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Subscriber only One of the region s oldest establishments has come a long way since its origins as a respiratory clinic - but some things - like old-fashioned customer service - never change. Built in 1934, the Eungella Chalet building served as a respiratory hospital in its former life. Two local doctors ran the hospital, but it closed within the first 18 months of operation. When that didn t work out, the original land owner began running it as a hotel, laying the foundation of what the chalet is known for today. Epic views of the Pioneer Valley, great atmosphere and delicious food are just some things that spring to mind.
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Subscriber only As COVID-19 delivers a blow to tourism, one Mackay seaside spot remains unscathed having been booked out for months. Seaforth Holiday Units owner and manager Tracy Morris said their five self-contained units had been occupied since they reopened in June last year. It s a bit crazy, Mrs Morris said. It s been a pretty full-on couple of years. She said about nine in 10 of their visitors chose the destination because they wanted to see the famous wallabies at nearby Cape Hillsborough. The wallabies and kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough are popular among tourists. Picture: File. Most of the guests over the last five years have been overseas guests, Mrs Morris said.
The town s name means land of the clouds and it s easy to get swept up in its views and natural wonders - but there s more to Eungella than its physical beauty. There s a charm to the township and an allure that draws people back, and has residents considering themselves lucky to call the area home. The
Daily Mercury s My Town series this week heads west to meet with locals about what makes Eungella great, but also tap into what is needed to keep it thriving. Reporter Melanie Whiting will set up at the Eungella Chalet from 11am - 1pm Tuesday where she hopes to meet residents, recognise unsung community heroes, celebrate new businesses opening and explore issues that need addressing.
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Subscriber only If you ve ever stood next to an emu, you d know the deep and intimidating guttural sounds they produce in their throats. But at a wildlife park an hour s drive from Mackay, the emus politely eat food out of your hands while eastern grey kangaroos gently nudge you for a second helping. An emu at Bredl s Wild Farm. Picture: Contributed Bredls Wild Farm is also home to five cassowaries, Stella the southern-nosed wombat, Mimi and Bubbles the deer, talking birds, goats, koalas, possums, a sugar glider, a spencer s goanna, alligators and saltwater crocodiles. The Spencer s monitor, or goanna, at Bredl s Wild Farm, Bloomsbury. Picture: Contributed, Sticky Designz
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Subscriber only Nestled among the quiet streets of a rural town about an hour s drive north of Mackay is a pilot s playground with a 1.1km bitumen airstrip. At the end next to the helicopter pad is the home belonging to Garry Poole, the passionate local behind the Bloomsbury Whitsunday Park Estate. The helipad at the Whitsunday Park Estate. Mr Poole also keeps his own fire engine on standby should emergency services wish to use it. Picture: Heidi Petith The development consists of two lots of 35 two-hectare blocks each sold with access to the estate s Lakeside Airfield. Approved plans for the Whitsunday Park Estate at 61 Whitsunday Drive, Bloomsbury. Picture: Cardno Limited.