Attractions

There really is something for everyone in Mackay, with an array of natural wonders and other attractions in close proximity to the city.

Art

Artspace Mackay, in Gordon Street, is an Art Gallery and Museum that offers everyone the chance to admire and appreciate the art and culture of the Mackay Region, plus a variety of visiting exhibitions drawn from local, interstate and international artists. For a list of current exhibitions visit www.artspacemackay.com.au. Artspace also incorporates Foodspace Cafe for alfresco dining where you can enjoy a coffee, glass of wine, snack or meal while overlooking the lawns of the Mackay Civic Centre.

Beaches

The Mackay district has many beaches where you’re sure to find a quiet stretch of sand to call your own. Harbour Beach is patrolled throughout the year, with surf lifesavers also present at Lamberts, Eimeo and Blacks Beach during holiday periods. Other popular beaches include: Town Beach, Illawong/Far Beach, Dolphin Heads, Bucasia, Shoal Point, Ball Bay, Halliday Bay, Cape Hillsborough, Seaforth, St Helens Beach and Midge Point.

Boating

Mackay boasts one of the highest rates of boat ownership in Queensland and offers those keen to get out on the water a range of boating options. There are numerous creeks, rivers and dams throughout the district that offer protected boating for those not wanting to venture out to sea. For those heading offshore there are numerous islands that make interesting destinations while also providing protection from rough weather and the opportunity for camping (see the section on National Parks). Mackay also has a 500-berth marina facility with mega-berths capable of holding vessels over 100 feet.

Botanic Gardens

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, in Lagoon Street, have been developed around Eulamere Lagoon which was once the main channel for the Pioneer River. The beautifully landscaped gardens showcase the diverse and spectacular vegetation of the central coast region. Lagoons Cafe situated at the Botanic Gardens offers a superb menu in a most impressive setting.

Camping

Council operates camping reserves at Seaforth, Ball Bay and St Helen’s Beach. A fee is charged for camping in such reserves. A number of private camping facilities also operate in the area. Contact Mackay Tourism Limited for further details at www.mackayregion.com.

Cinemas

Mackay has two major cinema complexes. Mackay City located in Gordon Street and Mackay Mt. Pleasant located at Greenfields shopping precinct in Mt Pleasant. Visit www.greaterunion.com.au for current screenings.

Craft

Local art and craft is featured at stores throughout the district, including Homebush Store Pottery and Craft Gallery - Homebush, Milton House Gallery - Mackay, Earth Sea Pottery and Gallery - Slade Point, Arthouse Gallery – Walkerston and the Wood Chook Gallery - Mackay.

Hay Point/Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminals

The Bowen Basin, west of Mackay, is one of Australia’s premier coal producing regions, with this coal sent to ports around the world through the Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay Coal terminals. These terminals are located south of Mackay and have nearby lookouts where visitors can observe a portion of the bustling port operations and sheer size of the coal stockpiles.

Fishing

Mackay has earned a reputation as one of the state’s premier fishing destinations and offers countless opportunities for keen anglers. The region is acknowledged as the Sooty Grunter capital of the state and also offers up good catches of Barramundi, Mackerel, Trevally, Whiting, Bream, Queenfish, Crabs and reef fish such as Coral Trout and Red Emperor. Throw in a line at one of the many creeks, rivers or dams, on the old hospital bridge, or try your luck at the beach. Alternatively, you can join a fishing charter and head to the reefs offshore. For more information on fishing visit www.mackayregion.com.

Heritage Walks

Mackay has a rich history which is still evident today in its remaining historic buildings, memorials, cemeteries and other historical sites. A brochure providing a self-guided heritage walk through the city is available from the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre, Sydney Street or the Mackay Visitor Information Centre on Nebo Road. A Heritage Walk guide to Mackay Cemetery is also available.

Hibiscus Coast

The Hibiscus Coast district is located about 30minutes to the north of Mackay city and features the natural beauty of Cape Hillsborough National Park along with wonderful seaside townships such as Seaforth, Halliday Bay and Ball Bay. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, great fishing and the sight of kangaroos on the beach.

