Shane’s Guide to North Queensland
Shane, our Queensland Mobility Consultant, is preparing to embark on another of his infamous road trips along the north coast stopping in Mackay on 10 October and making his way through Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Townsville, arriving in Cairns on the 17 October.
He will be showcasing our Kia Carnival Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) with dozens of demonstrations already booked in with families, couples, individuals, organisations and Occupational Therapists along the way but he does have a few appointments still available in Townsville and Cairns!
This will be Shane’s seventh North Queensland trip, making him a little bit of an expert on places to go and sites to see between Brisbane and Cairns. Here are seven of his favourite spots and attractions:
Matilda the boxing kangaroo was the official mascot for the 1982 Commonwealth Games, but can now be found in at Kybong, on the drive between Brisbane and Gympie.
Standing over 13 metres tall and weighing 6 tonnes, the massive mascot could once turn her head, wriggler her ears, wink and blink.
Beer-o-clock in Rockhampton – but only if you’re not driving! Shane took a break beside the big XXXX beer which is actually a water tank located at the Koumala Hotel just off the Bruce Highway. Did you know the XXXX brand was first introduced in 1924 and is a reference to the tradition of using XX’s to show the strength of the beer?
Forget Coffs Harbour, Queensland has its own big banana named Ivanna!
Located on Harbour Rd in Mackay, this banana wears dark sunglasses and stands upright, in contrast her south-east sister lays on its side. Bananas are another popular fruit grown in the area.
Remember when Shane tried to take off with Bowen’s Big Mango in September 2019?
The 10-metre high Big Mango represents and celebrates the delicious fruit which is grown in the area. Situated on the A1 Bruce Highway with sweeping views of the Whitsunday coast it’s the perfect place to stop for a break.
In September 2019, Shane and our Kia Carnival WAV enjoyed the fun 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island.
Just 8kms from Townsville, the ferry takes you and your vehicle to Magnetic Island; described as a nature lovers paradise offering lots of secluded beaches, bushland hikes and wildlife.
Take in the picturesque lake views with afternoon tea, from the 90-year-old Lake Barrine teahouse – where the lake meets the rainforest!
Lake Barrine also has a walking track around the entire circumference with lots of flora and fauna to explore among the pristine rainforest surrounding.
Surrounded by lush rainforest, the Babinda Boulders is an iconic tourist attraction and popular picnic and swimming spot south of Cairns.
There are toilets, gas BBQ’s, sheltered picnic tables and a 2 km rainforest walk to 3 lookouts and swimming holes. Note: there are some stairs & boardwalks along the walk.
Shane’s other highlights include the view of Townsville from the top of Castle Hill, the Sarina sugar cane farm and mill and of course all the gorgeous beaches along the coast…
What’s your favourite tourist attraction, town or activity in North Queensland? Send us your tips and suggestions and stay tuned via our Facebook page for more travel photos and fun things to do on his upcoming October 2022 trip.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out these blogs:
- 3 epic accessible tours in Australia – READ
- Top accessible national parks and trails in Australia – READ
- 5 Accessible holiday destinations in Australia – READ
If you’d like Automobility to visit your home, town or workplace, call 1300 660 773 and book an obligation free consultation and demonstration.
