Mackay Travel Guide

Get ready for an unforgettable trip to Mackay, Queensland, Australia! Find out what to see, do, eat, and buy in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Mackay

Mackay is a city located in the Central Queensland region of Queensland, Australia. The city’s tropical climate, stunning beaches, and lush rainforests attract tourists from all over the world. Mackay is known for its vibrant arts scene, impressive historical buildings, and rich cultural heritage.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing holiday, Mackay has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Mackay.

List of Places to Visit in Mackay

Mackay has a variety of exciting attractions that are not to be missed. From fascinating museums and art galleries to stunning natural wonders and outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of things to explore. Here are some of the top places to visit in Mackay:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens: This 30-hectare garden features an extensive collection of exotic and native plants. Visitors can explore the various themed gardens, including a butterfly garden, a Japanese garden, and a cactus garden.
  • Mackay Museum: This museum showcases the rich history of the Mackay region, with exhibits covering everything from the early days of sugar cane farming to the city’s role in World War II.
  • Pioneer Valley: This beautiful valley is home to several scenic towns and historical attractions. Visitors can explore the Finch Hatton Gorge, a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest.

Natural Attractions of Mackay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Eungella National Park: This national park is home to the elusive platypus and offers stunning views of the Pioneer Valley and surrounding rainforest. Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails and take a dip in the cool waters of the Finch Hatton Gorge.
  • Brampton Island National Park: This national park is located on a small tropical island off the coast of Mackay. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day on the island’s picturesque beaches or take a snorkelling tour to explore the nearby coral reefs.
  • Great Barrier Reef: One of the world’s most famous natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is easily accessible from Mackay. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the colourful coral reefs, spot dolphins and whales, and go scuba diving or snorkelling.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mackay

Mackay is known for its stunning hiking and biking trails. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Bluewater Trail: This 20km trail takes visitors through some of the city’s most scenic spots, including several parks, a beach, and the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.
  • Cape Hillsborough National Park: This national park is located just 45 minutes from Mackay and offers several beautiful hiking trails. The park is also home to a series of stunning beaches where visitors can spot kangaroos and wallabies.
  • Eungella National Park: This park offers several challenging hiking trails, including the 6km Sky Window walk, which offers stunning views of the Pioneer Valley.

Best Things to Do in Mackay: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are plenty of other fun activities to enjoy in Mackay. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • River Sessions Music Festival: This annual music festival attracts some of Australia’s biggest acts to Mackay. The festival features over 30 hours of non-stop live music, food vendors, and a fun atmosphere.
  • Cane Toad Racing: This quirky event is a fun way to experience an important part of Mackay’s culture - the sugar cane industry. Visitors can bet on their favourite cane toad and watch as they race towards the finish line.
  • Sarina Sugar Shed: This interactive museum showcases the history of sugar cane farming in the Mackay region. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn how sugar is produced.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mackay

Mackay and the surrounding areas offer plenty to explore over a week-long holiday. Here’s an itinerary to help make the most of your time:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and visit the Mackay Museum
Day 2 Take a day trip to Eungella National Park to see the platypus and stunning views
Day 3 Spend the day relaxing on one of the stunning nearby beaches, such as Cape Hillsborough
Day 4 Take a snorkelling tour to the Great Barrier Reef
Day 5 Visit the Sarina Sugar Shed museum and have lunch in the charming town of Sarina
Day 6 Take a hike in the Pioneer Valley and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade
Day 7 Check out the local food and drink scene, explore the city’s art galleries and boutiques, and relax at a local pub.

Food and Drink Scene of Mackay

Mackay is known for its delicious seafood, fresh produce, and traditional sugar cane farming culture. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in the city:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood platter: Fresh prawns, oysters, and fish are plentiful in Mackay and are often served in a tasty platter.
  • Barramundi: This local fish is a staple on many menus and can be cooked in a variety of ways.
  • Chicken parma: An Australian classic, the chicken parma is a pub favourite and can be found in many local bars.

