Plan Your Trip
Instaworthy locations in Mackay & The Whitsundays
Distance
1223km (including boat transfers)
How
Car or Camper
Where
Clairview to Bowen
Date
Year round
Love filling your feed with beautiful content? This ultimate guide to the most Instagram-worthy locations in Mackay and The Whitsundays will have your followers in awe!
Hike through lush rainforests, swim in turquoise blue waters, get up close to wallabies and marine life and relax under the stars at some of the best camp spots North Queensland has to offer! Check out our itinerary below and get posting!
DAY 1
Clairview to Eungella
The perfect rest stop to break up the drive from Rockhampton to Mackay, Clairview isn’t just the location of a spectacular tropical beach, it is also a recognised Dugong Sanctuary. Spot a platypus in its natural habitat at Broken River. The viewing platforms are a must-visit destination. Jump back in the car and drive through Mackay to get to Eungella, home of the famous tree arch. Go for a hike in the rainforest and take a photo walking underneath the arch! Marvel at the beautiful views of the Pioneer Valley at the Sky Window lookout! Only a short walk through lush rainforest to reach the viewing area.
Before heading back to Mackay, stop at Finch Hatton Gorge in the Pioneer Valley. Go for a swim at Araluen Falls, a stunning waterfall nestled in the mountain.
DAY 2
Cape Hillsborough to Wolfgang Peak
Wake up for sunrise to watch the wallabies on the beach! One of the only guaranteed wild wallaby experiences in the country. If you time it right, you can make it across to Wedge Island at low tide. Located off the beach at Cape Hillsborough, see if you can find the famous Wedge Island rock pool.
Break up your day of adventuring at Mackay’s Northern Beaches. The perfect place for lunch, this 6km beach is great for swimming, sunbaking and even fishing.
Spend the afternoon driving through the wide open plains of the Isaac region until you reach Clermont. Wake up early the next morning and hike Wolfang Peak for sunrise. See if you can take a photo looking out from the cave.
DAY 3
Clermont to Conway National Park
After your sunrise hike, make your way back to the coast through Nebo and Mackay. Conway National Park is just 15 minutes from AirlieBeach and isa dramatic landscape of rainforest-clad hills, beaches and panoramic views.
Nestled in Conway National Park is the beautiful Cedar CreekFalls. An ideal spot for an afternoon picnic as you marvel in the natural surrounds.Drive to Airlie Beach to stay for the night
DAY 4
Hardy Reef
Time to step out of the car and step onto a boat! The River at Hardy Reef is a picturesque spot, home to thousands of spectacular reef fish. During your trip to Hardy Reef, take a helicopter trip over the world-famous Heart Reef! Get the most stunning aerial shot and you will wow your followers.
DAY 5
Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island
Get a photo relaxing on one of the most famous beaches in the world! The white sand and turquoise blue waters at Whitehaven Beach will have you in awe. During your trip to Whitehaven Beach, stop at Hill Inlet. Hop off the boat and hike up to the viewing point to see stunning views of the Whitsunday waters.
Time to hop off the boat and get into the water! Diving and snorkelling is a must while you are in the Whitsundays, well-known for having some of the best coral gardens in the world.
DAY 6
Hamilton Island
Spend the entire day exploring the stunning Hamilton Island! The trek to Passage Peak is definitely worth it. You will be rewarded with 360 views over Hamilton Island and don’t forget your gram pic with the iconic Passage Peak Chair!
DAY 7
Airlie Beach to Bowen
Bid farewell to The Whitsundays and get back on the road north. Stop in at Bowen for lunch and a swim at the famous Horseshoe Bay! This beach is framed by two granite outcrops which provide a haven for a wonderful range of fish and coral.
