest along the range. 

Accessibility: Cathu State Forest is 4km west of the Bruce Highway, 72km or one hour north of Mackay or 51km south of Proserpine.