Story by Stacey Morton
reproduced with permission by Tourism Queensland

With its pristine coastline, lush canefields and untamed hinterland, Stacey Morton discovers the unspoilt natural pleasures of Mackay and spots platypus in the wild.

But first – a little city-style luxury. Settle into the tropical ambience at the Clarion Hotel and look out over the Mackay Marina as the gleaming yachts drop anchor.  If the sounds of the waves lapping against the impressive boats don’t lull you into a state of complete relaxation the combination of warm sun and gentle breezes will.

With marina frontage dining and a gourmet menu to match the elegance, the Clarion’s  Restaurant Latitude 21 offers the ultimate in fine dining.  It’s an unwritten rule round here that you must finish off any meal with one of their wacky flavoured ice-cream dishes, my recommendation is definitely the beetroot and avocado ice-cream, creamy and sweet but full of flavour. Other options include Guinness, rosewater and lychee and homemade chocolate.

Heading out of Mackay city you’ll drive through the picturesque Pioneer Valley.  Passing field after field of green sugar cane separated by the occasional Queenslander homestead with spacious verandahs, we watched as the thunder clouds rolled in – a prelude to a late afternoon shower.  This landscape would strike a cord in the heart of every Australian.

Reaching Finch Hatton Gorge the scenery changes to lush lowland tropical rainforest and we decided to get a bird’s eye view.  Suspended amidst the rainforest canopy, Forest Flying definitely gave me a view of this natural playground from a completely different angle.

Gliding through the air up to 25 metres high secured in a harness with personal brake system you can take it slowly and enjoy the sights and sounds.  If heights aren’t your thing you can take off on an adventure of your own on one of the many signed walking trails.

From the rainforest canopy we head to the mountain heights and cool crisp air of Broken River in Eungella National Park.  This is arguably one of Australia’s best locations to spot the duckbilled platypus in the wild.

If you’re lucky enough to spot the platypus colony you’ll be mesmerised for hours as they happily play and splash about in the unspoilt rivers that trickle through the national park.

Retreat to the Broken River Mountain Resort, with a book and relax on a comfy couch in front of the massive open fireplace in the lounge room.  Scrumptious smells of dinner cooking in the restaurant waft through, building an appetite for the meal to come.  After dinner venture out for a night spotlighting tour with local environmentalist Ugo – it’s worth it.  Not only is it informative but also very entertaining, thanks to the special talents of Ugo you’ll see animals normally hidden from view.

Leaving behind the Mackay hinterland, we join Mackay Tropical Tours for the Tropical Seascape Tour.  With expert guide Traci, we take a walk through Open Eucalyptus Woodland and Subtropical Rainforest to the tip of Cape Hillsborough. The panoramic views from the tip of the cape with a backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef’s tropical islands, a pristine coastline of the clearest blue water will cause you to sit and just admire. Don’t leave it too long to discover Mackay’s natural pleasures.

For more information visit www.mackayholidays.com.au