Outback Heritage and Coal Adventure

From Mackay’s famous Art Deco architecture to heritage-listed pubs and the remnants of abandoned gold-mining towns, the Mackay region hosts a treasure-trove of historical destinations. Start your historic journey by taking the self-guided Heritage Walk, a stroll through Mackay’s central business district to view architecturally impressive buildings, many from the 1930’s Art Deco era. After your walking tour, drive to Greenmount Homestead in Walkerston to view one of Mackay’s most loved heritage attractions....

Product Types

• Itineraries

Itineraries

• Mackay CBD Heritage Walk to Greenmount Homestead

  

  Start your historic journey by joining Mackay Visitor Information Centre volunteers on the Heritage Walk, a guided stroll through Mackay’s central business district to view architecturally impressive buildings, many from the 1930’s Art Deco era. This walk can also be done as a self-guided expedition. The 90-minute walk includes historic structures that are listed with the National Trust, including the Mackay Court House. The heritage-listed Leichhardt Tree can be discovered in this area.

  Facilities found here

  • Public Telephone
  • Public Toilet

  Travel Method

  • Car

  Route Type

  • One way

  Difficulty

  • Grade 1

• Greenmount Homestead to Nebo

  

  After the careful restoration of Greenmount Homestead, the former farm hosts a number of buildings, with the star attraction being the 1915 Queenslander homestead, as well as beautiful gardens. After exploring the beautiful homestead that has become a popular destination for fairs and weddings. Continue on to the pioneering cattle town of Nebo by driving down the Peak Downs Highway over the Eton Range.

  Facilities found here

  • Carpark
  • Non Smoking
  • Public Toilet
  • Sheltered Area

  Travel Method

  • Car

  Route Type

  • One way

  Difficulty

  • Grade 1

• Nebo to Dysart

  

  The heritage listed pub built in 1862 is the ideal place to stop for lunch, to get a taste of rural Australian hospitality and some good Aussie food! Overlooking Nebo Creek, it exudes as much character today as it did more than 100 years ago. With a strong indigenous cultural heritage, as well as an interesting European settler background, the Nebo museum is well worth a look for an insight into the changing diversity of this country town. Rest overnight in the heritage listed pub to experience true Australian hospitality. The next morning drive back to Nebo and continue your drive along the Peak Downs Highway, before turning left towards the mining town of Dysart. Drive past the large open cut mine, Peak Downs, where at one point the mine is located on either side of the road. From the roadside you can catch a glimpse of large mining machinery, such as drag lines, in operation.

  Travel Method

  • Car

  Route Type

  • One way

  Difficulty

  • Grade 1

• Dysart to Clermont

  

  Drive back to Nebo and continue your drive along the Peak Downs Highway, before turning left towards the mining town of Dysart. Drive past the large open cut mine, Peak Downs, where at one point the mine is located on either side of the road. From the roadside you can catch a glimpse of large mining machinery, such as drag lines, in operation. Tours are available at this mine once a month through Isaac Regional Council. When you arrive in Dysart, you will be greeted by a belly dump truck and coal wagon, in a specially constructed park on the Northern end of town. These monuments were placed in recognition of the coal and rail industry, and to celebrate Dysart’s 25th anniversary in 1998. Visit the restored Mount Orange Copper Smelter chimney, a 54 foot high stack and firebox. The smelter was originally erected in 1879 for the treatment of ore from Keeley’s selection and operated until 1910 when it was officially closed down. There is a plaque depicting the history of the smelter as a monument to the early mining days. Continue your drive towards the frontier town of Clermont, the first inland settlement in tropical Queensland.

  Facilities found here

  • Non Smoking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Sheltered Area

  Travel Method

  • Car

  Route Type

  • One way

  Difficulty

  • Grade 1

• Clermont to Mackay

  

  Gold was discovered here in 1861, and ever since, the town has found prosperity in precious metals, coal and agriculture, however it has also suffered its fair share of tragedy. This tapestry of prosperity and devastation is what makes Clermont one of the most unique locations in Queensland. After learning about Clermont’s turbulent history, including the tragedy of the 1916 flood, visit the memorial that marks the height of the flood waters on the corner of Capricorn and Drummond Street. In Capricorn Street, the iconic ‘Piano in the Tree’ is a replica of an actual piano found in the tree after the floodwaters subsided. It was one of three pianos found in treetops throughout Clermont after the 1916 flood. Enjoy lunch at a café or pub in town, or take a picnic to Centenary Park. Visit the abandoned copper mining area of Copperfield. This was the site of Queensland’s first copper mine, and was once a bustling town of 2,000 people. All that remains today is a lonely brick chimney, the Copperfield Cemetery and the old general store which closed in 1975. After exploring Clermont's reach heritage, take the Peak Down Highway and head back to Mackay.

  Facilities found here

  • Carpark
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Restaurant
  • Shaded Area
  • Shop / Gift Shop

  Travel Method

  • Car

  Route Type

  • One way

  Difficulty

  • Grade 1