Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Mackay, Australia

Nestled along the tropical Central Queensland Coast, Mackay serves as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, situated at the mouth of the Pioneer River.

The mainland boasts over 30 accessible beaches, alongside breathtaking sites such as the pristine shores of Cape Hillsborough and the ancient rainforest of Eungella National Park, which will leave visitors in awe.

A quick flight will transport you to the stunning Keswick Island in under 15 minutes; however, there is an abundance of attractions and serene parks within Mackay itself lining the Pioneer River.

1. Bluewater Lagoon

Located directly on the Pioneer River in the heart of Mackay, this complimentary public leisure facility rivals the elegance of luxury resorts.

Set across terraced levels and surrounded by tropical vegetation and manicured lawns, Bluewater Lagoon encompasses three distinct outdoor pools or lagoons, each designed for different age groups.

In total, these pools equate to more than three Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The two main lagoons are interconnected by a waterfall, while a shallow wading pool caters to toddlers, complete with an interactive playground featuring drop buckets and similar attractions.

Visitors can also enjoy a 20-meter water slide that transports them from the top lagoon to the center one.

Bluewater Lagoon is complemented by shaded picnic tables, electric barbecue facilities, and a cafe serving snacks, cold beverages, and ice cream.

2. Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

This location provides an opportunity to explore rare tropical flora indigenous to the Mackay Region and the nearby Whitsunday Islands.

The botanic gardens opened in 2003 on the western side of Mackay, taking the place of the former collection at Queens Park.

The diverse plant collections, featuring both native and exotic species from similar climatic regions globally, are organized into attractive precincts and sub-gardens.

Among the highlights are the Tropical Shade Gardens and Fernery, a trial garden for screens and hedges, the Malta Garden celebrating early-20th-century Mediterranean immigrants, a gymnosperm garden, and the Brigalow Belt Garden from the mining region.

The gardens are adorned with public art and landscaped with lagoons, ideal for exploration along three kilometers of walking trails.

3. Bluewater Trail

The most convenient way to immerse yourself in Mackay’s natural beauty and discover its attractions is by traversing the 20-kilometer Bluewater Trail that meanders throughout the town.

This multi-use trail, featuring a wide paved surface, connects places such as Bluewater Lagoon and Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

Along the segment by the Pioneer River adjacent to the CBD, visitors can appreciate six art installations by Queensland sculptor Fiona Foley, reflective of Mackay’s history and cultural diversity.

Another section, stretching between the CBD and the Botanic Gardens, leads into the riverside wetlands, while the Sandfly Creek Environmental Walk links Bluewater Quay with Town Beach, providing abundant opportunities for birdwatching at the mouth of the Pioneer River.

4. Mackay Orchid House

The lush vegetation, family-friendly amenities, and expansive lawns of Queens Park are easily accessible on foot from the CBD.

Here, one can find the Ken Burgess Display House, which was established in 1988 to showcase a remarkable array of orchids within a naturalistic environment, easily admired via circular walkways.

After undergoing renovations and reopening in 2020, it is now one of the largest attractions of its kind in Australia, featuring such a vast collection of orchids that visitors might spend hours identifying the various species.

The exhibits primarily consist of fascinating rock and tree orchids, with some presented in ground-level beds.

5. Bluewater Quay

Adjacent to both sides of the Forgan Bridge along the final stretch of the Pioneer River lies a newly enhanced public space that extends nearly 250 meters along the waterfront.

Bluewater Quay features a boardwalk, viewing platform, and fishing platform, accompanied by public art, a children’s playground, picnic and barbecue areas, as well as a stage for outdoor performances and events.

The site is also home to a historic Leichardt tree (nauclea orientalis), which served as a vital anchor for Mackay’s earliest maritime activities during the 1860s.

6. Lamberts Lookout

Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque viewpoints in the Mackay Region, Lamberts Lookout has been recently upgraded.

Located at the northern end of the captivating beachfront, the lookout offers breathtaking views of the Cumberland Islands, Slade Point to the north, and the hinterlands of Mackay.

From May to November, this rugged promontory provides an excellent location for observing migrating humpback whales along the coast.

The lookout features a stylish pavilion and dedicated viewing areas equipped with interpretative boards and binoculars for optimal whale watching.

7. Artspace Mackay

This contemporary regional art gallery located in the center of Mackay was inaugurated in 2003 and has since received architectural accolades.

Visitors are encouraged to explore Artspace Mackay for exceptional traveling exhibitions curated from both national and regional art collections.

Regular displays featuring works from the esteemed Mackay Regional Council Artists’ Book Collection are also available.

The gallery encompasses three exhibition spaces and offers a dynamic program that includes seminars, workshops, guided tours, art classes, presentations, and more.

