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Tropical, picturesque and relaxed, Mackay city offers everything you could want from a major regional centre. The blue Pioneer River flows past the city's historical buildings, while stately palm trees fringe the main street with shopping hotspots. There's plenty of magical spots for a picnic by the river and places to dine al fresco by the marina, with fabulous local seafood. The botanic gardens, beautiful beaches and the world-class marina are just minutes from the city heart.

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Attractions

• Dining and Eating Out (5)
  1. Artspace Mackay Discover the arts and culture of the Mackay region when you visit Artspace Mackay, the regional art gallery and museum in the centre of the city. This architecturally award winning building provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the people and history of Mackay through the Spirit and Place: Mementoes of Mackay exhibition.
  2. Foodspace Located within Artspace Mackay, Foodspace Café ensures a relaxing dining experience starting with that welcoming cup of Merlo coffee. On offer is a range of mouth watering meals and refreshments from breakfast, sandwiches, salads and quesadillas through to luscious sweet indulgences.
  3. Georges Thai on the Marina George's Thai on the Marina serves authentic Thai cuisine on the Mackay Marina Waterfront, fully air conditioned indoors plus open air outdoor seating. There is a function room for a private party up to 20 people. A cooking class is available in house every month in a small group. George's Thai on the Marina is a very popular evening out with family and friends. Gift vouchers are available.
  4. Lantern Restaurant Lantern Restaurant is beautifully positioned on Nebo Road, close to the central business district, hospital and airport. It is set in tranquil settings with landscaped gardens which are flood-lit at night. It is excellent for your next function or just to celebrate a loved one’s birthday or anniversary. You will find the best Chef in Mackay, with fantastic pricing.
  5. Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Located just five kilometres from the Mackay city centre, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens showcases the beautiful tropical flora from Mackay and the Whitsundays, along with other beautiful Australian native and exotic plants from similar climates around the world. This young botanic garden opened in 2003 and provides many resources to visitors - from over three kilometres of walking and cycling trails, wetland boardwalks, a unique cafe and gallery perched high above our wildlife filled lagoons, to excellent bird watching opportunities. Feature gardens include the luxuriant Fernery, the Regional Forest, rare and threatened flora of the tropical Shade Garden and the unique Coal Garden - tracing the evolution of plants and the importance of coal.
• Entertainment (1)
  1. Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre There is always something happening at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), situated in the heart of Mackay, midway between Cairns and Brisbane along the tropical Queensland coast.
• Farming, Food and Produce (1)
  1. Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club’s restaurant and three dining areas offer a unique blend of stylish, contemporary, high quality furnishings as well as a distinguished atmosphere, all contributing to a memorable evening. The Courtyard is a relaxing and open space, with a water proof shade sail to protect guests from the weather, without compromising the prevailing south-easterly breeze. Casual or formal, the choice is yours. This area is suited to 100 dining guests and up to 150 as a standing cocktail reception.
• Galleries, Museums and Collections (1)
  1. Mackay Town Hall Discover a living piece of Mackay's heritage at the Town Hall in Sydney Street, Mackay. Originally built in 1912 the Mackay Town Hall is a beautiful historic building in the centre of the city which has been transformed into a heritage interpretative centre about the history of Mackay. Mackay Tourism Limited manages an accredited Visitor Information Centre at the Mackay Town Hall with information about attractions, accommodation and tours within the Mackay region.
• Historical Sites and Heritage Locations (2)
  1. Heritage Walk The city Heritage Walk highlights 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 Mackay Court House and Commonwealth Bank façade.
  2. Town Beach Popular for its sensational sunrises, Town beach offers great views of Flat and Round Top Islands and Dalrymple Bay. Town Beach is very popular with locals and visitors for late afternoon walks, fishing and watching the impact of Mackay's huge tides which can go out for miles during peak times.
• Landmarks and Buildings (2)
  1. Mackay Marina Village and Shipyard Mackay's magnificent world-class Marina Village has a tropical ambience, with leafy palms lining the waterfront esplanade and a view beyond to luxury yachts, sailing boats, blue skies and tropical islands.
  2. The Horizons Mosaic Stroll and discover the mosaics, terrazzo images and the bronze plaques and sculptures of the Mackay Horizons Project, completed by members of the community in 1993. On each of the four corners of the crossroads you will find the centre piece of the street. There are five areas to look for: The Rainforest, The Pioneer Valley, The Coast, The Islands and The Reef.
• Natural Attractions (12)
  1. "Llewellyn" Dive Site Exciting wreck diving is to be had at the historic 'Llewellyn' site, east of Mackay on the Great Barrier Reef. The steamer was last seen departing Cape Capricorn Lighthouse on 17 July 1919 and disappeared during heavy gales as it sailed from Rockhampton to Bowen. The location of the vessel remained a mystery until 1997, when the shipwreck was located 35 kilometres east of Mackay.
