Put your feet up

Ringed by the Hibiscus Coast and Cape Hillsborough National Park, Mackay has certainly been dealt a good hand by Mother Nature. But it’s not just the landscape and terrains here that are diverse, but the accommodation too. Whether you wish to rest your head in a cabin under a rainforest canopy or a historic hotel in the town centre, there’s something to suit every traveller’s budget and accommodation preferences in Mackay.

Convenience seekers will find solace in town, where a selection of historic hotels, modern motels and serviced and self-contained holiday apartments are nestled amongst the art deco-lined streets of Mackay City. Or hop aboard a boat in the neighbouring marina – you’ll find no shortage of fishing charters, luxury yachts and private vessels which are eager to provide a place to rest your head on the high seas.

Outdoor enthusiasts looking to get back to nature will find a temporary home a little further afield in the lush countryside, away from the bright lights of the city centre. Base yourself in idyllic Cape Hillsborough, on the cusp of a national park, where camping and caravan spots join cabins and motels. Alternatively, there’s Eungella National Park — “a land in the clouds” — where a gathering of cabins, caravan parks and campsites reside, not to mention a flourishing population of platypus.

Mackay accommodation — our base for unforgettable adventures 

Mackay delivers amazing experiences, from the tropical islands off its breathtakingly beautiful coastline to its famous fishing spots and lush hinterlands where exceptional hiking experiences await. But Mackay isn’t just a springboard to unforgettable adventures further afield — it’s a destination in itself, with a superb selection of accommodation options to suit all holidaymakers and travellers. The recently revitalised Mackay city centre offers hotels, motels and serviced and self-contained apartments, with a variety of backpacker hostels, caravan parks and campsites all located a short distance away. 

For a tropical island getaway set amongst the pristine waters of the Coral Sea at the southern end of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, head to Keswick Island - only a short, 15-minute fight over the Great Barrier Reef due to its proximity to Mackay. You can hire one of the many charter planes and helicopters available to make this short trip a scenic one as well. Looking for something by the sea that’s a little more accessible? Check out the seafront resorts at Dolphin Heads, just 15-minutes from the city centre, or the family-friendly holiday park at Blacks Beach just north of Mackay where you’ll find a range of affordable accommodation options, from tent and caravan sites to self-contained villas. 

Perfect for families 

The accommodation in Mackay presents something for all travellers, especially parents with the kids in tow looking for holiday accommodation with swimming pools and facilities to keep the young ones occupied. Mackay doesn’t disappoint in that regard, with 3 and 4-star family-friendly resorts and motels providing a range of spacious rooms and suites, many of which are self-contained and perfect for affordable family holidays. 

There’s no shortage of holiday apartments that are perfect for families in Mackay either — if a spacious, self-contained, fully air-conditioned apartment, townhouse or villa right on the beach sounds like your tribe’s perfect getaway, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for in sunny Mackay!