Experiencing the magic of wallabies and kangaroos on the beach at sunrise at Cape Hillsborough is a must when you’re in the Mackay region of Queensland, Australia. We had the most amazing morning here, and Emmie just loved it.
Every morning before sunset, Eastern Grey kangaroos and wallabies hop on down to Casuarina Beach to eat seedpods and seaweed that has washed up on overnight the tides. They do this against the backdrop of spectacular colour as the sun rises and they lazily nibble, play and rumble on the shore and in the shallows. It’s the most beautiful view with the sun rising over the coast and the kangaroos in the early morning light. If you can get there, it’s a must for a visit to Queensland.
Before you go:
- Remember the kangaroos are wild animals so please don’t try to pet or touch them.
- Please don’t feed the kangaroos.
- Bring a long lens camera and keep your distance – the roos hop over to you.
- Give the kangaroos space, especially as they hope back up the beach to the shade.
Where is Cape Hillsborough?
Cape Hillsborough is around 50 minutes from Mackay and just over two hours from Airlie Beach on the east coast of North Queensland. It’s part of the beautiful Mackay Region which is full of gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, mountains, wildlife and rivers. We love this part of Queensland.
You can drive here in the early morning as we did from Mackay – or stay at the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park so you only have to roll out of bed and wander down to the beach.
If you’re driving in turn off onto Cape Hillsborough Road and follow it all the way around to around to the beach. The kangaroos are mainly at the southern end of the beach so park the closest you can to the campground.
When to go?
The kangaroos are our early and its best to get there around half an hour before sunrise. We were a bit late another were still many on the beach, but you’re unlikely to see any after early morning as they hop off into the shade.
You can visit the beach at any time of year, but note that the wet season between December to February brings lots of rain to the region.
What to take?
Make sure to take your camera, sunscreen, insect spray, sunnies and thongs. You can kick them off when you get the sand.
Is there a tour?
Mackay Tourism offers guided ranger tours each morning, starting 30 minutes before sunrise.
And if you’re feeling nervous about travelling check out our comprehensive family travel safety guide HOLIDAY SAFE: The complete guide to staying safe when traveling with kids It has everything you need to know about traveling safely on our family holiday or extended trip.