List
By Kim Barnard
Midway between Brisbane and Cairns is a region bursting with natural gems, perfect for getting lost in. From Australia’s longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest and bewitching national parks to secluded beaches and historical towns, Mackay has something for every wide-eyed kid looking for adventure.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a week, here are the best things to do with the kids in Mackay.
Getting the crew out of bed will be a whole lot easier when you tell them they’ll be spending the morning getting up close with Mackay’s local wildlife. At Cape Hillsborough National Park, when the sun comes up, so do the wallabies and kangaroos. Head to the beach, lay down a picnic blanket and watch these iconic Aussie animals hop along the water’s edge with the breathtaking golden sunrise as your backdrop.
Then, after you’ve got your fill marvelling at mother nature, take on the bushwalk to Andrews Point. Starting at the beach, this two-hour walk will guide you through a luscious rainforest dotted with scenic lookouts. Keep an eye out for birds and butterflies (especially the bright blue Ulysses!), as well as turtles swimming in the clear waters when you reach Turtle Point. When it’s time to return to the start, go back the way you came or wander along the beach if the tide is low, to shorten the walk by half an hour.
If one animal fix isn’t enough, head to Eungella National Park’s Broken River for an experience only a few places in Australia can offer. Platypus are relatively shy creatures so it’s often hard to spot them in their natural habitat. Luckily for you and the crew, the viewing platform here is the ultimate exception; visit during sunrise or sunset to catch a glimpse.
While visiting Eungella, give the kids a dose of the local culture with a walk along the wheelchair-accessible Sky Window track; it’s scattered with information boards that tell stories of the region’s rich cultural history, which ranges from gold mining and timber to dairying and tourism.
Bluewater Lagoon, Mackay. Photo by @visitmackay
Nestled in the Mackay City Centre, overlooking Pioneer River, is a water haven that kid dreams are made of. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, Bluewater Lagoon has an area to suit everyone and every swimming ability; there’s three-tiered pools of varying depths, a playground fitted with a drop-bucket and water slide, and a magical waterfall. The lagoon also provides disabled and elderly access with handrails.
When the kids need to refuel after their fun in the sun, take a seat at the onsite cafe and indulge in the tasty array of snacks, drinks and ice creams on offer. Or, if you fancy a picnic, take advantage of the free-to-use electric barbecues.
Bluewater Lagoon is free for all and monitored by lifeguards seven days a week.
When the kids are itching for an adrenaline-pumping activity, sign them up for an eco-friendly Forest Flying Tour; they won’t be disappointed! This unique experience gives participants a birds-eye view of the Finch Hatton Gorge rainforest by way of soaring on flying foxes through the trees and leaves. Set 25 metres above, you’ll have no trouble taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the luscious greenery.
The Forest Flying Tour runs daily at 10:30am and 1pm.
This is your invitation to explore the Great Barrier Reef - totally off the beaten track. In one action-packed day trip, Wildcat Mackay's cutom-built catamaran will introduce your family to untouched islands, quiet snorkel spots, and pristine beaches that few other travellers get to experience. Tours include all snorkelling equipment, lunch plus snacks throughout the day.
If you’re fond of fishing, you’ll be glad to hear that Mackay has a plethora of spots perfect for reeling in a fish or two. Whether it’s a dam, river, creek or island, you’ll be able to hop from one to the other to find the perfect catch. If you’ve got a boat, check out these top fishing spots. If not, these land-based locations will do the trick.
Commercial fishing boats also run daily from the marina.
Theresa Creek Dam, Clermont. Photo by @_markfitz
Seeking some family time in true peace and quiet? Theresa Creek Dam in Clermont has you covered. This tranquil outback oasis is the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, skiing, boating and camping. The kids will have a blast splashing around in the calm waters and trying to reel in scaly swimmers. While golden perch, jewfish, barramundi and red-claw all call this waterway home, you’ll need to get your hands on a permit (a Stocked Impoundment Permit, to be exact) if fishing for more than just red-claw. Pick up a digital permit online with the click of a button.
When the crew gets hungry, head to the Kiosk for a scenic lunch.
Located just 35 minutes south of Mackay is a sugar mill where you can learn how sugarcane is turned into its sweet household by-product.
Sarina Sugar Shed runs educational 'paddock to plate' style tours teach visitors about the region’s multi-million dollar sugarcane industry. You'll see the process as a miniature mill transforms raw sugarcane plant into sugar, and get to taste the sweet substance in all its forms—from the natural stak and molasses to crystallised and sweet treats. After the tour, fill up on housemade scones, ice cream and more at the cafe.
Spend a day walking or cycling along the Bluewater Trail for a mixture of sunshine and serenity. This 20 km trail collides with scenic views and a variety of parks and environmental walks. It also connects popular Mackay destinations, perfect for breaking up your day (such as the Bluewater Quay, Bluewater Lagoon, Botanic Gardens and Mackay City beaches).
Got a daredevil in your crew? Wake House Australia is where watersports dreams come true - perfect for total beginners and those with skills to come and learn how to wakeboard or kneeboard. Basic equipment, a comprehensive safety briefing and on-dock coaching is provided with your pass.
With regular live music and fun wakeboarding events, the whole family will enjoy spending their free time at the park.
Mackay Botanic Gardens. Photo by @mackaycouncil
Just a ten-minute drive from the Mackay City Centre will take you to gardens shrouded in flora from near and far. View a stunning array of flowers and plants from Mackay and the Whitsundays, greater Australia, and overseas locations with similar tropical climates.
Besides the feature gardens, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens also has 3km of walking and cycling tracks, wetland boardwalks, a gallery perched above a lagoon, and a cafe. Be sure to look out for the art instalments and information boards on your stroll to pick up some unique facts about the area.
Eimeo Beach, Mackay. Photo by @lost_bunyip
Drive 20 minutes north of Mackay's city centre for sun and sand at Eimeo Beach. Patrolled during school holidays, this beach is a popular destination for visitors. Besides swimming in the pristine waters, you can drive under a heritage-listed mango tree canopy, have an ocean-side picnic or dine with elevated views at the nearby Eimeo Pacific Hotel.
Alternatively, visit Bucasia Beach, which is one of the longest beaches in the Mackay Region. This four-kilometre haven is an ideal spot for a picnic or a hit of beach cricket.
Convinced to plan at trip to Mackay? Here's how to combine the region's most scenic spots into an incredible road trip.