A NEW map for visitors reveals Mackay's hidden gem - the Northern Beaches.

From its hilltop vantage point, with commanding views over the ocean and beaches, the iconic Eimeo Pacific Hotel defines the area's fun attractions for visitors.

It provided the scenic backdrop for the launch of the map by Whitsunday MP Jason Costigan and a group of tourism and business owners.

For Carole Henry, of La Solana holiday units at Blacks Beach, the simple tear-off map, with its easy access route from Mackay defined in thick red, will help bring in travellers who may have overlooked the Northern Beaches as a place to stay.

"It's our first map and shows where the accommodation is, that we are open for business. Later ones will become more inclusive and list more businesses including eateries and other attractions," she said.

"People tend to stay in the Mackay CBD, as it's the first place they get to, but we have beautiful beaches and a lot of accommodation close to the beachfront here.

"I think people are not fully aware of what we have."

The map will be left at tourism information offices, on reception counters and in hotels between Sarina and Airlie Beach.

"We hope the map brings more visitors to the Northern Beaches. It is a little bit of a hidden gem out here," Comfort Resort Blue Pacific owner Nick uit den Bogaard said. His wife and business partner Cath uit den Bogaard said the map should help put the area as a destination clearly in the minds of visitors as "it can tend to get missed".

Eimeo Pacific Hotel's Darlene Stayte said simply, "it is important that people know the Northern Beaches is a very attractive part of Mackay ... the more people who come here the better".

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Hidden gem is exposed