An ideal destination for some winter sunshine, Mackay lies in the heart of Queensland’s tropical coast, on the shores of the Coral Sea. Across much of the fertile coastal plain surrounding the city are vast stretches of cane fields interspersed with the occasional sugar mill that helps define Mackay as ‘Australia’s Sugar Capital’. This tropical city has a coastline of 31 sandy beaches and lies on the banks of the broad blue waters of the Pioneer River.
The city’s colourful landscaped streets blend contemporary architecture with the geometric shapes of Mackay’s numerous Art Deco buildings that add a splash of vibrant colour, as do the lorikeets that abound in the trees. Explore the riverside Bluewater Trail from the Mackay’s Botanic Gardens along scenic paths to the popular water playground of Bluewater Lagoon, onto Bluewater Quay and out to the seashore. Be sure to include a visit to Artspace museum and gallery and the Mackay Marina, home to a fleet of pleasure craft.
Take some time to explore the region with historic features including Greenmount homestead and the cottage that was once home to Australian diva Dame Nellie Melba. Head inland to the spectacular Finch Hatton Gorge with its cascades, waterholes and lush rainforest. Then up to the top of the Clarke Ranges and Eungella National Park, home to a colony of platypus. One of Queensland’s Great Walks explores the hinterland forest tracks through the National Park.
South of Mackay is the charming sugar town of Sarina with heritage attractions at the Field of Dreams precinct including the award-winning Sugar Shed, while north of Mackay you can experience the rare phenomenon of kangaroos beachcombing at Cape Hillsborough on the Hibiscus Coast.
Find out more about the Mackay Region
Begin your Journey with Queensland Explore Centres
There are a number Queensland Explore Centres throughout the Mackay Region who are the experts in their region.