Mackay
The Mackay region is located between the Fitzroy and Northern regions of Queensland. Mining and sugar productions are the main industries. There are still large tracts of pristine environments that include mountains and rainforests. The Great Barrier Reef and the Islands of the Whitsunday Passage lay off the coast.
Belyando
Brampton Island
One of the Cumberland group of coral-fringed islands, Brampton Island is lcoated at the southern end of the Whitsunday group. It is a hilly and wooded island which is a national park - although tourist accommodation is available.
Access to Brampton Island is by motor launch or plane from Mackay, about 40km away.
Broadsound
Daydream Island
Located North East of Proserpin and West of the Whitsunday Passage, this tourist centre is the smallest of the island resorts in this region. It is surroounded by coral and is sited on teh inner lagoon of the Great Barrier Reef.
Dysart
A small rural town in the heart of "Black Gold Country" centred around the mining and agricultural industries. Around 35km west of Dysart is Lords Table Mountain, a local landmark named by the explorer Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845.
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is an island holiday destination in the Whitsunday Passage. The island lies on the Great Barrier Reef, with views of the Coral Sea.
Hayman Island
The most northerly island in the Whitsunday Passage on the Great Barrier Reef is Hayman Island. It is a hilly and densly forested coral reef island resort that can accomodate more than 500 visitors.
Mackay
Mackay is located just over 1000km north of Brisbane and around 360km south of Townsville in the tropical Queensland coast. Local industries include sugar production, dairying, and tropical fruit plantations.
The Mackay area includes access to the Great Barrier Reef, extensive rainforest areas, and mountains.
Mirani
Moranbah
Mooranbah is a coal mining town locatd to the west of Mackay on the Peak Downs Highway.
Nebo
Proserpine
Sarina
The population of Sarina is only 4 thousand, but there are 10 thousand people in the surroundig shire. There are beaches, plenty of good fishing, and sugare cane to burn. The crushing at the mill runs for 6 months of the year.
There is a very nice Arts and Craft centre that welcomes visitors to the town.