MAZES ROSELLA

Artspace Mackay is a regional art gallery operated by Mackay Regional Council which provides the community and its visitors with access to a wide range of cultural services including:

- An ever-changing program of international standard touring and curated exhibitions of visual arts and social history

- Access to the Mackay Regional Council Collection of artists' books and prints through the Tate Adams Reading Room, with presentations, displays and exhibitions

- Public and educational programs including art classes, workshops, masterclasses, lectures, seminars, performances, presentations, guided tours and events

- A multi-purpose functions venue for meetings. seminars, functions and events

Exciting wreck diving is to be had at the historic \'Llewellyn\' site, east of Mackay on the Great Barrier Reef. The steamer was last seen departing Cape Capricorn Lighthouse on 17 July 1919 and disappeared during heavy gales as it sailed from Rockhampton to Bowen. The location of the vessel remained a mystery until 1997, when the shipwreck was located 35 kilometres east of Mackay.

Nestled in the foothills of the Clarke Range, 20 kilometres from Pinnacle west of Mackay, the Mia Mia State Forest is mostly open eucalypt forest. Bush camping and swimming is available at Captain Crossings on Teemburra Creek. Vehicular access is by four wheel drive only. Remember that roads may be closed during wet weather or high fire danger.

Discover a living piece of Mackay's heritage at the Town Hall in Sydney Street, Mackay. Originally built in 1912 the Mackay Town Hall is a beautiful historic building in the centre of the city which has been transformed into a welcome centre assisting new residents in the Mackay region. The Queensland Heritage Trails about the history of Mackay provides visitors with opportunities to discover the major events and happenings which have affected the Mackay community. Artspace Mackay manages the old Council Meeting Room upstairs as an innovative artists studio space with and a regular program of events including artistic and heritage exhibitions, art classes and workshops. The Town Hall is available for bookings including functions, meetings and events. The Town Hall was refurbished as part of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network of cultural and heritage attractions by the state and federal governments and was officially reopened in December 2001.

Get out and explore this great region along the Bluewater Trail. Take a leisurely stroll or scenic bike ride along the award winning shared pathway whilst taking in much of the region's natural beauty. Six of the region's key attractions sit along the trail including the beautiful Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, the Sandfly Creek Environmental Walkway, the Catherine Freeman walk, the free three-tiered Bluewater Lagoon aquatic facility, Bluewater Quay (with barbecue facilities) and Iluka Park (all abilities playground). Get active and enjoy the 'ring of activity' which boasts pedestrian and bicycle pathways, raised boardwalks, environmental areas, disabled access and activities for children and young people. Winner of the 2010 National Heart Foundation Local Government Award.

Popular for its sensational sunrises, Town beach offers great views of Flat and Round Top Islands and Dalrymple Bay. Town Beach is very popular with locals and visitors for late afternoon walks, fishing and watching the impact of Mackay's huge tides which can go out for miles during peak times. Town Beach is only a five minute drive from Mackay's city heart. This beach also offers well-equipped park areas with playground facilities and shady barbecue and picnic areas.

The Memorial Swim Centre is located in Mackay's City Centre and beside Canelands Shopping Centre. This is the only heated public pool in Mackay and remains a constant temperature of 26 degrees in both the 50 metre pool and toddler pool year round. Features Include: 50 metre by eight lane Olympic heated outdoor pool Heated toddler pool with water fountain Grandstand suitable for large events and swimming carnivals Extensive grounds which are ideal for family picnics Car park and bike rack facilities Easy Access Chairlift Fully serviced first aid and lifesaving equipment Provision of free sunscreen (in partnership with Suncorp)

Relax and enjoy the beautiful Orchid House, intricately placed in the historic Queens Park gardens, boasting a broad collection of unique and exquisite orchids. With about 25,000 species the fascinating orchid family (Orchidaceae) is the largest group of flowering plants in the world and over 3,000 new hybrids are added every year. The Orchid House is one of the largest and finest orchid display houses in Australia. Built in 1988, the orchids are displayed in a natural type-setting around circular walkways. Stroll through the large collection of stunning orchids in all shapes and sizes, from the bizarre to exotic looking. The Orchid House displays over hundreds of varieties of orchids on show including native and tropical orchids from all over the world. The seasonally changing display, which is rotated between the Orchid House and the Council Nursery ensure a broad range of orchids are on show all year round.

Located just five kilometres from the Mackay city centre, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens showcases the beautiful tropical flora from Mackay and the Whitsundays, along with other beautiful Australian native and exotic plants from similar climates around the world. This young botanic garden opened in 2003 and provides many resources to visitors - from over three kilometres of walking and cycling trails, wetland boardwalks, a unique cafe and gallery perched high above our wildlife filled lagoons, to excellent bird watching opportunities. Feature gardens include the luxuriant Fernery, the Regional Forest, rare and threatened flora of the tropical Shade Garden and the unique Coal Garden - tracing the evolution of plants and the importance of coal.

Rock-strewn, sandy beaches and hoop pine-dotted hillsides that plunge towards the sea contrast with sub-tropical rainforest and mangrove-fringed wetlands, making Cape Hillsborough one of the most scenic national parks along the Central Queensland coast. The Yuibera Trail is a self-guiding trail highlighting the coastal way of life of the Yuibera Aboriginal people. The Yuibera people lived in this area for thousands of years and have left behind reminders of their special connection to the Cape.

15 minutes down the road from Sarina is Grasstree Beach, situated on Zelma Bay. Once you've discovered the spot you'll be hooked. Grasstree Beach has a wonderful climate and is protected by a group of islands. The beach itself is magnificent, and beach walking is a favourite activity. Sarina, with banks, supermarkets and services, is 13 kilometres away. Fishing is a popular pastime, and anglers will find great opportunities for both beach and creek fishing, or even reef fishing if they prefer. The creeks have flathead, whiting and bream, so holiday makers can catch a few good meals during their stay. Boat ramp facilities are available at the creek. Grasstree Beach dates back to the 1880s when gold was found in the hills at the back of the beach.

The picturesque beach settlement of Ball Bay is located 35 kilometres north of Mackay. Ball Bay offers secluded camping on a small grassy campground. The facilities include toilets, cold beach showers, wood barbecues and drinking water, however animals are not allowed. Ball Bay offers easy and close access to Cape Hillsborough National Park bushwalking tracks. Ball Bay is also a great beach for fishing.