Cape Hillsborough Nature Retreat gets $2.8m makeover

The Queensland resort made world-famous for its beachside wallabies at sunrise is getting an extensive upgrade. Find out what’s in store.

The resort made world-famous for its beachside wallabies at sunrise is getting a $2.8 million makeover.

The upgrade of Cape Hillsborough Nature Retreat north of Mackay, which NRMA Parks and Resorts bought in late 2022, is expected to be completed by late 2024.

“The (retreat) is an a prime nature position, sitting adjacent to a marine park as well as the beautiful Cape Hillsborough National Park, famous for its rainforest, eucalypt forest, rocky headlands, and volcanic rock formations,” NRMA Parks and Resorts CEO Paul Davies said.

“Our plans for the Nature Retreat’s development include a new entry precinct with outdoor facilities for both park guests and day visitors, a redesigned reception and restaurant area, and an integrated pathway complete with interpretative signage and artwork that will link the park with the beach and offer education on the region’s cultural significance.

Cape Hillsborough Nature Retreat.

“We’re excited to be working on a considered, reinvigorated accommodation offering that will include tent and pod accommodation on the foreshore, new cabins and upgrades to the pool and landscape.”

The upgrade will create up to 44 local jobs, and once complete could attract each year an extra 29,000 visitors into the Mackay region and $3 million into its economy.

The kangaroos of Cape Hillsborough National Park, north of Mackay, have become a social media sensation as tourists are sharing photos of their daily dawn trip to the shoreline. Picture: Bruce Long

The state government contributed $700,000 towards the works as part of its Visitor First Experience Fund, with the retreat one of four initiatives chosen.

“Right now, adventure and sustainable visitor experiences are highly sought-after by Australian and international holiday-makers,” Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.

“Developing world-class sustainable experiences is a key recommendation of the industry led Towards Tourism 2032 road map for Queensland to shine as an international destination of choice.”

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said the fast-tracked upgrades would inspire more tourists to experience the “stunning” location.

“Mackay’s visitor economy is breaking records with 240,000 holiday-makers enjoying our great lifestyle in the last year and we want that growth to continue for more good jobs,” Mrs Gilbert said.