Our stunning coastal paradise is brimming with secret spots, and if you’re kind enough to share yours with me, I’d love to hear about it!
I’m one week away from maternity leave with my first-born expected to arrive in the next fortnight, and my parents are travelling from New Zealand to spend three months with me and their first grandchild. They have never holidayed in Queensland before, the only time my Dad touched down in the Sunshine State was probably more than 40 years ago when he was in the Air Force, briefly stopping in Townsville enroute to a deployment in the Pacific.
I’ve arranged some must-do’s on the Gold Coast for when they arrive today, the Sky Deck observatory for lunch and a day exploring the wildlife at Currumbin, but with three months in Mackay, I want them to experience all that our surrounding regions have to offer.
My Mum has trouble with mobility these days so big walks are out of the question, but I know of some locations easily accessible where we can still see the wallabies on the beach and a platypus or two in Eungella. To beat the heat of this sticky start to Autumn, trips to the Bluewater Lagoon will be a given. Living in Dysart for a couple of years before moving to Mackay introduced me to some of the rugged coalfields beauty and I know of a back road between Nebo and Dysart where I can see a plethora of kangaroos.
Here in Mackay, it’s the little things I’m interested in sharing. Shoal Point for its sunset and the Black Cockatoos, I’ve noticed a lot of Black Cockatoos in the big trees near Pioneer State High School too. The lorikeets screeching in the palm trees on Wood Street at dusk as you enjoy a pre-dinner drink. People who grew up here may not think that’s interesting, but when you come from a country that doesn’t have that, it’s quite a buzz! And of course, love them or hate them, the flying foxes. At dusk I’ve noticed the mangroves beside the Showgrounds are home to hundreds.
What is special about Mackay to you and your family?
If you’re happy to share your secret spot, please email me at amanda@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com
Amanda
