Shoal Point

Low Tide Beautiful Walk

30 August 2015, 3pm-5pm

Cnr Denman Ave & O'Brien Esplanade, Shoal Point

The next Beautiful Walk of the current series will be held at Shoal Point on Sunday 30 August. We have timed this walk to coincide with a very low tide when all of sandy and rocky foreshore will be exposed. You'll see lots of amazing creatures such as this feather star. Feather stars are crinoids and related to starfish and sea urchins. They have been described as "the most peaceful and beautiful starfish." It is very pleasing to watch their delicate tentacles wave in the tidal currents as they capture their food.

We've had to postpone our Beautiful Walks on the Pioneer River, which was planned for this Sunday, 26 April. We will be running it again soon, but if you're keen for some South Sea Islander culture, there are markets and tours at the South Sea Islander Hut this Sunday from 8am - 12pm.

Our final Beautiful Walk for the year was at Black's Beach Spit. The walk was organised and led by new MCG Management Committee member Pierre Craven. We learnt about the unique plants and animals of the spit, including migratory birds, the importance of mangroves and all the different insects that interact with green ants.

We'll be continuing the Beautiful Walks in 2015 so keep an eye out!

Ever been to Blacks Beach? Now is your chance!

Join us for our next Beautiful Walk which will explore Blacks Beach - a very special nesting site for Flatback and Green turtles.

Come along to hear from experts about the local turtle populations, the unique life of mangroves and unique vegetation that surrounds the beach. The walk is suitable for all ages as we will be strolling at a leisurely pace. The walk starts at 9am on Sunday 30 November will conclude at approx 10.30am.

To RSVP please go to: http://www.mackayconservationgroup.org.au/blacks_beach

This a FREE event and open to the public.

Meet at the end of Pacific Drive, Blacks Beach at 8.45am for a 9am start. 

BRING: Water, Sun protection, Snacks, Mosquito repellent.

Did you know that 'melaleuca' is Greek for black/white and refers to the colours of the trees after they've been affected by fire? If you've looked out the window when driving around Mackay you'd probably know that this species of tree is very special to this area and particularly likes the low lying swampy parts.

We had a great day out on September 28th visiting the melaleuca forests - and other vegetation types - in the Slade Point Nature Reserve.

On Sunday 28th September join Mackay Conservation Group to explore a hidden gem!

Slade Point Nature Reserve is one of the last remaining areas of coastal dunes and paperbark wetlands in the Mackay region.

Learn about the conservation history of this special place as we wander through Moreton bay ash forest, weeping paperbarks and grasslands. Keep an eye out and you might spot a Black-faced monarch or one of the other 130 off birds that live here.

For more information and to RSVP check out the event description here. 

Sunday, 27 July 2014

Sunday was a beautiful Winter's day and the Pioneer River was at its best, high tide, when our group of about sixty history explorers headed off along the Pioneer Promenade. There were 10 viewing stages in the walk from the Forgan Bridge to Hospital Bridge. The viewing areas under the large umbrellas were comfortable places for the group to relax and listen to the history of  Cremorne and the Pioneer Bridges.

To download the walk brochure click here.

Over 65 Mackayites gathered for our Beautiful Places Walk off the coast of Shoal Point on Sunday March 30.

The day started with a picnic and then local Morrie Pearson led the group over the sands and towards Little Green Island at low tide. We saw a wonderful array of wildlife including a variety of soft and hard corals (including one affectionately named 'blobby'), crabs, shells and birds.

The event was covered by Channel 7 and the Daily Mercury. The pictures below say it all! For more pictures go to the Mackay Conservation Group facebook page.

An important update on our Beautiful Places walk around Little Green Island!

The weather looks good so we will be going ahead.

The walk itself will not start until 3pm as this is the best time for the tides.

The picnic will start at 12pm, but the walk not until 3pm.

For more information call Moira on 0450 944 114.