13 Dec 08 Dunk Island

The spectacular north Queensland island, known as Dunk Island, is found approximately 120 kilometers south of Cairns and 160 kilometers north of Townsville. Located just four kilometers off the coast of Mission Beach, Dunk Island measures in at six kilometers long and two kilometers wide. The island also has a beautiful tropical climate spawning an average year round temperature of roughly 29 degrees Celsius.

As history goes, Dunk Island was originally known as Coonangleba, meaning ‘Island of Peace and Plenty’, by the local indigenous Australians that inhabited the area. Only in 1770, when James Cook was exploring the Queensland coastline, did Dunk Island acquire its European name after the Earl of Halifax, George Montagu Dunk. From its historical beginnings to the present day, many people have since visited the island to enjoy its unique majestic nature.

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13 Dec 08 Camping near Mission Beach

Mission Beach has great weather, 14 kilometers of stunning beaches, lush tropical rainforests and a welcoming local community. Also surrounded by hectares of National Parks and featuring Dunk Island just off the coast, Mission Beach is an ideal location for camping enthusiasts. This form of accommodation is the best way to truly experience Mission Beach’s natural surroundings.

Privately owed caravan parks in town are the most common place to set up a tent. For a minimal fee, campers can enjoy their own space, whilst taking advantage of the caravan parks facilities. Other popular camping locations in Mission Beach can be located at any of the National Parks. After obtaining a permit from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, campers are free to camp at any designated camping ground, providing they follow the rules and regulations outlined by the Park.

Just a short water taxi ride off the Mission Beach coast is Dunk Island, a campers dream. There are public and private campsites scattered along the beaches, but once again a permit is required. This fantastic island is covered in natural splendour, which campers usually enjoy to a greater extent.

28 Nov 08 Backpacker Hostels and Budget Accommodation

Ranging from the busy Mackay City to the seclusion of Pioneer Valley, backpacker hostels and budget accommodation can be found almost anywhere in the Mackay region. From the small family operated businesses to the larger youth hostel establishments, each form of budget accommodation prides itself on the comfort and cleanliness of the entire building.

In Mackay budget accommodation the features and services may vary, but can include air-conditioned rooms, communal kitchen and lounge area with TV, games room, internet connections, luggage lockers and Laundromat. It can be expected that all linen is changed every day and beds re-made. Plus, all staff members are friendly, helpful and readily willing to share valuable local knowledge to enhance any travellers visit to Mackay.

Platypus Bush Camp
Gorge Rd Finch,
Hatton Queensland Australia 4756
Bookings: +617 4958 3204

Larrikin Lodge Backpackers
32 Peel St,
Mackay Queensland
Australia 4740
Freecall: 1800 611 953 (within Australia)
Phone +61 7 4951 3728 (from Overseas)

22 Nov 08 Mission Beach

Mission Beach is a small coastal town, located in the ‘Wet Tropics’ region of Northern Queensland. Known for its stunning natural beauty and as a perfect getaway point to some of the most elusive tropical islands off the Australian coast, Mission Beach is thought to be a haven for both international and national travelers.

In Australia, Mission Beach spans a tiny 22 kilometers and can be found approximately 150 kilometers south of Cairns and 230 kilometers north of Townsville, on the Cassowary Coast. Famous for its stunning beaches lined by World Heritage listed rainforest, Mission Beach also adjoins the Coral Sea, which encompasses island paradises like Dunk, Bedarra, Hinchinbrook and Orpheus, crystal clear waters and the most spectacular marine spectacle, The Great Barrier Reef.
Mission Beach is thriving with natural splendors and has everything necessary for an unimaginably magnificent travelers visit.

On the land, in the air and water, there is a fine selection of activities, attractions and entertainment opportunities awaiting Mission Beach visitors, both during the day and at night. A few popular enjoyment options, associated with Mission Beach and its surrounding areas include Tiger Moth scenic flights, white water rafting, fabulous fresh and saltwater fishing, the Babinda Boulders, National Park rainforest walks and a visit to Paronella Park.

