THE BEACHES OF MACKAY

Strictly speaking, I suppose I should have called this blog, ‘The beaches of the MacKay Region’, as I actually start at Carmila Beach then Go to the Northern Beaches.  But let’s have a little poetic licence here, shall we? They were all well worth the visit, anyway, as was MacKay. MacKay itself is quite a busy little city, but it does have an easy road system around it which gets you easily to all the important points of call. I followed the Bruce Highway in then Turned down to see the Blue Lagoon on River St. To my amazement not only did I find this beautiful man made pool system on the banks of the Pioneer River, which is open to all members of the public all year round (though it was a little cool at this time of year- but imagine how amazing it would be in summer!).

 I also found there was a huge shopping complex across the road which had a wide variety of cafes on its front, looking out at the river parklands across. What a great way to enjoy the day! But if you want to find something a little more soothing, follow River St around, turn over the bridge and follow the signs for the Marina. It’s maybe a 30 min drive but when you get there there is a stunning new Marina Village, with boats and yachts bobbing in the harbor, and the lovely lighthouse café where you can sit and daydream about being on one. The Village itself is small and elite, the smaller apartments on the front, the larger houses meandering away to the local beach with it’s long white sandy shores. There is really much more to do in MacKay, which has loads of parks and picnic areas and the beautiful Botanical Gardens too. 

But I digress! I hadn’t even got to MacKay yet. My first port of call was Carmila Beach some 120Km south of MacKay. This place is pure laid back beach. Unspoiled tranquility.  Yes it does have toilets (long drop ones) but that’s it. No drinking water or showers and the nearest town (Carmila) is 7km away, with just one hotel/shop and a service station. So come prepared to be self sufficient and take it as it comes.  It is also a narrow stretch of camp ground, but one which runs along behind a long white sandy beach, shrouded with trees and shrub .

Which is good for the likes of me, as that meant although there were around 20 other campers/ caravans/ tents there, we were all spread out and barely saw each other.  I, however, was lucky enough to find a spot not far from the entrance ,with a great soul mate of a neighbor, Craig, whom I shared several beers and many discussions with (yes, of course he had a dog…Dexy) AND an awesome view. Plus this first part was the more solid ground of the camping area, further up required more or less a 4 wheel drive vehicle! But it was a fabulous place if you really wanted to just tuck away. I spent a week here and thoroughly enjoyed it. Not as ‘pretty’ as Agnes Waters, but far more ‘tropics’. All I was missing was a hammock between the palms. And yes it was free!!! Unbelievable. Oh and I must tell you. When the tide goes out thousands of tiny blue soldir crabs come out sifting for food. Awesome sight.

Blacks Beach

Next was the trip to MacKay and its’ Northern Beaches. These were quite lush and very suburban by comparison, in a nice way. Black’s Beach was first, and I basically, got lost trying to find it! For some reason I kept weaving in and out of the small estate around it, until I realized the street I needed to turn down was more of a little back road. However once there it was gorgeous. This beach has long white sands and endless seas. Oh… and stingers. Big sign!! But it wasn’t the season for them it said. I didn’t chance it, preferring to sip my coffee at the rustic park there. Not a flash, modern beach this one. But a well loved one judging by all the mums and kids that came there to play on the beach. It had a nice feel.

And so to Dolphin Heads. Getting a little more up market now. The houses were bigger, better, the front tidier, smarter. The ride over the hill to get there threw up some stunning views of the bay too. By the time I got to Eimeo Beach, I was definitely in the better income bracket. A beautiful esplanade of well manicured grass  and pristine picnic tables overlooked the lovely bay. And I believe there is a very well known café there which has great views. I didn’t dare find it. I had a budget to keep. But well worth the stop. 

Shoal Point

My final Beach ,and my last as I turned in for the night there, turned out to be my huge favorite. Shoal Point is at the very top of the headland and has the most enormous beach which stretches right around the Point. The houses are nice, but a little less modern, a little more ‘beachy’, a lot more welcoming. As are the lovely people there. I honestly have not met any nicer in my travels. I was a little timid to park up, especially as the best place to park the Chihuahua was in the most amazing spot overlooking the beach, next to the Park and toilets there. And so, I looked for the dreaded ‘no camping’ sign.

 But a friendly local laughed and said “Don’t worry, there’s vans there all the time”. I was gobsmacked. I just hadn’t found this level of acceptance and kindness from locals before. And he wasn’t the only one! No less than three amazing locals came up and put me at ease! One told me to especially take note of the sunset and which road to go up to find the best views. Another where there was a nice walk along the beach. That place was amazing! And so beautiful! A BIG Thank you  to the people of Shoal Point for making that a truly wonderful stay.

A smile is worth more than gold to the person who receives it.

The Grey Chihuahua