Wallabies for a Win in Mackay

Mackay is set to be flooded with Wallaby fans of the non-rugby variety at today’s launch of the ‘Cape Hillsborough Sunrise with the Wallabies Tour’ at stunning Cape Hillsborough Beach, north of Mackay.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the tour would make it easier and more appealing for visitors to have an intimate wildlife encounter in one of Queensland’s most sought-after tourism destinations.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said photos of wallabies on the beach at sunrise have become synonymous with Mackay.

“But we need to keep reinventing our tourism offering if we’re going to remain competitive – this tour does exactly that,” she said.

“We want more visitors to experience what Mackay has to offer and this tour shows tourists the bests parts of Cape Hillsborough and gives them plenty of opportunities to get the all-important selfie for social media.”

“Creating new ecotourism experiences in Queensland is a priority for the Palaszczuk Government. 

“That’ why we’re investing an extra $180 million in tourism in this term of government. We know we need to make the most of our natural assets to grow Queensland’s tourism industry.”

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Cape Hillsborough wallaby tour also struck the right balance for ecotourism.

“Protecting Cape Hillsborough’s unique ecosystem and wallabies has been of the utmost importance in the development of these tours,” Ms Enoch said.

“This unique experience will also help build awareness of the region’s natural assets and attractions.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to promoting investment in ecotourism projects and experiences that balance the protection of our natural environment with tourism activities that benefits the local community.”

Led by experienced tour guides, the tours will provide visitors to Cape Hillsborough with informative insights and a guaranteed, unforgettable experience with the Wallabies.

Tour participants will be equipped with two-way radio transmitters linked to the tour guide, and will have optimal positioning for photography.

Mackay Tourism General Manager Tas Webber said conserving Mackay’s unique wildlife experience was central to the development of tours. 

“Mackay Tourism has spent 18 months on ensuring the new tours pass thorough environmental assessments,” he said. 

“We have at Cape Hillsborough a world famous, but delicate natural experience that is worth protecting, hence these tours have been designed specifically to manage the interaction between humans and the wallabies, and therefore minimise any safety risks.

“The sight of Wallabies and Kangaroos on the beach here at sunrise draws visitors from around the world.

These guided tours will only add to the regions appeal by providing visitors with informative insights and an amazing experience with the Wallabies.”

Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park has also recently opened a restaurant and café to accommodate tourists to the area. 

“With global tourism on track to grow, the Palaszczuk Government is investing to reposition Queensland to increase our share of the tourism market,” she said.

“In the year ending December 2017, overnight expenditure linked to international holiday visitation, grew to a record  $5.3 billion, which is up 3.6 per cent.”

Cape Hillsborough National Park is approximately 45 minutes north of Mackay city centre. It is where rainforest meet the shoreline, volcanic headlands, eucalypt forests and prehistoric rock formations.

Cape Hillsborough Beach, also known as Casuarina Beach, provides one of the most iconic Australian photo backdrops, the 'Roo on the beach' at sunrise. Wallabies and kangaroos scour the morning tide for mangrove seed pods, seaweed and coral sand dollars. 

Locals and visitors to the Mackay Region can book these tours at sunrisewallabytours.com.

Cape Hillsborough Sunrise with the Wallabies Tours are $22 for adults, $14 for children and $60 for families. Daily tours will commence 30 minutes before sunrise.

Media contact: 0419 620 447