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

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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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North Mackay

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

North Mackay
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South Mackay

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

South Mackay
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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
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Dolphin Heads

The restaurants and gardens are a few reasons travellers visit Dolphin Heads. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Eimeo Beach and Bucasia Beach are a few top sights nearby.

Dolphin Heads
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East Mackay

Unique features of East Mackay include the restaurants and beaches. Make a stop by Ken Burgess Orchid House or Town Beach while you're exploring the area.

East Mackay
Quest Mackay on Gordon
Quest Mackay on Gordon
4.5 out of 5
27 Gordon Street, Mackay, QLD
The price is €110 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
€110
includes taxes & fees
21 Mar - 22 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Mackay. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (384 reviews)
"The 2 bedroom apartment was great. Beds and pillows were comfortable. It was good to have a washing machine and dryer to use as well. Well equipped kitchen. Coles and the other shops was over the road. Easy 1 min walk. Overall highly recommend. We would stay again."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Quest Mackay on Gordon
The Marco Polo
The Marco Polo
4 out of 5
46 Nebo Road, West Mackay, QLD
The price is €76 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€76
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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! (624 reviews)
"Nowhere to hang clothes."

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2025

The Marco Polo
Coral Cay Resort
Coral Cay Resort
4.5 out of 5
14-18 Nebo Rd, West Mackay, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €88 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
€88
includes taxes & fees
14 Mar - 15 Mar
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! (891 reviews)
"Clean rooms and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

Coral Cay Resort
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.
Pacific Sands Apartments
Pacific Sands Apartments
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! (422 reviews)
"I found that the reception is to I met with at the property was very accommodating and explained everything with clear detail it was a pleasure to have stayed"

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2025

Pacific Sands Apartments
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! (423 reviews)
"There was a bad smell in main Bathroom, very strong, The main Bedroom A/C didn’t get cold. The other rooms a/c good. Stain on floor & wall. The picture of the kitchen they show with IPad not true & bathroom amenities with L’occitane Not true. Other then that close to Canland shopping centre & eateries ..."

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2024

Riviera Mackay
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! (426 reviews)
"Great as usual"

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2025

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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