Small town is a big winner #mackaypride

From Melissa Woods, Mackay Tourism

Mackay has beaten some tough competition to be named as one of the Top 50 Small Towns in Australia, along with only 11 other Queensland towns.  
The month-long competition, run by Discount My Flights, located the most ‘irresistible, exotic, historic and postcard-worthy small towns in Australia’.
Eligible towns had to be no bigger than 200,000 people. The aim of the competition was to look beyond big cities to locate some of the country’s hidden gems, which offer spectacular scenery and small town hospitality.
With over 172 towns evaluated, Mackay was awarded the title based on its unique nature experiences, lush rainforest, wildlife and uncrowded beaches.  
Matthew Greenspan, of Discount My Flights, said being named in the Top 50 Small Towns would give Mackay’s tourism industry a boost.
“Queensland’s coastal town of Mackay is an off-the-beaten-path traveler’s dream,” he said.
“Palm-tree-lined streets, renowned fishing spots, and uncrowded beaches (often dotted with wallabies and other wildlife), combined with some of the country’s freshest seafood, locally-owned shops, and farmers’ markets to create a must-visit destination that’s not listed in most travel guides.”
Mackay Tourism Ltd General Manager, Tas Webber, said Mackay was deserving of the title for a number of reasons.  
“The Mackay region has some of the country’s best nature experiences, and the best thing is, you won’t fight the crowds to enjoy them,” he said.
“From watching the wallabies at Cape Hillsborough Beach at sunrise to swimming at Finch Hatton Gorge or taking a walk through the rainforest at Eungella National Park, there’s a huge array of options for those who want to switch off and get closer to nature.”
“Then there’s the pristine, uncrowded beaches all along the coast from Sarina to Shoal Point and north to the Whitsundays.”
“Mackay deserves to be on the list and we’re very proud to be sharing the title with some other great destinations in Australia.”
Tas said he would love to see more locals explore what’s in their backyard, and encourage any family and friends who lived away to visit the region for a holiday.
“Word of mouth and first-hand experience is the best way to entice others to discover all we have to offer.”
See the full list of Australia’s Top 50 Best Small Towns here.