A sunny coastal city in tropical Queensland, Mackay has long been known for its role in the sugarcane industry, but in recent years, it’s emerged as a low-key tourism destination. Not as busy as Cairns or the Whitsundays, Mackay offers uncrowded beaches despite being close to the Great Barrier Reef. Some things to do in the region include visiting Eungella National Park, a rainforest habitat with rare frogs and platypuses, and going to Cape Hillsborough National Park for a sunrise encounter with wallabies and kangaroos.
The best time to visit Mackay is during the dry season (July to October), when temperatures are mild, rainfall is minimal, and humidity is at its lowest. July to September is ideal for hiking and offers the coolest conditions. October brings warmer sea temperatures, making it perfect for beach days and trips to the Great Barrier Reef before the summer storms begin.
Renting a car is ideal if you plan to visit national parks or remote beaches, but getting around Mackay without a car is possible. Public buses provide service from the airport and cover much of the city, although they don’t reach all tourist spots. Other options include walking or cycling, with the multiuse Bluewater Trail connecting key areas such as the marina and Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, or joining a guided tour.
Nothing beats a cooling swim when you’re in the tropics, and while Araluen Falls and the Wheel of Fire Cascades in Finch Hatton Gorge are two of Mackay’s more popular swimming holes, there are quieter options. Head to Cathu State Forest for secluded rock pools and smaller crowds, or take a day trip out to Brampton Island and snorkel the "fishbowl" (the channel between Brampton and Carlisle Islands) to see turtles, reef sharks, and coral.
