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Nebo Museum — Image credit: Isaac Regional Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Nebo Museum

The Nebo Museum is a tribute to the pioneers of the past. In the early 1980s, to celebrate the Shire's Centenary in 1983, a group of locals began the process of gathering many historic objects and putting them together in a museum collection originally situated in the old Nebo Police Station. Today's relocated museum opened in 1998. The collection contains items relating to the history of Nebo, Glenden, Coppabella, Mt Britton, Elphinstone, and Suttor. The Mount Britton Collection of paintings tell a story about the way of life of the early pioneers. Similar pioneer stories have occurred throughout this great land, as it was settled and so these prints have a universal Australian appeal. After your stop at the Nebo Museum, take a look inside the Historical Nebo Hotel before continuing on to camp for the night at Mt Britton.

Nebo QLD

0.1 km away

Mount Britton

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Mount Britton

Mount Britton is an abandoned gold mining town, situated approximately 35 minutes drive north-east of Nebo. Possibly one of the spookiest, but most interesting camping sites in the region, this is a great place to stop for the weekend and take in the natural surroundings. Founded in 1880 when a tent city for gold mining sprung up, the township became known as Mount Britton. At the height of the gold mining era in 1883, Mount Britton was a thriving township with a post and telegraph office, lands office, school of the arts, numerous hotels, stores, butcher and baker and a population of 1500. By 1884 the town was declining with the best gold areas already mined and by 1887 most businesses closed and the mining ceased in 1890. Today Mount Britton still holds evidence of this once prosperous mining town, with many old mining equipment and materials still on site. There is a lookout, a mining display, and several rustic shelters containing high quality period prints and an information board on the history of the area. Mount Britton is part of The Mining Trail drive and brochures can be picked up from Visitor Information Centres in the region. Nearby Moonlight Dam offers a basic camping area with water and toilets and is a picturesque and tranquil area for bird watching and a picnic.

Nebo QLD

37 km away

Fishing at an inland dam

Natural Attractions

Teemburra Dam

Teemburra Dam is Located in the picturesque Pioneer Valley, approximately 50 kilometres west of Mackay City on a fully sealed road. Teemburra Dam is a nature-lover's paradise. Made up of a mass of inlets and coves, it is easy to become entranced with the birds, fish and platypus which inhabit the area. Teemburra Dam was constructed in 1997 to cope with the increasing demand for town water storage and irrigation purposes. The dam itself has a surface area of 1040 hectares, an average depth of 14.2 metres and holds 147 500 megalitres of water at full capacity. Teemburra Dam is stocked by a local fish stocking group MAFSA with Sooty Grunter and Barramundi, who have also set up their own community hatchery to breed Sooty Grunter. A 25 horsepower limit applies to all boats here with no water skiing allowed. A single lane concrete ramp is provided. There is no camping allowed at the dam, however, accommodation can be found in Finch Hatton Gorge, Eungella National Park and Kinchant Dam. A Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is required to fish at Teemburra Dam. Make the most of your trip to the Mackay Region and fish at not only Teemburra Dam, but Kinchant and Eungella Dam as well. Access is via a normal vehicle.

Pinnacle QLD

48 km away

Lake Elphinstone

Natural Attractions

Lake Elphinstone

Lake Elphinstone is a natural lake within the Isaac Region. Water skiing is allowed in one section of the lake when water height allows. Lake Elphinstone attracts an abundance of birdlife making bird watching a popular activity with visitors. Lake Elphinstone's nearest township is Glenden, with petrol and grocery supplies available, 25 kilometres away. Lake Elphinstone is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking and water skiing with free camping and amenities available beside the lake. Red Claw crayfish can be caught here. Public facilities include toilets, showers, wood barbecues, boat ramp and picnic tables. It is advisable to take your own drinking water. Access is via a normal vehicle. Free camping, no prior bookings required. Pets are permitted

Nebo QLD

50 km away

Coppabella

Agritourism

Cluffies Park in Coppabella

Cluffies Park in Coppabella is the perfect place to pull-over the car, stretch the legs and absorb the serenity of the natural environment! You can find it at the entry of the little country town which lies approximately 159 kilometres west of Mackay along the Peak Downs Highway. Here you can marvel at the magnificent aluminium gondola coal hopper, a monument to mark the 25 year celebration of the town which was officially opened by Mr Bill Adamson on Saturday 7 September 1996. Enjoy reading the interesting information plaques that are attached to the front of the coal wagon and learn about the fascinating history of Coppabella and the staggering statistics associated with the mines and ports that this town services! Coppabella is part of the Mining Trail drive and brochures can be picked up from Visitor Information Centres in the region.

