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There really is something for everyone in Mackay, with an array of natural wonders and other attractions in close proximity to the city.
Art
The
$3.2million Artspace Mackay, in Gordon
Street, incorporates a 270-square-metre
gallery, a permanent social history
gallery, three different community
workshop spaces and foodspace opening
onto a park. Regular art classes in a
variety of mediums are also held
at the Town Hall in Sydney Street.
Contact Artspace Mackay on +61 (7)
4968 4444 for details.
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 beaches 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 keen
to head 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
are located at the Lagoons, off Nebo
Road, and incorporates Lagoons Cafe.
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 the Mackay Tourism Limited (MTL) for further details.
Cinemas
Mackay has two major cinema complexes. These are located in Gordon Street and at the Greenfields shopping precinct at Mt Pleasant. Call +61 (7) 4942 4066 for session details or visit www.birch.com.au.
Craft
Local craft is featured at stores throughout the district, including Homebush Pottery and the Wood Chook Gallery, in Sydney Street, 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.
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, mackeral, 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, or try your luck at the beach. Alternatively, you can join a fishing charter and head to the reefs offshore.
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 tourist information services and the Mackay City Council Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building in Gordon Street. 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. See the Mackay Tourism Limited (MTL) for further details.
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 – QPSW.
Live Entertainment
The Mackay Entertainment Centre in Gordon Street hosts a wide range of live shows.
Markets
Markets are held at the Mackay Showgrounds in Milton Street each Saturday morning from about 6am and feature a good selection of fresh produce. The Victoria Street Markets feature a variety of arts and crafts and are held in Victoria Street each Sunday from 8.30am to 12.30pmg. Walkers Foundry Markets are held undercover off Harbour Road each Saturday and Sunday between 8am and 4pm. Paxtons Markets are held undercover in River Street on the second Sunday of the month between 9am and 1pm. The Seaforth Markets are held under the trees in Walsh Avenue every Sunday from 9am to noon. The Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club also hosts markets along the beachfront at Eimeo on the third Sunday of each month, from 8am to noon.
Mining Towns
Mackay services an array of mining towns located several hours’ drive to the city’s west in the Bowen Basin. Some mines offer tours of their facilities – contact the Mackay Tourism Limited (MTL) for details.
Music
The Mackay Entertainment Centre hosts many musical performers, as do many Mackay hotels. The Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music Mackay, located at Planlands, also regularly showcases local and visiting musicians. Check The Daily Mercury for performance times or visit our What’s On section.
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. Contact the Mackay Tourism Limited (MTL) or QPWS for full details.
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 the Mackay
Tourism Limited (MTL).
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.
Watersports
The many reefs that dot the Mackay coastline offer wonderful opportunities for snorkelling and diving. Ask at your accommodation house for good local spots or check with the Mackay Tourism Limited (MTL) for commercial operators running snorkelling and diving trips. Jetskis, surfskis and windsurfers are also available for hire from local resorts. The district’s dams are also popular with waterskiiers.
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. Check Mackay’s daily newspaper, The Daily Mercury, for sporting fixture details.
Sugar Mill Tours
Mackay is Australia’s premier sugar-producing region. Some sugar mills offer tours at selected times of the year. Contact the Mackay Tourism Limited (MTL) 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 (listed above) are monitored for stingers and closed should any be detected. Swimming enclosures are also located at some beaches, including Bucasia. Council operates two public swimming pools located on Milton Street in the city, and the corner of Malcolmson and Glenpark Street, North Mackay. Finch Hatton and the network of streams, creeks and waterholes in the Pioneer Valley also offer freshwater swimming opportunities.
Source: Mackay City Council
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