Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SUMMER STING: WHERE TO SWIM?
The presence of marine stingers means swimming in the sea isn't advisable between October and May unless you
wear a stinger suit. In Airlie Beach, the gorgeous lagoon (
Click here
) on the foreshore provides year-round safe
swimming.
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Mackay
POP 85,399
Despite its attractive tropical streets, art deco buildings and welcoming populace, Mackay
doesn't quite make the tourist hit list. Instead, this big country coastal town caters more to
the surrounding agricultural and mining industries. Although the redeveloped marina does
entice with alfresco restaurants and outdoor cafes along its picturesque promenade, Mack-
ay is more a convenient base for excursions out of town. It's only a 1½-hour drive to the
Whitsundays, a short flight or charter boat to the pretty Cumberland Islands and a scenic
jaunt past the sugar-cane fields to Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park.
