The area
Shoal Point and Mackay's Northern Beaches
Shoal Point is a quiet seaside suburb at the end of the road on Mackay's Northern Beaches, in Queensland, about 19 km, around 25 minutes by car from Mackay city. For accommodation at Shoal Point, Hampton House is a holiday rental across the road from the beach, with a private pool and room for 8.
Things to do
Beach walks, day trips and town
Shoal Point beach is across the road from the house, and the rest of Mackay's coast and hinterland is an easy drive.
Shoal Point beach and Green Island
Walk the flats when the tide is out, with soldier crabs underfoot and Green Island just offshore.
Across the road
Foreshore walks
A walking path winds through the foreshore park right beside the beach, for morning walks and sunsets on the flats.
Across the road
Boating and fishing
There is boat launch access from the beach at Shoal Point, good for small boats, and a fish off the point on a rising tide. Check the Queensland fishing rules and Marine Park zones first.
Cape Hillsborough, an easy day trip
Kangaroos and wallabies come down to the beach at first light, and Wedge Island sits just offshore.
about 62 km, around 1 hour by car
Eungella: platypus and rainforest
Watch for platypus at Broken River, then follow the creek through the rainforest of Eungella National Park.
about 104 km, around 1 hour 40 minutes by car
Mackay Marina
A palm-lined promenade with waterfront cafes and restaurants, and the boats coming and going.
about 21 km, around 30 minutes by car
The tide here has a big range and can come back in quickly, so check the times for Mackay with the Bureau of Meteorology before a walk on the flats.
When to come
The house suits any time of year, because the pool is always there.
May to October is the dry season, with mild, dry days for long walks on the flats and day trips. November to April is warmer and greener, and the pool comes into its own: from November to May it is stinger season in the sea along the tropical Queensland coast, so swim in the pool and keep the beach for walks.
Getting around
Hampton House is about 19 km, around 25 minutes by car from Mackay city centre, and about 21 km, around 30 minutes by car from Mackay Airport.
- Mackay city centreabout 19 km, around 25 minutes by car
- Mackay Airportabout 21 km, around 30 minutes by car
- Cape Hillsboroughabout 62 km, around 1 hour by car
- Mackay Marinaabout 21 km, around 30 minutes by car
- Broken River, Eungellaabout 104 km, around 1 hour 40 minutes by car
Measured by road in October 2026 and rounded up.
Sunrise at Cape Hillsborough
Cape Hillsborough is an easy day trip, about 62 km, around 1 hour by car, for sunrise with the kangaroos on the beach. Set off early: they come down to the sand at first light.
Exact address provided after booking.