Mackay

Mackay, Australia

Situated halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, Mackay is surrounded by lush rainforests, pristine white sandy beaches and the fertile Pioneer Valley. It is home to one of Australia’s richest sugar cane growing regions. Out to sea, The Great Barrier Reef’s colourful coral, fish and secluded islands provide a tropical playground for everyone. Excellent restaurants, beautiful parks and a vibrant art scene ensure there is something in Mackay for every taste and budget.

Population:

80,148 (2018)

Currency:

Australian Dollar (AUD) $ 1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

000 (Police/Ambulance/Fire)

Opening Hours:

Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
Caneland’s and Greenfield’s Shopping Centres and Sydney St Markets trade until 9pm on Thursdays. Stores are closed on Sunday and public holidays, except for annual sales events.

Newspapers:

The Daily Mercury
Courier Mail (State)

The City

Mackay is an exceptionally scenic city with a relaxed tropical ambience. The picturesque sparkling blue Pioneer River winds its way through the city providing an ever-changing landscape as the tides come and go. Palm trees lining the streets present not only a wonderful vista, but are also a retreat for thousands of the city’s colourful lorikeets as they settle in the city centre at dusk each evening.

While Mackay boasts a stress-free country charm in character, it has become an effervescent hub for visitors who enjoy all that is trendy. Dining in Mackay is a gastronomical delight – especially for seafood lovers. Fishermen return daily with fresh catches of the ocean’s finest and the Mackay Fish Market is renowned for quality seafood straight from the trawler. On either side of the city are some of Australia’s most precious natural treasures: 31 long white sandy beaches line the coastline, the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, and Australia’s largest rainforest national park. This is a city with an enchanting appeal – many find hard to leave – and one where there is "much more than meets the eye."

Do & See

In Mackay there is something for every taste and budget, excellent restaurants, beautiful parks, and a vibrant art scene. The surrounding area is extremely beautiful, and there are plenty options to choose from for a day trip out into the nature.

Dining

With access to some of the best fishing waters in Australia and the fertile Pioneer Valley, Mackay has generated a reputation for exquisite cuisine. Local fishermen catch and supply about half of Queensland’s fish exports and a visit to the Mackay Fish Market allows everyone to sample their finest. There is a large choice of venues from al fresco dining on the ocean’s edge to hidden cafes in the rainforest.

Cafés

Queensland is in general a lovely part of Australia with tons of nice, cosy cafes and Mackay is, of course, no exception. In the heart of city centre you will find cute cafes and palm trees lined up so pick a place and relax with a coffee or tea.