Mackay

Mackay

Eungella rainforest platypus, Cape Hillsborough sunrise roos and the sugarcane-and-coal heart of CQ.

3 caravan parks
8 articles
📷 11 photos
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Mackay ( mə-KYE) is a city in the Mackay Region on the eastern or Coral Sea coast of Queensland, Australia. It is located about 803 kilometres (499 mi) north of Brisbane, on the Pioneer River. Mackay is described as being in either Central Queensland or North Queensland, as these regions are not precisely defined. More generally, the area is known as the Mackay–Whitsunday Region. Nicknames of Mackay include the Sugar capital, Alexandra and Macktown. Founded in 1862 on land traditionally owned by the Yuwibara (Yuibera) Indigenous people, the settlement was originally known as Alexandra, in honour of Princess Alexandra of Denmark, and was later renamed Mackay after John Mackay. Sugar became the economic foundation of the city, with plantations using indentured or enslaved South Sea Islanders. From about 1891, Mediterranean migrants from Italy and Malta began to work the sugarcane plantations, and by the 1930s one third of Australia’s Italian migrants lived in North Queensland. The city was nearly destroyed in the 1918 cyclone, and the following reconstruction used primarily Art Deco and Spanish Mission architectural styles for which the city is known. Mackay has a rich history and culture, known for its architecture, food, and as a cultural-melting pot. It has long established cross-cultural communities that have influenced the city; including Yuwi, South Sea Islanders, Italians, Maltese, and more recently Filipinos. Mackay is considered the capital of South Sea Islander culture, being home to the largest population in the nation. The city is noted for its seafood, tropical produce, public art and laneways, jazz scene, and festivals including the Mackay Festival of Arts and Jazz in the Park. Major landmarks in Mackay include, Bluewater Quay and river markets, Mackay Harbour, the Leichhardt Tree, the Bluewater Sculpture trail and the Kommo Toera trail through the Mackay Wetlands. The city's hinterland includes, Mount Blackwood, Eungella National Park including Finch Hatton Gorge, along with the expansive mountain bike trails between Eungella and Finch Hatton. Mackay's coastal highlights include, Cape Hillsborough, the national parks of Round Top and Flat Top islands and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Barrier Reef.

Background information about Mackay adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Next 7 days at Mackay

Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.

Loading forecast…

Best time to visit Mackay

Based on 30 years of weather data. Sweet spot: Aug, Sep, Oct — mild temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun. Avoid Feb, Mar if you can — typically the wettest or hottest stretch of the year.

Jan
31°
24° low
224mm
Feb
33°
24° low
253mm
Mar
31°
22° low
197mm
Apr
30°
18° low
87mm
May
28°
16° low
54mm
Jun
27°
14° low
50mm
Jul
26°
13° low
30mm
Aug
26°
13° low
21mm
Sep
28°
16° low
21mm
Oct
31°
19° low
34mm
Nov
33°
21° low
64mm
Dec
33°
23° low
136mm
Daytime high (large) · overnight low (small) · monthly rainfall (blue bar). Climate normals: 1991–2020 from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis.

Beach & ocean conditions at Mackay

Typical wave height around 0.8 m over the next two weeks. a wetsuit makes winter swims much more pleasant.

Avg wave height
0.8 m
Sea-surface temperatures from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Wave forecast from the GFS Wave model — check official sources before swimming, paddling or boating.

What else is around Mackay

Points of interest within 25 km, pulled from OpenStreetMap. Distances are straight-line; check road access before heading out.

🔭 Lookouts & viewpoints (18)
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🦁 Family — zoos, aquariums, theme parks (1)
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Drive times to and from Mackay

Real road distance and driving time to other destinations in the state. Click through for fuel estimates, suggested overnight stops, and tours along the way.

To Airlie Beach
149 km · 2h 1m
To Whitsundays
153 km · 2h 8m
To Rockhampton
336 km · 4h 19m
To Townsville
389 km · 5h 7m
To Magnetic Island
401 km · 5h 28m
To Gladstone
445 km · 5h 49m
To Bundaberg
622 km · 8h 2m
To Hervey Bay
722 km · 9h 19m

Photos from around Mackay

BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park
BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park
park
Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park
Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park
park
Discovery Parks - Mackay
Discovery Parks - Mackay
park
Brampton Island Tours
Brampton Island Tours
article
Brampton Island Cruises
Brampton Island Cruises
article
The Sandy Hop
The Sandy Hop
article
Mackay Attractions
Mackay Attractions
article
Mackay Transfers
Mackay Transfers
article
Mackay Holidays
Mackay Holidays
article
Clarion Hotel Marina MacKay
Clarion Hotel Marina MacKay
article
Mackay Cruises
Mackay Cruises
article

