Mackay

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Mackay
Mackay
Mackay
Mackay
Explore wild native hinterland and dense jungle, swim in warm lagoons and enjoy fresh local seafood at this tropical city on Queensland’s northern coast.

Mackay is a scenic tropical city on the border between Northern and Central Queensland, looking out over the turquoise Coral Sea. Located at the mouth of the Pioneer River and surrounded by national park hinterland and dense tropical rainforest, the city and surrounding region offers an array of fantastic natural attractions. Visit Mackay to experience its picturesque marina, fresh seafood and family-friendly swimming lagoon.

Stroll through the historic town centre that features a selection of charming art deco buildings and various mosaics and sculptures. Check out the Bombora, or Bommie, a large wave-shaped sculpture and bench decorated in the multicoloured hues of the Great Barrier Reef and nearby rainforests.

Follow the Bluewater Trail, a 20-kilometre (12.4-mile) network of pedestrian and cycling paths that connects the Bluewater Lagoon to East Mackay, West Mackay and the Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens. Visit the gardens to explore a lush, tropical oasis featuring beautiful native flora.

Relax in the warm waters of Bluewater Lagoon, a three-tiered swimming lagoon and leisure facility that overlooks the scenic Pioneer River. Kids will enjoy the children’s water playground. Pack a barbecue lunch and spend the day in the tropical sunshine.

Visit the Mackay Marina Village to explore the magnificent waterfront esplanade. Take in the view of palm trees, luxury yachts and the ocean while enjoying dinner at a fine dining restaurant. Book a tour from the marina and choose from fishing, sailing, hiking and platypus-spotting trips.

Head out on a hinterland adventure to experience the beautiful Eungella National Park, complete with bushwalking trails and picturesque waterfalls. Airlie Beach, the gateway to Queensland’s stunning Whitsunday Islands, is located approximately a 2-hour drive away.

Enjoy warm weather year-round but be prepared for tropical rainstorms in summer. Swim at designated beaches with lifeguards to avoid injury from the Coral Sea’s stingers and jellyfish.

Mackay is located on Queensland’s scenic northeast coast. Flights from Brisbane arrive daily to Mackay Airport, located 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) south of the city centre.

Where to stay in Mackay

Out on the southern break wall over looking the sugar stacks as the sun sets.

Mackay Harbour

Mackay Harbour is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mackay Marina Village & Shipyard and Harbour Beach.

Mackay Harbour
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Dolphin Heads

Dolphin Heads is well-liked for its restaurants and gardens. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Eimeo Beach and Bucasia Beach are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Dolphin Heads
Nice relaxing start to 2016 here at the @bluepacificresort in @visitmackay! How did you spend the first day of the new year? ☀️🐠🐟🌴😀
#meetmackayregion #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #GoProANZ

Blacks Beach

Visitors to Blacks Beach enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Blacks Beach Park is worth a stop.

Blacks Beach
The magnificent orchid

North Mackay

Travelers like the shopping in North Mackay, and Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens is a top attraction you might want to visit.

North Mackay
Looking out from the Illawong beach resort. One of many beach resorts in the area

South Mackay

South Mackay is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Harrup Park and BB Print Stadium.

South Mackay
Easing into 2017 with a relaxing day at the beach! 🐟🌴☀️

Slade Point

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Slade Point. You might want to make time for a stop at Lamberts Beach or Slade Point Community Hall.

Slade Point
The Marco Polo
The Marco Polo
4 out of 5
46 Nebo Road, West Mackay, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $104 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $104
CA $114 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mackay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (580 reviews)
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Reviewed on Nov. 15, 2024

The Marco Polo
Coral Cay Resort
Coral Cay Resort
4.5 out of 5
14-18 Nebo Rd, West Mackay, QLD
The price is CA $114 per night from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23
CA $114
CA $127 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Stay at this 4.5-star business-friendly motel in Mackay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (883 reviews)
"Great place to stay very friendly staff"

Reviewed on Nov. 18, 2024

Coral Cay Resort
Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel
Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel
4 out of 5
2C East Gordon Street, East Mackay, QLD
The price is CA $101 per night from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23
CA $101
CA $101 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Stay at this 4-star motel in Mackay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (604 reviews)
"Enjoyable stay and a nice restaurant on site"

Reviewed on Nov. 13, 2024

Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Riviera Mackay
Riviera Mackay
4 out of 5
5 - 7 Nelson St, Mackay, QLD
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Mackay. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (420 reviews)
"It's in a great location and so easy to walk to the shops and restaurants. The property was nice and clean."

Reviewed on Oct. 1, 2024

Riviera Mackay
Property Vine - Pacific Sands
Property Vine - Pacific Sands
4.5 out of 5
3 Kirribilli Avenue, East Mackay, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Mackay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (419 reviews)
"Everything was fine"

Reviewed on Oct. 25, 2024

Property Vine - Pacific Sands
Lanai Riverside Apartments
Lanai Riverside Apartments
4.5 out of 5
20 River Street, Mackay, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Mackay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (410 reviews)
"We’ve stayed at this property before. Again didn’t disappoint. Close to Caneland and the blue lagoon. Underground parking. The rooms are always clean neat and tidy."

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2024

Lanai Riverside Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do