Over 30 people enjoyed a fun and social afternoon stroll along Town Beach for our Beautiful Walk in May. Clear skies, warm weather and the low tide proved the perfect mix for the group to learn more about Mackay's iconic beach!

Joined by three guest speakers, the attendees were given a special insight into the natural value of the area. Patricia Julien spoke about the geographical history that has completely reshaped Town Beach. Cyclones, coastal processes and development have transformed the shoreline to something different over only a few decades.

Mackay & Districts Turtle Watch Association spokesperson, Fay Griffin, explained the significance of our region for sea turtles. While Town Beach isn't a major nesting site, Mackay's coastline is dotted with areas used frequently by nesting turtles. All species of sea turtles are considered to be endangered or vulnerable, making our local shores an incredibly important area in the conservation of these wonderful animals.

The Mackay region is lucky enough to have over 30 bat species call the area home. In the urban areas, the most common bat you’ll see is the Black Flying-Fox (Pteropus alecto), which is a larger species and can be seen in sizable numbers flying in the sky at dusk. Bats are social creatures and form nursery colonies to rear their young.

All bat species are unique and play a crucial role in the ecology of the environment. The majority of bat species eat insects and are appropriately called insectivores. Other bats prefer to eat nectar, pollen, fruit and seeds. These bats are called frugivores. And then there are bats who are omnivores, which eat both insects and fruits.

23 July 2017, 3pm-5pm

It has been a while since we held a Beautiful Walk so we decided to begin again with one of our favourites, at Shoal Point. 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.

RSVP here: http://www.mackayconservationgroup.org.au/shoal_point_beautiful_walk_2017