A local's guide to Mackay's great outdoors

If you think this low-key city lacks a foodie scene, think again. 

Start your culinary journey with a 30-minute scenic drive to the small cane-farming community of Sarina for brekkie at Third Ground Coffee House. Since opening in 2015, it’s quickly become a favourite haunt for the locals, and for good reason – not only have they nailed the cosy country-slash-modern-industrial decor to a tee, but all their produce is sourced locally.

The best lunch is served in Mackay's CBD at 9th Lane Grind. The local's go-to is the KFCB, aka, Kristy’s Fried Chicken Burger with smashed avo, kale slaw and sriracha mayo. Followed by a brownie, of course.

For dinner, make your way to BURP dine at BURP for modern Australian à la carte and degustation menus.

Eating out with kids? For classic pub-style food, grab a schnitty and beer at Mount Pleasant Tavern, which you can enjoy in peace while the kids are kept busy in the playroom.

Drink

Coffee connoisseurs are well served in Mackay thanks to Woodman’s Axe Espresso. They take coffee seriously, with single origin and two blends available - just as the barista for their recommendation.

When night falls, put on your swanky best and mosey on down to The Dispensary. With funky booths, an eclectic vibe, and bar menu of boutique beers, whiskies and cocktails – plus an extensive wine list – you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in downtown Manhattan, let alone Mackay.

Stay

The words ‘airport hotel’ might not scream holiday-mode, but the Ibis Mackay sure gets away with it. Not only is it super convenient – try about a 5-minute walk from baggage collection and only a 10-minute drive to the city centre – but it’s super modern too.

If you’ve packed the tent or got the kids in tow, set your sights on the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park. Although it’s a little out of town (approximately 45 minutes), it’ll make for an unforgettable family holiday waking up to one of the most famous scenes in Australia. Fronting Casuarina Beach, the kids will be in awe of the wallabies and roos who scour the morning tide for mangrove seed pods and seaweed. Camping is also available in the national park. 

Stay close to the action at four-star resort Mackay Oceanside, or if total luxury is more your holiday style, drive half an hour to the countryside to hole up at The Feathered Nest, one of Queensland’s most luxurious hotels and resorts.

Play

Cape Hillsborough

Cape Hillsborough should be at the top of your Mackay great outdoors bucket list. Wake up at the crack of dawn to meet the famous ‘roos on the beach at sunrise. The national park also has some local favourite hiking trails, including Andrew’s Point Track taking you up to Turtle Lookout to spot turtles feeding on the grass beds in the cove below.

Finch Hatton Gorge

On a hot day, you can’t beat the rock pools of Finch Hatton Gorge. Park up and take the short bushwalk to the bottom where most of the family’s hang out; keen walkers can hit up the more challenging Araluen Cascades and Wheel of Fire tracks to work up a sweat.

For something a little different, take to the treetops with Forest Flying and glide through the rainforest canopy for a unique angle on the gorge.

Eungella National Park

Further up the range is the bushwalking haven known as Eungella National Park, with tracks ranging from easy 10-minute strolls to thigh-burning workouts through layers of bright piccabeen and Alexandra palms.

On the way, visit Broken River to spot the elusive platypus in the wild. It’s one of the most reliable places in Australia to see this duck-billed critter in its natural habitat, with your best chances being early morning or afternoon. Better still, you can come face-to-face with these cuties on a unique rainforest scuba dive.

Eungella Dam is another go-to spot for all things outdoorsy, including camping, fishing, 4WDing and water sports.

Keswick Island

Keswick Island is the place to be if you want to fill your days with beautiful beaches, snorkelling and reef adventures. Day trips depart Mackay via boat or seaplane, or you can stay at the island’s self-contained beach house or camping and glamping grounds.

Shop

Caneland Central is the largest shopping centre in Mackay, with all your retail therapy needs covered. But for fresh produce and unique finds, you can’t beat the local markets. The Greater Whitsunday Farmers Markets is a weekly hotbed of the region’s freshest foods and ingredients, held every Wednesday from 7am-11am in the city's heart. 

Eungella, Sarina, Seaforth and Marian also hold monthly community markets with a variety of stalls from second-hand wares to arts and crafts. Check the Mackay Regional Council website for dates.

Local's tip

At low tide, you'll find locals walking out to Wedge Island, connected to the mainland by rocks and sandflats when the water's low.

Boulder Creek in Calen is a little slice of paradise favoured by locals for its relaxing, low-key vibes and beautiful surroundings. It’s free to camp and you’ll find toilets, wood BBQs and picnic tables, so pack an Esky and your swimmers, and sent up tent-home on the banks of the river – it’s first in, best dressed.

Note: Although the large camping ground is private property, the owners allow campers by their own good will, so please make sure you take care when camping, cause no damage to fences (to protect cattle) and clean up after yourselves so everyone can keep enjoying this pristine spot.

When to go

Autumn and spring provide the perfect conditions for getting out and about in nature. If you’re planning to camp, winter offers crisp, cool days and clear, starry nights.

Getting there

Fly straight into the city at the Mackay Airport, which is only 10 minutes from the CBD. Alternatively, driving will take you just under two hours from Airlie Beach or an 11-hour drive from Brisbane.