Mission Beach is considered by many to be an appealingly quaint town, encompassing four welcoming communities. It  has a good variety of quality accommodation and terrific dining choices available to all travelers, on varying budgets.  Visitors to the area will also find public and private travel options are numerous and essential services, property information and employment facilities are readily available, in various locations throughout the township.

As one of Australia’s prime travel destinations, Mission Beach’s unique natural beauty has not been compromised due to its increasing popularity among visitors to Northern Queensland. Along with its surrounding mainland locations and exquisite collection of islands, Mission Beach has a lot to offer its visitors.

22 Nov 08 Diving and Snorkeling

The Great Barrier Reef right on the northern coast of Queensland. Diving and snorkelling off the coast provides every patron a truly unforgettable experience. Along with the spectacular reefs, snorkelling around the islands is fantastic and diving amongst a shipwreck is fascinatingly marvellous.

Novice and experienced divers or snorkelers can all revel in the under water beauty found anywhere along the Great Barrier Reef. There are a many professional dive operators in throughout the Great Barrier Reef region that rent appropriate equipment, take out dive tours and provide valuable training courses. Also, to find the best diving and snorkeling spots, talk with locals, inquire at the accommodation front desks and even try the Information Centers.

22 Nov 08 Mackay Coal Mine Tours

Located just 22 kilometres north of the well established Mackay town of Clermont, the first coal was discovered in Blair Athol, in 1864. Now, the western section of the Mackay region is known to lie over Australia’s largest coal seam and mining from the shire annually contributes over $1.6 billion into the regions economy. While visiting Mackay, head inland and participate in a coal mine tour, seeping with historical pioneering background.

Pre-booked coal mine tours launch from Clermont Tourist Office twice a week, at approximately nine in the morning. The two and a half hour tours take participants through the workings of the mine and help them comprehend how it’s Australia’s largest exporter of thermal coal. After the coal mine visit has concluded, the tour also includes a trip to the Clermont Museum and the Copperfield Store, for historical purposes.

22 Nov 08 4WD Adventures

Four wheel drive (4WD) adventures can take two forms. The first form is a trip with a 4WD adventure company, on a negotiated itinerary and around specific tracks located throughout the Great Barrier Reef region. The other form is individuals taking 4WD’s out on the tracks by themselves. With this option, either a personal or hire 4WD vehicle is needed and the driver has the added bonus of venturing along the Mackay tracks at any pace.

Firstly, the 4WD adventure company tours are an ideal way to explore the challenging and rugged Mackay terrain, with the comfort of a guide. Professional guides/drivers are usually Mackay locals and enjoy showing passengers true Australian beauty, that’s only accessed by 4WD. Adventure tours range in duration, depending on the chosen destination. Excellent 4WD tracks in Mackay can take people on a journey amongst untouched National Parks, across captivating beaches, between farmland and through superb countryside.

The second form of 4WD adventure allows individuals with private vehicles to venture tracks on their own. Ideal driving locations for 4WD enthusiasts can be found at any one of Mackay’s National Parks and along a selected amount of beaches during low tide. Individual 4WD adventures can be extremely rewarding but remember that during the wet season extreme caution must be taken and safety equipment is highly recommended.

19 Nov 08 4WD Rentals

Four wheel drive (4WD) rental vehicles allow any Mackay traveller to feel the action-packed excitement that every road potentially has to offer. Hire 4WD’s are the only way to travel off the beaten track and adventure through beautiful bushland and across sandy beaches. Most car rental companies and all 4WD rental specialists, have 4WD rental vehicles ready to give any Mackay visitor the chance to get out there and experience the real Australia, at any pace.

