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 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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28 Apr 08 Employment and Work

There are many work and career opportunities on the Whitsunday Islands and within Airlie Beach. Most of the opportunities are connected to the hospitality industry and give those seeking employment a chance to stay a little longer in this wonderful paradise setting. It is also an ideal way to learn new skills and meet new and interesting people, and really get the ‘feel’ of the place, while earning some money.

None of the Islands have employment bureaus of their own. However, Airlie beach, and other main centers have employment bureaus which offer recourses and information, availability of opportunities and accommodation and expert knowledge and training facilities available for gaining employment on a Whitsunday Island. These bureaus are a good place to start looking for work

Overseas travellers may need a working visa. Australia is one of many countries which participate in the Working Holiday Maker visa scheme. Two of the main criteria for obtaining an Australian working visa is that travellers are between 18 and 30 years of age and are without dependant children.

Temporary work is a great way to extend and expand your holiday, or even make your holiday your ‘way of life’.

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