HOTELS HAMPDEN

Sometimes you just need to escape the rush of modern life, put your feet up and breathe in the fresh country air. You need a place to get away, to unwind and relax surrounded by stunning Australian flora and fauna. Nestled in a countryside setting, The Feathered Nest – Luxury Wildlife Retreat is a modern, architecturally-designed eco retreat which is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, special occasion or mid-week break. Each retreat has been created specifically to indulge your senses—from the soaring floor to ceiling glass wall that brings nature into your living room, to the private two-person spa overlooking the gardens. With expansive views of the tranquil gardens, our one and two bedroom retreats are the ultimate 5-star indulgence in the Australian bush. Designed to make the most of the natural beauty of the area, the retreat includes a private deck and heated plunge pool that overlooks the gardens brimming with birds and other wildlife so close you could touch it with your fingertips. A generous continental breakfast hamper is included with your tariff and contains organic juices, fresh fruit, cereals, pastries and bread plus organic teas and Whitsunday Gold coffee. We can also happily cater for any dietary requirements, including gluten free. On the weekends (for a small additional charge) you can experience our breakfast or lunch with the birds, or choose from a wide variety of delicious gourmet hampers and platters, packed with local delicacies. We will do everything we can to make sure your stay leaves you relaxed, rejuvenated and inspired so please let us know if you have any special requests. Every Friday & Saturday evening between 5:30pm & 7:00pm, join your hosts Gordon & Carol for 'Twilight Tastings' on the studio deck for a selection of complimentary beverages and canapés.

Marian Mill was first built in 1885, but closed after a few years. The Marian Central Mill Co Ltd erected a new mill in 1894 under the Sugar Guarantee Act, and the first crushing took place in 1895. In 1966 the shareholders of Marian Central Mill Co Ltd voted to sell the assets and liabilities of that company to the cane farmers supplying the mill, who formed the Marian Mill Co-operative Society Limited. On February 1, 1988, Marian Mill, together with Cattle Creek, Farleigh, North Eton and Racecourse mills, amalgamated and purchased Pleystowe Mill to form the Mackay Sugar Co-operative Association Limited. Since then, Marian has been significantly improved to increase its crushing capacity, and its annual throughput of crops in excess of two million tonnes have earned it a ?super mill? status within the Australian sugar industry. Marian crushes crops previously supplied to the North Eton, which closed in 1989, and Cattle Creek Mill, which closed in 1990. A unique feature is a mural on the Engineering shed depicting a cane fire - rarely seen these days as most cane is cut green. Access is restricted but easily visible from the road....

Named for the Clerk (1921 to 1954) of the former Mirani Shire, Edward Lloyd, who was instrumental in preserving and maintaining parkland in the Shire, the park has recently had a major make-over by Mackay Regional Council. In addition to improved parking areas which can cater for all vehicles up to large buses and caravans, the park now boasts a family friendly playground, picnic shelters, barbecues and modern public toilets. There is also a concrete walking/cycling track from Melba House to Marian State School - a distance of approximately one kilometre - which is very popular with fitness seekers and pleasure walkers as it meanders along the Pioneer River bank giving views of the river and birdlife which frequents the area. If you are really lucky, you may see the local platypus sporting about....

Historic hotel established in 1886 offers accommodation and tasty meals

Kuttabul Country Caravan Park is situated just north of Mackay. It's surrounded Mt Blackwood National Park with has lovely walking tracks that lead to a lookout near the television tower that has magnificent views. Come see & speak to the locals about the Kuttabul history of the area. Kuttabul Country Caravan Park has around 40 powered sites for either short or long term stays. It's a very casual & quaint setting with a local pub near by that has a full meals menu or a BBQ Area if you would like to cook up a storm yourself. It's a very affordable caravan park that also has village style cabins & cottages that have 2-3 bedrooms. There is laundry facilities available and male & female amenities. Trucks Stops are Welcome