Explore Mackay & Cape Hillsborough with like-minded over-60s

Please note: Your itinerary will vary depending on the departure date. Only August and September departures include the opportunity to see kangaroos on the beach at Cape Hillsborough.

Option 1: August & September departures

Day 1: Wednesday 10/08/2022, 14/09/2022

Upon arrival at Mackay, you will be greeted by a local operator who will serve as your guide throughout. The adventure commences immediately with a captivating tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed, followed by lunch. Proceed to check in at The Oaks Rivermarque, which will be your home for the next three nights. The remainder of the afternoon is yours, allowing you ample time to unwind before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Included Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Thursday 11/08/2022, 15/09/2022

Wake up bright and early for an exciting start to your day as we head out to Cape Hillsborough to witness the mesmerizing sight of kangaroos on the beach. These amazing creatures make their appearance at sunrise, so we'll be departing from the hotel around 4am to ensure we don't miss this incredible spectacle.

Once there, capture stunning photos of the kangaroos before embarking on a scenic walk along the Boardwalk. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the area as you learn about the indigenous Yuibera people and their ancestral remains that still reside here.

We'll continue our journey to the charming beachside locations of Halliday Bay and Ball Bay. Experience the tranquil beauty of these coastal gems before we make our way back to Mackay. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to hear captivating stories about the origins of Mackay, particularly focusing on its iconic Art Deco buildings.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy, whether you prefer exploring the city by shopping or simply relaxing by the pools at Blue Water Quay. Your accommodation is conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, and if you're looking for more dining options, Caneland Shopping Centre, with its food court and other restaurants, is just a short distance away.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Friday 12/08/2022, 16/09/2022

Begin your day by indulging in a well-deserved sleep-in, followed by breakfast at your hotel. Once energized, embark on a scenic journey up the picturesque Pioneer Valley to Melba House. There, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at Vintage Kiss, accompanied by a fascinating tour of Dame Nellie Melba's historic residence.

Continuing our adventure, we'll ascend the range to Eungella, also known as the "Land of the Clouds." Immerse yourself in the enchanting rainforest as we take a leisurely walk amidst its lush greenery, while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings. During your visit, be sure to explore the inviting Broken River Mountain Resort, a place that may entice you to return and stay in the future. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity for a short walk to spot adorable platypus in their natural habitat.

As the day draws to a close, we'll make our way back to Mackay at approximately 6:30pm. Enjoy dinner at your hotel, providing a convenient and relaxing end to the day.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  

Day 4: Saturday 13/08/2022, 17/09/2022

Before bidding farewell to Mackay, delight in breakfast at your hotel. You will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home*.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Option 2: October departures

The below October Travel Itinerary does NOT include an opportunity to see the kangaroos on the beach at Cape Hillsborough.

Day 1: Wednesday 05/10/2022, 26/10/2022

Upon arrival at Mackay, you will be greeted by a local operator who will serve as your guide throughout. The adventure commences immediately with a captivating tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed, followed by lunch. Proceed to check in at The Oaks Rivermarque, which will be your home for the next three nights. The remainder of the afternoon is yours, allowing you ample time to unwind before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Included Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Thursday 06/10/2022, 27/10/2022

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before our departure at 9am for an exciting adventure to Cape Hillsborough. Embark on a scenic walk along the Boardwalk, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the area as you learn about the indigenous Yuibera people and their ancestral remains that still reside here.

We'll continue our journey to the charming beachside locations of Halliday Bay and Ball Bay. Experience the tranquil beauty of these coastal gems before we make our way back to Mackay. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to hear captivating stories about the origins of Mackay, particularly focusing on its iconic Art Deco buildings.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy, whether you prefer exploring the city by shopping or simply relaxing by the pools at Blue Water Quay. Your accommodation is conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, and if you're looking for more dining options, Caneland Shopping Centre, with its food court and other restaurants, is just a short distance away.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3: Friday 7/10/2022, 28/10/2022

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel. Once energized, embark on a scenic journey up the picturesque Pioneer Valley to Melba House. There, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at Vintage Kiss, accompanied by a fascinating tour of Dame Nellie Melba's historic residence.

Continuing our adventure, we'll ascend the range to Eungella, also known as the "Land of the Clouds." Immerse yourself in the enchanting rainforest as we take a leisurely walk amidst its lush greenery, while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings. During your visit, be sure to explore the inviting Broken River Mountain Resort, a place that may entice you to return and stay in the future. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity for a short walk to spot adorable platypus in their natural habitat.

As the day draws to a close, we'll make our way back to Mackay at approximately 6:30pm. Enjoy dinner at your hotel, providing a convenient and relaxing end to the day.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  

Day 4: Saturday 08/10/2022, 29/10/2022

Before bidding farewell to Mackay, delight in breakfast at your hotel. You will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home*.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Please note the above itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Tour commences and ends in Mackay

• 10 - 13 August 2022
• 14 - 17 September 2022
• 5 - 8 October 2022
• 26 - 29 October 2022

Please note: October departures do not include an opportunity to see the Kangaroos on the Beach at Cape Hillsborough.

• Twin Share from $1,335 per person
• Single Traveller from $1,999

Call our Brisbane-based travel team on 1300 414 198 (for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia) to secure your place on this group holiday. We can assist with your flights to and from Mackay as well.

Oaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel is ideally located in central Mackay, overlooking the iconic Pioneer River. Enjoy 3 nights in a contemporary hotel room equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, Foxtel and Wi-Fi inclusive. The hotel has a swimming pool, well equipped gymnasium for you to explore during your stay as well as a restaurant.

Flight & Transfer Information

• Day 1 - Recommend catching QF flight departing Brisbane at 9:45am arriving into Mackay at 11:20am or VA flight departing Brisbane at 8:35am arriving into Mackay at 10:15am
• The tour commences from the Mackay Airport at approx. 11:45am
• Day 4 - Hotel check out is at 10am - Recommend catching QF flight departing Mackay at 1200 arriving into Brisbane at 13:20pm or VA flight departing Mackay at 10:50am arriving into Brisbane on 12:20pm. Transfers from the Hotel to Airport will be provided to arrive at the airport around 9:45am.

Fitness Level: A moderate level of fitness is required, walking on sand and uneven ground, not suitable for those in wheelchairs or who have walkers.

We have secured experienced local guides to show you the best of the Mackay Region.

Willing to share: One of the advantages of travelling on a Travel at 60 dedicated group departure is that we have the ability to match solo travellers, so that you they can avoid paying the single supplement. Subject to availability of another traveller of the same gender willing to share. Please note you will have to be fully vaccinated against Covid19.