Moranbah

Population 7131

Moranbah is a modern mining town south-west of Mackay. It was established in 1969 to support the huge open-cut coalmines of the expanding Bowen Coal Basin. Coking coal is railed to the Hay Point export terminal just south of Mackay.

Visitor Information

Library, town square; (07) 4941 4500

www.isaac.qld.gov.au

Nearby national parks

  • Eungella National Park

    Situated in the rugged Clarke Range, high above the surrounding plains, this mountainous national park is rent by deep gorges and contains...more

  • Cape Hillsborough National Park

    Cape Hillsborough National Park is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches nestled between rocky headlands. Rhyolite boulders are scattered...more

Nearby towns

  • Clermont

    Clermont is in the central highlands south-west of Mackay. It was established over 130 years ago after the discovery of gold at Nelson's...more

  • Sarina

    Sarina is in the hinterland of what has been dubbed the Serenity Coast, at the base of the Connor Range. It is central to the Queensland...more

  • Mackay

    The city of Mackay is an intriguing blend of 1900s and art deco heritage buildings mixed with modern-day architecture. It was first settled...more

In Town

Federation Walk: 1 km scenic walk starts at Grosvenor Park; Peak Downs Hwy. Historical walk: self-guide trail past interesting sites and heritage buildings of town; brochure from visitor centre.

Nearby

Tours to Peak Downs Mine: leaves from town square the last Wed each month; bookings at visitor centre. Isaacs River: recreational area with historic monuments and a hiking trail in dry weather; 13 km S. Lake Elphinstone: camping, recreation activities, waterskiing, boating and fishing; 70 km N.

Fishing spots near town

Teemburra Dam 109 km

Mackay has excellent freshwater options. The most popular venues are the region’s dams in the Pioneer Valley – Teemburra, Eungella and Kinchant. Of these, the best known is Teemburra in Eungella National... Find out more


Pioneer River 128 km

Fishing from a canoe is one of the best ways to get close and personal with the environment. Even when the fish are small, catching them from a canoe is both challenging and rewarding. With that in mind, I jumped at the... Find out more


Seaforth 156 km

Seaforth is about an hour’s drive north of Mackay, depending on cane harvester traffic. The small seaside resort is remarkable in that it hasn’t yet been overrun by developers, although that is changing... Find out more


Lake Proserpine 184 km

The closed season for barramundi in Queensland runs from November to February, but some of the best barra waters are exempt and this includes the fabulous Lake Proserpine, often called Peter Faust Dam, 26 km east of... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Emerald Botanic Garden 169 km

Pack a picnic and explore the 42-hectare Emerald Botanic Garden on the banks of the Nagoa River. It has 6 kilometres of walks, and gardens representing major plant communities in central Queensland (with 90 per cent of... Find out more


Wildlife tours - Rockhampton to Townsville 186 km

Proserpine River Eco Tours runs an eco-accredited all-day wildlife safari in which you have a fairly good chance of seeing saltwater crocodiles, agile wallabies, mud crabs and frillnecked lizards. The tour combines a... Find out more


Hiking the Whitsundays Great Walk 196 km

In the past few years a 30-kilometre walking track – the Whitsundays Great Walk – has been established, from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach, through Conway State Forest. The two main camps, Repulse Creek and... Find out more


Camping - Whitsundays and Keppel Islands 213 km

If you want to camp on one of the Whitsunday Islands but do not want to kayak and do not own a boat, Camping Whitsundays and Island Camping Connections run a drop-off and pickup service, supply camping gear and food if... Find out more


Picnicking around Bowen and Mackay 221 km

There is plenty of shade to go around at Mullers Lagoon in Bowen, a 24-hectare parkland with botanic gardens, wetlands, a bird hide and free barbecues. The lush Botanic Gardens at Mackay are also recommended.... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Hamilton Island Golf Club 205 km

When Hamilton Island was being built in the 1980s it was a playground of the rich and famous. The island’s owner and developer, Keith Williams, knew a golf course would add to the tourism value of his island... Find out more


Campsites around town

The Diggings camping area 101 km

The forest here still contains relics from gold mining exploration during the 1880s. Self-sufficient campers can use this site near Eungella Dam Rd. There are no facilities and it is access is dry-weather only. ... Find out more


