There are lots to do and see in Mackay, whether you’re a grey nomad arranging a vacation to the Mackay Region, a marriage or families on a road trip along Australia’s east coast, or a potential ex-pat looking to migrate to central Queensland.
In this article, you will learn the things to do in Mackay.
Mackay
Before stepping into the things to do in Mackay, let’s first know the Mackay region.
Mackay is well-known and is one of Australia’s largest sugarcane-growing districts. However, the mining industry has recently become the local economy’s core.
Mackay is best visited between January and April when temperatures are in the mid-20s. The temperature in the cold months is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius; wintertime is sunny and dry. The rainy season begins in December.
List of Famous Things to Do in Mackay
It’s time to begin the list of things to do in Mackay and see what is there to enjoy.
1. Bluewater Lagoon
The Bluewater Lagoon is a great place to visit if you’re traveling Mackay with children or want to chill off, especially during a summer day. The lagoon is open and free all year except for a few days in July and August.
A free public recreational facility located on the Pioneer River in the heart of Mackay looks like it belongs in a luxury resort. Bluewater Lagoon is a line of 3 outdoor pools or lagoons, each constructed for a different age group, set on terraces, and immersed in tropical forests and meadows.
This amounts to even more than three Olympic-sized pools in all. A waterfall connects the two main pools, and there’s also a small wading pool for kids and an active play with dropping buckets and other activities.
A 20-meter water slide connects the upper lagoon to the central lagoon. There are covered picnic tables, electric barbecues, and a cafe around Bluewater Lagoon for food and cold drinks.
2. Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Rare tropical flora is native to the Mackay Region and the Whitsunday Islands offshore can be seen at this latitude.
The botanic garden, which replaced the botanic collection at Mackay’s Queens Park, opened on the west side of town in 2003.
These fascinating collections, which comprise exotic plants from the same temperature zone worldwide, are displayed in charming precincts and sub-gardens.
The Tropical Shade Gardens and Fernery feature shade-loving plants, a trial garden for screens and hedges, the Malta Garden, which honors early-20th-century Mediterranean immigrants, a gymnosperm garden, and the Brigalow Belt Garden, named after the mining region and biosphere of the same name.
3. Bluewater Trail
The 20-kilometre Bluewater Trail that runs through Mackay is the easiest way to enjoy the town’s natural beauty and visitor attractions.
This multi-use trail connects places like Bluewater Lagoon and Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and has a large paved surface.
Six art projects by Queensland artist Fiona Foley centered on Mackay’s history and diversity may be seen along the Pioneer River near the CBD.
Another section, between the CBD and the Botanic Gardens, will take you out into the riverbank wetlands. At the same time, the Sandfly Creek Environmental Walk, which connects Bluewater Quay and Town Beach via the bird-rich Pioneer River mouth, offers even more spectacular scenery.
The Bluewater Trail is 1.1 kilometers long and takes about 45 minutes a short walk.
4. Harbour Beach
The 20-kilometre Bluewater Trail that runs through Mackay is the easiest way to enjoy the town’s natural beauty and visitor attractions.
A long, curving stretch of pure white sand with calm reef-protected waters lies south of the large breakwater surrounding Mackay Marina.
Harbour Beach is patrolled seasonally, and the Mackay Surf Lifesaver Club is located to the north, with a busy weekend event program.
The Horse Racing Festival in August is a season highlight, with races held right on the shore and attracting thousands of spectators.
You’ll notice that Harbour Beach, particularly around the breakwater, is a popular fishing site.
5. Eungella National Park
Set your sights on Mackay’s backcountry, which boasts what could be Australia’s longest continuous length of rainforest.
Eungella National Park protects this area, which is located near the same-named settlement.
The rainforest is on foggy mountain slopes that overlook the plain and may be reached via paths suitable for short walks or multi-day trips.
The landscape is breathtaking whether you’re looking out over Pioneer’s wide cleave or exploring hidden jungle ponds and gullies.
From the Mackay tulip oak to the Eungella day frog, honeyeater (bird), and spiny crayfish, rare plant and animal species abound at Eungella National Park.
You can see platypuses and turtles from a platform on the Broken River.