Islands

Numerous islands are located off the Mackay coast, including the Newry Island Group, the Cumberland Group, the Lindeman Group, and the Whitsunday Islands to the north. Islands that are a short trip from Mackay include Round Top, Flat Top, Keswick, St Bee’s, Scawfell, Brampton, Goldsmith and Carlisle islands. Those wanting to soak up some island magic can take a day tour, or even catch a charter flight. Several islands boast resorts, but most are uninhabited National Parks. Camping is allowed on some, with permits available from the Environment Protection Agency. Visit Environment Protection Agency for more information.

Live Entertainment

The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, MEEC, in Gordon Street hosts a wide range of live shows and conventions. For enquiries and bookings contact Mackay Entertainment.

Markets

Markets are held at the Mackay Showgrounds in Milton Street each Saturday morning from 7.30am and feature a good selection of fresh produce. The City Centre Markets feature a variety of arts and crafts and are held in Victoria Street each Sunday from 8.30am to 12.30pm. Paxtons Markets are held undercover in River Street on the first Sunday of the month between 9am and 1pm. The Seaforth Markets are held under the trees in Walsh Avenue every Sunday from 8am to 11am. Troppo Treasure Markets at Mt. Pleasant Shopping Centre underground car park are held on the second Sunday of every month from 7.30am to 12noon.

Mining Towns

Mackay services an array of mining towns including Moranbah, Nebo, Glendon and Dysart, which are located several hours’ drive to the city’s west in the Bowen Basin. Some mines offer tours of their facilities. For more information on mine tours and details of the Mining Trail visit www.mackayregion.com.

Music

The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre hosts many musical performers, as do many Mackay hotels. The Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music Mackay, located at Plainlands, also regularly showcases local and visiting musicians.

National Parks

Mackay is located within close proximity to a number of beautiful National Parks. These include Eungella National Park, Cape Hillsborough, Cape Palmerston and Keswick, Carlisle, Brampton and Scawfell islands.

Orchid House

Mackay City Council’s Orchid House, located in Queen’s Park, has over 3000 specimens on display.

Parks

Mackay City Council maintain many parks, which offer a wide range of facilities.

Pioneer Valley

The picturesque Pioneer Valley is one of Australia’s richest sugar cane growing areas and features many quaint townships including Pleystowe, Marian, Mirani, Gargett, Pinnacle, Finch Hatton and Netherdale. Take a leisurely drive and visit the former home of famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, wander around the Mirani Museum, or enjoy a homemade pie at the Pinnacle Hotel. A free self-drive map of the Pioneer Valley is available from Mackay Tourism Limited.

Rainforest

Eungella National Park, about 60 minute’s drive from Mackay city, covers an area of 51,700 hectares and boasts Australia’s largest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest. It has over 20 kilometres of walking tracks which feature spectacular views. This National Park is famous for its population of platypuses which are frequently seen in its waterways. Contact the QPWS for further details at Environment Protection Agency

Watersports

The many reefs that dot the Mackay coastline offer wonderful opportunities for snorkelling and diving. Ask at Reception for good local spots or check with Mackay Tourism Limited, for commercial operators running snorkelling and diving trips. The district’s dams are also popular with water skiers.

Sport

Mackay’s wonderful climate is suitable for a wide variety of sports and as a result the city has produced many sporting stars, including Cathy Freeman (world champion - athletics), Geoff Huegill (world champion - swimming) and Wendell Sailor (Australian Rugby League and Queensland Rugby Union representative). Try a round of golf at the Mackay, Mirani or Black Springs golf courses, or head north to Laguna Quays Resort’s award winning Turtle Point golf course. There are also a multitude of indoor sport facilities, bowls clubs and other sporting venues dotted throughout the city which welcome visitors and spectators.

Sugar Mill Tours

Mackay is Australia’s premier sugar-producing region. Sugar Mill Tours are available during the crushing season. Contact Mackay Tourism Limited for details.

Swimming

Mackay’s quiet waters offer good swimming at most beaches, but suitable precautions must be taken when swimming in the ocean during the stinger season. Patrolled beaches are monitored for stingers and closed should any be detected. Swimming enclosures are also located at some beaches, including Bucasia. Council operates a public swimming pool at the corner of Malcolmson and Glenpark Street, North Mackay, and the Bluewater Lagoon, a free, family- friendly leisure facility overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River in the heart of Mackay’s City centre which comprises three tiered lagoons, waterfall and water slide. Finch Hatton and the network of streams, creeks and waterholes in the Pioneer Valley also offer freshwater swimming opportunities.

Source: Mackay City Council