Coppabella QLD

51 km away

Mia Mia State Forest — Image credit: DETSI

Natural Attractions

Mia Mia State Forest

Mia Mia State Forest is nestled in the Clarke Range and bounded by Teemburra Creek and the Pioneer River 60 km West of Mackay. Mia Mia State Forest features open eucalypt forest dissected by numerous deep gullies and rocky water courses and is a haven for wildlife. Mia Mia State Forest's clay soil of the forest was once used by locals to make bricks before the hoop pine plantations were established in 1934. The first plantation hoop pines were grown in a 12ha section of land in the north of the forest with the last plantation trees planted in 1991. Remnant pines from the former plantation can be seen along the access road as you travel down Teemburra Creek. 4WD access ONLY

Mackay QLD

58 km away

Broken River View Platform — Image credit: TEQ

Natural Attractions

Broken River

Broken River is located approximately 90km from Mackay, in the beautiful tranquil Eungella National Park. Broken River travels through the picturesque Pioneer Valley, with the specular climb up the Eungella Range to Eungella township Broken River is an excellent place to enjoy bush walks within Australia's largest stretch of continuous sub-tropical rainforest. The platypus viewing deck is near Broken River's picnic grounds, where amenities such as public toilets, picnic tables and barbecues can be found. Camping permits and information about Broken River is available from the nearby Ranger's Station. Platypus viewing is best done in the late afternoon or early morning. Look for air bubbles and ripples in the water to watch the platypus quickly surface. Stay still and quiet to improve your chances of seeing one. When visiting a rainforest environment it is wise to carry insect repellent to protect from mosquitoes. Never attempt a river crossing when flooded and exercise caution during the wet season between November and April, as creek levels can rise quickly.

Eungella QLD

61 km away

Platypus at Eungella National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Platypus Viewing at Broken River

Eungella National Park, approximately a one hour drive west of Mackay, is home to one of the most reliable spots in Australia to spot the elusive platypus - in the wild! From the viewing decks at Broken River, spot this shy creature in its natural habitat, as well as turtles and other wildlife in this beautiful National Park. The best times to see this special monotreme are at dawn or dusk. The Broken River bridge also provides an excellent vantage point to see platypus swimming in the river below. Platypus are quite shy, so remain as still and as quiet as possible to increase your chances of seeing one. Also, keep an eye out for air bubbles, as the platypus feeds from the bottom but surfaces to chew its food and breathe. Between bushwalks, stop for a bite to eat at Platypus Lodge Cafe, where you can also read some information about the national park. There are 22 kilometres of walking trails in Eungella, as well as accommodation, restaurants and cafes. Try to spot a platypus if you can!

Eungella QLD

61 km away

Finch Hatton MTB Pump Track — Image credit: Mackay Regional Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Finch Hatton MTB Pump Track

Finch Hatton MTB Pump Track spans 400m and offers a huge range of hump styles and sizes for riders of all ages and skill levels to enjoy. The track also hosts racing events and is located at the Finch Hatton MTB Trailhead. The pump track is a continuous loop of rollers, berms and jumps around which riders can ride bicycles by using a pumping motion. By using a pumping motion, riders can maintain their speed around the pump track without pedalling. Keep moving your hip, legs and arms and keep the rhythm. If you push and pull powerfully, you get really fast. Finch Hatton MTB Pump Track was designed and constructed by pump track specialist, Bike Tracks Australia.

Finch Hatton QLD

61 km away

Finch Hatton MTB's first event - Fox Superflow by Rocky Trail Entertainment — Image credit: Rocky Trail Entertainment

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Finch Hatton MTB

Welcome to the sweetest mountain bike trails in Queensland. Finch Hatton MTB consists of 16 airflow trails of varying difficulty. Green, Blue and Black Diamond trails cater to all experience levels, from first-timers to gravity enduro specialists. Hit the 14.5km of trails without a worry—no fees, no bookings, just ride. The trails deliver multiple options for riders to test themselves on jumps and obstacles – or take it easy and keep your tyres on the dirt. These trails are designed for riders to progressively improve on each run Open all year round during daylight hours (weather permitting). Start your adventure at the Finch Hatton MTB Trailhead, where you will find amenities, hydration stations and a bike wash. Also located at the Trailhead is the Finch Hatton MTB Pump Track which spans more than 400 metres in length and offers a huge range of hump styles and sizes for riders of all ages and skill levels to enjoy. Access the trail network via the climbing trail G’Day G’Day or grab an uplift with the shuttle service, Off Camber Mountain Biking. With trails and pump track that cater to all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced, and the natural beauty of an ancient rainforest as your backdrop, Finch Hatton MTB offers an unrivalled biking adventure in Queensland.

