Day 34: Sat 29 Jul 23 - Mackay

Sat 29 Jul 23 - Mackay

Weather: 16 Deg, sunny, clear with a slight SE breeze in the morning, reaching a very pleasant 21 Deg and remaining sunny and clear all day - a beautiful turn of weather. 

After a slow start and a bit of a sleep in we got ourselves organised, Noel did some washing, then we drove into Mackay city centre for morning coffee at a popular cafe - 9th Lane Grind. The coffee was good, but the food being served looked exceptional, but only coffee for us today. Afterwards, Noel walked down to Caneland Central shopping centre to buy a new pair of shoes, while I wandered around the city centre just looking and taking photos. At 11.30am, Lyndi drove in and joined me for a walk along the riverfront, and at 1pm, we stopped to rehydrate with a nice tasting craft beer at the new Red Dog Brewery in the Waterfront Precinct. 

It was so nice sitting in the warm sun catching up in a great relaxing atmosphere. Meanwhile, Noel made her way back and joined us, then we walked in the centre for a late lunch at Coco Cubana, a Cuban bar restaurant. The food was tasty, and it was such a lovely atmosphere sitting inside out of the sneaky breeze, surrounded by colourful Cuban inspired photography and artwork. At 3pm, we decided to head back to the van, while Lyndi returned home (her daughter Dan's house at Andergrove). I got changed, and climbed on the bike for a 45 minute ride around the area before returning for a shower and getting changed, then we drove a few kms to join Lyndi again for a fabulous relaxing evening reminiscing and catching up on on everything family, friends and early Navy days. We eventually left Lyndi (and the two pooches) and returned to the van at 10.30pm after a most enjoyable and relaxing day.



The old QLD National Bank in Victoria Street (built 1922) with Cane Fire Monument in the centre of a roundabout in the foreground

Walked past this colourful mural of a CQ Rescue Helicopter - as news of the Army helicopter crash off Hamilton Island was released.

Sugar Cane Fire monument in the city centre

Colourful murals in the City Centre

Colourful murals in the City Centre

Colourful murals in the City Centre

Colourful murals in the City Centre

Not so colourful murals in the City Centre

Colourful street Art in the City Centre

Walk along the waterfront precinct

Mackay Customs House built in 1902

Mackay Customs House built in 1902

Fish Bones Sculpture at Bluewater Quay. 6 Aluminium 6.5m long stakes in the ground (i thought they were pickaxes to depict Mackay's mining links)

Inside St Patricks Church - very plain but very nice 

Walk along the riverside precinct

Sugar cubes sculpture 

About the Sugar Cubes Sculpture


Levee Wall Mural telling the story of Mackay's river port settlement from its original inhabitants to early European settlement, arrival of south sea islanders, early industry and modern-day Mackay

Levee Wall Mural 

Levee Wall Mural 

Levee Wall Mural 

Riverside Walk


Riverside walk

Rehydrating at Red Dog Brewery with good friend Lyndi

Mackay city centre alley way wall art

Afternoon bike ride - plenty of water laying around

Afternoon bike ride around the Gooseponds

Afternoon bike ride around past the wake park


Comments

  1. HippofarmerJuly 30, 2023 at 2:25 AM

    Hi B&N, just letting you know that we are following your blog, but have not been able to comment using our Apple devices whilst O/S. We do hope your onwards travels are safe and happy. Regards, Wendy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KIMBONOJuly 30, 2023 at 3:02 PM

      Thanks Wendy - Welcome home. We'll catch up for a chat soon.

      Delete

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