Take a drive back in time up the Valley

The Pioneer Valley Heritage Driving Trail had a soft launch on council’s website recently but has been officially launched today as part of the 2021 National Trust Heritage Festival.

Council’s Character and Heritage Advisory Committee chair Cr Fran Mann spoke about the trail during late business at today’s ordinary meeting.

She said the self-guided driving trail operated the same way as the City Centre and Waterfront Heritage Discovery Trail.

“Residents and visitors can use a smartphone or tablet to take the tour, or there is also a paper companion brochure available from Tourism Mackay and council customer service centres.

“Of course, if they’re using a device for the driving tour, they must keep safety measures in mind. If using a mobile phone to navigate please ensure that it is secure in a mounting bracket and does not obscure the windscreen.”

Cr Mann said both the City Centre and Pioneer Valley Driving tours started at the same spot – the historic Leichardt Tree at Bluewater Quay.

“But on the driving trail, users soon head out to Greenmount Homestead via stops at the South Sea Islander hut at the Lagoons and Selwyn House,’’ she said.

Cr Mann said there were 10 stops at the driving tour, with stories of each featured.

“For now, the Pioneer Valley Driving Trail goes to Mirani town centre and then tracks back and turns off at Marian and heads across to The Leap before returning to Mackay,’’ she said.

“But there are plans in the future to extend the Pioneer Valley Driving Trail further up to Eungella.”

The online version can be found on council’s website. A self-guided Heritage Walking Tour of Sarina will also be launched next month as part of the festival.