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Mackay City, QLD

Tropical, picturesque and relaxed, Mackay city offers everything you could want from a major regional centre. The blue Pioneer River flows past the city’s historical buildings, while stately palm trees fringe the main street with shopping hotspots. There’s plenty of magical spots for a picnic by the river and places to dine al fresco by the marina on the fabulous local seafood. The newly opened botanic gardens, beautiful beaches and a world-class marina are just minutes from the city heart.

mackay

If salt is in your veins, Mackay is within 31 beautiful beaches, ranging from patrolled swimming spots just minutes from the city centre, spectacular coastal national parks, to miles of untouched coastline, all lapped by the warm, tropical waters of the Coral Sea. Mackay’s northern beaches offer some top spots for swimming, fishing and boating.

The wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and its tropical islands are within easy reach of Mackay. Take an exhilarating scenic flight over the reef, or set sail on the day trip of a lifetime. Indulge in a romantic break on secluded Brampton Island, a favourite for honeymooners. Take a tip from the locals and head for Keswick Island, a spectacular national park island and part of the Cumberland Group of Islands. Here snorkelling, fishing and diving are among the best along the Great Barrier Reef.

mackay

To best experience Mackay’s history, take the Heritage Walk, visit Greenmount Homestead or discover the region’s colourful heritage at the city’s newest attraction, Artspace Mackay. Enjoy a cold beer at the Mackay Surf Club or al fresco dining at the new marina. There’s plenty of accommodation choices as well, from luxury resort to natural campsites by national parks, consider this your welcome to lovely Mackay.

Relax in a tropical city

Mackay is one of Queensland’s major coastal cities with a cosmopolitan lifestyle complemented by a charming, country character. Fabulous beaches lie within an easy drive of its centre, as do rainforests, national parks and a host of excellent attractions.

The area has prospered from the sugar cane industry and today the lush tropical countryside is blended with fields of sugar cane. Coal mining has also contributed to its prosperity. Hay Point, just south of Mackay, is the largest coal-loading facility in the southern hemisphere and numerous small mining communities operate west of the city. Visitors can learn about these industries in a series of interesting tours to plantations and open cut coal mines.

mackay

Mackay is a remarkably gracious tropical city. It basks under the sun and its wide streets are characterised by beautifully kept median strips with royal palm trees and flowering tropical plants. The lushness continues in Queens Park Botanical Gardens, well-worth visiting for its impressive orchid displays.

The city has a heritage evident in its older buildings dating back to the 19th century. Some buildings now listed by the National Trust have undergone extensive restoration and can be viewed on a heritage walk. The Commonwealth Bank, Mackay Court House, Customs House and Seymour & Alman House are excellent examples of turn-of-the-century architecture.

Another attraction not to miss is the Victoria Street weekend market offering the best in local produce, arts and crafts.

Nearest Airport: Mackay
More Information: Mackay

Where to stay?

Experiences

  • Active
  • Caravan and Camping
  • Farm/Station
  • Homestay
  • Romance
  • City
  • Rural/Country
  • Cultural
  • Environmental
  • Historic/Heritage
  • Honeymoon
  • Indulgence/Luxury
  • Nature based
  • Relaxation
  • Remote
  • Self-Drive
  • Island

Popular Activities

  • Bird Watching
  • Bush Walking
  • City Sightseeing
  • Cruising
  • Driving
  • Golfing
  • Scenic Flight
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Skating
  • Skydiving
  • Swimming
  • National Park
  • Adventure
  • Fishing
  • Nightlife
  • Rainforest
  • Fishing - Game
  • Scuba-Diving
  • Fishing - Beach
  • Beach
  • Fishing - Deep Sea
  • Fishing - Estuary
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Reef

About Mackay City

  • Locality: Major urban locality
  • Mackay City Postcode: 4740
  • State: Queensland
  • Region: Mackay
  • Latitude: -21.14342
  • Longitude: 149.18685
  • Elevation: 10m
  • Population: 3659
  • Median Income: $31460
  • Area (Sq/km): 3.957
  • Timezone: Australia/Brisbane

Explore The Outback

Australia has a vast remote interior, much of it largely untouched. By night, the outback is deathly quiet, with the only light provided by the stars and the moon - a perfect oportunity for stargazing. Explore the isolated heart of the country, meet and connect with Aboriginal people and experience one of the oldest living cultures in the world. Go ‘walk-about’ and immerse yourself with Australia’s endless outback horizons.

Outback Experiences

Luxe Accommodation

Enjoy a distinctly Australian luxury experience, such as the unforgettable reefs, islands, beaches and coast; rugged mountain ranges, rainforests and vast national parks; and the many vibrant food and wine regions. Take a once in a lifetime adventure and discover the sheer indulgence of experiencing the wonders of Australia in style and stay in total luxury.

Australia has wide variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets and travelling preferences. Choose from luxury lodges, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, motels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks as well as youth and backpacker hostels.

Accommodation

Glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast are actually the cores of 20 million year old volcanoes. The sides of the volcanoes have eroded away leaving only the hardened rock spiremountain cores we see today. Learn more about this awe-inspiring landscape.

Glasshouse Mountains