Campervan Travel in Mackay, Queensland

Sad to leave Agnes Water, but excited for the next leg of our journey, it was essential we got an early start for this long days drive. Travelling in a motorhome you tend to be a touch slower than you would normally travel, so always give yourself a couple of hours extra to complete the journey than if you were in a car. So a seven am breakfast and a cup of strong coffee and we were on our way, the summer sun already high in the sky at this stage. With a long journey ahead of us, we were glad of the spacious campervan we had rented. No one likes to be squashed over a long distance!
Doubling back on ourselves and returning to the A1, we thought it a pity that the road doesn't go past more of the picturesque Discovery Coastline. But I suppose that would ruin the peace and tranquility of the beaches here, wouldn't it?
We bypassed the town of Gladstone, which upset my 12 year old son Derek who was keen to try out his fishing skills here on the infamous barramundi that populate the waterways.
We stopped in Rockhampton for an early lunch, and Derek could happily get his teeth into some fresh barra. I thought it sacrilege to eat fish in what is the beef producing capital of Australia! Rockhampton is a great place if cattle and beef production interest you, and if we had a bit more time we would have stuck around and learnt a bit more about the industry. Who knows, we may have been lucky enough to catch a rodeo while we were here!
The longest stretch of our journey was still in front of us, and we had heard it was not a very exciting drive. We did see some interesting bushland, and our surrounds gradually got more tropical the further north we went. A couple of wallabies on the side of the road excited the kids, and we passed through some interesting small towns such as Sarina, which is just south of Mackay.
On a long drive its important someone stays awake with the driver. Have a read of this article for some fun ways to keep everyone alert and make the time pass that much quicker.

The Friendly People- In the true style of the Australian country, everyone greets you with a wide smile and a jovial 'G'day Mate'.
The Diversity- A short drive from the Capricorn Coast, and surrounded by the wide open spaces of the countryside, Rocky is where coast and country meet!
The Cattle- Its known as the beef capital of Australia, and the many statues of bulls in town are testament to this. Catch a real live rodeo, and enjoy the finest steak in Australia!
The Fitzroy River- Flowing sedately through the town is the mighty Fitzroy River, breeding ground of the ferocious Barramundi fish and a beautiful spot for an evening cruise!
The History- Rocky has a rich and lively history evident in its heritage buildings, restored railway museum and the military museum, amongst others.
The Culture- Settle back and enjoy some magnificent performing arts at the theatre, or browse the arts and craft galleries that exhibit fine local and foreign talent.
The Mountains- The Berserker Ranges and Mt Archer provide the backdrop to this magnificent city, so why not enjoy the views from a bushwalk over them?

We reach Mackay in the afternoon, our trip going according to schedule which is something of a miracle as anyone with kids will understand! Mackay is a wonderful little city (and not just because we almost share the same name!). The boom in mining in areas close to Mackay means the city is in the midst of economic growth that is attracting investors and new settlers, making it a prosperous and thriving regional centre.
Despite the bustle, we organised accommodation with ease, in a camping grounds called Andergrove Van Park. It is reasonably priced, with good facilities and a heavy emphasis on relaxation. A swimming pool, basketball court and volleyball net means there is lots to do, and all just a few minutes drive from the city centre.
Mackay people are big into their outdoors activities, and its easy to see why when you get here and see all the natural attractions close to hand. For a start the bottom islands of the Whitsunday group lie just offshore here, with the beautiful Brampton Island being a popular choice amongst holiday makers, especially couples after a little romance. The thick forest of the interior of the island is surrounded by 12 white sandy beaches that border onto crystal blue waters. The snorkelling is world class, with coral gardens and small reefs surrounding the island.



The beaches of Mackay aren't so bad either! Our favourite was Blacks Beach, about fifteen minutes drive north of the city. Six kilometres of undisturbed coastline offer ample space to swim, fish, sunbathe or play beach sports. My husband and son had their rods out to try and catch brim and whiting, and they actually had a very successful morning of it. Another popular beach is Eimeo, which is most well known for the Pacific Hotel that sits atop the headland overlooking the beach. The views from up there are incredible, and they serve great food and drink too.
The most visited natural attraction close to Mackay is the Eungella National Park, a misty refuge of thick forest and high mountains. An 80 kilometre drive west from Mackay, this is the ideal escape for a secluded and isolated time amongst nature. Subtropical and tropical rainforest converges here and supports a wide variety of beautiful birdlife and amazing animals. At Broken River you may be lucky enough to see the elusive platypus... definitely something to tell the grandkids about one day! The rainforest is criss crossed with numerous demarcated bushwalks that take you to various lookouts and points of interest. Bushwalking is a great way to get some exercise and to enjoy nature, but remember to wear good hiking boots and to take plenty of water with!
Wherever you go in Mackay you are bound to have a good time. The people are extremely friendly, the countryside is beautiful and there is a buzz to the city. The freedom your campervan gives you makes exploring the region that much easier, placing coast, country and forest on your (motorhome) doorstep!

Continue with us on our journey as we move on to Airlie Beach and then Townsville.