48 hours in Cape Hillsborough and The Hibiscus Coast, QLD

Make tracks from Mackay to Cape Hillsborough

Trade the bustle of the city for the serenity of Cape Hillsborough National Park, where the only three Rs you'll need are rainforests, 'roos (and agile wallabies), and rocky headlands.

Set your sights on Cape Hillsborough, located just 50 kilometres north-east of Mackay's city centre. Follow the signs to Seaforth, taking the Bruce Highway via The Leap.

As you drive, you'll know you're nearing your destination when lush sugar cane fields give way to rugged mountains draped in rainforest, eucalypt forest, and towering hoop pines.

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Arrive into Cape Hillsborough National Park

Welcome to Cape Hillsborough, the youngest volcanic region in Australia—a place where ancient geological drama has carved out a coastal landscape that's anything but ordinary. Here, steep, forest-draped mountains plunge toward the sea, creating a backdrop that rivals the world's most picturesque coastlines.

Shaped by its volcanic past, the once-continuous shoreline has been broken into a mosaic of secluded bays, each framed by rugged rhyolite boulder headlands. These dramatic formations don't just look stunning—they also create calm, sheltered waters, ideal for a peaceful swim or paddle.

Every bay reveals its own crescent-shaped curve, offering sweeping views from end to end—a dreamscape for photographers and nature lovers alike.

To truly connect with the essence of the Hibiscus Coast, choose your stay right on the shoreline. Whether you opt for beachfront camping or a cozy cabin nestled in the trees, you'll fall asleep just steps from the main event: sunrise on the sand, as kangaroos and wallabies greet the day.

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Day 2 - First light: Wake up early for sunrise on the beach

Wake Up with Mackay's Most Iconic Locals
Set your alarm for daybreak—you won't want to miss Mackay's most famous residents, the eastern grey kangaroos and agile wallabies, as they enjoy breakfast by the beach.

Every morning, as the tide recedes, these coastal macropods emerge from the shadows of the forest to forage for mangrove seed pods, seaweed, and coral—a truly unique al fresco dining ritual played out on the sand.

It's a natural spectacle that delivers a daily trifecta: a golden sunrise, a glowing beach, and a mob of kangaroos silhouetted against the sea. A scene so surreal, it feels like something out of a dream—but it happens 365 days a year.

Keep your camera ready—this is your chance to capture the moment that defines Mackay's reputation for authentic wildlife encounters.

And while selfies might fly at zoos or sanctuaries, this is the wild, and Cape Hillsborough's kangaroos prefer their personal space. Observe from a respectful distance and let the moment unfold naturally.

Before breakfast, stretch your legs with a leisurely stroll along Casuarina Beach, tracing the shoreline toward the rockwall that forms the Cape Hillsborough headland—a serene start to what's sure to be an unforgettable day.

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Day 2 - Mid-morning: Discover The Hibiscus Coast’s Charms

Fuel yourself with a brunch worthy of similar Instagram attention at The Old Station Teahouse, best known for their scones and wood-fired pizzas, both served in a quaint garden setting.

Explore the national park via one of the walking trails, which range from lazy strolls to strenuous hikes, including the Diversity Boardwalk, Beachcomber Cove Track, Yuibera (Yuwi) Trail and Andrews Point Track.

All four walks range from 1.2 kilometres to 5.2 kilometres and can easily be completed in a couple of hours, promising spectacular views for all who tackle them.

On your way back to the city, dial your zen levels up a notch with a yoga class at Avatar Country Day Spa and Spiritual Wellness Centre at The Leap and connect with your spiritual centre.

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