Source: www.queenslandholidays.com.au

Dining Out

Things To Do

Accommodation

The City of Mackay is an exciting vibrant city with all the charm of an unspoilt seaside town. Located at the junction of the Coral Sea and the Pioneer River, one of the East Coast's few blue water rivers, meanders through the town, bringing a wonderful atmosphere with it and creating a spectacular backdrop at sunset. A New World class Marina provides access to the nearby islands and reef, or provides shelter for passing super yachts and yachts.

Experience Mackay's beautiful beaches all within an easy drive of the city centre, friendly locals, cosy restaurants and cosmopolitan shopping centres. Located approximately halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, Mackay has all the appeal of a Queensland country town, with all the features of a bustling regional centre that offers a quality of lifestyle and environment that is unique to Australia.

Enjoy a holiday in the natural heartland of Queensland, learning about the area's fascinating past. There are so many things to do without even leaving the city heart.

Mackay City offers visitors the unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a real piece of Queensland history, built on sugar cane, mining and farming.

The City's Heritage Walk transports you back to the days of Australia's first settlers by highlighting some of Mackay's magnificent turn-of-the-century architecture. A must for any visitor, the 90-minute walk includes many buildings that are listed with the National Trust including the recently restored Mackay Town Hall, which is part of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network.

Greenmount Homestead is a beautifully preserved home, built on the land first settled by Captain John Mackay in 1862. Be guided around this grand old home by the owner's original maid, Gloria Arrow. Built in 1912 by the Cooks, the first pioneers in the area it now serves as a museum for the Mackay Region complete with original furniture, fittings and ornaments.

Mackay is the largest sugar cane producing area in Australia. The region is also home to six sugar mills, one of Australia's four sugar refineries, and the largest bulk sugar terminal in the world. Visitors are encouraged to take in a tour of a sugar mill during the cane-crushing season (July to November).

Islands in a turquoise sea surrounded by pristine coral cay and beautiful fish are accessible by boat from Mackay's Reef Marina. Visitors can snorkel or dive the calm waters and hidden bays off Keswick, Scawfell or Brampton Island. Fly to the Gem of the Great Barrier Reef where you will have the opportunity to enjoy and unrivalled Reef Adventure at exquisite Bushy Reef Lagoon. There is nowhere that compares with the natural unspoiled beauty and tranquillity of Bushy. This is raw nature at its absolute best. If you don't like to get wet but still want to experience the reef from the air a scenic flights are also available.

Mackay has a warm and sunny climate, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual and so is the clothing which is suitable most of the year with something a little warmer required for winter evenings. Be sure to slip on a shirt, slop on plenty of sunscreen (15-30+ coverage) and slap on a hat.

Safe swimming is available all year round, whether it is at a fresh water swimming hole or at one of over 30 beautiful beaches in the Mackay Region. Like all North Queensland beaches, those in the Mackay Region can attract marine stingers and box jellyfish from October to May. To avoid danger it is recommended that you swim at patrolled beaches and / or swimming enclosures.