Mackay

Mackay is a large city on the coast of Queensland about 330 kilometres north of Rockhampton and 380 kilometres south of Townsville. This is a great stopover when heading to Airlie Beach which is only about 150 kilometres away. There are several caravan parks in town and we chose to stay at BIG4 Blacks Beach on a recent trip. This park is 40 years old but the owners have put a lot of work into establishing great new caravan and camping sites, establishing new cabins in various locations around the park and upgrading facilities. They have added a lovely pool with camp kitchen alongside (rear and side wall to protect diners from winds) enabling parents to keep an eye on the kids. Poolside cabins with disabled access. A lovely camping area sits close to the beach.

Some things we did during our stay:

• Dinner at Mackay’s Golden Sun (Chinese restaurant at the Turtle Shores Shopping Centre) – walking distance from the caravan park with discounts for park guests. Lovely meal and heaps to bring home.
• Tour of a Working Sugar Mill - Farleigh Mill, conducted by Reeforest Adventure Tours.  You need long sleeves, long pants and closed in shoes – highly recommended. I guarantee you will learn some interesting ways the bi-products are used. This mill is owned by a cooperative of farmers known as Mackay Sugar Co-operative Association Limited.   
• Visit to other caravan parks in town - Big 4 Marine Tourist Park - Hilltop Caravan Park (not sure if still operating) - Andergrove Van Park, a large open park in North Mackay with bright blue signs at the gate. Bucasia Beachfront Caravan Resort – right on Bucasia Beach in Sunset Bay. Unfortunately we visited during low tide and the water was a long way off – the dogs loved this as they ran around the flats.  
• Lunch at the Mackay Marina at the Great Northern Sports Club. Lovely Meal and great views over the water. All day dining on weekends.

Of course there is a lot more to see and do around Mackay and I know you could spend quite a few days exploring the area. We were advised to take a look at the multi loading facilities at the Port of Mackay but ran out of time.  I will have to put it on the list for the next visit.