Mackay
Lush landscape, quaint beaches, pleasant sub-tropical climate and vibrant economy - welcome to Queensland's pride Mackay. An important commercial centre for mining and sugar production, Mackay is also a fast-growing tourist destination, offering many options for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a great eco-experience amidst a modern city abuzz with activity.
At the heart of the city is Artspace Mackay that houses artwork of local and international artists. The historic Mackay Town Hall is the city's heritage and tourist information centre. To get a peek into the history of the city, learn about its many attractions or appreciate its indigenous art forms, a visit to these cultural centres is a must.
Beaches and Mackay go hand in hand; after all some of the state’s prettiest and cleanest beaches are found here. Most are located at close proximity to the city from five minutes to under an hour's drive from Mackay’s key centres while others can be visited as part of your day trip around Mackay.
Mackay beaches come with all modern amenities, employ sufficient safety measures, patrolling and enclosures. Keep a watch out for marine stingers during summers though. Otherwise, the conditions are great for swimming and seaside picnics with your family.
Some of the popular beaches include the Harbour beach a patrolled beach with children's playground, picnic spots, barbecues, Lamberts Beach ideal for surfers, offers whale watching in winter, Illawong Beach, offers great views of Dalrymple Bay and known for its stunning sunrises, Bucasia Beach and Blacks Beach.
Home to estuaries, reefs, beaches and inland dams, it is not surprising that Mackay is a great destination for those who love to go fishing. Whether you prefer some quiet time angling a great catch at Seaforth, want to bag some mackerel, whiting or tuna at Cape Hillsborough, or book a fishing trip, with lunch and local fishing experts to guide you, the experience will be quite unforgettable.
The sights and activities in Mackay will keep you occupied for most part of your vacation. But a trip to Mackay is incomplete without a visit to the Eungella National Park, an unspoilt natural reserve which is just about an hour’s drive from the city. A dense and magnificent natural habitat for rare and astounding native wildlife like the gastric-brooding frogs, you can explore the park through bushwalking or forest flying.Even if you are not exactly a nature lover, you will gain a new found appreciation for eco-diversity and native wildlife when you visit Eungella.
The Mackay Region Botanical Gardens, with its rare species of flora and fauna, and the great views and seafront alfresco dining of the Mackay Marina Village are other attractions that make your trip to this beautiful city complete. Mackay's vibrant nightlife offers many opportunities to paint the town red. From the City Centre's nightclubs to themed bars, you can take your pick of hotspots to visit. The Mackay Entertainment Centre is a popular hangout that hosts international and national entertainers of repute.
Mackay offers a range of accommodation options for big and small budgets. If you prefer a home away from home experience, the city's self-contained holiday homes will not disappoint you. If lavish settings are more to your liking, the choice in luxury resorts and upscale hotels will keep you satisfied. The numerous selections in friendly and comfortable bed and breakfasts as well as caravan and camping parks will really give you something to think about. Other accommodation types you can opt for include apartments, motels and lodges.
Mackay offers a good choice of restaurants and bars to suit different tastes and budgets. From eateries and alfresco dining at the City Centre to steakhouses and bistros, you can enjoy satisfying gastronomic experiences in this lively city.
Mackay is a shopper's delight, with three main shopping centres - the downtown City Heart, Mount Pleasant and Caneland Shoppingtown. All three are well-maintained and boast many shops, supermarkets, services, banks, post-offices, hotels, pottery galleries and crafts stores.
Mackay is well connected by air, road and rail. There are direct flights to Mackay from major international and Australian cities. Reliable bus and rail services also make travel back and forth very convenient. Upon arriving in Mackay, you can book campvan or car hire services; transit coach services (operating six days a week). Taxis also help you get around the city with ease. Plan a long trip to make the most of Mackay and its surrounding regions. As a memorable tropical holiday destination, Mackay really hits the spot.