How to do Queensland’s Heritage and Mining Trail

Day 1: Mackay to Nebo via Sarina (1hr 45mins)

Your first port of call today is the port itself. Head 30-minutes south of Mackay to Hay Point Lookout for the best vantage point over one of the largest coal export facilities in the world – it’s an impressive sight, just try and count how many freighters line the horizon.  

Make your way to Sarina where the industrial views are replaced with natural beauty. Set in the foothills of serene Connors Range, Sarina boasts country charm, gold-sand beaches (keep your eye out for turtles during nesting season), plenty of spots to throw your fishing line in, and lookouts that’ll give you panoramas of the coast and scenic mountains. 

It’s also where you can get a taste of the region’s sugarcane industry. The Mackay area produces over a third of Australia’s sugar, and you can learn the history and production of sugarcane at Sarina Sugar Shed’s sugar mill and distillery – whilst sampling liqueurs, ginger beer, sauces and ice cream made onsite. If you’re still peckish afterwards, grab a bite to eat at Sarina Beach Motel before you hit the road.

Coastal views quickly make way for more sugarcane fields and grazing pastures as you head inland to tonight’s destination, Nebo.

Overnight: Heritage-listed Nebo Hotel is the perfect spot to rest before continuing to explore the Bowen Basin, with well-priced pub meals and live music too.

Day 2: Nebo to Clermont via Moranbah (3 hours)

Famous for the Nebo Campdraft (annually in September) and rich in natural resources, you’ll get an authentic country experience in Nebo. This morning, take some time for the Township Heritage Tour and a walk along the Nebo Creek Cultural Boardwalk. Then, get out of town with a 40-minute detour to Mount Britton historical township, the site of rare geological formations and an 1800s pioneer gold mining town.

Miles of quiet country roads will lead you to Moranbah. The large red dragline bucket at the town’s entrance is a tribute to this mining town – but that’s not the only thing that’ll catch your eye. Head to the Town Square to test your talents making music on the Musical Railway and Musical Table and Chairs, a fun interactive public art project. Moranbah is a great stop to grab a bite to eat or stock up on car snacks before you hit the road again. 

40-kilometres from Moranbah lies the Peak Downs Coal Mine, which produces eight million tonnes of raw coal each year that’s processed and exported to over 15 countries. 

From here, travel along Peak Downs Highway and take in the mountain views of the national park and towering Wolfgang Peak before arriving at Clermont in time for a cold beer and pub feed at the historic Commercial Hotel.

Overnight: Take your pick of accommodation, like Clermont Country Motor Inn or Smart Stayzzz Inn. Caravanners and campers should consider centrally located Clermont Caravan Park or nearby Theresa Creek Dam for a little slice of serenity.

Day 3: Clermont to Copperfield, then home to Mackay (3 hours)

A true frontier town, Clermont was the first inland settlement in the tropics after gold was discovered here in 1861. Three large gold rushes followed, and if you consider yourself lucky you might want to get a gold fossicking licence and kit from Clermont Detectors and see what you can find.

But if you prefer to look at artefacts rather than pan for them, start the day with a visit to Clermont Historical Centre. Open Wednesday – Saturday, trawl through the thousands of relics and photographs that showcase the town’s history, from its years of prosperity to the tragedy of one of the country’s biggest floods. While you’re here in town, check out the painted railway wagons by the local railway station, try to find the piano hidden in a tree, and call in at Bluemac Bakehouse for a pie lunch.

A short drive south along the Heritage and Mining Trail lies Copperfield. A 10-metre wall of solid copper ore was discovered here in 1862, which marked the start of Queensland’s first copper mine. Today, all that remains of the once-thriving community is a single chimney stack and a general store – now a local museum that still bares the same merchandise that stood on shelves the day it closed.

From here, it’s a three hour drive back to Mackay. Why not take the long way round and check out Finch Hatton Gorge or Eungella Dam on the way? Here’s a few other things to do while you’re here. 

Feature image by @ourbusfrida