Mackay, QLD
Spectacular rainforests and national parks, secluded islands and beaches, pristine coral reefs, plentiful fishing spots, historical townships, genuine country hospitality, scenic drives, great shopping and fabulous dining. Relatively undiscovered, the Mackay Region offers a unique holiday experience that is an affordable and diverse escape from the crowds.
Located midway between Brisbane and Cairns, the Mackay Region coastline stretches 200 kilometres north from St Lawrence to Laguna Whitsundays, and inland to the town of Clermont. The region’s rich and colourful past is economically founded upon sugar cane, mining, beef and agriculture.
The Mackay Region is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination for travellers seeking an unspoiled, friendly contrast to more developed, built destinations along the coast. Holiday-makers ‘must-sees’ include: our palm fringed city centre, set beside the mighty blue Pioneer River, the Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton Gorge and the famous Eungella National Park. Artspace Mackay – gallery and museum, our new Regional Botanic Gardens, the impressive Mackay Marina Village, spectacular scenery of Cape Hillsborough National Park, historic seaside townships such as Sarina and Midge Point, and outback communities such as Clermont and Nebo, superb golden beaches, the Great Barrier Reef and our local islands such as Brampton and Keswick.
The region has a delightful tropical climate that is similar to that found in the Hawaiian Islands. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual as are the dress standards. Summers consist of warm, tropical weather without extreme temperatures and mild sunny winters. The average water temperature is a heavenly 22 degrees.
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, and follow any directions from lifesavers, with regards to current conditions.
Spot the platypus!
Mackay has many natural wonders and hidden charms and one of those is the Eungella National Park.
The park is home to the rarest of creatures – the elusive platypus – a small, furry mammal with a duck-bill and webbed feet that lives in the slow moving beauty of the Broken River. It is one of only two egg laying mammals in the world. The other is the echidna.
These shy mammals are best viewed at dusk and dawn when they are most active. You can be almost certain to see a platypus close to the Broken River bridge and camping ground. A range of tours is available to sneak a peak at this curious creature.
Eungella (pronounced “young-gulla”, meaning Land of Clouds) is Queensland’s largest rainforest national park covering nearly 500 square kilometres of the Clarke Range.
Along with the platypus, another half a dozen animals and plants are unique to Eungella. These are the Eungella honeyeater (a bird), the orange-sided skink (a lizard), the Mackay tulip oak (a tall, buttressed rainforest tree) and three species of frog including the Eungella gastric brooding frog.
The park is well-known for its beautiful waterfalls, crystal clear streams and creeks and quaint townships. Bushwalking trails wander though lush rainforest to spectacular mountain lookouts atop the 1280 metre Mount Dalrymple. Other attractions include Finch Hatton Gorge with its wonderful swimming hole and the nearby Araluen Falls and Wheel of Fire Falls.
Nearest Airport: Mackay
Mackay Destinations
About Mackay
- State: Queensland
- Region: Mackay
Accommodation In Mackay
Discover some of the accommodation in and around Mackay
- Alara Plaza Motor Inn
- Allure Resort On The Beach
- Andergrove Van Park
- Best Western Reef Resort Mackay
- Bucasia Beachfront Caravan Resort
- Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina
- Comfort Resort Blue Pacific
- Coral Cay Resort Motor Inn
- Dolphin Heads Resort
- El Toro Motel
- Elanora Units
- Gecko’s Rest
- Hi-Way Units Motel
- La Solana Holiday Units
- Lantern Motor Inn and Restaurant
- Mackay Motor Inn
- Mango Beach House
- Mid City Motor Inn
- Motel Northview
- Ocean International Hotel
- Ocean Resort Village
- Orange Grove Caravan Park
- Paradise Lodge Motel
- Rover Holiday Units
- Seawinds Caravan Park
- Shamrock Gardens Motel
- Shores Holiday Apartments, The
- White Lace Motor Inn
- Windmill Motel And Reception Centre
- YT’s by the Sea B&B
Tours In Mackay
Discover some of the tours options around Mackay
