Public listings checked 25/10/2026. Dates use each event’s local time. Check organiser details before travelling.
Explore the region
Explore Mackay and its coastal suburbs, with day trips to the Pioneer Valley, Sarina, Seaforth and Cape Hillsborough.
Listings across Andergrove, Blacks Beach, Bucasia, Cape Hillsborough, Eimeo, Eungella, Finch Hatton, Mackay, Marian, Mirani, Sarina, Shoal Point, Slade Point, South Mackay, West Mackay.
Attractions and places to visit
57 places in this selection. Opening hours, access and admission vary; check the place details.
In 1986 the Mirani Shire Council purchased a collection of artefacts from Jack Williams of Eungella. With the aid of a bicentennial grant, the council built a large modern building that houses the Shire's Library and the Museum, which displays the Jack Williams Collection. The Museum opened in September 1988. The collection expanded rapidly so the Museum section was extended to double its size in 1990.
The small but beautifully presented social history Museum includes a display on the Sugar Industry, Indigenous artifacts, a large natural history section which includes the fossilised remains of a Diprotodon and a reading nook with photo albums, local family history booklets and many publications relating to the Valley.
Make sure to stop in and say hello to the volunteers on your journey towards Eungella.
Platypus Beach is a popular swimming hole for locals and tourists, a little slice of sandy paradise on the bank of the Pioneer River, near the country town of Mirani.
Platypus Beach, is a beautiful location to enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and picnics. As the name eludes, there is even the possibility of seeing a platypus in its natural environment.
Platypus Beach is a short drive from Mirani, under the Mirani Bridge along the Mackay-Eungella Road.
Platypus Beach has recently-renovated natural attraction includes a sealed access road, picnic facilities, informative signs and shelter.
There are currently no toilets and visitors must take rubbish with them to keep this attraction unspoiled.
Welcome to the sweetest mountain bike trails in Queensland.
Finch Hatton MTB consists of 16 airflow trails of varying difficulty. Green, Blue and Black Diamond trails cater to all experience levels, from first-timers to gravity enduro specialists.
Hit the 14.5km of trails without a worry—no fees, no bookings, just ride.
The trails deliver multiple options for riders to test themselves on jumps and obstacles – or take it easy and keep your tyres on the dirt. These trails are designed for riders to progressively improve on each run
Open all year round during daylight hours (weather permitting).
Start your adventure at the Finch Hatton MTB Trailhead, where you will find amenities, hydration stations and a bike wash. Also located at the Trailhead is the Finch Hatton MTB Pump Track which spans more than 400 metres in length and offers a huge range of hump styles and sizes for riders of all ages and skill levels to enjoy.
Access the trail network via the climbing trail G’Day G’Day or grab an uplift with the shuttle service, Off Camber Mountain Biking.
With trails and pump track that cater to all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced, and the natural beauty of an ancient rainforest as your backdrop, Finch Hatton MTB offers an unrivalled biking adventure in Queensland.
Finch Hatton MTB Pump Track spans 400m and offers a huge range of hump styles and sizes for riders of all ages and skill levels to enjoy. The track also hosts racing events and is located at the Finch Hatton MTB Trailhead.
The pump track is a continuous loop of rollers, berms and jumps around which riders can ride bicycles by using a pumping motion. By using a pumping motion, riders can maintain their speed around the pump track without pedalling.
Keep moving your hip, legs and arms and keep the rhythm. If you push and pull powerfully, you get really fast.
Finch Hatton MTB Pump Track was designed and constructed by pump track specialist, Bike Tracks Australia.
Finch Hatton Gorge is nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Pioneer Valley in the Mackay Region, it is more than just a destination it's and unforgettable adventure waiting to be discovered. Finch Hatton is surrounded by a spectacular landscape of cascading waterfalls, lush rainforest, and dramatic volcanic boulder formations, this natural wonder is a must see for anyone craving beauty and exploration.
