| Mackay
Rainforest, mountain and gorge, rich plains and estuarine streams,
beaches, islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Treasures
not well known to the tourist - this is Queensland's
Natural North, surrounding the tropical city of Mackay.
A prosperous centre,
Mackay has thrived on the commerce of sugar and the mines
several hundred kilometres inland. The region has always
been independent and for this reason has not become well-known
as a tourist destination. This offers the traveller a
chance to experience a tropical Queensland that hasn't
been overwhelmed by development.
In Mackay, the weather is superb all year round. Temperatures
in the warmer months range from 24 to 30C and winter temperatures,
a comfortable 20 to 24c (your average English summer!).
The waters of The Natural North remain at a constant 20
to 22C year round - which is a little like swimming in
a heated pool. There are secluded beaches where the rainforest
tumbles to the water's edge, and windsurfers delight in
riding the waves of the Pacific Ocean.
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