Reef & Islands
The North has physical challenges, experiences and achievements everywhere. Dive the Great Barrier Reef - a treasure well known around the world. The colour of the reef and the clear waters make a silent world beneath the surface, where colourful parrot fish swim right up to your mask and make you feel welcome in their own paradise. Destinations such as Credlin Reef and the Catacombs are world class dives and certificate diving courses are available from Mackay with groups such as Mackay Adventure Divers and day cruises to the reef have experienced divemasters on all boats. Most tours also supply masks,fins and snorkel and anyone with the ability to swim can enter this colourful wonderland.
For the adventurous traveller, take a scenic flight over the reef and islands or feel the thrill of a seaplane landing above the coral. Mackay is the gateway to the picturesque waterways of the Whitsunday Islands, a leisurely two hour drive north of Mackay to Airlie Beach. Or simply drive to Mackay Harbour and take a Roylen cruise.
Brampton Island - There's a new attraction at this intimate, ever popular holiday resort ... a Snorkel Adventure Trail. The aim is to guide guests to the most interesting parts of the coral reef just off the main beach. The resort provides maps which list the main underwater pit stops, complete with sketches showing what to look for. The new attraction fits neatly into Brampton's nature orientated range of attractions ... like the seven beach bays, the walking tracks, the warm inviting waters and the unpretentious atmosphere.
The island, set in National Park, has its own family of kangaroos, countless native birds, a saltwater swimming pool, a challenging little chip-and-putt golf course, a miniature gymnasium and some of the most romantic sunsets on earth. Little wonder that Brampton is a favourite with families and couples of all ages.
Bushy Island - Bushy Island consists of a densely wooded coral cay with an adjacent cutoff lagoon, which at low tide offers a brilliant show of coral and marine life. A thirty minute flight by seaplane and you'll be landing in the gentle waters of Bushy Lagoon. The clean, sandy rim of the lagoon allows you to walk easily in the shallow water amongst the coral gardens. It is a safe and unrivalled way to learn about the fascinations of this unique part of the Great Barrier Reef.
Australia
Mackay Region
