Mackay

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Cape Hillsborough National Park showing cuddly or friendly animals and a sunset
Cape Hillsborough National Park featuring a sunset and general coastal views as well as a couple
Cape Hillsborough National Park showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and landscape views
Cape Hillsborough National Park showing cuddly or friendly animals

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 Water Bird Habitat Conservation Area.

Mackay Harbour
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 Illawong Beach and BB Print Stadium.

South Mackay
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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
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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
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
The Marco Polo
The Marco Polo
4 out of 5
46 Nebo Road, West Mackay, QLD
$96 nightly
The price is $106 total per night from May 25 to May 26
$106 total
May 25 - May 26
Total includes taxes and fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (650 reviews)
"A welcome sleep to break up a huge road rip"

Reviewed on May 12, 2025

The Marco Polo
Quest Mackay on Gordon
Quest Mackay on Gordon
4.5 out of 5
27 Gordon Street, Mackay, QLD
$124 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
$136 total
Jun 1 - Jun 2
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (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 May 19, 2025

Quest Mackay on Gordon
Mid City Motor Inn
Mid City Motor Inn
3.5 out of 5
2 Macalister St, Mackay, QLD
$75 nightly
The price is $82 total per night from May 26 to May 27
$82 total
May 26 - May 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Mackay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (654 reviews)
"A great location, close to restaurants."

Reviewed on May 16, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
"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 Apr 2, 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 WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (431 reviews)
"The location is great and the staff were very friendly."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
"Reception was lovely"

Reviewed on Apr 12, 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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