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
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
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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
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
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East Mackay

Unique features of East Mackay include the restaurants and beaches. Make a stop by Ken Burgess Orchid House or Town Beach while you're exploring the area.

East 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
Coral Cay Resort

Coral Cay Resort

4.5 out of 5
14-18 Nebo Rd, West Mackay, QLD
$77 nightly
The price is $86 total per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
$86 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
Total with taxes and 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! (918 reviews)
"The spa. Although would like a bigger bath Matt or an extra towel"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Coral Cay Resort
Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel

Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel

4 out of 5
2C East Gordon Street, East Mackay, QLD
$79 nightly
The price is $79 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$79 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Total with taxes and 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (682 reviews)
"Quiet area and easy to get to, clean and comfortable. Parking was challenging"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel
Oaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel

Oaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel

4 out of 5
55-63 River Street, Mackay, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$127 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$140 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Mackay. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Bluewater Lagoon and Artspace Mackay are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (542 reviews)
"Very good hotel. Staff are helpful and friendly. Facilities clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Oaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel
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! (432 reviews)
"Great suite of apartments, well appointed even though a bit on the pricier side. There is only one lift and you'll likely have to wait a while because the cleaners use it in the morning. A minor quibble but they did not stock the fridge with milk."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

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! (437 reviews)
"Was a nice and quiet room and very spacious"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

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! (439 reviews)
"Amazing as usual we always stay here when we are in Mackay."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

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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