Mackay Travel Guide

Tourist 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 Water Bird Habitat Conservation Area.

Mackay Harbour
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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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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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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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West Mackay

West Mackay is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and Pioneer Valley.

West Mackay
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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
The Marco Polo
The Marco Polo
4 out of 5
46 Nebo Road, West Mackay, QLD
The price is ₹9,232 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
₹9,232
₹10,156 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mackay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (652 reviews)
"A welcome sleep to break up a huge road rip"

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

The Marco Polo
Quest Mackay on Gordon
Quest Mackay on Gordon
4.5 out of 5
27 Gordon Street, Mackay, QLD
The price is ₹9,473 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
₹9,473
₹10,526 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Mackay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (396 reviews)
"1lift was non operational which than left only 1 that was otherwise i would have given this accommodation 5 stars. I will be staying here again."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Quest Mackay on Gordon
Mid City Motor Inn
Mid City Motor Inn
3.5 out of 5
2 Macalister St, Mackay, QLD
The price is ₹6,374 per night from 23 May to 24 May
₹6,374
₹7,012 total
includes taxes & fees
23 May - 24 May
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Mackay. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (654 reviews)
"A great location, close to restaurants."

Reviewed on 16 May 2025

Mid City Motor Inn
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
"Apartment was fine, heavily used though and some things were wornout or broken ( no knob on the ceiling fan switch, one window wouldn't close properly). But the staff were very friendly and the area was very quiet."

Reviewed on 2 Apr 2025

Pacific Sands Apartments
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (431 reviews)
"The location is great and the staff were very friendly."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

Lanai Riverside 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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
"Reception was lovely"

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

Riviera Mackay
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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