Qld seaside town Seaforth ready to capitalise as gateway to Whitsundays

This Queensland coastal town has largely been off the radar for its century-long life, but that is all about to change.

The charming seaside settlement of Seaforth just north of Mackay has largely been off the radar for its century-long life, but an impressive foreshore development is expected to put it firmly on the map as Queensland’s regional tourism industry prepares for the 2032 Olympics.

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO, Al Grundy, said Seaforth, at the doorway to the globally recognised brand of the Whitsundays, was just one example of how the regions can help meet the State Government’s ambitious target of doubling the state’s overnight tourism expenditure to an annual $44 billion by 2032.

The Mackay-based Vassallo Constructions which was behind the $63.5m rebuild of the Shute Harbour Marina Terminal following Cyclone Debbie in 2017 has taken on the $7 million Seaforth development which will include picnic areas and a water feature as well as an upgraded beach walk.

Mr Grundy said, with current Queensland overnight expenditure hovering at between $28 and $30 billion, there was plenty of room for the Queensland regions to offer alternatives to the more mature markets of the south east such as the Sunshine and Gold coasts.

Seaforth Progress Association head Lyn Prince. Picture: Adam Head

Seaforth is right next door to Cape Hillsborough which has received international publicity for its “Sunrise with the Wallabies’’ experience which annually draws thousands of people to the beach to greet the wallabies at dawn.

“You look at those southern destinations and you wonder how much more they can absorb, then you look at the Mackay and Isaac regions and realise just how much we can offer,’’ Mr Grundy said.

Mr Grundy said the region was particularly eyeing off western Europeans and visitors from the United Kingdom who often rented a car or motorhome in Cairns and made their way south down to Brisbane.

“They are the ones who will stop in at attractions, such as the mountain bike trails which are being built around Finch Hatton in the Pioneer Valley west of Mackay, and enjoy a real Australian travel experience,’’ he said.

Mr Grundy said the area was fortunate to have a proactive administration in the Mackay Regional Council headed by Mayor Greg Williamson.

The council was ready and willing to put capital into head works such as those at Seaforth which would serve as a springboard for further development, he said.

Seaforth Progress Association head Lyn Prince, who lobbied for the Seaforth development, said the town, which started life as a cattle station in the late 19th century, had always possessed a great charm and was an increasingly sought-after address for people looking for a sea change who could also commute readily into Mackay for work

“It is a beautiful place to live.’’