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 Floodway Conservation Area.

Mackay Harbour
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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
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
Mackay showing general coastal views, landscape views and a bay or harbor

City Centre

If you're spending some time in City Centre, Bluewater Lagoon and Caneland Central are top sights worth seeing.

City Centre
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
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 BB Print Stadium and Great Barrier Reef Arena.

South Mackay
Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel

Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel

4 out of 5
2C East Gordon Street, East Mackay, QLD
The price is NT$2,625 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
NT$2,625
NT$2,625 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Mackay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (689 reviews)
"Friendly staff Clean unit Nice breaky"

Reviewed on 2025/9/13

Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel
Coral Cay Resort

Coral Cay Resort

4.5 out of 5
14-18 Nebo Rd, West Mackay, QLD
The price is NT$2,764 per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
NT$2,764
NT$3,040 total
Sep 26 - Sep 27
includes taxes & fees
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! (924 reviews)
"Good clean easy place to stop in."

Reviewed on 2025/9/9

Coral Cay Resort
ibis Mackay

ibis Mackay

4 out of 5
Christensen Crescent, Mackay Airport, South Mackay, QLD
The price is NT$2,602 per night from Oct 17 to Oct 18
NT$2,602
NT$2,862 total
Oct 17 - Oct 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mackay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (537 reviews)
Nice place
"Great staff, very accommodating and helpful, really appreciate that. Check in system was slow, not the staff- they were lovely- just the system they have to work with seems to be. Servicing of room was unfortunately well below average of usual places but maybe the staff are directed not to wipe benches, ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/15

ibis 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.
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! (437 reviews)
"Good size & handy having the kitchen and 2 bathrooms. Lovely views. Just needs some maintenance (shelves broken in the showers, front door damaged, etc)."

Reviewed on 2025/9/10

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! (438 reviews)
"Nikki is great"

Reviewed on 2025/9/8

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! (440 reviews)
"Pros- close to shopping and eateries. Well equipped kitchen. Reception lady was lovely! cons- outdated furniture and doors where hard to open and close. Hot water system in room was super loud."

Reviewed on 2025/9/7

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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