Perched above the coastal city of Mackay, Cape Hillsborough is the kind of place where there’s so much to explore it feels like there might never be enough time to take it all in.
Its centerpiece is Casuarina Beach.
The long sweep of sand framed by rugged coastal cliffs is enough to make the trip for on its own, but the landscape is only half the attraction.
To see Cape Hillsborough at its most unforgettable, the journey begins in the early hours of the day.
The sunrise here is among Queensland’s most spectacular, helped by an open outlook across the Coral Sea.
Facing east, the bay offers a clear horizon, allowing the first traces of colour to spread uninterrupted across the sky before the sun emerges over the water.
On either side, the volcanic headlands of Cape Hillsborough and Andrews Point rise in silhouette, while Wedge Island and scattered offshore rocks break up the horizon.
The tide can make the display even more impressive. At low or mid-tide, a thin sheet of water often remains across the sand, turning the beach into a broad mirror that reflects the pinks, oranges and golds overhead.
The clouds can play their own part as well. Hanging low over the eastern horizon, they briefly hold back the direct sunlight, flexing the sky's colour potential before the first rays finally break through.
For many visitors, however, the main attraction is the locals.
Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies emerge from the surrounding bushland early in the morning and make their way onto Casuarina Beach, foraging along the tide line and wandering across the sand.
It is a scene that feels unmistakably Australian and one that has become the signature image of Cape Hillsborough.
Sunrise times change throughout the year, so check ahead, arrive at least 30 minutes early and remember to keep your distance from these remarkable wild animals.
When the sun has finished its ascent, it’s time to begin your exploration.
Halliday bay, just down the road, is a great local spot to park-up at.
This compact beach is tucked into a sheltered corner of the coastline, bordered by calm water and a narrow beachfront reserve, with dolphins regularly passing close to shore.
At low tide, the sand stretches almost 200 metres towards the sea, revealing plenty of shoreline to wander and traverse along the rocks.
But the bay’s best-kept secret waits at its southern end.
Hidden at the end of the beach, the narrow McBrides Point Lookout track climbs to the top of the headland in just five minutes. It is short but slightly steep, with plenty of rocks and exposed roots, so pull on comfy shoes.
When you hit the summit, it’s a view that could capture you for hours.
Climb atop the giant granite boulders and take in sweeping views across Ball Bay and Halliday Bay. During whale season, you may even catch sight of one passing offshore.
It is a small and easy climb with a reward far bigger than the distance suggests.
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