make it mackay
WORDS CELESTE MITCHELL
Photos: Tourism Queensland

Lush rainforests and sparkling beaches sweeten the deal in the fast-developing town of Mackay
Halfway

between Brisbane and Cairns, on Queensland’s gorgeous coastline, a once-sleepy sugar cane town is shaking off its “gateway to the Whitsundays” tag and becoming a premier tourist destination in its own right. Mackay is the big city to the small towns of the booming mining industry in the area, and brings in people with money to spend. The result is an increasingly cosmopolitan town with attractions for everyone.

The city beat

Take a walking tour and soak up the pretty art deco buildings in the “city heart”, as the town centre is lovingly called. Listen out for the rainbow lorikeets singing from the trees at dusk.
Artspace opened in 2003 to showcase top Australian and international artists. Join a guided tour, sign up for an art class and browse in the Tate Adams reading room. Then take a break at Foodspace Café.
Venture out on the 10,000-steps walk at the Regional Botanic Gardens, then enjoy the view from the Lagoons Café. With a children’s playground, five themed gardens and wetland boardwalks, you can easily fill a day here.

Seaside fun

There’s social sailing every Saturday at Mackay’s Marina Village for yacht club members, and you can get in the action with lessons or let the professionals take you out on a fishing or diving charter. Neighbouring Harbour Beach is also a nice spot for a swim.

From Mackay Marina, stretch your sea legs with a short boat ride – or take a short flight – to the largely uninhabited Keswick Island and enjoy the pristine beaches. Keswick and neighbouring St Bees Island have all the beauty you’d expect of the Great Barrier Reef, without the crowds or hefty resort price tag. Camping is permitted on St Bees, as long as you don’t mind sharing with the koalas.

Take a 15-minute drive north of the marina to the laid-back beachside suburb of Eimeo. The best spot to take it all in is the balcony of the Eimeo pub, overlooking the sparkling Coral Sea.

Cape Hillsborough, about 40 minutes north of Mackay, is renowned for its untouched beauty and resident wallabies. Given that the area is predominantly rainforest, you’ll see the best of both worlds on the many walking tracks. Just past Cape Hillsborough, Halliday Bay and Seaforth are perfect for a picnic and swim.

Rainforest retreat

Venture out of town to Eungella National Park and Finch Hatton Gorge, an hour west of Mackay. With over 20 bushwalks to choose from, you can enjoy a picnic in the park, trek to one of the many lookouts, and cool off in one of the swimming holes with impressive waterfalls.

If it’s platypus you’re after, head to Broken River past Eungella township at dawn and dusk. For a bird’s-eye view of the whole area, take a trip on a “flying fox” across the rainforest canopy with Forest Flying. Secured in a harness, 25m above the ground, you can try spotting one of the 225 bird species in Eungella National Park – you might even come face-to-face with a fruit bat.

Jay Shipton, breakfast announcer, SeaFM radio

“The best thing to do in Mackay is head to the markets for a coffee, then drive up to Shute Harbour (just outside Airlie Beach) to catch a ferry to one of the many islands. Snorkelling, swimming, fishing and catching some sun are all perfect ways to spend the day. If you’re a back-to-nature type, Eungella is hidden in the mountain tops with cafés, art galleries and wildlife sanctuaries in abundance. Try to spot a platypus.”

FIND IT:

Artspace Mackay
Gordon St, Mackay, tel: +61 (7) 4957 1722

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
9 Lagoon St, West Mackay, tel: +61 (7) 4952 7300

Mackay Marina Village and Shipyard
Mulherin Drv, Mackay Harbour, Mackay, tel: +61 (7) 4955 6855

Eimeo Hotel
1 Mango Ave, Eimeo, tel: +61 (7) 4954 6106

Forest Flying
Finch Hatton Gorge, tel: +61 (7) 4958 3359

Pacino’s on the Waterfront
8 River St, Mackay, tel: +61 (7) 4957 8131

Satchmos at the Reef
Marina Village, Mulherin Drv, Mackay, tel: +61 (7) 4955 6055

George’s Thai on the Marina
Marina Village, Mulherin Drv, Mackay, tel: +61 (7) 4955 5778

Sails Steakhouse and Sports Bar
Marina Village, Mulherin Drv, Mackay, tel: +61 (7) 4955 5722

Cactus Jacks
Grand Mercure Suites, 9 Gregory St (entry off Wood St), Mackay, tel: +61 (7) 4969 1021

AM Bar
Grand Mercure Suites, 9 Gregory St, Mackay, tel: +61 (7) 4969 0435

Platinum Lounge
Shop 3/ 83 Victoria St, Mackay, tel: +61 (7) 4944 1877

Drink up the views from Eimeo Hotel

Mackay is definitely not wanting in the restaurant stakes, with something to suit everyone’s taste buds and budget. Pacino’s has fresh seafood and a mouth-watering Mediterranean menu. It’s perched over the azure waters of Pioneer River.

Locals love relaxing at the Marina Village, where you’re spoilt for choice. Satchmos is the top pick if you enjoy tasty tapas and a little jazz. There’s also George’s Thai on the Marina and Sails Steakhouse and Sports Bar, which serves up delicious wagyu beef.

Back at the Grand Mercure hotel, Cactus Jacks is the best place for Tex-Mex cuisine and a cocktail. Happy hour is 5–7pm daily. Or check out the AM Bar on a Friday afternoon, when things really get hopping. If you’re looking for somewhere to continue the party until late, hit the dance floor at Platinum Lounge.

After all that sightseeing, swimming and snorkelling, you’ll really feel you’ve got the most out of your holiday in Mackay. The only thing you could want for is more time.

For all your travel choices, go to jetstar.com

Celeste Mitchell says:

Mackay has certainly changed in the eight years since I’ve lived there. The Marina sits in the space where Harbour Beach used to be before they moved it down the coast to make way for the yachts and cruisers. But the thing I love most about Mackay is the tropical, laid-back ambience of the town and if you’re a water baby like me, you’re spoilt for choice!