Wild About Mackay
Holidays with Kids|Volume 61
The secret is out. Surrounded by an incredible eight lush national parks and 32 stunning beaches, aleney de winter reveals that Mackay is naturally perfect for families.
Aleney De Winter
Wild About Mackay

Its Art Deco buildings and palm tree-lined city streets are surrounded by gargantuan sugar cane farms, incredible coastal beaches and inland waterways, fish-filled reefs and wildlife-packed rainforests, making Mackay one of those totally wild destinations where reality exceeds expectations for nature-loving kids. Add a stack of family-friendly accommodation and enticing weather all year round, and this wonderfully wild slice of Queensland has all the ingredients for a sure-fire family holiday hit.

Wildlife warriors

One thing Mackay has no shortage of is furry, feathered and flippered critters. Visitors could easily spend a week here on a DIY wildlife safari, spotting platypus and echidna, kangaroos and wallabies, stunning native birds and incredible marine life.

Eungella National Park is one of the best spots in Australia to catch sight of the bashful platypus in the wild. At pretty Broken River, visitors have a 95 percent chance of spotting one of the curious critters during the day and higher odds at dawn or dusk. We followed the bubble trails on the water surface as instructed and, sure enough, we spotted two of the elusive duck-billed cuties doing their thing, leaving the kids giddy with delight.

If it’s underwater critters you seek, head to Keswick Island, just 32 kilometres northeast of Mackay, to explore the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and meet its extraordinary marine population. Time it right and you may even spy a migrating humpback or two.

Or head to Salonika Beach for sightings of echidnas and, on occasion, loggerhead turtles, whales and dolphins. For those eager to explore Salonika and other great regional beaches, Sandpiper Motel offers family accommodation, along with an inviting outdoor pool in neighbouring Sarina, also home to the Sarina Sugar Shed – a miniature sugar mill with a big tale to tell.

Esta historia es de la edición Volume 61 de Holidays with Kids.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición Volume 61 de Holidays with Kids.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE HOLIDAYS WITH KIDSVer todo
Why Caravanning Is The Perfect Family Holiday
Holidays with Kids

Why Caravanning Is The Perfect Family Holiday

Lauren Attard chats to Jayco ‘vanbassador’ JADE BERG about why caravanning holidays make for the ultimate family break.

time-read
3 minutos  |
Volume 66
Hidden gold
Holidays with Kids

Hidden gold

Gold Coast local NARELLE BOUVENG shares her insider tips for a twist on visiting Australia’s favourite family playground.

time-read
6 minutos  |
Volume 66
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Holidays with Kids

Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Jamala Wildlife Lodge immerses families in the National Zoo & Aquarium’s wildlife while they enjoy luxury accommodation and bespoke African fixtures.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Volume 66
A TO (N)Z
Holidays with Kids

A TO (N)Z

With the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand in place, we’re sharing our A to Z of holiday highlights for families itching to cross the ditch.

time-read
10+ minutos  |
Volume 66
A moveable feast
Holidays with Kids

A moveable feast

From binging on bugs to foraging for bush food, 12-year-old RAFFERTY LAIGHT shares his love of exploring culture and making connections through cuisine.

time-read
3 minutos  |
Volume 66
How To Raise A Reader
Holidays with Kids

How To Raise A Reader

The benefits of reading are wide and well known. NATARSHA BROWN shares six simple steps to foster a love of books in your little one, and inspire them to dream big for the rest of their lives.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Volume 66
How To Keep Tails Wagging On Holiday
Holidays with Kids

How To Keep Tails Wagging On Holiday

Whether you’re pondering a portion of the Big Lap or simply a short weekend away, Eliza Velk uncovers how to plan your trip so that fido can go too.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Volume 66
There's no place like home
Holidays with Kids

There's no place like home

Former NRL star, television personality and proud husband and father BEAU RYAN chats to NATARSHA BROWN about his tips for travelling with kids and his favourite Australian holiday destinations

time-read
4 minutos  |
Volume 66
Gypsy magic
Holidays with Kids

Gypsy magic

Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base paves the way to a cleaner, greener Malaysian island experience

time-read
3 minutos  |
Volume 66
Family Matters
Holidays with Kids

Family Matters

Our experts are helping families stay healthy, happy and inspired inside and outside the home.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Volume 66