Brilliant Central Queensland Coastal Destinations to Add to Your Beach Bucket list
Calling all beach lovers!
If you plan on visiting the Mackay Region in Central Queensland, there are five Sarina Beaches you should make a point of visiting.
Situated just 34 km south of Mackay, the area might be best known for its association with the sugar industry. However, it also boasts some incredible coastal areas that will utterly intoxicate you.
Here is some more information about them.
Best Sarina Beaches
There are several excellent beaches in the Mackay Region that you should visit during your time in the area and some of the best of them are situated in and around Sarina.
All of them are located east of the town of Sarina and are defined by their stunning landscapes.
These beaches are Sarina Beach, Grasstree Beach, Salonika Beach, Armstrong Beach and Campwin Beach. All of which reside around 10 km east from the main Sarina township.
Between them they provide terrific destinations for sunbathing, beach walking, picnicking and fishing, and are generally uncrowded.
Make sure you add all of these Sarina beaches to your beach bucket list!
Sarina Beach
For most visitors to the area Sarina Beach is the first coastal area they head to.
As it is patrolled seasonally by volunteer lifesavers, it is possible to swim here, although you will have to be careful for stingers.
This is one of the most popular Sarina beaches for fishing, which you can do directly off the beach. It is also a great place for searching for oysters down the rocks by its northern point.
Families enjoy coming here because there is a lovely esplanade park with picnic and barbecue facilities they can use. Alternatively, many choose to enjoy a meal with a view at the beachside restaurant which now sits in the building which formerly housed the Surf Lifesaving Club.
If you happen to come here between October and January, the beach is also a notable place for spotting nesting turtles.
Grasstree Beach
If you ask most locals, they would say that Grasstree Beach is undoubtedly the most beautiful of all Sarina beaches.
Located just a 15-minute drive from the Sarina CBD, you’ll find it within the sheltered Zelma Bay. Again, it is a popular swimming destination, although discretion is advised because it is not patrolled.
This is another popular destination among local fishermen who come to its various creeks, islands, reefs and the beach to cast a line.
Many also choose to launch a boat off the ramps that reside on either side of Cabbage Tree Creek. While a playground and large recreational grass area with public toilets and tables are other drawcards that attract visitors.
Salonika Beach
Stretching for 2 km, Salonika Beach is a lovely beach you can visit just to the north of Sarina.
Popular with locals, this is arguably the best of all Sarina beaches to swim at, as you will be able to enjoy splendid views of Victor Island, which lies just 1 km offshore.
Running parallel to the beach are picnic tables and a playground, and several holiday accommodation units reside at the southern end of the beach, along with a licensed restaurant.
For those into wildlife, you’ll love coming here for the opportunity to spot sea eagles, black cockatoos and bush turkeys. You may even see echidnas and loggerhead turtles, along with dolphins and whales in season.
Armstrong Beach
Situated just a 12-minute drive from Sarina is the picturesque Armstrong Beach, which is a well known spot for prawning and fishing.
It is set around a charming small seaside community, that boasts a caravan park, playground and picnic area, and is generally one of the quieter Sarina beaches you can visit, Making it a great place to come to for some rest and relaxation.
Not far from Armstrong Beach is Freshwater Point, which is famous for being the place where Captain Cook first came looking for fresh water in 1770.
Campwin Beach
At around 4 km in length, Campwin Beach is one of the longest of all Sarina beaches.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you walk on its light-coloured sand is that it feels very soft on your feet. This makes it a fabulous spot for Beachcombing and sunbathing with a good book or your Spotify playlist.
The beach is named after the local Campwin Creek which merges into the Coral Sea at this point. It is also another good spot for fishing and there are toilet facilities, bbq grills and picnic tables there.
Unfortunately, this beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, but locals do consider it safe for swimming on account of its gentle waves and calm waters.