Finch Hatton QLD

61 km away

Platypus Beach

Natural Attractions

Platypus Beach, Mirani

Platypus Beach is a popular swimming hole for locals and tourists, a little slice of sandy paradise on the bank of the Pioneer River, near the country town of Mirani. Platypus Beach, is a beautiful location to enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and picnics. As the name eludes, there is even the possibility of seeing a platypus in its natural environment. Platypus Beach is a short drive from Mirani, under the Mirani Bridge along the Mackay-Eungella Road. Platypus Beach has recently-renovated natural attraction includes a sealed access road, picnic facilities, informative signs and shelter. There are currently no toilets and visitors must take rubbish with them to keep this attraction unspoiled.

Mirani QLD

62 km away

Fossillised remains of a proto-crocodile — Image credit: Friends of Pioneer Valley Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Pioneer Valley Museum

In 1986 the Mirani Shire Council purchased a collection of artefacts from Jack Williams of Eungella. With the aid of a bicentennial grant, the council built a large modern building that houses the Shire's Library and the Museum, which displays the Jack Williams Collection. The Museum opened in September 1988. The collection expanded rapidly so the Museum section was extended to double its size in 1990. The small but beautifully presented social history Museum includes a display on the Sugar Industry, Indigenous artifacts, a large natural history section which includes the fossilised remains of a Diprotodon and a reading nook with photo albums, local family history booklets and many publications relating to the Valley. Make sure to stop in and say hello to the volunteers on your journey towards Eungella.

Mirani QLD

62 km away

Cane to Cocktail

Agritourism

Cane to Cocktail

Come and join them for their 'Paddock to Glass Experience', interactive and fun, learn how they make their liqueurs, their flavour profiles and how to mix for maximum enjoyment! Journey through their distillery process and discover how they transform sugar cane into premium spirits. Enjoy delicious nibbles, tastings of their handcrafted products, and sample a signature cocktail or mocktail. With plenty of fun, fascinating insights, and laughs along the way, their Cocktail Experience is an unforgettable event.

Sarina QLD

62 km away

Sarina Sugar Shed

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Sarina Sugar Shed

Sarina Sugar Shed is a multi-award winning attraction that offers a genuine and authentic paddock-to-plate food tourism experience that explores the journey of sugar production, from sugarcane to their finished distilled products and homemade condiments. Through their daily guided tours, Sarina Sugar Shed celebrates the achievements of the sugar cane pioneers who brought great prosperity to the region through their back-breaking work and mechanical ingenuity, and then, via their miniature mill, they demonstrate the process of taking the raw sugar cane plant and turning it into both crystallised sugar ready for refining and ethanol for alcohol production. The journey ends with tastings of the products that they produce which highlight the many delicious uses of sugar, including rum, rum liqueurs and fruit liqueurs made onsite in the boutique distillery, plus their range of Sugar Shed chutneys, relishes and sauces, and non-alcoholic ginger beer. With offerings in the café, such as house-baked scones with homemade strawberry jam, cheese and tasting platters using their own chutneys and relishes, and 6 flavours of ice cream made in-house, Sarina Sugar Shed is a true food tourism experience, satisfying the sweet tooth of all ages.

Sarina QLD

62 km away

Clairview

Natural Attractions

The Serenity Coast

Take an opportunity to explore a relatively unspoiled area that has retained much of its original historic charm while having developed into a thriving business area. Collectively known as the Serenity Coast, the townships that stretch from Hay Point to St Lawrence enjoy a selection of beautiful beaches and prime fishing locations. Enjoy the area's country hospitality, scenic mountain ranges, national parks and prime fishing locations. Some of the key attractions within the Serenity Coast include Cape Palmerston National Park, Notch Point and the dugong sanctuary in Clairview. Visit one of many unspoiled beaches providing swimming, sailing and fishing as well as sweeping views of the surrounding coastline from selected lookouts. The undeveloped wilderness surrounding Cape Palmerston's camping areas provides access to excellent fishing locations and rugged bush walks. Experience magical glimpses of elusive fireflies which inhabit the bushland area in the evening. One of the most historic towns on the Queensland Coast, St Lawrence was originally built to service the Customs Office for the Port of St Lawrence. Many historic buildings can be viewed in the town. This is the perfect area to plan your next family holiday - camping on the beach, exploring the coastline and switching off while enjoying the wilderness.