Frequently asked about Mackay

Where is Mackay?
Mackay is in Central Queensland, Queensland, Australia. The destination guide above maps the area; the drive-times panel further down lists distances to other Queensland destinations so you can pencil it into a longer itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Mackay?
Based on 30 years of climate data, the most comfortable months at Mackay are typically August, September, October — milder temperatures, lower rainfall, and longer sunshine hours. February tends to be the trickiest month weather-wise. School holiday weeks (Easter, late June–early July, late September, mid-December–late January) get busy and prices rise, so shoulder season is usually the sweet spot if you're flexible.
What's the weather like in Mackay?
Summer daytime highs average around 33°C and winter overnight lows can drop to about 13°C. Annual rainfall sits at roughly 1170 mm spread across the year. The climate panel above breaks every month down — daytime high, overnight low, monthly rain, sunny days — so you can match the trip to the weather you want.
How do I get to Mackay?
Most travellers arrive by road. From Airlie Beach it's about 149 km — roughly 2h 1m of driving via the main highway, conditions permitting. The drive-times panel above lists travel time and distance to every other Queensland destination so you can sketch out a road-trip route. Check road conditions in winter if your route crosses high country, and plan for breaks every ~2 hours.
What are the top things to see in Mackay?
Well-known spots within day-trip range include Clock Tower, Street Art, Street Art, Blue Water Quay, Victoria Street Markets. The "What else is around" panel above lists every named point of interest by category — lookouts, peaks, waterfalls, museums, beaches — pulled straight from OpenStreetMap. Click any name for the location, opening hours and directions.
Where can I stay near Mackay?
We list 3 caravan and holiday parks in and around Mackay above — powered sites, cabins, glamping, and big-rig-friendly options. Pet rules, dump points and shaded sites are noted on each park's page. For hotel-style stays, the Drive Times panel makes it easy to base yourself in a nearby town and day-trip in.
How many days should I spend at Mackay?
Most travellers spend a day at Mackay to cover the highlights without rushing. There are 0 bookable tours and experiences, 0 attractions and 5+ named viewpoints/landmarks listed for the area on this page — plenty to fill a weekend, more if you slow down and explore the outer reaches.
Is Mackay good for families with kids?
Yes — there are 1 family-friendly attractions, museums and family destinations within easy reach (zoos, aquariums, interactive museums, family-friendly theme parks). The caravan parks section above flags parks with playgrounds, kids' pools and family cabins.
What day trips can I do from Mackay?
Within ~2.5 hours' drive: Airlie Beach, Whitsundays. The drive-times panel above lists every nearby destination with road distance and travel time — pick one, drive across in the morning, and you're back for dinner.
Is there public transport at Mackay?
Coverage varies — major destinations have train and bus links from the closest capital, but smaller regional towns rely on infrequent coach services. The most reliable way to explore the wider area is a hire car or your own vehicle. If you're using public transport, plan around the timetables and check the night before you travel; rural routes are often once or twice a day.
Is Mackay accessible for wheelchair users and reduced mobility?
Major town centres, museums and built-up tourist precincts at Mackay are usually accessible; bush walks and lookouts vary widely. The OpenStreetMap data underneath the "What else is around" panel records wheelchair access on individual sites — click through to any place's page for the specific accessibility info. For tours, check the operator's website or call ahead; most reputable operators publish their access details.
How much does a trip to Mackay cost?
Budget travellers can do Mackay on roughly $120–180 per person per day (caravan park, cooking your own, free walks); mid-range $200–350 (hotel, paid attractions, eating out once a day); higher-end $400+ (boutique stays, tours, fine dining). Fuel is the big variable — Australia's regional driving distances add up. Tours and attractions in the listings above show prices in AUD where the operator publishes them.
Will I have phone signal at Mackay?
Most named destinations in Queensland have at least Telstra and Optus coverage in town. Coverage drops off quickly outside built-up areas — particularly in national parks, valleys and along long stretches of highway. If you're heading into remote areas, download offline maps before you leave, tell someone your itinerary, and consider a PLB (personal locator beacon) for serious bush walks.

All tours in Mackay

No tours matched to this destination yet.

Caravan parks nearby

BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park
BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park
Blacks Beach · Mackay Regional
★ 4.5
Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park
Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park
Cape Hillsborough · Mackay Regional
★ 4.3
Discovery Parks - Mackay
Discovery Parks - Mackay
Mackay Harbour · Mackay Regional
★ 4.1

Nearby destinations

Whitsundays
Whitsundays
Central Queensland
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Whitsundays
Rockhampton
Rockhampton
Central Queensland

Mackay travel articles

Brampton Island Tours
Brampton Island Tours
Brampton Island Tours and Rentals » Click Here for Brampton Island Resort Information Brampton Island Some of the best tours that you can take from Brampton Island include fishing charters. Local charter boat operators from Mackay will pick up from the Brampton Island jetty for a day tour and these
Brampton Island Cruises
Brampton Island Cruises
» Click Here for Brampton Island Resort Information Brampton Island Cruises can include fantastic Charter fishing trips. Huntress fishing charters from Mackay, will pick you up from the island and take you out to catch a great dinner. Whitsunday sailing and diving are superb. Join one of the group e
The Sandy Hop
The Sandy Hop
Wake Up to Adventure with The Sandy Hop in Mackay Discover Nature's Playground With Mackay Adventure Tours & Transfers Prepare yourself for the Sandy Hop, an unforgettable journey into Queensland's natural beauty. This tour is more than just a sightseeing trip. It's an experience filled with wil
Mackay Attractions
Mackay Attractions
Attraction List Coming Soon Quick Links View Maps Area Links
Mackay Transfers
Mackay Transfers
Rentals: Thrifty Car Rentals Europcar Rentals Transfers: Whitsunday Transit Virgin Airlines Queensland Rail – Traveltrain MACKAY LINKS Accommodation Activities Attractions Apartments Fishing Charters Resorts Specials Tours Transfers
Mackay Holidays
Mackay Holidays
Holidays in the Mackay region will take in so many wonderful local and international attractions. Mackay is the commercial center of the Whitsundays region of central Queensland, which is the home of some of Australia’s leading island resorts. Icons like Hamilton Island and Hayman Island lie just of
Clarion Hotel Marina MacKay
Clarion Hotel Marina MacKay
Property Information: Mulherin Drive, Mackay The Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina is considered Mackay’s leading hotel and we strive to continually improve our services to provide you with true Clarion comfort and hospitality. With a range of thoughtfully designed accommodations with private balconies an
Mackay Cruises
Mackay Cruises
In Mackay, one of the best ways to spend the day is to go on a cruise with one of the local Mackay fishing charter companies. They are almost certain to put you in a great school of superb table fish. Diving in the Whitsundays region is always popular and cruises to the Great Barrier Reef are availa