FAMILY FUN ATTRACTIONS HAMPDEN

The Pioneer River - one of the few "blue water" rivers in Queensland - and its main tributary Cattle Creek flow through the heart of the Pioneer Valley, from the Connors Ranges in the South and West to the Pacific Ocean at Mackay. Access to the river is restricted by freehold ownership except for a few areas such as beside Edward Lloyd Park where three access paths are maintained, including one just 20 metres from Melba House. Local residents fish the river for sooty grunter and barramundi - both species are renowned for their fighting ability. In addition, groups of Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) are frequently seen near their burrows on the northern bank behind Melba House. A wide variety of native and migratory bird species, including ducks, swans, pelicans and cormorants, and fresh water turtles also frequent the river.

Named for the Clerk (1921 to 1954) of the former Mirani Shire, Edward Lloyd, who was instrumental in preserving and maintaining parkland in the Shire, the park has recently had a major make-over by Mackay Regional Council. In addition to improved parking areas which can cater for all vehicles up to large buses and caravans, the park now boasts a family friendly playground, picnic shelters, barbecues and modern public toilets. There is also a concrete walking/cycling track from Melba House to Marian State School - a distance of approximately one kilometre - which is very popular with fitness seekers and pleasure walkers as it meanders along the Pioneer River bank giving views of the river and birdlife which frequents the area.

A statue of a Cane Cutter, erected in 1994 as a memorial to the pioneering families of the Marian district, is situated in Edward Lloyd Park approximately 50 metres from Melba House. Plaques on the plinth list the names of the residents - those who settled the district prior to 1900 are on the front; the remaining three sides list those families which became residents since 1900. A grove of trees planted by the members of the pioneering families surrounds the memorial.

Come and be dazzled at That Sapphire Place; an exquisite collection of rare and precious natural gemstones by gem cutters and gem merchants with more than 25 years experience in Lapidary and Gem Cutting. Specialising in natural sapphires of all colours, natural rubies, natural emeralds, individually hand picked gem stones, crystals and mineral specimens, many sourced direct from miners throughout Australia and internationally. Other Gemstones in the collection include precious natural Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Opals and Pearls. They have jewellery manufactured by Qualified Tradesmen, and Gem Cutting daily on premises. Also browse locally sourced exquisite gift wares.

Travelling north of Mackay along the Bruce Highway you will come to the township of The Leap. This site holds a past of great tragedy and significance in the history of this region. Discover the legend of The Leap "A legendary and powerful woman named Kowaha from a local native tribe; committed the ultimate sacrifice in 1867. As a result of this event, the Mt Mandarana Cliff and Valley became known as The Leap." The Hotel now stands as a reminder of this history and the legend of Kowaha. Visit the hotel and be captivated by the memorabilia and history of this region at the mini-museum. Visit the large monument depicting the historic event. Overnight camping is available. Mini-markets and live music are some of the regular events held at this hotel.

The Pioneer River, one of the few 'blue water' rivers in Queensland, and its main tributary, Cattle Creek, flow through the heart of the Pioneer Valley, from the Clarke Connors Ranges in the South and West to the Pacific Ocean at Mackay. Access to the river is restricted by freehold ownership except for a few areas such as beside Edward Lloyd Park where three access paths are maintained, including one just 20 metres from Melba House. Access in the Valley to the river is also possible at Pleystowe (boat ramp), Mirani (next to road bridge), Mia Mia (next to the road bridge), Pinevale, Gargett (next to road bridge), and Neem Hall (Finch Hatton). Canoeing, kayaking and swimming are just a few of the activities the river provides. Local residents fish the river for sooty grunter and barramundi - both species are renowned for their fighting ability. In addition, groups of Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) are frequently seen near their burrows on the northern bank behind Melba House. A wide variety of native and migratory bird species, including ducks, swans, pelicans and cormorants, and fresh water turtles also frequent the river. Crocodiles cannot access the upper reaches of the river....

The Pioneer Valley Visitor Information Centre is located in Melba House, Edward Lloyd Park, Anzac Avenue, Marian. This accredited visitor information centre offers a one stop shop for travel information including maps, brochures and itineraries. Staffed by skilled and knowledgeable local volunteers, the Melba House Visitor Information Centre can provide advice on the things to see, things to do and where to eat. Discuss with the friendly staff your travel plans or make a booking....

Kuttabul is a character-filled rural town, approximately 33 kilometres north-west of Mackay on the Bruce Highway. The Kuttabul Hotel is the heart of the area, hosting a vast array of entertainment throughout the year, as well as providing warm rural service. The Kuttabul Camelboks are the local rugby union team. A 5-star Luxury Wildlife Resort nestled in a countryside setting of Kuttabul, is a modern, architecturally-designed eco retreat....

Named for the Clerk (1921 to 1954) of the former Mirani Shire, Edward Lloyd, who was instrumental in preserving and maintaining parkland in the Shire, the park had a major make-over by Mackay Regional Council. In addition to improved parking areas which can cater for all vehicles up to large buses and caravans, the park now boasts a family friendly playground, picnic shelters, barbecues and modern public toilets. There is also a concrete walking/cycling track from Melba House to Marian State School - a distance of just over one kilometre - which is very popular with fitness seekers and pleasure walkers as it meanders along the Pioneer River bank giving views of the river and birdlife which frequents the area. If you are really lucky, you may see the local platypus sporting about....

Marian Mill was first built in 1885, but closed after a few years. The Marian Central Mill Co Ltd erected a new mill in 1894 under the Sugar Guarantee Act, and the first crushing took place in 1895. In 1966 the shareholders of Marian Central Mill Co Ltd voted to sell the assets and liabilities of that company to the cane farmers supplying the mill, who formed the Marian Mill Co-operative Society Limited. On February 1, 1988, Marian Mill, together with Cattle Creek, Farleigh, North Eton and Racecourse mills, amalgamated and purchased Pleystowe Mill to form the Mackay Sugar Co-operative Association Limited. Since then, Marian has been significantly improved to increase its crushing capacity, and its annual throughput of crops in excess of two million tonnes have earned it a ‘super mill’ status within the Australian sugar industry. Marian crushes crops previously supplied to the North Eton, which closed in 1989, and Cattle Creek Mill, which closed in 1990. A unique feature is the mural on the Engineering shed depicting a cane fire - rarely seen these days as most cane is cut green. Access is restricted but easily visible from the road. ...

A statue of a Cane Cutter, erected in 1994 as a memorial to the pioneering families of the Marian district, is situated in Edward Lloyd Park approximately 50 metres from Melba House. Plaques on the plinth list the names of the residents - those who settled the district prior to 1900 are on the front; the remaining three sides list those families which became residents since 1900. A grove of trees planted by the members of the pioneering families surrounds the memorial. During the Rugby League season the Canecutter shows his support for the Maroons by dressing in the team colours and waving the Queensland flag. Behind the statue is a track down to the Pioneer River, where is it possible to swim, fish and maybe even spot a Platypus. ...