Introduction
Located on the east coast of Queensland, Australia this diverse town boasts stunning scenery, fascinating modern architecture. This busy coastal town has shed its once-industrial appearance to make way for a more attractive holiday resort. Its coastal location and closeness to some great beaches has been exploited in recent years. While many visitors pass through the town to visit more popular holiday destinations, Mackay has plenty of its own charms for those who decide to stay. This up-and-coming hotspot is home to great beaches and an array of excellent al-fresco restaurants and quirky bars. It also has a large number of parks for you to spend a peaceful afternoon in.
Ideal car
Off-road
A 4x4 vehicle would be best for exploring the rural and surrounding areas of Mackay, while it wouldn’t be too bad for driving in the town itself.
Driving in Mackay
Road Driving Side
Urban Speed Limit
Rural Speed Limit
Motorway Speed Limit
Important things to note
A car is the best way to get around this part of Queensland, especially if you’re looking to explore the areas surrounding Mackay.
Mackay has great connections to other parts of Queensland with the coastal highway, the Bruce Highway, between Brisbane and Cairns running directly through the town.
It’s advisable to plan your journey beforehand, especially when driving long distances, and make allowances for sufficient rest breaks.
Highlights & Hotspots
For a fun-filled day out with all the family why not head to the fantastic Bluewater Lagoon in Mackay’s town centre. This man-made lagoon is home to water slides, fountains and splash pools as well as grassy picnic areas, which overlook the stunning Pioneer River.
Escape the town and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens. Home to a variety of stunning themed gardens, and a fabulous restaurant as well as a quaint art gallery this is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. There are also guided walks and barbecue events planned during spring and summer.
Absorb the town’s local arts and culture scene and visit the superb Artspace Mackay. This regional art gallery has numerous temporary and permanent exhibitions showcasing regional and international artists. The gallery also run workshops for print and ceramics and has a quaint café and gift shop.
Mackay is ideally located for those who want to explore the stunning Whitsunday Islands. Situated off the coast of Queensland, these 74 beautiful islands make up part of the Great Barrier Reef, where there are world-class diving opportunities.
Airport Information
Mackay Airport is located approximately four miles south of Mackay town centre, being just a mere 10-minute drive along Milton Street.
Mackay Airport is a major airport serving Mackay, Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton, offering flights to many major cities throughout Australia. To fly outside of the country, it’s worth changing at a larger airport somewhere like Sydney or Melbourne.