Backpacking Mackay
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EXPLORE THE RUGGEDLY BEAUTIFUL CAPE HILLSBOROUGH NATIONAL PARK: Photo courtesy of Tourism Queensland
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SPEND SOME TIME ON THE SCENIC BRAMPTON ISLAND: Photo courtesy Tourism Queensland
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JUST OFF THE COAST IS THE GREAT BARRIER REEF WHERE YOU CAN DO SOME OF THE BEST DIVING ON THE PLANET: Photo courtesy Tourism Queensland
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Mackay Highlights
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There are 31 beautiful beaches nearby, ranging from patrolled swimming spots just minutes from the city centre to miles of untouched pristine coastline.
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The Great Barrier Reef is also just off the coast and there are plenty of operators that will take you out to see some of the incredible marine life, coral reefs and various islands.
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Gateway to the nearby Eungella National Park, which contains the popular Finch Hatton Gorge and Cape Hillsborough National Park, which is considered to be one of the most ruggedly beautiful parks on the central Queensland coast. Brampton Islands National Park is also just off the coast, which has some of the most scenic islands in the region.
About Mackay
Population 75,000
Mackay sits along the south bank of the Pioneer River. The city has a laidback and tropical feel about it and is large enough that it provides a good variety of shops, services and places to eat and drink.
Mackay has 31 beautiful beaches nearby, ranging from patrolled swimming spots just minutes from the city centre to miles of untouched pristine coastline.
The Great Barrier Reef is also just off the coast and there are plenty of operators that will take you out there to see some of the incredible marine life, coral reefs and various islands.
Mackay is used as a gateway to the nearby Eungella National Park, which contains the popular Finch Hatton Gorge. This spectacular area consists of waterfalls, freshwater swimming holes and great walking tracks. Cape Hillsborough National Park is also nearby, which is considered to be one of the most ruggedly beautiful parks on the central Queensland coast. Brampton Islands National Park is just off the coast from Mackay. With their rocky headlands dotted with hoop pines, sheltered bays and long sandy beaches that back onto the Great Barrier Reef, these islands are some of the most scenic off the Queensland coast.
Orientation Map for Mackay
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