Eungella Dam camping area 101 km

Eungella Dam, 40 km north-west of Eungella, is a popular place for all manner of watersports. The fishing is good too, as the dam is well stocked with sooty grunter and barramundi. You need to be totally self-sufficient... Find out more


Fern Flat Campground 104 km

Along the Mackay Highlands Great Walk track, 5 km south of Eungella, this campground is just 600 m from the carpark and picnic area at Broken River. The site has toilets and water, but you’ll need to visit the... Find out more


Captain’s Crossing camping area 109 km

Camp beside lovely Teemburra Creek at this campground and picnic spot. There are no facilities; bring all self-sufficient supplies including drinking water and firewood (a gas/fuel stove is preferred). Access is by 4WD... Find out more


Platypus Bush Camp 120 km

Hot showers with rainforest views and a superb open-air camp kitchen are some of the excellent facilities at this popular campground. The camping area has plenty of space for groups, or you can stay in the tree-house... Find out more


Kinchant Waters 124 km

Popular with waterskiiers and anglers, this 4 ha campground is part of the Kinchent Waters Leisure Resort, offering a range of accommodation options including cabins and backpacker rooms, plus a bar, restaurant and... Find out more


Jaxut camping area 142 km

This camping area is next to Pandanus Creek at Jaxut, about 200 m past the old forest station. Access is via the Cathu–O’Connell River Rd, a very steep road suitable for small caravans and camper trailers... Find out more


Windmill Bay campsite 150 km

This basic site for self-sufficient campers is south of Cape Palmerston on the eastern edge of the park. Access is by 4WD only via a sandy track. The site is gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more


Cape Creek campsite 152 km

Cape Creek is to the south-west of Cape Palmerston. For self-sufficient campers, it is accessed with 4WD only via a sandy track. The site is gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more


St Helens Beach camping area 154 km

This basic campground is in the township of St Helens Beach, 68 km north of Mackay. Firewood is supplied and camping attendants visit the site daily to collect fees. Mackay is on the Bruce Hwy about 125 km south of... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

St Helens Gardens Caravan Park 144 km

A basic park with good facilities, this place is set back from the highway beside Kolijo Creek, 1 km south of the Calen Post Office. This is a good overnight stop. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


The Park Mackay 147 km

This is a large park and the tourist van sites are at the rear, furthest away from the highway. There are good facilities and it is a popular base for travellers. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Andergrove Van Park 154 km

Sweeping lawns are visible as you enter this excellent park set in a quiet, off-road position with easy access from the Bruce Highway. It has good features at a reasonable price and is an ideal base for exploring the... Find out more


Seaforth Camping Area 155 km

This is a popular open camping area right on the beachfront in the heart of the small town.... Find out more


Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort 159 km

This park within Cape Hillsborough National Park offers camping and caravan sites and is a great spot for a break. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Travellers Rest Caravan and Camping Park 165 km

There are no more sandflies or midges at Midge Point than elsewhere, but there is a lovely beachside caravan park with lawns, large shady trees and a host of other great features. We really enjoy staying here. Bookings... Find out more


Blue Gem Caravan Park 166 km

For those interested in trying their luck on the gemfields, this park is a good base. It forms part of a shop and service station complex and is centrally located in Sapphire on the banks of Retreat Creek, where... Find out more


O’Connell River Whitsunday Tourist Park 170 km

Located alongside the highway 22 km south of Proserpine, this place has good basic facilities and is for an overnight stop. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Lake Maraboon 184 km

This park is located 18 km south-west of Emerald on the shores of Lake Maraboon, a popular spot for watersports and fishing. Red-claw crayfish are a major attraction. Many visitors come specifically to stay at Lake... Find out more


Proserpine Tourist Park 185 km

In a quiet off-highway part of Proserpine, this is a very neat park that adjoins the town swimming pool, golf course and bowling green. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Sarina Park Area 138 km

South side of town Large parking area just off the highway behind the roadhouse. Good shade. GPS: S21 26.183 E149 13.387  ... Find out more


Palm Tree Creek Park Area 139 km

34 km N of Mackay (L) or 90 km S of Proserpine (R) Small area adjacent to the highway around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S21 01.676 E148 53.572... Find out more


What's on around town

Australia Day Street Party: Jan.

May Day Union Parade and Fireworks: May.

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