Finch Hatton Gorge has picnic area at the beginning of one of its most popular trails, guiding you on a 1.6km journey to the stunning Araluen Waterfall, a perfect spot for soaking up the serenity. For those eager to go further, continue another 1.4km to the awe-inspiring Wheel of Fire Cascades. This is a more challenging trek, with up hill climbs and stairs, but rewarding you with sweeping views and a magnificent waterfall plunging into a deep, inviting pool, ideal for a well earned swim.
With welcoming accommodation and dining options nearby, it's easy to turn your visit into a relaxing getaway in one of the Mackay's Region's most captivating treasures. Whether you're chasing adventure or tranquillity, Finch Hatton Gorge delivers. From invigorating rainforest hikes and gorge swims, there's something for every kind of explorer.
Mia Mia State Forest is nestled in the Clarke Range and bounded by Teemburra Creek and the Pioneer River 60 km West of Mackay. Mia Mia State Forest features open eucalypt forest dissected by numerous deep gullies and rocky water courses and is a haven for wildlife.
Mia Mia State Forest's clay soil of the forest was once used by locals to make bricks before the hoop pine plantations were established in 1934. The first plantation hoop pines were grown in a 12ha section of land in the north of the forest with the last plantation trees planted in 1991. Remnant pines from the former plantation can be seen along the access road as you travel down Teemburra Creek.
4WD access ONLY
Eungella National Park, approximately a one hour drive west of Mackay, is home to one of the most reliable spots in Australia to spot the elusive platypus - in the wild!
From the viewing decks at Broken River, spot this shy creature in its natural habitat, as well as turtles and other wildlife in this beautiful National Park. The best times to see this special monotreme are at dawn or dusk.
The Broken River bridge also provides an excellent vantage point to see platypus swimming in the river below. Platypus are quite shy, so remain as still and as quiet as possible to increase your chances of seeing one. Also, keep an eye out for air bubbles, as the platypus feeds from the bottom but surfaces to chew its food and breathe.
Between bushwalks, stop for a bite to eat at Platypus Lodge Cafe, where you can also read some information about the national park.
There are 22 kilometres of walking trails in Eungella, as well as accommodation, restaurants and cafes. Try to spot a platypus if you can!
Broken River is located approximately 90km from Mackay, in the beautiful tranquil Eungella National Park.
Broken River travels through the picturesque Pioneer Valley, with the specular climb up the Eungella Range to Eungella township
Broken River is an excellent place to enjoy bush walks within Australia's largest stretch of continuous sub-tropical rainforest.
The platypus viewing deck is near Broken River's picnic grounds, where amenities such as public toilets, picnic tables and barbecues can be found. Camping permits and information about Broken River is available from the nearby Ranger's Station.
Platypus viewing is best done in the late afternoon or early morning. Look for air bubbles and ripples in the water to watch the platypus quickly surface. Stay still and quiet to improve your chances of seeing one.
When visiting a rainforest environment it is wise to carry insect repellent to protect from mosquitoes. Never attempt a river crossing when flooded and exercise caution during the wet season between November and April, as creek levels can rise quickly.
Eungella Dam is a scenic lake fringed by rainforest, the ideal spot for boating and skiing with peaceful natural surrounds. Camping is by self-registration on-site. No motorbikes allowed. Fishing permits are required and can be obtained from local tackle shops and Mackay Tourism.
From the township of Eungella, take the Eungella Dam Road past Broken River. The last portion of the drive is unsealed, where the landscape turns from rainforest into high country farms. Beware of wandering stock as cows roam free along this road.
The dam is stocked with Sooty Grunter, Saratoga, Sleepy Cod and Barramundi and is renowned for producing oversized Sooty Grunter. There are no boating restrictions for the dam and small boats can be launched from the boat ramp.
Camping is permitted in the area with facilities available such as cold showers, toilets, barbecues and picnic tables. A second block of public toilets and more picnic tables can be found across the other side of the water, near the dam itself.
Access is by normal vehicle with some dirt road along the way.
Self-registration station located at camping area toilet block allows campers to stay overnight at AUD5 per night or AUD15 per night for a family.
Dogs on leashes are allowed.
