Finch Hatton Gorge

Discover the arts and culture of the Mackay region when you visit Artspace Mackay, the regional art gallery and museum in the centre of the city. This architecturally award winning building provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the people and history of Mackay through the Spirit and Place: Mementos of Mackay exhibition. Group tours can be booked with well trained volunteer guides who will provide visitors with insights into the exhibitions on display. https://www.mackayregion.com/artspace-mackay

Located just five kilometres from the Mackay city centre, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens showcases the beautiful tropical flora from Mackay and the Whitsundays, along with other beautiful Australian native and exotic plants from similar climates around the world. This young botanic garden opened in 2003 and provides many resources to visitors - from over three kilometres of walking and cycling trails, wetland boardwalks, a unique cafe and gallery perched high above the wildlife filled lagoons, to excellent bird watching opportunities. Feature gardens include the luxuriant Fernery, the Regional Forest, rare and threatened flora of the tropical Shade Garden and the unique Coal Garden - tracing the evolution of plants and the importance of coal. https://www.mackayregion.com/mackay-regional-botanic-gardens

Enjoy a refreshing swim at Mackay City's Bluewater Lagoon, the fun of the beach within the city. Three tiers of lagoon pools provide a safe swimming environment within the Mackay Central Business District, close to barbecue facilities, public work-out equipment and playground on Bluewater Quay. With three age-appropriate lagoons of varying depths, an interactive children's water playground with water drop-bucket and a water slide, the lagoon is a perfect retreat for all ages. A feature waterfall connects the two main lagoon pools, while a shallow wading pool is perfect for toddlers. https://www.mackayregion.com/accommodation/bluewater-lagoon

Relax and enjoy the beautiful Orchid House, intricately placed in the historic Queens Park gardens, boasting a broad collection of unique and exquisite orchids. With about 25,000 species the fascinating orchid family (Orchidaceae) is the largest group of flowering plants in the world and over 3,000 new hybrids are added every year. The Orchid House is one of the largest and finest orchid display houses in Australia. Built in 1988, the orchids are displayed in a natural type-setting around circular walkways. Stroll through the large collection of stunning orchids in all shapes and sizes, from the bizarre to exotic looking. The Orchid House displays over hundreds of varieties of orchids on show including native and tropical orchids from all over the world. The seasonally changing display, which is rotated between the Orchid House and the Council Nursery ensure a broad range of orchids are on show all year round. https://www.mackayregion.com/queens-park-orchid-house

A wonderland of waterfalls, refreshingly cool rainforest and the chance to see a platypus in the wild awaits in Eungella National Park. Australia's longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest, Eungella, is a must-see attraction. Travel through the lush lowlands of the Pioneer Valley, surrounded by sugar cane, stop in at Platypus Beach just after Mirani or visit the beautiful Finch Hatton Gorge. Scuba dive with the platypus, fly among rainforest canopy on a zipwire or take a stroll to one of Finch Hatton's waterfalls, before driving up the range to Eungella. See a diverse range of flora and fauna on a rainforest walk and experience breathtaking views of the Pioneer Valley, truly spectacular at sunrise and sunset. Travel to Broken River for the chance to see a platypus in the wild. Eungella National Park can be experienced as a day trip, or extend your visit to enjoy warm hospitality from one of the rainforest's many accommodation and dining establishments. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/journey/pioneer-valley-and-eungella-national-park-the

At the far north end of Keswick Island, Connie Bay is a secluded beach of sweeping white sand, turquoise water and fringing coral. The beach is quite secluded, which has made it a favourable area for nesting turtles. And nearby the majestic melaleuca wood is a point of interest for many visitors, especially when the swarms of vibrant blue butterflies are in residence. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/connie-bay-on-keswick-island