Directly west of Mackay is the Pioneer Valley which is home to the Teemburra Dam, Eungella National Park, Finch Hatton Gorge and the Pinnacle Pie. Driving through cane farms on either side of the road this is the area which helps give Mackay the title of “Sugar Capital of Australia” Years ago when visiting I was lucky to be sitting on the patio of the Pinnacle Pub when they did a cane burn on the sugar across the road. What an awesome display of natures power. Now the Pinnacle Pub is famous for its pies which from experience it truly amazing. Heading just outside Pinnacle is the Temmburra Dam which was constructed in 1997 to help the agriculture in the district and supply water to the region.
Further out is Finch Hatton Gorge and the stunning Eungella National Park which is home to the reclusive Platypus. This monotreme which was at first considered a hoax by scientists in England makes its home along the banks of the Pioneer River.