15 things to do in Mackay on land, sea and sky

List

By Alessia Castiglione

Australia’s sugar capital enjoys a sweet reputation - not just for its proximity to The Whitsundays for quick getaways, and its gateway location between Cairns and Brisbane - but the natural beauty that abounds within its borders.

Mackay, which produces over one third of Australia’s sugar, is perched on the southern backyard of the Great Barrier Reef, making it a perfect meet-in-the-middle spot.

Our top things to do in Mackay take you from ground-level to above and below the water as you get close to nature, explore local flavours, chase adventure, and connect with some friendly locals.

1. Get up close with a platypus

Broken River, Eungella National Park, Mackay

In the waters of Eungella National Park (90 minutes’ drive west of Mackay) there are cheeky platypus that love to frolic.

The best time to spot them playing and feeding in the water is around dawn and dusk. Maximise your chances and spend the night at Broken River Mountain Resort – an eco-tourism retreat overlooking a platypus habitat. You’re not only likely to spot some of these elusive monotremes, but Eungella’s sub-tropical rainforest is also home to 225 species of birds, and an abundance of spectacular native wildlife.

2. Witness wildlife magic at sunrise

Cape Hillsborough National Park, Mackay

Soak in the sunrise and the coastal views at Casuarina Beach in Cape Hillsborough National Park, and you'll quickly discover that there's another incredible reason visitors come down early each morning.

Each day break, the beach gets visitors of a different kind, too -  wallabies and kangaroos that congregate down by the water’s edge, foraging for their breakfast of mangrove seed pods. Book a ranger led tour to witness this intimate wildlife encounter.

Not a morning person? Spend the night directly opposite the beach at Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort and virtually roll out of bed to catch the sunrise - and wallaby sightings.

3. Fly through the forest

Eco tourism experience Forest Flying lets you feel like you’re a bird as you glide 25 metres above the forest floor and Finch Hatton Gorge.

Zip over lush tropical rainforest canopies and try to find the bats nestled upside-down in the trees as you silently fly by.

Our tip: book in advance as spots tend to fill up.

4. Hike your way to happiness

Finch Hatton Gorge, Mackay

Mackay is a hiker's paradise - from the family-friendly coastal walks of Cape Hillsborough National Park to slogging it out on the multi-day Mackay Highlands Great Walk

But one place you can't skip is Finch Hatton Gorge: is a vast landscape of waterfalls, lush flora and volcanic boulder formations. Take a 4.2km stroll through dense tropical rainforest to see the spectacular Araluen and Wheel of Fire waterfalls. After working up a sweat, cool off in the clear rock pools.

5. Get a rush at Wake House

Wake House Australia, Mackay

From first-timers who want to have a crack to talented riders honing new skills, Wake House is one of the best things to do in Mackay for adrenalin junkies. 

With options for kneeboarding and wakeboarding, it's a thrill from start to finish. And with regular live music and fun wakeboarding events, the whole family will enjoy spending their free time at the park.

6. Sample the sweet stuff

Sarina Sugar Shed, Mackay

Mackay is one of Australia's biggest sugar-producing regions, and you can taste it at the source at award-winning Sarina Sugar Shed

This authentic paddock-to-plate food tourism experience explores the journey of sugar production, from sugarcane to their finished distilled products and homemade condiments. Take one of the daily tours and you'll come away with fascinating insights into the industry, as well as tasting many of the products made onsite, including liquers, jams, sauces and ginger beer. 

Afterwards, visit the Sugar Shed's cafe for scones, homemade ice cream and more. 

7. Eat like a local

The Flackyard, Mackay

Sugar is just the start of your Mackay culinary experience - there's local flavours to taste all over the region. 

Aussie native ingredients are on show at The Flackyard's degustation experience, well-known for their efforts in sourcing from First Nations suppliers. The Dispensary is a popular local cafe and bar offering coffee, eats and late-night sips out of its pre-war building. 

9th Lane Grind is the go-to breakfast spot, while you can't miss a shop at Mackay Farmers Market, held every Wednesday morning from 6:30 -10:30am at the Bluewater Quay.

8. Explore the Reef

Wildcat Mackay, Mackay

Go off the beaten track and discover some of the most picturesque and untouched islands and Great Barrier Reef locations off the coast of Mackay with Wildcat.

The one-of-a-kind custom-built vessel aims to provide guests of all ages with the smoothest and fastest ride possible, leaving you more time to snorkel, swim and paddleboard through pristine waters on an action-packed day trip from Mackay.

9. Explore on two wheels

Mackay is an undiscovered mountain biker's mecca. And with one of Australia’s largest mountain bike parks set to open in 2025, it’s only going to get better.

Offering a new way to get out among nature, there are several designated mountain biking areas throughout Mackay: Rowallan Park is the perfect playground for newbies and seasoned pros, while Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails offers over 100-kilometres of singletrack adventure built to international standards.

10. Stand on the edge of the world

Sky Window Lookout, Eungella National Park, Mackay

The Pioneer Valley in Eungella National Park is a breathtaking place to explore for the day. Where to find the best views? Sky Window Lookout.

This is your chance to explore one of Queensland’s most ecologically diverse spots – home to the Eungella dayfrog, Mackay tulip oak and Eungella honeyeater to name just a few. Enjoy a picnic at Broken River before wandering down one of the nearby walking trails. You can even camp out under the ceiling of a million stars and pitch a tent in the Broken River Campground.

11. Spend a night with the birds

There should be more luxury bird retreats in the world: a free concert, anytime you want? Yes please. The Feathered Nest has its own private plunge pool and aviary, and is just 30 minutes’ drive north of Mackay.

Meet owner Gordon Lockie and have the chance to see some of his rare black cockatoos. Gordon is a registered breeder of cockatoos and has a number of endangered species in his collection. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a hatchling.

12. Get airborne

Bush Heli-Services, Mackay

Want a bird's eye view of Mackay's wild west? Experience the region's rich bushland with one of the most adventurous - and possibly indulgent - things to do in Mackay. 

Bush Heli Services offers a range of scenic flights, but one stands above the rest (literally). Soar over vast landscapes, then touch down on a mountain summit in the Peak Ranges for a gourmet picnic among views of Lords Table Mountain and a horizon that seems to stretch infinitely.

13. Drop a line

Pioneer River, Mackay

Set up your line for the day in one of the best fishing spots in Australia and come home with jewfish, mackerel and bream. If you want some company, commercial fishing boats run daily from the marina. For whiting, flathead and smaller bream try the Pioneer River.

14. Go island-hopping

Keswick Island, Mackay

Keswick Island, 32km off the coast of Mackay, is a hidden gem and one of the southernmost Whitsunday islands. Almost the whole island is a national park surrounded by sandy beaches, coral gardens perfect for snorkelling in, and three shipwrecks.

Arrive in style at the private airstrip or arrive by boat at the jetty, then take time to explore the subtropical rainforest teeming with flora and fauna. Stare at the views across the Whitsunday water on one of the stunning bushwalks.

Here's how to spend a few days on the island. 

15. Visit Artspace Mackay

Fifth Lane Street Art

Immerse yourself among the region’s creative community with a trip to Artspace. The regional gallery is dedicated to Mackay’s artistic pursuits and its story alike with the architecturally award-winning space home to a rotating array of exhibitions, including many a showcase of Mackay and its history. And it’s not all indoors - Mackay is home to more than 100 public artworks on permanent display in the city. Take one of the trio of public art trails to see them up close and personal.

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