A laid-back coastal city in Queensland known for its sugar cane fields, palm-lined beaches and large population of wild platypus in the nearby Pioneer Valley.
Located 970 kilometers north of Brisbane on Queensland's Coral Sea coast, Mackay has 31 white sandy beaches and subtropical rainforests. You can watch platypus swim in the clear waters of Finch Hatton Gorge, join wild kangaroos for sunrise at Cape Hillsborough Beach, or taste Italian gelato and Maltese pastizzi from local family-run shops, a legacy of the city's immigrant communities and South Sea Islanders.
Swimming and Beach Activities
You can swim at any of Mackay's 31 beaches, with Harbour Beach drawing the most swimmers due to its year-round patrol services and location next to Mackay Marina. Walk or fish at Town Beach, Eimeo Beach, and Blacks Beach in the morning hours. Far Beach and Illawong Beach tend to stay calm even during summer holidays.
Rainforest and Wildlife at Eungella
At Eungella National Park, an hour's drive west of Mackay, you'll find Australia's longest stretch of subtropical rainforest spanning 51,700 hectares. Walk any of the 22 kilometers of trails, from 30-minute circuits to the multi-day Mackay Highlands Great Walk. Visit Finch Hatton Gorge early morning or late afternoon to spot platypus swimming in the wild. The Kommo Toera trail winds through Mackay Wetlands' mangroves where kingfishers and honeyeaters nest.
Arts and Music Events
The Mackay Festival of Arts in July brings Queensland's largest regional arts gathering, with performances and exhibitions throughout the city. Local parks host regular Jazz in the Park concerts year-round. Visit Artspace Mackay museum and nearby galleries to see works by local artists and national exhibitions.
Marina Village and Water Activities
Walk among the 500 boats at Mackay Marina Village, five minutes from the city center. Stop at waterfront restaurants to eat while watching fishing boats return with their catch. Book Great Barrier Reef tours and fishing charters directly from the marina's operators.
Walking and Cycling Routes
Follow the 20-kilometer Bluewater Trail through Mackay's parks and riverside areas. The path connects the Bluewater Quay, botanical gardens, and wetlands. Rent bikes from vendors along the route or explore sections on foot.
Local Food Markets and Cuisine
Browse the Bluewater Quay river markets for local mangoes, pineapples, fresh seafood, and dishes from the region's Italian and Maltese communities. Many restaurants serve fresh-caught coral trout and mud crabs when available, while family-run cafes combine Australian ingredients with traditional European recipes.