  2. Ball Bay The picturesque beach settlement of Ball Bay is located 35 kilometres north of Mackay. Ball Bay offers secluded camping on a small grassy campground. The facilities include toilets, cold beach showers, wood barbecues and drinking water, however animals are not allowed. Ball Bay offers easy and close access to Cape Hillsborough National Park bushwalking tracks. Ball Bay is also a great beach for fishing.
  3. Bluewater Trail Get out and explore this great region along the Bluewater Trail. Take a leisurely stroll or scenic bike ride along the award winning shared pathway whilst taking in much of the region's natural beauty.
  4. Cathu State Forest Along the rugged Clarke Range behind the Whitsunday coast, Cathu State Forest offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers. Featuring tall eucalypts, dense rainforest and pine plantations, this forest also provides magnificent views over the Whitsunday coastline. Take binoculars to watch wildlife: more than 100 species of birds, exquisite Ulysses butterflies, whiptail and agile wallabies, and northern quolls. Bushwalk or drive scenic tracks. From Clarke Range lookout, seven kilometres from the camping area, enjoy the views. Picnic or camp beside seasonal Pandanus Creek. Before cycling or horse riding, contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Mackay. Dogs are permitted on a leash and in daytime only.
  5. Grasstree Beach 15 minutes down the road from Sarina is Grasstree Beach, situated on Zelma Bay. Once you've discovered the spot you'll be hooked. Grasstree Beach has a wonderful climate and is protected by a group of islands. The beach itself is magnificent, and beach walking is a favourite activity. Sarina, with banks, supermarkets and services, is 13 kilometres away. Fishing is a popular pastime, and anglers will find great opportunities for both beach and creek fishing, or even reef fishing if they prefer. The creeks have flathead, whiting and bream, so holiday makers can catch a few good meals during their stay. Boat ramp facilities are available at the creek. Grasstree Beach dates back to the 1880s when gold was found in the hills at the back of the beach.
  6. Harbour Beach A five to ten minute drive north of the city centre and adjacent to the multi-million dollar Reef Marina development, the popular Harbour Beach is patrolled and is a favourite with locals - offering the ideal spot for picnics, fishing and swimming. The Harbour Beach area is renowned with locals for good jew, mackerel, trevally, bream and tuna fishing.
  7. Illawong Beach Illawong Beach is a popular windsurfing destination for locals. The beach also offers great views of Dalrymple Bay and excellent fishing. Toilets, a playground, barbecues and picnic facilities are provided at Quota Park. There's a great range of accommodations nearby including a resort, all within easy reach of the centre of Mackay.
  8. Lamberts Beach Lamberts Beach is seasonally patrolled and the lookout offers fabulous sea views out to the Cumberland Islands. It's also a popular spot for surfers when the swell is right, and a great whale watching platform during the winter months. Shady areas, picnic tables, play equipment and barbecues are all available at Lamberts Beach. Slade Point Reserve lies at Lamberts Beach stretching 73 hectares and conserving one of the last remaining areas of coastal dunes and paperbark wetlands in the Mackay region. Visitors can walk through the reserve.
  9. Mia Mia State Forest Nestled in the foothills of the Clarke Range, 20 kilometres from Pinnacle west of Mackay, the Mia Mia State Forest is mostly open eucalypt forest. Bush camping and swimming is available at Captain Crossings on Teemburra Creek.
  10. Slade Point Slade Point Reserve lies at Lamberts Beach, stretching 73 hectares and conserving one of the last remaining areas of coastal dunes and paperbark wetlands in the Mackay region. Visitors can walk through the reserve. Lamberts Beach and Slade Point, on the other side of McReady's Creek are often favourite haunts for mackerel and reef fish.
  11. Smalleys Beach Smalley's Beach is situated approximately 35 kilometres north of Mackay and is part of the Hibiscus Coast. This secluded beach is also located in the Cape Hillsborough National Park and offers limited camping sites. Facilities include toilets, and small secluded sites. Water must be brought with you. Camping is by self registration.
  12. South Cumberland Islands National Park South Cumberland Islands National Park encompasses nine islands. Rocky, rugged, hoop pine-dominated headlands stand out from open eucalypt woodland and extensive grasslands of the wind-exposed slopes. Protected coves shelter long, sandy beaches, while deep gullies hide remnants of dry rainforest.
• Parks and Gardens (2)
  1. Bluewater Lagoon Enjoy the tropical weather at the free three-tiered lagoon providing fun for the whole family at Bluewater Lagoon!
  2. Queens Park - Orchid House Relax and enjoy the beautiful Orchid House, intricately placed in the historic Queens Park gardens, boasting a broad collection of unique and exquisite orchids.
• Scenic Drives and Walks (3)
  1. Beachcomber Cove Track This track starts from the northern end of the Cape Hillsborough picnic area and passes through open eucalypt forest and remnant rainforest with hoop pines, ferns and vines. The track ends in Beachcomber Cove, where walkers can enjoy pleasant views from a lookout on top of the ridge. At low tide, you can return to Cape Hillsborough picnic area along the beach. At high tide, you will need to retrace your steps along the track. Check tide times before setting out. 
  2. Brampton Island Track Scenic continental Brampton Island was once part of a mainland mountain range. Today it is surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters, rising from sea level to 214 metres at Brampton Peak.
  3. Newry Island Circuit and Resort Trail Nestled close to the coast north-west of Mackay is Newry Island, part of a group of hilly continental islands that form Newry Islands National Park. Newry Island features grassy open forest with gnarled ironbarks, bloodwoods and blue gums.

