Seaforth: Quiet by the Sea
We left Pinnacle and pointed the moho towards the coast, following a hot tip from some fellow happy campers back in Mackay. They mentioned Seaforth with a familiar glint in their eyes, the kind that usually means a good campsite, a quiet beach, or a top-notch bakery. We didn’t find a bakery, but we found everything else.
We booked two nights and ended up staying for seven. That says it all.
Camped among tall palms, just metres from the beach, it didn’t take long to settle in. Zoe clocked two beach swims a day (under very close supervision, thanks to the saltwater locals). We strolled the shore, read books in the shade, met some lovely neighbours, and even won a few fans with Cameron’s scones.
Seaforth’s the kind of place where doing not much feels like doing plenty. We stopped in Mackay to pick up supplies and spent the rest of our time wandering the coastline, enjoying the slow pace and gentle rhythm of life by the water.
One morning, Cameron set the alarm early and dashed to Cape Hillsborough National Park to tick off the bucket list kangaroo-on-the-beach photo. Let’s say Instagram lied. The beach was packed with people, a few roos, and a staff member from the nearby resort tossing out snacks to keep the animals in place. It felt more like a photo shoot than a wildlife encounter. Lesson learnt.
Still, Seaforth more than made up for the disappointment. Peaceful mornings, warm afternoons, and the kind of sunsets that make you forget you have a to-do list. We finally packed up, said fond farewells to our campsite crew, and hit the road again, only 30km down it, mind you. But that’s a story for next time.
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Seaforth is part of our growing collection of small towns in Australia worth slowing down for.
Seaforth
Seaforth is a quiet coastal community just north of Mackay, known more for its tranquil beaches than tourist hype. It’s the kind of place that rewards ‘doing nothing’ — slow strolls, shady palms, and the ocean as your soundtrack. Its appeal lies in its simplicity: a beach, a campsite, and a chilled vibe.
How to Get There
Seaforth is accessed via the Bruce Highway, a short detour off the main coastal route. From Mackay, head north, and keep eyes peeled for the Seaforth turn. Roads are sealed and easy, making it accessible even in larger rigs.
What to See & Do
Beach strolls at sunrise / sunset — walking the sand when tides are low
Swimming under supervision — shallow beaches allow safe dips within croc nets
Cape Hillsborough visit — early morning roos if you get lucky (and beat the crowds)
Relaxed beach camping — lounge by palms, read, nap, slow down
Neighbour chats & simple cooking — local stories, camper connection
When to Visit
Best in the dry season (May to September), when humidity is lower, skies are clearer, and beach conditions are safer. Avoid wet season when heavy rains, higher tides, and storms can limit access or make camping uncomfortable.
FInal Thoughts
We left Seaforth reluctantly. What began as a quick coastal stop stretched into a week of quiet, sunlit days and gentle pace. It didn’t dazzle with over-the-top attractions — but it captivated us. Sometimes, the places where time seems to stop are the ones you remember longest.
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Our second stop in St Lawrence, the quiet town between Mackay and Rockhampton: two nights at the community rec ground, Friday lasagne night, a local’s tour with a mate, and the old meatworks boilers in the bush.