| MACKAY - QUEENSLAND - 4740 | ||||
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Population: 120,000, Height above sea level: 10m Latitude: -21.0700 Longitude: 149.1500 Location: 970km north of Brisbane Highway: Bruce Hwy (1) Nearest Major Town: Mackay Nearest Airport: Mackay Touring Area: Mackay and District |
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Mackay is one of Queenslands major coastal cities on the Bruce Highway. It was settled in 1862,
and was named after Captain John Mackay who discovered the valley of the Pioneer River. Pioneer settlers introduced sugar and Mackay is now Australia's leading sugar producer, has the world's largest bulk sugar terminal, and leads the world in sugar research. It is a popular resort area and part of the Great Barrier Reef. Brampton Island is directly off its coast. There are many fine beaches and a large shopping centre. The city heart has been transformed into an unique community arts project consisting of over 580 pieces of art, with a theme depicting the environmental beauty of the area and featuring the rainforests and the Barrier Reef. PLACES OF INTEREST: Located 18 kms west of Mackay reflects the colonial days of the region. A central Heritage Walk reveals the history of the city and includes a hotel built in 1889, the police station, court house and the Commonwealth Bank, all over a century old, and all listed with the National Trust.
INFORMATION CENTRE: Mackay Visitor Information Centre 320 Nebo Rd. Mackay. QLD 4740 Ph: 07 4952 2677. Toll free 1300 130 001 Town Hall Visitor Information Centre 63 Sydney St. Mackay. QLD 4740 Ph: 07 4951 4803. Toll Free: 1300 130 001 HOW TO GET THERE: By car along the Bruce Hwy. (1) | ||||||||
© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins