The Best Travel Guide to Mackay

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Mackay

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Oceania Australia Mackay

Overview

Mackay The guide was updated: 2024-07-09

Situated halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, Mackay is surrounded by lush rainforests, pristine white sandy beaches, and the fertile Pioneer Valley. It is home to one of Australia’s richest sugar cane growing regions. Beyond its shores, the Great Barrier Reef's awe-inspiring coral formations, diverse marine life, and serene islands offer a tropical paradise for all. With its outstanding dining options, picturesque parks, and thriving art scene, Mackay caters to every taste and budget.

Facts

Population:	138,918 (2024)
Currency:	Australian Dollar (AUD) $ 1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency situations, police, ambulance, fire brigade: 000
Newspapers:	The Australian: www.theaustralian.com.au Daily Telegraph: www.dailytelegraph.com.au Courier Mail: www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mackay North Queensland Register: www.northqueenslandregister.com.au
Opening hours:	Most shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Caneland’s and Greenfield’s Shopping Centres and Sydney Street Markets trade stay open until 9pm on Thursdays. Stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, except for annual sales events.
Tourist information:	Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre Lot 125 Station Ln, Sarina Open Mon–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat & Sun 9am–2pm +61 7 4837 1228

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Section in Mackay

In Mackay, there is something for every taste and budget, excellent restaurants, beautiful parks, and a vibrant art scene. The surrounding area is extremely beautiful, and there are plenty of options to choose from for a day trip out into nature.

Heritage Walk

Heritage Walk

Collect a free self-walk brochure from the Visitor Information Centre and discover magnificently restored buildings built by the first settlers, and the best collection of Art Deco architecture in Queensland. Many buildings are recognised for their national importance and listed with the National Trust. The walk begins in River Street opposite Carlyle Street, and takes approximately 90 minutes.

Marina Village

Marina Village

Marina Village is a palm-lined waterfront esplanade where luxury yachts are moored. Dine al fresco in one of the fine restaurants with views to the southern Whitsunday Islands or enjoy water-based activities such as snorkelling, fishing, jet skiing and parasailing. Next door is Harbour Beach and the Pine Islet Lighthouse — the only working kerosene-lit lighthouse in the world.

Beautiful Beaches

Beautiful Beaches

Stretching along Mackay’s coastline there are more than 31 glorious beaches all fringed by the turquoise tropical waters of the Coral Sea and The Great Barrier Reef.

Eungella National Park

Eungella National Park

Set in the mist-shrouded mountains 80 km west of Mackay, Eungella is Australia’s longest continual stretch of sub-tropical rainforest. It is home to 860 known plant species plus numerous types of wildlife. Do not miss the brilliant Ulysses butterfly and platypus. 25 km of walking trails, from a 10-minute stroll to overnight hikes that lead to breathtaking scenery.

Finch Hatton Gorge

Finch Hatton Gorge

Set in the foothills of the picturesque Eungella Range, walking tracks lead to deep natural swimming holes amid tropical rainforest. See the Araluen and Wheel of Fire waterfalls and for a truly unique experience go forest flying through the treetops of the rainforest. Just make sure you book your spot to go forest flying in advance.

Cape Hillsborough National Park

Cape Hillsborough National Park

In this beautiful park, 50 km north of Mackay, the rainforest literally meets the ocean. A terrific park featuring long white sandy beaches and 25 species of tropical butterflies. The unique self-guiding Jupiera Aboriginal trail highlights native plants and inquisitive wallabies that visit the palm fringed beach at sunrise and sunset.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

These beautiful scenic gardens highlighting flora of the Central Queensland Coast bioregion. They also feature over 3 km of walking and cycling trails, wildlife filled lagoons, themed gardens, a café and gallery, making this an enjoyable free recreational experience for all ages.

Bluewater Lagoon

Bluewater Lagoon

Bluewater Lagoon is a must-visit entertainment spot for both adults and young ones. It's a fun water park that is completely free for visitors. Pools, water slides, sunbeds and a great time for the whole family guaranteed.

Orchid Display House

Orchid Display House

The Orchid Display House inside Queens Park in East Mackay is a great place to marvel at beautiful blooming flowers — an activity that goes nicely with the general tropical vibe of the city.

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