Events

• Exhibitions and Shows (1)
  1. The Mackay Tinnie and Tackle Show Fishing, big and small boats, engines, jet ski's, ski boats and getting on the water... what more could a family want? At Mackay's ultimate marine event - The Mackay Marine Festival - you will find all this and more! The Mackay Tinnie and Tackle Show is a fantastic showcase of everything the region's marine industry has to offer. There are also plenty of activities for the kids from Marine and Fishing Workshops through to face painting and rock climbing walls. The Mackay Tinnie and Tackle Show, part of the Mackay Marine Festival, takes place at the Mackay Marina.
• Festivals and Celebrations (3)
  1. Global Grooves Global Grooves 2012 celebrating arts, music and culture with the local multi cultural community and having as much fun as possible whilst doing that! Last year over 6,000 people attended.
  2. Mackay Regional Festival of Arts The Mackay Region Festival of Arts is one of Queensland's largest regional festivals. Held over a sixteen day period, there are over thirty different events covering all art forms and catering to all audiences. This year the festival celebrates the 150th anniversary of Mackay and the 25th anniversary of the festival.
  3. River Sessions River Sessions Festival showcases a variety of Australia's leading musical acts across two stages in the heart of Mackay City. The festival has been held annually for the past three years, growing hugely in popularity. The festival is supported nationally by Triple J Radio and has hosted acts such as The Birds of Tokyo, Drapht, Little Red, Bluejuice, Jebediah, Sparkadia, Miami Horror, The Grates, The Jezabels, Bertie Blackman, Illy, Pez and 360, Aston Shuffle, Sam La more, Muscles and many more! The 2012 line-up will be announced in March 2012.
• Sporting Events (1)
  1. North Queensland Games The North Queensland Games is a biennial and rotational multi-sport events stage in North Queensland. The 2012 Games is the fifteenth Games and will be held in the Mackay region, including the Whitsundays. The Games are the largest regional Games in Australia, and will feature about 45 sports throughout this large region. There is something for everyone and the North Queensland Sports Foundation looks forward to seeing many thousands of people attend the Games.

Tours

• Full Day (1)
  1. Reeforest Adventure Tours - Airlie Beach Journey into Australia's largest rainforest National Park with Reeforest Adventure Tours. Enjoy traditional Australia billy tea and damper. Walk through the sub tropical rainforest and learn about the surrounding native flora and fauna like Ulysses butterflies, water dragons, kingfishers and lace monitors. Swim in a beautiful fresh mountain stream Araluen Falls with its cascading waterfalls over the rocks. Enjoy their scrumptious barbecue lunch at The Finch Hilton, Reeforest's private bush camp. On the way home they will try to spot a platypus.

Visitor Information

• Visitor Information Centres (2)
  1. Mackay Visitor Information Centre The Mackay Visitor Information Centre is located on Nebo Road in Mackay.
  2. Town Hall Visitor Information Centre The Town Hall Visitor Information Centre is located on Sydney Street in Mackay.