Sarina QLD

62 km away

BUFFY - the Cane Toad

Landmarks and Buildings

BUFFY - the Cane Toad

Bufo Marinus—though around Sarina, he's known to everyone as "Buffy" the town's most charming oversized Cane Toad. Perched proudly in the centre of Sarina, about 35 kilometres south of Mackay, Buffy didn't start life as a permanent resident. Back in 1983, he was lovingly crafted from paper mâché as a float for a local sugar festival. But the locals liked him so much that they couldn't bear to let him hop away—so he was recast in sturdy fibreglass and given a forever home as a tribute to Sarina's cane-farming roots. Today, Buffy sits smack-bang on Broad Street (which also happens to be the Bruce Highway), relaxing between the northbound and southbound lanes like the unofficial traffic controller of Sarina. The area around Buffy is surprisingly well-equipped for toad-spotting. You'll find angled parking, public loos, a gazebo, rubbish bins, and shaded picnic tables—all perfect for settling in, enjoying a snack, and grabbing a must-have photo with one of Queensland's most iconic "big things." Hop on over, say hi, and don't forget to snap your best toadally awesome selfie with Buffy!

Sarina QLD

62 km away

Eungella Dam

Natural Attractions

Eungella Dam

Eungella Dam is a scenic lake fringed by rainforest, the ideal spot for boating and skiing with peaceful natural surrounds. Camping is by self-registration on-site. No motorbikes allowed. Fishing permits are required and can be obtained from local tackle shops and Mackay Tourism. From the township of Eungella, take the Eungella Dam Road past Broken River. The last portion of the drive is unsealed, where the landscape turns from rainforest into high country farms. Beware of wandering stock as cows roam free along this road. The dam is stocked with Sooty Grunter, Saratoga, Sleepy Cod and Barramundi and is renowned for producing oversized Sooty Grunter. There are no boating restrictions for the dam and small boats can be launched from the boat ramp. Camping is permitted in the area with facilities available such as cold showers, toilets, barbecues and picnic tables. A second block of public toilets and more picnic tables can be found across the other side of the water, near the dam itself. Access is by normal vehicle with some dirt road along the way. Self-registration station located at camping area toilet block allows campers to stay overnight at AUD5 per night or AUD15 per night for a family. Dogs on leashes are allowed.

Eungella QLD

63 km away

Marian Sugar Mill

Landmarks and Buildings

Marian Sugar Mill

The largest factory managed by Mackay Sugar, Marian Mill is situated approximately 30 minutes from the CBD in the regional town of Marian - nestled amongst some of the highest yielding sugar cane land in our region. On average, Marian Mill produces approximately 280,000 tonnes of raw sugar, 70,000 tonnes of molasses and exports 6,900 MW hours of electricity. Marian Mill was first built in 1885, but closed after a few years. The Marian Central Mill Co Ltd erected a new mill in 1894 under the Sugar Guarantee Act, and the first crushing took place in 1895. In 1966, the shareholders of Marian Central Mill Co Ltd voted to sell the assets and liabilities of that company to the cane farmers supplying the mill, who formed the Marian Mill Co-operative Society Limited. In 1988, Marian Mill, together with Cattle Creek, Farleigh, North Eton and Racecourse mills, amalgamated and purchased Pleystowe Mill to form the Mackay Sugar Co-operative Association Limited. A unique feature is the mural on the Engineering shed depicting a cane fire - rarely seen these days as most cane is cut green. Access is restricted but easily visible from the road. You will pass by the Marian Mill just before you reach Melba House.

Marian QLD

66 km away

Araluen Cascades

Natural Attractions

Finch Hatton Gorge

Finch Hatton Gorge is nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Pioneer Valley in the Mackay Region, it is more than just a destination it's and unforgettable adventure waiting to be discovered. Finch Hatton is surrounded by a spectacular landscape of cascading waterfalls, lush rainforest, and dramatic volcanic boulder formations, this natural wonder is a must see for anyone craving beauty and exploration. Finch Hatton Gorge has picnic area at the beginning of one of its most popular trails, guiding you on a 1.6km journey to the stunning Araluen Waterfall, a perfect spot for soaking up the serenity. For those eager to go further, continue another 1.4km to the awe-inspiring Wheel of Fire Cascades. This is a more challenging trek, with up hill climbs and stairs, but rewarding you with sweeping views and a magnificent waterfall plunging into a deep, inviting pool, ideal for a well earned swim. With welcoming accommodation and dining options nearby, it's easy to turn your visit into a relaxing getaway in one of the Mackay's Region's most captivating treasures. Whether you're chasing adventure or tranquillity, Finch Hatton Gorge delivers. From invigorating rainforest hikes and gorge swims, there's something for every kind of explorer.