Local Beverages

  • Rum: Mackay is home to the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery, and visitors can take a tour to learn about the production process and taste the various varieties of rum.
  • Beer: Several local breweries offer a variety of craft beers made with local ingredients.
  • Sugarcane juice: This refreshing drink is a staple in Mackay, and visitors can try it at many local restaurants and cafes.

Where to Stay in Mackay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mackay has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are some of the top picks:

  • Lanai Waterfront: This luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the Marina and has a variety of room options to suit different tastes.
  • Mackay Rose Motel: This comfortable motel is located in the city centre and offers easy access to all the main attractions.
  • Global Backpackers: For a budget-friendly option, Global Backpackers offers clean and comfortable dorm rooms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Mackay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mackay has several unique products that make great souvenirs or gifts. Here are a few ideas:

  • Sugar cane products: From sugar cane juice to sweet treats made from locally grown sugar cane, there are plenty of sugar cane products to try or buy.
  • Aboriginal art: Mackay is home to several talented indigenous artists, and visitors can find beautiful artworks in local galleries.
  • Tropical fruit: Mangoes, pineapples, and other tropical fruits are grown locally and make a healthy and unique gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Mackay

Mackay has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience this through various events and attractions. Some important things to keep in mind when visiting Mackay include:

  • Respect the traditional landowners: Mackay is home to several Aboriginal communities, and visitors should respect their traditions and customs.
  • Be mindful of the region’s tropical climate: Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated in the warm weather.
  • Try the local cuisine: Mackay has a unique food scene, and visitors should make sure to try some of the local specialities.

Best Time to Visit Mackay

Mackay has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season between May and October, when the weather is cooler and less humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mackay

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Mackay:

Do:

  • Try the local seafood and sugarcane products.
  • Take a hike or bike ride to explore the stunning scenery.
  • Respect the traditional landowners.

Don’t:

  • Leave your sunscreen and water behind, especially in the warmer months.
  • Take wildlife home or disturb it in its natural habitat.
  • Litter on the beaches or in parks.

Safety and Health

Mackay is a safe place to visit, but visitors should take precautions to ensure a healthy and safe trip. Here’s what you need to know:

Safety in Mackay

  • Be aware of dangerous marine creatures like jellyfish and sharks when in the water.
  • When hiking, always stay on designated trails and avoid getting lost.
  • Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.

Health in Mackay

  • Pack insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to avoid heat stroke.
  • Make sure to consult a doctor before taking any medications, especially if travelling to remote areas.

Getting to Mackay: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mackay is easily accessible by several modes of transportation.

Airports Near Mackay

  • Mackay Airport: The main airport in Mackay, with daily flights to and from major cities in Australia.

Bus Stations Near Mackay

  • Greyhound Bus: Greyhound offers bus services to and from Mackay, connecting the city with other major cities in Australia.

Other Options

  • Drive: Mackay is located on the Bruce Highway, which runs from Brisbane to Cairns.
  • Train: The Spirit of Queensland runs regular services from Brisbane to Cairns, with several stops in between, including Mackay.

How to Get Around in Mackay

Mackay has a variety of transportation options for visitors, including:

  • Rideshare services like Uber and Ola
  • Taxis
  • Public bus services
  • Car rentals

Where to Go Next from Mackay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mackay is located in close proximity to several other popular destinations in Queensland, including:

  • Airlie Beach: A vibrant beach town with a variety of water activities and tours of the Whitsunday Islands.
  • Townsville: A bustling city with a rich military history and stunning beaches.
  • Rockhampton: Known as the beef capital of Australia, Rockhampton offers a glimpse into life on a cattle station and has several historic buildings worth exploring.

Conclusion

Mackay and the surrounding region offer an unforgettable holiday experience for visitors. From stunning natural wonders and outdoor adventures to fascinating museums and delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Follow this comprehensive travel guide to discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Mackay.