NRMA Parks and Resorts takes ownership of Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park

A major tourism firm has added the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park to its growing portfolio of parks and resorts. Read more about the deal.

The wallabies are a popular attraction at Cape Hillsborough, north of Mackay. Picture: Chrissie Lee

The jewel in the Mackay region’s tourism crown, Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park, has been snapped up by national firm NRMA Parks and Resorts for an undisclosed amount.

The purchase, from long-time owners Ben and Renae Atherton, adds an 11th Queensland property to NRMA Parks’ portfolio and its 40th overall.

The tourist park, located on the beach in the Cape Hillsborough National Park near Mackay, is expected to retain current branding for now.

But plans for refurbishments to park facilities include new accommodation options and destination experiences, such as guided tours and Indigenous experiences, as part of a three-year masterplan.

One attraction not expected to change is the Sunrise with the Wallabies encounter, which is held every morning on the beach in front of the park.

The region features prominently in Tourism Events Queensland promotions and the Athertons are highly respected within the industry and champions in promoting the region.

At the 2022 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards, Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park was awarded the Winner of the Best Caravan, Holiday Park or Hosted Accommodation; the Athertons were also recognised with the Award For Most Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.

The Athertons plan to take a well-earned break after the sale.

Ms Atherton thanked the community for their support and paid special tribute to their staff, Mackay Regional Council and Mackay

Tourism for their promotion of the region.

The view from Wedge Island at Cape Hillsborough National Park. Picture: Kelsey Wallace

NRMA Parks and Resorts chief executive officer Paul Davies said the purchase would enable them to offer their visitors a nature-based experience mixed with Indigenous culture.

“As the NRMA Parks portfolio continues to expand, we’re conscious of growing in a considered way and offer our guests the chance to interact in a memorable and sustainable way with Australia’s own incredible wildlife and Aboriginal cultural histories and stories,” Mr Davies said.

“There are so many unforgettable experiences we’d like to offer our guests, and the Sunrise with the Wallabies experience is a perfect example. As the sun takes its first glimpse over the horizon, our guests join the kangaroos and wallabies on the beach as the friendly Tour Guides share stories about the unique environmental aspects of the location and the region.”

NRMA Parks and Resorts recently won a gold award for the Best of Queensland Award for Best Caravan or Holiday Park and the Most Outstanding Contribution by an Individual at the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards 2022.