Cape Hillsborough has been the ultimate local park. It is just up the road from where we have been patiently waiting, 40 minutes North of Mackay. Each of our visits has been different, seeing and experiencing a different part of this stunning area. We made five trips to Cape Hillsborough, with the last one providing an additional challenge to life.
Cape Hillsborough is a special place for the Yuwibara people, the original inhabitants of the Mackay Region. We made our second last trip to support Hannah’s learning about the traditional owners of the area we are staying. We went knowing there is a fish trap, shell midden and the Yuwi food trail to experience. There is plenty to do at Cape Hillsborough and over time we have made an effort to do everything. There are three main walks, plus a short boardwalk and of course the “Wallabies on the Beach at Sunset”.
Andrews Point Track (Turtle Point)
The Andrews Point walk is worth the effort, climbing up to the top with several lookouts along the way. This walk is special as the trees and foliage changes several times as you complete the circuit. If you time your walk right (low tide) you can return by the beach and walk over the tidal path to Wedge Island. There is also a small cave that can be climbed through, adding a challenge for the kids. Both times we have done this walk we have been fortunate to spy the turtles in the water below the lookout.
Beachcomber Cove
Another walk to do is over up and over the hill to Beachcomber Cove. Again if you time your walk, you can return by the beach. This walk is rather easy going with a well paved track almost the whole way. The view from the top is very nice before you then descend back down to the beach. If you know where to look, there is an unmarked track taking you to a small water hole back from the beach as well. We got incredibly lucky on our walk, finding both the waterhole and an echidna!
Yuwi Food Trail, Boardwalk and Fish Traps
There is an excellent opportunity to discover some of the indigenous heritage at Cape Hillsborough. The Boardwalk, Yuwi Food Trail and Fish Traps all show how the traditional owners lived off the land. The Boardwalk takes you through the mangroves, up the hillside and past a shell midden. The midden gives an appreciation for just how long the Yuwi people have been here before us.
The food trail and fish traps were a little further to travel but well worth it. The isolation meant that we had it to ourselves for the most of it. The food trail was all about the local plants, what could be eaten, when and for what purpose. The fish trap is only visible at low tide (perhaps a theme for Cape Hillsborough) and it is ingenious. We didn’t time the tide so didn’t get the best view, but it’s a perfect example of how the Yuwi people worked smarter not harder.
Cape Hillsborough is too beautiful to stay away from and our visits here have been a highlight of our time in Mackay.