The Slade Point Boat Ramp, situated on Seagull Street in the coastal town of Slade Point within the Mackay Region, underwent a major upgrade in 2022, bringing a noticeable improvement from its previous condition. The new facility features a single-lane ramp located on the south bank of McCreadys Creek at Seagull Street, along with two parking areas that can accommodate 15 car and trailer bays. It also includes stairs off the ramp, providing easy access to the beach frontage.
Previously, the ramp consisted of timber slats on the beach, which faced severe scouring and erosion, ultimately leading to its removal for safety reasons. The upgrade, overseen by the Mackay Regional Council and funded with support from Maritime Safety Queensland, was intended to reduce congestion at other popular launching spots in the Mackay region and enhance access for the residents of Slade Point and surrounding suburbs.
However, despite the improvements, the ramp still presents challenges. It is highly tide-dependent, with limited options for tying up boats unless the tide is low enough to use the beach. On retrieval, some users have experienced difficulties due to waves crashing from the north, which can move the trailer unexpectedly before successfully loading the watercraft.
A small shaded park offers a peaceful spot to unwind by the water, complete with picnic tables, a BBQ area, and benches where visitors can sit back and enjoy the view.
| Feature |
Description |
| Number of ramp lanes |
1 |
| Fish cleaning facilities |
Yes |
| Carpark spaces |
Limited parking spots available |
| Amenities |
Sheltered picnic area, BBQ stations, rubbish bins, toilets |
| Ramp rating |
- Very Good |