6. Cape Hillsborough National Park
Another travel to Cape Hillsborough worth taking is the 40-minute drive north to this volcanic peninsula beneath a thick jungle canopy.
If you visit at a peaceful time, the lovely sandy beaches of Cape Hillsborough will appear practically undiscovered.
Bubbler crabs leave odd speckled patterns in the sand, and you can look for colorful marine life in rock pools.
The wallabies and kangaroos that come from the jungle at sunrise and sunset to scavenge for meals on the main Cape Hillsborough Beach are the most stunning.
The Diversity Boardwalk is named after the diverse flora found along its edges, which range from mangroves to eucalypt forests. At the same time, the 1.6-kilometre Juipera Plants Trail educates visitors about local Aboriginal culture and history.
7. Eimeo Beach
Eimeo Beach is a popular summertime hangout for travelers and locals alike altered harbor with soft powdery sand.
During the summer, volunteer lifeguards monitor the beach on a seasonal basis.
Turn right onto the Mackay-Bucasia Road as you go north on the Bruce Highway toward Northern Beaches. At the roundabout near the Northern Beaches Shopping Mall, turn right onto Eimeo Road. Mackay’s Central Business District is 15 minutes away from Eimeo Beach.
8. Bucasia Beach
If you’re ready to venture a bit further north, Bucasia has a beautiful white sand beach stretching more than four kilometers.
The mangrove forest at the south end of Bucasia Beach is popular with fishermen casting for flathead at high tide.
Meanwhile, the beach has smooth sand and offers breathtaking views of Sunset Bay, Dolphin Heads, and the Cumberland Islands to the east.
There’s a huge beach area at low tide, and early risers will be rewarded with spectacular dawn.
Behind you is a shady esplanade, and Seaview Park is a lovely grassy spot for picnics.
9. Whitehaven Beach
Whitsunday Island, Australia’s Whitehaven Beach. From Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, the island is navigable by seaplane and helicopter.
Whitehaven Beach is on Haslewood Island, next to Stockyard Beach, also known as Chalkie’s Beach.
Staff Commander EP Bedwell named and discovered the beach in 1879. The name ‘Whitehaven’ comes from the English town of the same name, and it was one of the several names Bedwell introduced to the area from the then-English county of Cumberland.
Whitehaven Beach was named after James Cook, who called the island group the Cumberland Islands in 1770.
10. Lamberts Beach
Lamberts Beach is northern of Mackay’s main two surfing beaches (1114). Slade Point Road runs parallel to the beach. It’s about a kilometer southern of Slade Point, with a viewpoint on the south tip of the point offering a great view of the beach.
Lamberts Beach is patrolled throughout the summer, and Lambert’s Lookout gives spectacular views of the Cumberland Islands. When the surf is right, it’s also a famous surfing area and an excellent whale-watching platform in the winter. A whale-watching pavilion has recently been added to the newly rebuilt lookout.
11. Finch Hatton Gorge
Finch Hatton Gorge is a must-see site with its beautiful panorama of waterfalls, abundant foliage, and volcanic boulder formations.
Many walking trails wind their way through the subtropical jungle. One of the most popular routes begins at the Finch Hatton picnic spot and leads to the stunning Araluen waterfall after a 1.6-kilometer hike.
This is an excellent spot to view because of the granite rocks and surrounding flora. Take a relaxing dip in one of the neighboring rock pools, a popular summertime hangout for locals.
Continue another 1.4 kilometers to the Wheels of Fire Cascades, a stunning cascade with a wide rock pool at its foot that is popular for swimming.
12. Sarina Sugar Shed
Sarina Sugar Shed is a genuine paddock-to-plate food tourism adventure that honors the Mackay region’s rich legacy of sugar cane farming.
Your one-hour guided tour includes a trip around our sugar cane plantation and outdoor exhibition area, followed by a look inside to witness how sugar cane is smashed (our miniature mill operates during the crushing season, from late June to early December).
A sample of fairy floss for the youngsters, a taste of our handcrafted Chefs’ Gusto sauces for the adults, and a nip of liquor, schnapps, or ginger beer for the adults, all capped off with a sampling delight. It is suitable for people of all ages!