Current 4WD rental vehicles popularly used by rental companies include the Toyota Land Cruiser Station Wagon and Troopcarrier. Vehicles are usually diesel, 5 speed manuals that have air-conditioning, retractable mirrors, power windows and power steering. Mackay Rental companies are all committed to offering competitive rates, excellent services and professional advice for all 4WD rental customers. The power and reliability of a 4WD is second to none, so enhance any adventurous visit to Mackay by renting a 4WD vehicle.

Some 4WD trips:

• Eungella National Park
• Burdekin Falls
• Blackdown Tableland
• Porcupine National Park
  
• Clairview
• Charters Towers

Britz Australia Campervan Hire and Car Rentals
Toll Free: 0011 800 200 80 801

Australian 4WD Hire, Mackay 4×4 Vehicle Rental
Bookings: 1300 360 339

Ask if you can hire an Outback Safety Kit with your 4WD vehicle.  Outback Safety Kit Contains:

• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
• Snatch Strap - used to pull a vehicle from a bogged position.
• Bow Shackles - secure the snatch strap to a rigid anchor point
• Outback folding spade

16 Nov 08 Mackay, Australia

The Mackay region’s natural beauty is just waiting to be discovered. Otherwise known as Australia’s sugar capital, Mackay is a prosperous and friendly town offering a unique traveling experience. Everything necessary for an unforgettable visit to Mackay is readily available, plus a whole lot more.

In the country of Australia, the large Mackay region is centrally located on the Queensland coast, halfway between Brisbane and Cairns. It encompasses secluded islands, spectacular beaches, the southern tip of The Great Barrier Reef, several splendid National Parks, historical townships and indisputably stunning countryside merging onto outback plains. Nowhere on earth has such an impressive assortment of natural wonders on offer to travelers.

Mackay is an ideal location to enjoy an array of activities and entertainment on the land, in the water and in the air, both at night and during the day. Just a few popular activities among travelers to the region include 4WD adventures, gold fossicking, terrific saltwater fishing, diving amongst ship wrecks and taking a scenic helicopter flight over the network of colorful reefs. There is also a range of interesting attractions located around Mackay, like the Illawong Sanctuary and spectacular Eungella National Park.

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26 Apr 08 Essential Travel Information

For travellers interested in visiting the Whitsunday Islands, educating oneself with some essential information is an important aspect in making any holiday away from home, truly memorable. Information ranging from the Whitsunday Island’s history and typical weather patterns, through to available communication services and wedding facilities will not only interest, but better inform any traveller to the islands.

The Whitsunday Island’s known history started over 100 million years ago and includes strong Indigenous influences and interesting European past times. The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 major islands located off the Queensland coast, between Brisbane and Cairns. The time zone which applies to this area is Australian Eastern Standard Time, which is ten hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. The Whitsunday Islands are also considered to have a tropical climate, little rainfall and trade winds to stabilize the temperature almost all year round.

To organize an unforgettable trip to the Whitsunday Islands, travellers should firstly visit a visitor’s information center located on the mainland in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale or Bowen. At these places, great tours and package options are always on offer, to save travellers to the area a lot of time and money. Staff at the information centers can also provide local advice on attractions, activities and events, scheduled on the entertainment calendar. As the Whitsunday Islands are an area of tremendous natural beauty, there is a high quality selection of potential wedding venues and an assortment of professional facilities and services available to engaged couples. The islands are also a perfect place for honeymoons and romantic escapades in paradise.

There are two Whitsunday Islands and numerous mainland destinations with larger shopping facilities, and all the other resort islands usually have small shops which stock basic essentials. Before visiting any of the islands it is advised to understand what currency is used, where banks are located, how currency exchange and travellers cheques work, and what cards electronic fund transfer (EFTPOS) machines take. Please note that accessibility to communication services such as phones, internet and post may also vary from island to island. Fuel availability and road conditions are also topics only concerning sailors and visitors staying on Hamilton Island.

Lastly, it is important for any Whitsunday Island boater, to familiarize themselves with different moorings, marinas and anchorage points, rules, regulations and exercise caution around restricted areas.