Online self-guided heritage trail tour launched

Council has today (Wednesday, December 2) launched the first of its Mackay Heritage Discovery Trails.

The self-guided Mackay City Centre and Waterfront Heritage Discovery Trail uses ArcGIS StoryMaps via council’s website.

It starts at the Leichhardt Tree at Bluewater Quay and includes 22 buildings, events and areas of historical and cultural interest.

The trail on StoryMaps is interactive and includes written stories about each stop, as well as audio interviews, captivating photographs and videos.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the catchcry for the innovative, self-guided trail was “Adventure into the past, in the footsteps of our locals”.

He said the trail combined modern-day technology with the charm of the city’s rich historical and cultural past to create an immersive, interactive experience.

“Mackay’s City Centre has a fascinating history and much of our heritage has been preserved through the buildings in the CBD.

“There are many interesting stories from yesteryear attached to these buildings and sites.”

Members of council’s Character and Heritage Advisory Committee also attended this morning’s launch.

Committee chair Cr Fran Mann said the self-guided tour provided easy access for residents and visitors to explore Mackay’s history.

“Mackay has the best collection of art deco buildings in Queensland and for the first time we are able to highlight the captivating and sometimes quirky stories attached to them,’’ she said.

The trail can be accessed online via mackay.qld.gov.au/heritage

A paper copy companion brochure is also available from council customer service centres and Mackay Tourism information centres.

More self-guided heritage trails are in development for other parts of the region, including the Pioneer Valley and Sarina.