Mackay’s ‘picturesque’ scenery credited by national comp winner

Some of Mackay’s most spectacular scenery has been put in the spotlight, thanks to Gold Coast photographer Jules Ingall, who was announced winner of the 2016 Choice Hotels Travel Grammer Competition.

Jules recently spent a weekend in Mackay, staying at the Comfort Resort Blue Pacific at Blacks Beach, as part of a competition where 20 of the nation’s top social media influencers and photographers were assigned a destination in Australia to photograph.

Jules visited the Pioneer Valley and Cape Hillsborough, as well as captured some of the region’s most iconic attractions which she shared with over 15,900 of her followers.

The mother-of-two said she was both shocked and thrilled to have won the competition.

“There were so many amazing destinations in Australia as part of the competition, including the West Australian coast and Darwin, but I think my job was easy because The Mackay Region is just so picturesque,” Jules said.

“Mackay is such a hidden gem and one of the things I loved best was that it wasn’t over commercialised or too busy. My family and I are already planning a trip here.”

Jules will now spend a three-day weekend at Hervey Bay with travel influencer and social media expert Lauren Bath.

Mackay Tourism Ltd General Manager Tas Webber said Jules’ win was a fantastic way to spread the word about the natural beauty of The Mackay Region.

“I was thrilled to hear that Jules had won the competition, with a bit of help from our local wallabies at Cape Hillsborough and the amazing sunsets at Eimeo Beach,” Tas said.

“Visitors really are spoilt for choice when they visit The Mackay Region, from the pristine beaches to the rainforest and the unique wildlife, and I believe this competition has perfectly captured all that we have to offer here.”

Tas said word of mouth is one of the most valuable ways to promote tourism in Mackay and encouraged people to get involved.

“Social media is proving to be a very powerful tool and a great way to capture and share the beauty of The Mackay Region to people who may not have thought about visiting previously.”