The nearby Field of Dreams Parklands provides parking for automobiles, caravans, and coaches, and the Sarina Sugar Shed has simple one-level access.
Bring the whole family to the Sarina Sugar Shed for a fun and informative tour of this award-winning tourist attraction.
13. Coral Sea
The Coral Sea is a South Pacific marginal sea off Australia’s northeast coast that is categorized as an intermediate Australian bioregion. The Coral Sea stretches for about 2,000 kilometers along Australia’s northeast coast.
The Coral Sea contains many reefs and islands. The Coral Sea includes the Great Barrier Reef, the largest global reef system. The Great Barrier Reef is massive enough to be visible from orbit. It is also regarded as one of the world’s seven natural wonders.
14. Hill Inlet
Take a short hike uphill to twin lookouts with breathtaking views of Hill Inlet’s turquoise seas and white sands.
Hike to lookouts on the peak of Tongue Bay for stunning views of the inlet on this short uphill hike. Admire the shifting patterns of blue sea and white silica sand made by the tides.
Make sure your camera is ready to capture stunning shots! Keep an eye out for migrating wading birds grazing in shallow seas and stingrays and sharks cruising deeper.
Signs along the road provide information about the Ngaro People, the area’s traditional owners.
Why not spend a day exploring this gorgeous portion of the Whitsundays, with great anchorage at Hill Inlet and Tongue Bay?
15. Slade Point
Slade Point is a seaside city and peninsular suburb in Queensland, Australia’s Mackay Region. Slade Point is a 5 walk from Mackay Harbour and one of the few places in the region where you can see both a spectacular sunrise and a breathtaking sunset.
Slade Point Reserve, one of the Mackay region’s last surviving portions of coastal dunes and paperbark wetlands, is located at Lamberts Beach. The reserve is accessible by foot.
Humpback whales migrate to the tropical waters of the Coral Sea to give birth from July to November. Slade Point is the finest site to watch whales from Mackay.
The viewing platform may have a panoramic picture of the Coral Sea. Keep an eye out for whales as they migrate up (and down) the coast.
I think the list of things to do in Mackay is very long, and it cannot be posted in the article. You can check the other list of things to do in Mackay where you can visit and have fun.
Best Restaurants in Mackay
It’s time to enjoy tasty food with the family. So now will walk into the impressive list of restaurants in Mackay, Australia.
Fusion 128
Fusion 128 is a delectable culinary find around the Victoria Street block. The arena is long and tight, with numerous nooks and crannies that will keep you secluded from the outside world.
The menu combines modern Australian cuisine with Asian influences and a few European touches for good measure.
The eccentric interior, warm greeting from owner David (who performs magic tricks at guests’ tables!), and melting chocolate sampling platter for desserts are all reasons to stay awhile.
Sorbellos Italian Restaurant
Sorbello’s has been a staple of the Mackay restaurant scene for over two decades and is a local favorite. The family-run restaurant offers a diverse cuisine of pizzas, kinds of pasta, and many unique delicacies.
You’re not looking hard enough if you can’t find anything to attract you on this menu. The menu is extensive, as is the wine selection. Allow space for the tiramisu. You will not be disappointed.
The Paddock and Brew Company
It’s hard to beat The Paddock & Brew Company on Wood Street for a laid-back meal in town. This Americana-themed restaurant has plenty of outside seating and serves burgers and various non-veg platters that are extremely popular. Take a drink at the bar, which offers a variety of domestic and imported beers.
Conclusion
Mackay is well known as Australia’s sugar capital, with Art Deco buildings, attractive cafes, and palm-tree-lined streets.
However, the northern Queensland hotspot is also home to 31 gorgeous beaches, lush wildlife-filled rainforests, and more, making it a holidaying family’s ideal.
Visiting Mackay is one of the best experiences. There are many beautiful beaches and amazing nature to enjoy. You can visit Mackay restaurants and relax and enjoy. It is the perfect spot to spend with the family.
So do make your visit to the place Mackay and do the things to do in Mackay and I am sure it will be an unforgettable memory for your whole life and your family and kids.
Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Namrata
