We have visited Mackay multiple times with our sailing boat, and each trip has been enjoyable. During our latest stay, we spent two days at the Big4 Blacks Beach Caravan Park. This beachfront caravan park provides a wonderful opportunity for long strolls along the expansive sandy beach.
Like Clairview, Mackay experiences notable tidal variations, adding an intriguing element to the scenery. Low tide was my favourite time for beach walking. Now and then, if you glance towards the shore, you might spot curlews hiding under the shea oak trees. In the afternoon, we heard the calls of the Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, and local visitors, such as magpies, would drop by, hoping we had left some food behind for them.
The Mackay Marina is a fantastic destination to explore. Walking along the rugged rock wall leading to the iconic beacon rewards us with stunning panoramic views. At low tide, the boat harbour undergoes a dramatic transformation, revealing a massive wall of rock that becomes prominent along the marina shore, with large piles also exposed by the low tide. This gigantic wall is essential in protecting the harbour from swells and storms. The Surf Lifesaving Club is an excellent spot to enjoy lunch and a drink.
In addition to exploring the sights, we have countless activities that keep us busy. We were looking forward to visiting family, specifically Aunty Gail and her daughter Michelle, who live nearby.
We often find ourselves taking care of the caravan and sourcing parts to ensure everything is in top condition. There are also tasks like shopping, cleaning, laundry, planning our next destination, and searching for the cheapest fuel prices. With so much to do, the hours seem to slip away quickly, and before we know it, it’s time to leave.
Our next destination was the charming town of Walkerston, which holds many fond memories for Mark, as it is his birthplace and his father’s resting place. We arrived at the local cemetery with his sister, Gail, and brother-in-law, Craig, where we took a moment to pay our respects at his father’s grave. Afterwards, we headed to the Pinnacle Hotel, a well-known local establishment famous for its delicious pies. The RV-friendly hotel allows you to camp in the back for free as long as you eat at the pub.
