48 hours in Cape Hillsborough and The Hibiscus Coast

For a holiday that will immerse you in all kinds of nature, explore what lies to the north of the sugar cane capital with an overnight escape to Cape Hillsborough. Less than 50 kilometres north of the Mackay city centre, you'll find an ancient volcanic landscape, untouched beaches, and 1012 hectares of the national park that make up Cape Hillsborough. So whether you're more about action or relaxation, say ‘hello’ to the stunning natural charm of The Hibiscus Coast. Activities here include exploring a range of walking trails at Cape Hillsborough National Park, learning about the Indigenous Yuibera people and their connection to the land and sea, visiting beachside towns, fishing in pristine waters and waking up with kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at sunrise....

Product Types

• Itineraries

Activities you can engage in

• Birdwatching
• Camping
• Hiking
• Walks

Itineraries

• Make tracks from Mackay to Cape Hillsborough

  

  In the Morning: Make tracks from Mackay to Cape Hillsborough. Swap the city for Cape Hillsborough National Park, a destination where the only three Rs you need to know are: rainforests, ‘roos (and agile wallabies) and rocky headlands. Point your bonnet toward Cape Hillsborough, 50 kilometre north-east of Mackay's city centre, following signs to Seaforth, taking the Bruce Highway via The Leap. You’ll know you’re getting close as the verdant sugar cane fields give way to rugged mountain scenery - packed with rainforest, eucalypt forest and hoop pines. If there’s one stop you must make along the way, it's The Organic and Natural Store at The Leap, which stocks everything from hand-woven African baskets to groceries – handy if you’re self-catering tonight.

  Facilities found here

  • Barbecue
  • Boating Facilities
  • Campsites
  • Caravan / Camper Trailer / Campervan Sites
  • Carpark
  • Coach Parking
  • Food and Refreshments
  • Lookouts
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • Shop / Gift Shop

  Travel Method

  • 4x4
  • Car
  • Caravan
  • Four Wheel Drive
  • Motorcycle

  Route Type

  • One way

• Arrive into Cape Hillsborough National Park

  

  Known as the youngest volcanic area in Australia, Cape Hillsborough is blessed with geologic foundations – the envy of most coastal destinations – with steep tree-lined mountains that drop dramatically to the coastline below. Its volcanic past has also shaped the landscape, dividing up what would have once been a seamless stretch of coastline into a series of secluded bays, each separated by rhyolite boulder headlands. Beyond the boulders providing smooth swimming conditions (read: wind protection), each bay boasts a crescent shape and panoramic view from one end to the other - perfect for photography enthusiasts. To immerse yourself in The Hibiscus Coast, choose between camping and cabins on the Cape Hillsborough coastline. You’ll fall asleep with mere metres between you and the main attraction tomorrow morning - sunrise on the beach. Or, for romantic luxury, check into the Feathered Nest to share your suite with an aviary of rare black cockatoos, while being surrounded by the Australian bushland of Mount Toby State Forest.

  Facilities found here

  • Barbecue
  • Boating Facilities
  • Campsites
  • Caravan / Camper Trailer / Campervan Sites
  • Carpark
  • Coach Parking
  • Food and Refreshments
  • Lookouts
  • Non Smoking
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • Shop / Gift Shop

  Travel Method

  • 4x4
  • Car
  • Caravan
  • Four Wheel Drive
  • Motorcycle

• Day 2 - First light: Wake up early for sunrise on the beach

  

  Set your alarm for daybreak to see Mackay's most famous residents, eastern grey kangaroos and agile wallabies, as they tuck into their breakfast by the beach. Mackay's furry friends make use of the morning tidal patterns to unearth mangrove seed pods, seaweed and coral - and dine alfresco on the beach. This wild phenomenon promises a trifecta of a golden sunrise, picture-perfect beach and a mob of macropods, every day of the year. Keep your cameras at the ready, to prove to family and friends why Mackay is known for its natural encounters. While selfies might be something visitors attempt at zoos and animal sanctuaries, this is a wild experience and the Cape Hillsborough macropods don’t take kindly to people getting too close. Before breakfast, take a flat stroll along Casuarina Beach’s golden sands towards the rockwall, which forms the headland of Cape Hillsborough.

  Facilities found here

  • Barbecue
  • Boating Facilities
  • Campsites
  • Caravan / Camper Trailer / Campervan Sites
  • Carpark
  • Food and Refreshments
  • Lookouts
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • Shop / Gift Shop

• Day 2 - Mid-morning: Discover The Hibiscus Coast’s Charms

  

  Fuel yourself with a brunch worthy of similar Instagram attention at The Old Station Teahouse, best known for their scones and wood-fired pizzas, both served in a quaint garden setting. Explore the national park via one of the walking trails, which range from lazy strolls to strenuous hikes, including the Diversity Boardwalk, Beachcomber Cove Track, Yuibera (Yuwi) Trail and Andrews Point Track. All four walks range from 1.2 kilometres to 5.2 kilometres and can easily be completed in a couple of hours, promising spectacular views for all who tackle them. On your way back to the city, dial your zen levels up a notch with a yoga class at Avatar Country Day Spa and Spiritual Wellness Centre at The Leap and connect with your spiritual centre.

  Facilities found here

  • Cafe
  • Carpark
  • Day Spa
  • Food and Refreshments
  • Picnic Area
  • Restaurant
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area

  Travel Method

  • 4x4
  • Car
  • Caravan
  • Motorcycle

  Route Type

  • One way