Wild Thing, You Make Mackay Sing!

It’s not every day that a multi-national award-winning tourism operator decides to launch a new business in a neighbouring region, but when they do, they do it with style.

Taking home the award for Most Outstanding New Business, Wildcat Mackay is the latest offering from adventure tourism company Red Cat Adventures and they are proud to have established a solid reputation in Mackay after nearly a year of operation.

Owned by Asher and Julie Telford, who currently operate four charter boats, two land-based tours and manage Lake Proserpine Campground in the Whitsundays, their new business Wildcat Mackay started in December 2021, offering full-day island tours, school group immersive learning experiences, private charters and sunset cruises from Mackay Marina.

The purpose-built all-weather catamaran can carry up to 50 people and caters to all types of customers, from unique Christmas parties to remote island adventures.

Asher Telford said they were thrilled to win their first award for Wildcat Mackay and that it was a pleasure to bring along their eight invaluable staff to the tourism awards, many who had been involved in the planning and implementation of the tour from inception.

“Starting a new business in the middle of Covid definitely put us through a stress-test, but the end result was well-worth it,” said Asher.

“We are now really proud of what we created. This would not have been possible without assistance from the Queensland Government Growing Tourism Infrastructure grant. We are very grateful.”

“We are also proud to showcase Mackay as we are the only charter day boat operating locally and it’s great to help put Mackay on the map, encouraging people to stop-off when they travel up and down the coast,” added Julie.

Wildcat has become a local’s favourite, with 90 per cent of all passengers coming from the region.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us so far,” said Julie.

“We have so many local return customers who love the tour because every day is different and we visit different locations.”

Heading to some of the most untouched and remote islands off the coast of Mackay, the Wildcat tour includes snorkelling, paddle boarding and plenty of beach time.

Everything is included on this tour – from stinger suits to a delicious locally catered lunch. There is also a licensed bar onboard.

The sunset cruise departs on the weekends from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and takes a scenic tour around the marina with stunning views across the bay as the sun fades beyond the horizon.

Their business in the Whitsundays, Red Cat Adventures, has won gold over three consecutive years at the Australian Tourism Awards and entered the prestigious Hall of Fame twice for the best Major Tour and Transport Operator and Adventure Tourism business at the 2021 Queensland awards.

Still riding the waves of this success, they have chosen not to re-enter this year and focus on raising the profile of their new business Wildcat Mackay instead.

“Ash and I would just like to thank all our hardworking staff for everything they do, the Mackay tourism industry for welcoming us and all the locals who have supported us from the beginning.” said Julie.

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