Finch Hatton QLD

67 km away

Greenmount Homestead — Image credit: Mackay Regional Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Greenmount Homestead

Greenmount Homestead (five kilometres west of Walkerston) is one of Mackay's most valued historic attractions. Greenmount was developed by AA Cook on the cattle run first taken up by Captain John Mackay and was gifted to the city by the Cook Family in 1984. The grounds contain a number of buildings including a 1915 Queenslander homestead, which houses intact a collection of more than 20,000 historical items. The gardens and grounds played an important role in Cook family life, and feature a formal front garden, fernery and arbour. Guided tours commence at 9.30am, 10.30am & 11.30am

Greenmount QLD

67 km away

Walking path through park — Image credit: Melba House

Natural Attractions

Edward Lloyd Park, Marian

Edward Lloyd Park is a a great river-side park enjoyed by locals and valley visitors alike. Close to Melba House and with access to a picturesque walking trail, this park is a great weekend destination. A shaded sand softfall playground caters ages 2 to 12. It's named after the Clerk (1921 to 1954) of the former Mirani Shire, Edward Lloyd, who was instrumental in preserving and maintaining parkland in the Shire. In addition to improved parking areas which can cater for all vehicles up to large buses and caravans, the park now boasts a family friendly playground, picnic shelters, barbecues and modern public toilets. There is also a concrete walking/cycling track from Melba House to Marian State School - a distance of just over one kilometre - which is very popular with fitness seekers and walkers as it meanders along the Pioneer River bank giving views of the river and birdlife which frequents the area. If you are really lucky, you may see the local platypus sporting about.

Marian QLD

67 km away

The Pioneer Valley

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Pioneer Valley

A wonderland of waterfalls, lush flora and volcanic boulder formations contrast against a tapestry of sugar cane fields as you head through The Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park. Apart from being one of the richest sugar cane growing areas in Australia, this valley is by far one of the most picturesque in Australia, encompassing many rural townships where warm hospitality and delicious food can be enjoyed. Small towns to stop in along the way include Marian, Mirani, Pinnacle, Finch Hatton and finally, Eungella. Marian, the gateway to the valley, is home to the region's largest sugar mill. Call into Melba House, an accredited Visitor Information Centre on the banks of the Pioneer River, to discover the house of famous Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. Enjoy coffee and waffles at Vintage Kiss, a quaint cafe that operates on the verandah of Melba House. After morning tea, continue on to Mirani and stop in at the popular swimming hole, Platypus Beach, just past the bridge. Finch Hatton is a must-do. Hit the world-class mountain bike trails, with bike hire and transfers available, or travel to Finch Hatton Gorge where you can walk explore the Araluen Cascades and the Wheel of Fire waterfalls and swim in clear rock pools as water cascades from above. Explore the Pioneer Valley via self-drive or with a guided tour.

Eungella QLD

68 km away

Armstrong Beach

Natural Attractions

Armstrong Beach

Armstrong Beach is south of Mackay drive from the township of Sarina. From Sarina, head south along the Bruce Highway and turn left onto Armstrong Beach Road, signposted from the highway. Armstrong Beach is renowned for its fishing and prawning, both of which are best attempted from the beach. A Four Wheel Drive is required to launch a boat from the beach. There is a small community at Armstrong Beach, and accommodation is available at the local caravan park. From Armstrong Beach head to Freshwater Point, which is where Captain Cook first landed in 1770 looking for freshwater, hence its name. Armstrong Beach facilities include a picnic area.

Armstrong Beach QLD

68 km away

Melba House, Marian, the first marital home of Nellie Melba before she became famous.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Melba House, Marian

The legendary diva Dame Nellie Melba spent the first year of her married life in a small house right in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, in Marian. The house, built in 1882/83 and rescued from demolition by the Mirani Shire Council, was relocated from Marian Mill to a more prominent riverbank setting in Edward Lloyd Park. It now houses an accredited Visitor Information Centre, Melba Memorabilia display, an extensive array of local handmade gifts and souvenirs and Vintage Kiss Cafe (Cafe hours Tues-Fri 6am to 2.000pm/Sat-Sun 7.30am to 12.30pm). Lloyd Park stretches for one kilometre along the bank of the Pioneer River and features a walking path, children's playground, barbecue facilities, and the 'Hens & Roosters' toilet block as well as access to the river for fishing, swimming, canoeing and platypus spotting - or just sitting and contemplating the beauty of the 'blue water' river.

Marian QLD

68 km away

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