Slowing Down on the Bruce
Sometimes the road reminds you to slow down. About an hour out of Rockhampton, we came across a family stranded on the Bruce Highway, car and caravan broken down, with grey nomads flying past like nothing was wrong. We pulled over, gave two of them a lift to the nearest fuel stop, and left Dad in the care of a tow truck driver. It’s a busy stretch of highway and a good reminder that life on the road isn’t always smooth sailing. Perhaps we all need to ease up on the rush a little!
From there, the plan was a cold beer and a counter meal in St Lawrence. Neil had been looking forward to it, but the pub was closed for the day, short on staff, like so many country towns. Luckily, the donation camp in St Lawrence more than made up for it. Immaculately kept, quiet and peaceful, it gave us a restful night under the stars before pushing further north.
Next stop was Mackay, where we had a proper reason to slow down. Cameron’s parents were flying in from chilly Melbourne for a week of sunshine, and we were ready for a bit of family time.
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St Lawrence
St Lawrence is one of Queensland’s oldest coastal towns, tucked just off the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Mackay. Once a bustling port supporting a meatworks and shipping trade, it’s now a small and quiet township surrounded by tidal flats and wetlands. The remains of the old wharf and meatworks still stand as reminders of its industrious past, while the town itself has shifted into a peaceful stopover for travellers and a haven for birdlife.
How to Get There
St Lawrence lies about 186 kilometres north of Rockhampton and 159 kilometres south of Mackay. The Bruce Highway makes it easily accessible, and the North Coast railway line also passes through town. Its position just off the highway makes it a handy rest point for those travelling the long coastal stretch between larger centres.
What to See
St Lawrence Wetlands – A network of tidal flats and wetlands known for their birdlife, especially during migration seasons.
Meatworks & Wharf Ruins – Heritage-listed remains that tell the story of St Lawrence’s port and meat processing past.
Heritage buildings & Centenary Pavilion – Historic buildings scattered throughout town, offering glimpses into its early days.
Local birdlife – Early mornings and low tide are the best times to spot shorebirds across the tidal flats.
When to Visit
The drier months from April to October are the most comfortable for travel and outdoor exploring. During this time, the wetlands are especially rewarding for birdwatching, and tidal conditions can reveal more of the flats.
Final Thoughts
St Lawrence wasn’t flashy. It was modest, quiet, and slightly weathered. But in that quiet, there was depth — in the ruins, the wetlands, the sky, and the stretch of coastline waiting. It whispered stories where bigger towns shout. For us, it was a restful heartbeat between Rockhampton and Mackay.
What’s Nearby
Before St Lawrence, we passed through Rockhampton and its surrounds — full of gardens, rivers, and city escapes. From St Lawrence, our next stop was Mackay, where family, festivals, and hidden gems awaited us in the coastal bustle.
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