Sarina, QLD: Things to do and best attractions

The best things to do in Sarina, QLD, include tours of the Sarina Sugar Shed and watching turtles hatch on Sarina Beach.

Sarina, QLD, is the only town of any real size on the Rockhampton to Mackay leg of the Rockhampton to Airlie Beach drive.

This is very much sugar country, and sugar cane fields surround the town. It should come as no surprise to learn, therefore, that top of the list of things to do in Sarina is the Sugar Shed.

Things to do in Sarina, QLD: Sarina Sugar Shed

The Sarina Sugar Shed offers one hour-long guided tours that show off how sugar mills work. The tour goes past the cane plantation, then into the mill to show how the sugar cane is crushed. The guides cover how innovations have changed the industry through the years, and the tour finishes with a sweet treat. For the kids, that means fairy floss. For the adults, that’s a sample of liqueur, schnapps or ginger beer made on-site.

There are four daily tours of the Sarina Sugar Shed, and each costs $27.20. Book them online.

Otherwise, attractions in Sarina, QLD, are fairly thin on the ground. If you like Australia’s Big Things, you can tick off the Big Cane Toad on the Bruce Highway. You can also head to the beach.

Things to do in Sarina, QLD: Sarina Beach

Sarina Beach has a lovely esplanade park behind it, with barbecue and picnic facilities. It is also a popular nesting site for turtles and is patrolled by lifeguards during the dry season.

Sarina Beach in Sarina, QLD. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland/ Brooke Miles.

Hatching season for the turtles is in the other half of the year, however. Come between October and March for the opportunity of seeing little turtles scurry towards the sea.

Swimming in the sea is at your own risk. Dangerous marine stingers gather here, and while fairly rare, crocodiles have been sighted at Sarina Beach.

Alternative beaches just to the north include Campwin Beach and Grasstree Beach.

Sarina is also the best base for a 4WD trip to Cape Palmerston.

Top Sarina experiences worth booking in advance

Learn how sugar is grown and processed on a sugar mill tour – with sweet treat tastings.
Find out how rum is made on a rum distillery tour – with rum sampling.

Best Sarina accommodation options.

The best places to stay in Sarina, Queensland, are:

For beachside location with an outdoor pool: Sandpiper Motel.
For air-conditioned caravans and cabins: Sarina Palms Cabins & Caravans.
For palm trees and beach holiday vibe: Sarina Beach Motel.

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