MACKAY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

An Uncrowded Slice of Paradise

The Mackay Isaac region beckons you to make memories and share adventures in an uncrowded slice of natural paradise.

From rainforest to reef, to epic inland road trip destinations, the Mackay Isaac region abounds with natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice, with fishing, camping and bushwalking opportunities around every bend. Nature-lovers will delight in authentic encounters with the host of unique wildlife that find refuge here. Experience a magical sunrise with wallabies on the beach at Cape Hillsborough, search for elusive platypus in the serene streams of Eungella National Park, or swim amidst colourful coral gardens with magnificent marine life on the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands.

Here, farm fresh flavours are served with a generous side of country hospitality, the leaves of ancient forests whisper tales of times gone by, and you’ll find the freedom to roam your own way, free from the crowds and chaos.

To truly discover all this beautiful region has to offer, be sure to drop by and say hi to the friendly local experts at the Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre in Sarina. Housed within a historic railway station at the southern entrance to the region, our welcoming centre offers top travel tips, advice and information about the wealth of experiences and attractions available in our area and beyond. Call in for a free cuppa and a chat with one of our friendly volunteers, who love helping visitors discover our region’s key attractions and lesser-known local secrets.

With a host of handy hints and local insights, a visit to our centre is sure to equip you with the knowledge and know-how you need to make the most of your time in the magical Mackay Isaac region.

Our Outstanding Information Station

The Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre is your perfect first point of call for all your information needs.

Our centre is housed within a heritage-listed 1950’s railway station, set amidst the peaceful surrounds of the Sarina Field of Dreams Parklands just off the Bruce Highway. Our centre staff extend a relaxed, warm welcome to all visitors, creating an inviting space to come and discover all that’s on offer.

The entry stairs or ramp lead to a shaded wrap-around veranda, neatly hedged with established gardens. To your right on entry you’ll find a treasure trove of informative brochures, maps and regional guides highlighting the incredible range of attractions, experiences and accommodation offerings available in our region and surrounding areas. Also to your right is our Driver Reviver station. Take some time out to relax and refuel, with free tea, coffee and biscuits, and a comfortable seating area.

To your left on entry is the customer service desk, which is staffed by a team of passionate locals who pride themselves on offering visitors information and inspiration for an unforgettable stay in our region. We are happy to assist with your travel bookings and arrangements, including accommodation, tours and rail travel, and can even help customise an itinerary to suit your unique needs, interests and budget, taking the stress and guesswork out of planning the perfect escape. Here you’ll also find an amazing range of souvenirs and merchandise for sale, as a memento of your time here or a treasure gift for loved ones.

Contrary to its nostalgic outward appearance, our centre is packed with state-of-the-art technology, including a charging station, and free wi-fi. A large screen displays images and audible descriptions of tourist attractions in the area, enticing you to contemplate your next adventure.

A Colourful History

Our heritage-listed ‘information station’ exudes an old-world charm and showcases some intriguing elements of the region’s rich history.

As you enter, you’ll no doubt notice the feel of original flagstone flooring underfoot, adding character and authenticity to the visitor experience. Historic displays adorn the walls, with photos telling a pictorial story of the station’s use in its early days.

For tens of thousands of years before the establishment of rail services to this region, the area’s traditional custodians, the Yuwibara people, walked these lands. In 1860, an enterprising Irishman John McCrossin selected a 20-year-old Scot, by the name of John Mackay, to lead an expedition to seek pastoral opportunities on what was then the northern frontier of European settlement. They came across the coastal ranges, now known as the Pioneer Valley. Originally colonised for the farming of sheep, it quickly became apparent that this northern region’s tropical coastal climate wasn’t ideal for sheep or cattle grazing. Within a few years of its settlement, sugar cane cuttings were introduced to the area, and soon sugar supplanted the pastoral industry as the mainstay of the district, forming the backbone of the region’s sweet economic success. A timeline of the local sugarcane industry’s development is provided on the centre’s window, giving an insight into our key industry’s long and prosperous history.

Much of the industry’s early success was achieved through the intense, back-breaking labour of indentured South Sea Islanders. A window within the Visitor Information Centre has been dedicated to the brave story of one such former local, Katie Marla, who overcame slavery to become a successful businesswoman and mother. Katie’s ancestors are still thriving in our region to this day. Katie’s example is reflected in the tenacity and pioneering spirit shown by many in our local community. Her story can be found to the right as you walk into the Centre, near the Driver Reviver area.

Local Attractions

The Mackay region is a rich tapestry of productive cane fields, volcanic mountain ranges, subtropical rainforests and pristine national parks, fringed by uncrowded beaches and the glistening Coral Sea. Nestled at the region’s southern gateway is the small, friendly town of Sarina, with its easy natural charm, beautiful beaches and warm hospitality.

The Sarina Field of Dreams Parklands features many of the town’s major attractions. Here you’ll find the Sarina Sugar Shed - a true paddock to plate experience. This award-winning attraction offers a fun and interactive way to learn about the sugar industry, through guided tours of a miniature mill and distillery. Taste the sweetness of sugar cane juice, or delight your senses with a sampling of sweet treats made onsite, such as boutique liqueurs, chutneys, and freshly spun fairy floss.

You’ll also find some significant art and cultural attractions within this peaceful parkland. The Sarina Museum is a great place to delve deeper into the colourful history of our town. Built in 1923, this former Catholic presbytery turned museum protects and celebrates our past, while preserving our stories for the future.

Check out a range of fabulous local creations for sale at the Sarina Arts and Craft Centre, or immerse yourself in visual and tactile works that reflect the region through the eyes of our local artists during exhibitions at the Art Gallery.

Don’t miss a fun photo opportunity with ‘Buffy’, our local cane toad statue, squatting in the centre of town. Then head down to our beautiful beaches to feel the golden sand between your toes and soak in the serenity of holidaying beside the sea. Or perhaps cast a line at some of Australia’s top fishing spots. You’re sure to get hooked on this idyllic tropical town!

Accessibility

The Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre sits beside the Bruce Highway within the Sarina Field of Dreams Parklands. The township of Sarina is located approximately 30 minutes’ drive south of Mackay. Mackay Airport is the aviation gateway to the region and is serviced by most major domestic airlines. Queensland Rail’s Spirit of Queensland service offers rail connections to Sarina and Mackay on its scenic journey from Brisbane to Cairns. For journey planning and accessibility information, please visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or ask our friendly centre staff.

For local travel, bus route 309 provides public transport between Mackay and Sarina on weekdays. Further information on this service can be found by contacting TransLink on 13 12 30 or by visiting translink.com.au. Pudoss Taxis offer local taxi services to Sarina and surrounding suburbs and can be contacted on 0422 679 750.

We have a spacious accessible car parking area available directly in front of our building, which also connects to a smaller accessible parking area within our parklands. Our single-level centre is wheelchair accessible via ramp, and our friendly team are happy to assist with opening the front door. An accessible bathroom with braille signage is available onsite, at the end of our building, to the right of the access ramp. Grassy areas suitable for the toileting of assistance animals can be found to the right of the centre, or near the shaded path at the front of our car park. We even offer a hydration station for your four-legged companion.

Tactile signage is located to the right of our front entrance steps.

The Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre is open 9am to 4pm weekdays and 9am to 2pm weekends, and is closed or has reduced hours on selected public holidays. For any enquiries, please contact us directly on 07 4837 1228 or email bookings@mackayregion.com.