Your guide to accessible travel in Mackay

Nature is at the very heart of Mackay. Lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty to experiences, whether that’s wallabies on the beach, platypus in the rivers, or charming coastal pathways that lead to serene spots. 

Even better, many of Mackay’s biggest attractions are open to all – catering to travellers with accessibility needs and more.

Use this guide to accessible travel in Mackay and start planning your visit.

Getting to Mackay

If you're flying into Mackay Airport, read up on its support services and accessible facilities here. 

Where to stay: accessible accommodation in Mackay

Travellers with accessibility needs are spoilt for choice when deciding where to stay in Mackay. 

Want to kick back with harbour views? Ten minutes’ drive from town, Mantra Mackay overlooks the marina, is close to wheelchair accessible Harbour Beach, and makes a great base if you’re planning day trips to Cape Hillsborough or Eungella National Park. When you get hungry, there’s an onsite restaurant and bar, plus all the choice of the waterfront restaurants just moments away.

Stay in the heart of the city at Quest on Gordon. Great for longer stays, the serviced apartments are spacious with fully stocked kitchens, washer and dryer. The location can’t be beat – it’s conveniently close to the restaurant precinct, Queens Park and the Bluewater Trail, 20km walking/biking path that circumnavigates the city and is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Other accessible accommodation in the region includes Mackay Resort Motel, BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park (home to a wheelchair accessible executive cabin), EconoLodge Beachside Motel, and Rydges Mackay Suites.

It's recommended to call your preferred accommodation before booking to ensure their facilities meet your needs.

Play: accessible activities in Mackay

Looking for things to do in Mackay for accessible travellers? Clear your schedule – there’s a lot to do here.

Explore the Kommo Toera Trail 

A short drive from Mackay Harbour, the Kommo Toera Trail is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant habitats. Explore wetlands and Melaleuca forest along 1km of accessible pathways and boardwalks – including two birdwatching huts that have been thoughtfully designed to include spaces specifically for wheelchair users.

Wander through the gardens

The peaceful Mackay Botanic Gardens is the perfect spot to retreat to unwind, with over 3km of well-maintained accessible pathways which are lit daily from 5am – 9pm. Explore the diverse flora of North Queensland, then tuck into breakfast or lunch with a view at the Botanical Gardens Café.

Any guide to accessible travel in Mackay must also include Queens Park and its array of attractions – from historical landmarks to an Aboriginal interpretation trail to the spectacular Orchid House, this is an inclusive destination for the whole family.

Find platypus - and views - at Eungella National Park

About 1.5 hours west of Mackay you’ll find Eungella National Park – one of the best day trips from Mackay. The drive through the Pioneer Valley on the way to Eungella is almost as beautiful as the destination itself. The two must-do stops are Broken River’s platypus viewing trail, and the sweeping views from Sky Window Lookout: both trails are accessible.

Want more to do while you’re in the area? Stop at historic Melba House in Marion, and grab a pie from the Pinnacle Hotel – it’s the stuff of legend in these parts.

Take a dip at Bluewater Lagoon

Hot days in Mackay call for cooling off. Bluewater Lagoon is a free public waterpark, patrolled by lifeguards during opening hours. Three tiered pools are connected with accessible pathways, there’s a self-propelled pool wheelchair available for use and accessible amenities with a shower too. Add in plenty of spacious, shaded areas and an all abilities playground – this is a great day out for the whole family.

Take it easy at Mackay Harbour

You could easily spend most of a day soaking up the atmosphere around Mackay Harbour. Take a stroll along the wide paths that overlook the marina and follow it out along the breakwater for stunning coastal views. Want some beach time? Harbour Beach is the region’s accessible beach, and Mackay Surf Club offers a beach wheelchair for use too.

Nearby, J.M. Mulherin Memorial Park has an accessible playground and places to picnic.

Burn off some energy at an all-abilities playground

The kids will love Iluka Park's all-abilities playground, which is equipped with activities for all ages. Discover a fort surrounded by a maze of paths, sensory plantings, interactive panels, a sand play station, junior and senior play areas, kick-about area, climbing structure, double swing, and Gyro spinner - with accessible restooms and picnic area. 

Arriving later in 2023, another all-abilities playground has been fast tracked at Woodlands District Park, between Beaconsfield and Andergrove.

Meet the wallabies for sunrise at Cape Hillsborough 

By far the most popular wildlife experience in Mackay, Cape Hillsborough is famous for its wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos that meet on the beach at daybreak to feed. There’s ramp access to the beach for those with mobility issues, though wheelchair users may wish to ensure their gear is suitable for the sand. A quiet, wide and open beach area, this wildlife experience is ideal for nature-loving kids who might be overstimulated in a zoo environment, and national park rangers are here every morning to anwer all your questions.

After sunrise, stick around and check out other corners of Cape Hillsborough National Park. The Diversity Boardwalk is a beautiful pathway that leads through the mangroves and Eucalypt forest, and the first scenic 300m is suitable for wheelchairs.

Eat & Drink

Drive a little outside of Mackay and you’ll find a sea of green sugarcane lining both sides of the road. It’s one of the region’s biggest industries, and your road trip can lead you to one of the tastiest things to do: Sarina Sugar Shed. Take a fun tour to learn all about the early days of the sugar cane industry, how they turn sugar from cane into what you add to your coffee, and taste test your way through their range of products, from rum and fruit liqueurs to chutney, relish and more. Satisfy your sweet tooth afterwards at the onsite café serving up scones, tasting platters and homemade ice cream.

Sarina Sugar Shed caters to those living with disability, with the one-hour long tours easily navigated by wheelchair or mobility device, and seating can be arranged for those who may need a rest from standing. Tours can be varied to include additional descriptors to assist those with low-vision, and registered assistance dogs are welcome too. 

Most cafes, bars and restaurants along the Mackay Harbour waterfront are also wheelchair accessible – we recommend calling ahead to reserve a spot that suits your needs.