Getting to Know the Mackay Region

Filled to the brim with natural beauty, the Mackay region is a must for all who wish to see the best of Australia.

Choose Your Own Adventure

The sugar cane capital of Australia has been making global headlines as the best place to spot a platypus in the world, but what else can you do in Mackay? The region is popping up on the bucket lists of travellers who want to get up close with nature and wildlife, camp out under the stars, wet a line and hang with some friendly locals. We’ve pulled together a list of the best things you can do in Mackay that will leave you inspired and invigorated.

Get Hooked

The Mackay Region is known as one of the best fishing locations on the Australian east coast. Nestled along the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, this pristine location boasts some of the most unique fisheries in the country. Mackay even has the best whiting available in Queensland, and a vast array of prawns, yabbies, and Spanish mackerel. Those who wish to cast a line can do so in saltwater or can head up to the rainforest to find rivers, dams, and sandy estuaries.

Get Reserved

From rainforests to hinterlands, lakes to reef, there is beauty to be found in many forms across the Mackay Region. Visitors can see dugongs at Claireview, and turtles at Sarina. Emus wander the highlands, birdwatching in Dysart, and the famous platypus play in the Broken River. You’ll even have the Eungella National Park and the Great Barrier Reef at your disposal, with some of the best nature reserves on the planet within reach.

TOP 5 Things to do in Mackay

Here are our Top 5 favourite things to do on your visit to Mackay:

SPOT A PLATYPUS
These shy little cuties love the crystal clear waters of Eungella National Park, around 90 minutes’ drive west of Mackay. Come dawn or dusk you can watch the platypuses frolic and feed in the water from dedicated viewing platforms.

SUNRISE ON THE BEACH WITH AN AUSSIE ICON
Snap the changing colours of the sky as the sun rises over the ocean at Cape Hillsborough National Park topped off with a kangaroo or wallaby in your pic. This is one of the only places in the world where the marsupials happily bounce their way down to the beach to chill out, nibble and pose for the odd photo or ten.

HIKE YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS
Venture to Finch Hatton Gorge to discover waterfalls, freshwater swimming holes and some great walks. Take a 4.2-km stroll through dense tropical rainforest to see the spectacular Araluen and Wheel of Fire waterfalls. After working up a bit of a sweat, cool off in clear rock pools which are signed for swimming.

SNAP A SWEET PIC
Oozing sweet appeal, the sugarcane fields around Mackay are a favourite for photographers. The lush green growth, blue skies, red earth, and gentle rolling hills offer the perfect stage for avid snappers. Head to the Pioneer Valley – a leisurely 45-minute drive west of Mackay – for some of the best spots.

WET YOUR LINE
Mackay has some of the best fishing spots in Australia with commercial fishing boats running daily from the Marina. Join one of the fishing groups as they head off for the day and come home with jewfish, mackerel, and bream. For whiting, flathead and smaller bream look no further than the Pioneer River, where you can drop a line for free.

Time to Getaway!

If you’re looking for a place to go this year, look no further than the Mackay Region. A jewel of Australia bursting with life, colour, and adventure, it is a good destination for a great getaway. Pack your caravan, book a flight, load the car. Whichever way you travel, be sure to travel here.

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