Platypus, roos, birds – Mackay has the lot

Mackay was bestowed the title by travel site Wotif.com in its Australian Town of the Year awards, fending off stiff competition from Shepparton and Mildura in Victoria.

And it’s easy to see why it was crowned. Australia’s sugar capital is brimming with things to see and do, from its art deco architecture to the fresh food served up in its restaurants.

Mackay is the perfect base to explore some of the region’s national parks. If you’re lucky, you can even meet some of its resident wildlife.

At nearby Eungella National Park, you may be able to spot an elusive platypus.

The area is said to be one of the best places in Australia to see one of the monotremes in the wild.

Rainforest Scuba will take you diving in the crystal-clear waters of a billabong to try to spot one, as well as other aquatic animals.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a certified diver!

Sunrise or sunset are the best times to try to see the shy creatures. Stay quiet and follow the trail of bubbles!

Kangaroos, however, are anything but shy and abound at Cape Hillsborough National Park, about 50km north of Mackay, where the rainforest meets the surf.

There you can head to the beach and build sandcastles watched by the resident roos and wallabies, but beware – they may jump on your creation.

Go at dawn – not only will you see more animals but you’ll also get some great photos of the sunrise.

Cape Hillsborough is also a great place to see birds and butterflies, including the electric blue Ulysses butterfly, as you wander along walking tracks and boardwalks through mangroves and eucalypts.

In town itself is Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Opened in 2003, the gardens are home to tropical flora from the Whitsundays and beyond.

It’s another marvellous spot for bird-watchers, plus there’s a cafe and gallery above the wetland lagoon.

QANTAS, Jetstar and Virgin all fly to Mackay Airport, with direct flights from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville and Rockhampton.

Winter is the best time to visit as the weather’s dry and mild. From July 20-29, the city hosts the Mackay Festival of Arts, boasting a huge line-up of music and art events.