Rustic beachside community 123 km South of Mackay Famous for Crabbing
While the stretch of the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Mackay is rather dull, Clairview Beach is a real highlight.
Situated within the Mackay Region, about 110 km past Marlborough and 90 km from Sarina, this stunning coastal setting is the perfect spot to detour.
The first thing you’ll notice, especially on a clear day, is the stunning aqua water of the Coral Sea, which gently laps 4 km of golden sand that is broken up by various rocky areas.
You’ll be able to access it at several different entry points, and if you are lucky, you could well have it to yourself.
How To Get To Clairview Beach
Clairview Beach is easy to get to as it can be accessed directly off the Bruce Highway.
If you are coming from Rockhampton or further down south, you’ll see the turn off sign for Colonial Drive about 30 km north of St Lawrence. This will lead you directly to the beach, past the BarraCrab Caravan Park and a quaint row of houses and holiday accommodations that offer direct access to it.
For those making their way down from Mackay region or further north, you should start looking out for the turn off once you past Carmila.
Once you arrive at Clairview Beach, you’ll find plenty of spots to park your car on gravel.
Things to do at Claireview Beach
Clairview Beach is a lovely place to just relax and take in the glorious views of the Coral Sea and a gaggle of islands which hover in the distance. These include the Broad Sound Islands National Park, Roundish Island, and Aquilla Island, which can be reached by boat only.
You should also keep an eye out for the endangered dugongs, as the waters here are a protected sanctuary for them.
Unfortunately, there are no swimming nets at Clairview Beach, and as it is not patrolled, swimming is not recommended – not least because there is a good chance you might encounter crocodiles and jellyfish!
However, the beach is popular with dog walkers and there are some rock areas and palm trees you might want to sit on or under. You can also sunbathe, launch a vessel off a boat ramp and enjoy a picnic or try some tasty mud crabs at one of the local eateries.
Directly outside one of the private homes is a shack on beach with day beds, which you may be able to relax on.
Amenities and Facilities
The main facilities at Clairview Beach can be found at the Clareview community centre.
There you will find a toilet block, a very small children’s playground, shaded picnic tables, and BBQs.
Further down towards the caravan park are other shaded picnic tables, at least one of which is made of concrete. So, it is a good idea to bring a table cloth and seat cushions with you.
