Mackay Profile
Holiday Ideas and Articles about
Mackay
We have a wide selection of accommodation in Mackay listed below, as well as
local information about Mackay to help you choose the best accommodation.
Our accommodation options include Self Catering Apartments in Mackay, Holiday
Homes in Mackay, Short Term Rental Properties in Mackay. These furnished properties
in Mackay are Self Contained and available for Temporary Accommodation or some
Mackay apartments and homes are available for Long Term Rental.
Learn about the History of Mackay
Things to do in Mackay
Mackay offers a large range of activities from cultural tours to bird watching.
There are walking tracks available for every level ? take it easy on a scenic boardwalk, make your own tracks along the beautiful natural beaches or be adventurous and explore the local rainforests and hinterland.
4 Wheel Drive adventures are a specialty in the area ? with 2 National Park tracks to explore. Go fishing, play golf or jump on a jet ski at the Mackay Marina. The region offers over 30 gorgeous beaches including Harbour Beach, Lamberts Beach and Shoal Point, where you can fish, swim or enjoy the sand. There are also several remote islands nestled into the Great Barrier Reef ? perfect to visit for a day trip.
Beyond its natural beauty, Mackay offers many cultural activities including art galleries such as Striking Artspace Mackay, museums and guided heritage walks. There are plenty of great places in town or on the shore to have a casual meal or a drink.
History of Mackay
Mackay was named after George Mackay, whose son John Mackay discovered and explored the Pioneer River Valley in 1860. This is the river which now runs through the heart of Mackay. The history of the region is still preserved in heritage buildings and local museums which house artefacts from its early days.
Landmark in Mackay
Mackay has preserved over 20 historic buildings which you can visit on a heritage walk through the area. Mackay is home to the second highest number of art deco buildings in the southern hemisphere.
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Mackay?s natural landmarks include its 31 beaches and small off shore islands. One of these is Brampton Island - home to a national park and is bordered by 12 pretty beaches.
The Mackay Marina and Botanical Gardens are also popular tourist landmarks.
Shopping in Mackay
The area?s largest shopping centre is Caneland Central which has over 130 shops and plenty of parking. The centre of town in Mackay also offers a great range of modern boutiques and larger retail outlets. Markets are run in the City Centre on Sundays. There are also Sunday markets in places such as Seaforth, Finch Hatton and Bucasia.
Mackay has a thriving art scene, so a visit to the galleries is a must if you are looking for a unique souveneir.
Restaurants & Cafes in Mackay
Mackay offers a large range of dining choices covering all nationalities and styles. Enjoy gourmet seafood while looking out onto the stunning marina. For something extra special, experience a meal made with fresh local ingredients while sitting in the heart of the rainforest. There are dozens of modern casual cafes in the town centre where you can stop for a coffee during a day of shopping.
Although a peaceful place during the day, the region of Mackay comes alive at night with plenty of bars, brasseries and night clubs. Enjoy live music and entertainment on a Friday night.
Sports & Fitness in Mackay
Mackay has a great selection of local sports clubs including football, basketball, cricket and rugby league. There are several aquatic centres as well as equipment hire stores for activities such as camping, fishing and sailing. The Botanic Gardens and other local parks make great venues for outdoor activities and there is also a local skate park available.
Transport in Mackay
Mackay is 950km north of Brisbane and 730km south of Cairns.
There are several budget and domestic airlines which service the Mackay region to and from other major cities in Queensland.
The Mackay Explorer Bus is a service which travels on a circuit to each of the main attractions every Sunday. There is also a local bus service which travels around to the local suburbs regularly each day. Car hire is available in the region.
Real Estate & Design in Mackay
Mackay?s lively townships cover a wide range of architectural styles from heritage preserved buildings to authentic art deco structures. Holiday Accommodation in Mackay could be a peaceful villa on the sea shore or a serviced apartment in the vibrant city centre. A Holiday Home in Mackay will place you in the midst of a great Australian atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings.
Schools, Institutions, Hospitals in Mackay
The Mackay region has many pre-schools, state schools, private schools and special schools. There is also one regional school.
There are several public and private hospitals in the region including Mackay Base Hospital and Pioneer Valley Private Hospital.