Mackay

The Mackay region is an inviting blend of secluded beaches, elusive wildlife and rural communities. At the heart of the region is Mackay city, a vibrant city with lovely Art Deco buildings and streets lined with palm trees. The surrounding areas are perfect for holidaying far from crowds; relaxing at secluded beaches, exploring an ancient rainforest, snorkelling the reef or strolling through a laid-back city centre, you'll love the tropical ambience of the Mackay region.

Situated on latitude 210, longitude 1480, Mackay is a vibrant exciting tropical city, booming from the richness of sugar and mining. Mackay was settled in 1862, named after one Captain John Mackay who discovered the valley of the Pioneer River.

Early pioneers brought sugar cane to the region and began an industry that has become one of Australia's largest. Within a decade of settlement, Mackay became Queensland's largest sugar producing area and still is! Mackay grew with its industries. As sugar boomed so did the frontier town.

The climate and environment of the Mackay area soon attracted families and today more than 75,000 people live in Mackay. More and more "Southerners" are drawn by the promise of sunshine, warmth and relaxed family living.

Mackay's close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and some of the world's most prized rainforests make it a holiday destination for many thousands of visitors.

Mackay's City Heart has recently undergone a magical transformation by way of a unique community arts project. Comprising of over 580 pieces of art, the overall theme depicts the environmental beauty of the Natural North.

The Mackay Region makes an ideal holiday stopover, short break escape or meeting place for business - offering a wide variety of attractions and activities for all the family to enjoy.

Imagine a city with so many beaches that you could visit a different one everyday for a month! That’s right, the Mackay Region has 31 beaches for you to visit and explore. Cape HillsboroughEnjoy leisurely walks, swimming, and fishing or just sit and watch the kiteboarders and windsurfers ride up and down the water. Some of the region’s best beaches include Eimeo Beach, Blacks Beach, Shoal Point, Harbour Beach and the spectacular beach at Cape Hillsborough National Park, where the rainforest literally meets the sea.

South of the city centre lies the newly developed Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens- the gardens were opened in 2003 and showcases the different cultures from throughout the region through a diverse range of vegetation. The picturesque landscape also overlooks the expansive South Sea Island Lagoons and Meeting House.

Take a drive to the Northern Beaches, where you can stroll along the quiet and secluded beaches or treat yourself to a counter meal, ice cold drink and million dollar views of the nearby islands at the Eimeo Hotel. Whales are also visible during the season from the back veranda of the hotel.

Experience the sugar industry in action – during the crushing season (July to November) the Farleigh Sugar Mill conducts daily tours (mon-fri) of a working mill. The tour takes around 2 hours and guides you through the crushing process, turning the cane into molasses, and then the different varieties of sugar – taste tests are provided! Polstone Sugar Cane Farm in Homebush, conducts tours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday- guiding you through a working sugar cane farm, showing the process involved with growing and harvesting a sugar cane crop- before it makes its journey to the sugar mill.

Inland from Mackay, visit the mining communities and hinterland, areas steeped in history and townships built around the coal and sugar industry. Stop at the historic Nebo Hotel, fossick for gold at Clermont, experience a working coal mine at Blair Athol, or take the Moranbah Federation Walk and learn about the regions rich pioneering history. You can be assured of a warm welcome!

Apart from its permanent attractions, the Mackay Region hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year to keep visitors entertained. Sarina hosts the QLD Mud Trials during May; Nebo is the location for Graham Stuart Memorial Rodeo and the Campdraft in June. Mackay and Pioneer Valley annual shows are held during June and don’t miss the two week long Mackay’s Festival of Arts in July, the largest regional arts and cultural festival in Queensland.