Mackay Adventure The Wallaby Wake-Up

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Learn to ride a cable wakeboard on a Mackay lake one afternoon, then stand on the beach at Cape Hillsborough at first light while wallabies and kangaroos feed at the water's edge. Transport from Airlie Beach, a night in the lodge, dinner and breakfast are all part of it.

Days

2 days, 1 night

Age

10 years and over

Group size

Shared group trip

Start / finish

Airlie Beach / Mackay / Cape Hillsborough / Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, around midday next day

Return

Airlie Beach, around midday next day

Accommodation

Mackay Adventure Lodge, shared dorm of up to 8 beds

Transport

Air-conditioned bus from Airlie Beach or the Mackay coach stop

Meals

BBQ dinner and picnic breakfast

Route

Map of Mackay Adventure The Wallaby Wake-Up

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Included experiences

Wake House Australia — beginner cable wakeboarding with coaching
Andergrove Lakes — BBQ dinner by the lake at sunset
Cape Hillsborough National Park — wallabies and kangaroos on the beach at sunrise
Cape Hillsborough headland — lookout walk and picnic breakfast

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: AIRLIE BEACH TO MACKAY, WAKEBOARDING TO SUNSET

The bus collects you from the lagoon car park in Airlie Beach around midday for the two-hour run south to Mackay, the town that crushes about a third of Australia's sugar cane. You can also join in Mackay, or step off the Greyhound or Premier coach there. In the afternoon you're at Wake House Australia at Andergrove Lakes, a cable park where an overhead cable, not a boat, pulls you around the lake. No experience is needed: after a safety briefing the coaches start you on a kneeboard, then move you up to a wakeboard, with board, helmet and lifejacket supplied. Ride until sunset, then it's a BBQ welcome dinner beside the lake and a chance to meet the group.

Heading south by coach? The order flips: arrive in Mackay, sleep, see the sunrise, then wakeboard before catching the afternoon coach south.

Overnight: Mackay (Mackay Adventure Lodge, shared dorm of up to 8 beds)

DAY 2: SUNRISE WITH THE WALLABIES, BACK TO AIRLIE BEACH

An early one: the bus leaves the lodge around 4:30am for Cape Hillsborough National Park, north of Mackay. You stand on Casuarina Beach, which faces east, so the sun comes up straight out of the sea. At first light agile wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos come down to the sand to feed on the mangrove seed pods the tide has left behind. They are wild, so numbers change from day to day. Afterwards a walk takes you up to a coastal lookout, then it's a tropical picnic breakfast on the headland. Back at the lodge you freshen up and grab your bag, and the bus has you in Airlie Beach by about midday, or at the Mackay Greyhound stop if you're heading south.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Airlie Beach Lagoon car park, Broadwater Avenue, Airlie Beach. You can also join in Mackay, from the Greyhound or Premier coach stop, or drive to Mackay Adventure Lodge at Andergrove Lakes.
Departure time: Around midday from Airlie Beach; your exact pick-up time is confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Back at Airlie Beach around midday the next day, or at the Mackay Greyhound stop if you are travelling south.
Duration: About 24 hours, one night.
Minimum age: 10 years. Anyone under 18 must come with a parent or guardian, who also signs the waiver.
Fitness: You must be a confident swimmer. Beginners are coached from the start.
Accommodation note: Shared dorm with up to 8 beds. Private rooms can be added if available.
Please note: Everyone signs a Wake House risk acknowledgement and joins a safety briefing before riding. Wake House runs in most weather; if severe weather stops a session, an alternative is arranged.

What to bring

Small overnight bag
Swimwear and towel
Dry clothes to change into
Walking shoes
Hat and sunscreen
Camera or phone
Valid photo ID

What is included

Return air-conditioned bus from Airlie Beach, or from the Mackay Greyhound stop
One night at Mackay Adventure Lodge in a shared dorm of up to 8 beds
Beginner wakeboarding session at Wake House Australia with coaching
Wakeboard, kneeboard, helmet and lifejacket
Wake House Australia wristband to keep
Lakeside BBQ welcome dinner
Beach Sunrise with the Wallabies tour at Cape Hillsborough
Walk to a coastal lookout and a tropical picnic breakfast
National park fees

Not included

Drinks
Private room upgrade (available at extra cost, subject to availability)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

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