Destination guides > Australia > Queensland > Whitsunday Coast > Mackay
Mackay
Mackay is a compact and diverse city located at the southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and northern Queensland. Surrounded by far-reaching fields of sugarcane, it is the region’s sugar processing centre and has a stale reputation as a boring agricultural town of no interest to the traveller. However, it is a unique and well preserved city. The city centre does boast some impressive architecture, with stately heritage buildings and art-deco creations in interesting juxtaposition. It may not have a wide range of sights and attractions, but it is the perfect place to stay and it makes a good base for enjoying the rugged wilderness of the nearby Eungella National Park.
Fishing and swimming are popular at some of Mackay’s northern beaches, where tiny townships and resorts dot the coastline. There are around 30 beaches here, and many of them are often deserted. Windsurfing and kite surfing are great here due to the prevailing winds.
Practical information
Mackay Visitors Information Centre
320 Nebo Road, South Mackay
Tel (07) 4952 2677 or 1300 130 001
Website www.mackayregion.com
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm
63 Sydney Street, Mackay
Tel (07) 4951 4803
Website www.mackayregion.com
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm
Queensland National Parks & Wildlife Service
2 Wood Street, Mackay
Tel (07) 4944 7800
Website www.epa.qld.gov.au
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm
Coming & going
AIR
You can get direct flights to Mackay from Brisbane, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney and Townsville. Jetstar flies to Brisbane; Qantaslink flies to Brisbane, Rockhampton and Townsville; Tiger Airways fly to Melbourne and Virgin Blue flies to Brisbane and Sydney.
Mackay Airport is around 5km south of the city centre.
BUS & COACH
Greyhound (tel 1300 473 946) and Premier Motor Service coaches stop at Mackay Bus Terminal at the corner of Macalister and Victoria Streets.
TRAIN
The train station is on Connors Road in Paget about 5km south of the city centre.
Local Transport
Mackay Transit (tel (07) 4957 3330) runs local buses but services are infrequent on some routes and they only go to outlying suburbs.
The Mackay Explorer runs a free hourly service every Sunday that takes in the major sights between the City Gates (tourist information centre) and Mackay Marina.
Hostel accommodation
Gecko’s Rest
34 Sydney Street, Mackay
Tel (07) 4944 1230
Larrikin Lodge
32 Peel Street, Mackay
Tel (07) 4951 3728 or 1800 611 953
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Artspace Mackay
Mackay’s art gallery is host to a selection of temporary art exhibitions.
Gordon Street, Mackay
Tel (07) 4968 4444 (Mon-Fri); (07) 4957 1775 (Sat-Sun)
Admission free
Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