Foodspace provides an option for healthy dining, offering salads and wraps for on-site consumption or takeaway, along with complimentary Wi-Fi access within the gallery.

8. Harbour Beach

Positioned south of the extensive breakwater that shields Mackay Marina, Harbour Beach features a long stretch of soft white sand accompanied by calm waters protected by the reef.

This beach is supervised seasonally, and at the northern end lies the Mackay Surf Lifesaver Club, which organizes a busy schedule of events on weekends.

A highlight of the annual calendar is the August Horse Racing Festival, which brings several thousand spectators to the beach for live races.

Harbour Beach is also renowned as an excellent fishing locale, particularly along the breakwater.

Although the beach exudes tranquility, it is merely a short stroll to the upscale marina, which offers a variety of bars and restaurants.

9. Greenmount Homestead

Traveling into the hinterland of Mackay, one can reach a quintessential Queenslander homestead established over a century ago within 20 minutes.

This historical site was donated to Mackay in 1984 by the Cook family, who occupied it since 1915. The complex includes the main house, complete with an inviting veranda, and several outbuildings, including a blacksmith’s workshop, kitchen/schoolhouse, plant shed, and garage.

Visitors can explore over 20,000 artifacts throughout the homestead, featuring original furniture and fittings belonging to the Cook family.

The grounds remain intact from the time of the Cooks’ residence, featuring an arbour, fernery, and a picturesque formal front garden.

10. Bucasia Beach

If you are willing to venture a little further, you will discover an exquisite white sandy beach stretching more than four kilometers, located approximately 20 minutes north at Bucasia.

The southern end of Bucasia Beach features a mangrove forest, popular with anglers casting for flathead during high tide.

This beach is characterized by silky sands and captivating views extending east across Sunset Bay to Dolphin Heads and the Cumberland Islands.

At low tide, an expansive area of sand is revealed, and early risers can enjoy stunning sunrises.

A shaded esplanade lies just behind the beach, and Seaview Park offers a welcoming green space for picnicking.

11. Keswick Island

Located just 30 kilometers north of Mackay, Keswick Island is the southernmost member of the 74 Whitsunday Islands and also part of the South Cumberland Islands.

The island can be reached in approximately 15 minutes by air or via a cruise operator departing from Mackay Marina.

As a protected national park, Keswick Island features patches of tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife, alongside idyllic white sandy coves ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, where you may spot sea turtles and manta rays.

This destination typically warrants a multi-night stay rather than a simple day trip; accommodations range from rustic island camping to luxurious beach houses.

Keswick Island is also renowned for its purebred Caucasian bee populations, introduced in 1986, which produce some of the finest honey available.

12. Eungella National Park

Embark on a journey to Mackay’s hinterland, home to what may be Australia’s longest continuous stretch of rainforest, safeguarded within Eungella National Park, near the township that shares its name.

Visitors can traverse misty mountain slopes, observe the vast plains, and explore light trails or challenging multi-day hikes.

Whether gazing over the expansive Pioneer cleave or discovering hidden rainforest pools and gullies, the scenery here captivates the imagination.

Eungella National Park harbors an array of rare plant and animal species, including the Mackay tulip oak, Eungella day frog, honey eater (bird), and spiny crayfish.

At the Broken River, a viewing platform is available for observing platypus and turtle activity.

13. Cape Hillsborough National Park

Another worthwhile expedition involves a 40-minute drive north to this volcanic peninsula cloaked in a dense rainforest.

At Cape Hillsborough, pristine sandy beaches present an almost untouched escape during quieter times.

Bubbler crabs create unique patterns in the sand, and rock pools teem with vibrant marine life waiting to be discovered.

Among the most remarkable sights are the wallabies and kangaroos that emerge from the forest at sunrise and sunset, grazing along the primary Cape Hillsborough Beach.

The Diversity Boardwalk highlights the variety of local flora, ranging from mangroves to eucalyptus forests, while the 1.6-kilometer Juipera Plants Trail educates visitors on local Aboriginal history and culture.

14. Mackay Aqua Park

Located on a lake in the nearby Andergrove area, Wakehouse offers a cable for wakeboarding along with a large inflatable obstacle course floating in the water.

During 50-minute sessions, this activity is available for children as young as four, featuring long walkways, slides, and various challenging obstacles to conquer.

A fun highlight is the giant water blob that launches participants several meters into the air.

Additionally, Wakehouse features a restaurant that serves tacos, pizza, breakfast options, and sweet treats.

15. Caneland Central Shopping Centre

This shopping mall, situated adjacent to the Pioneer River and Bluewater Lagoon, has been operational for more than 40 years and underwent substantial expansion in the 2010s, now hosting over 200 retail tenants across two levels.

This is the primary shopping destination in the Mackay Region, offering a perfect respite from the summer afternoon heat.

All essential retail needs are met here, with outlets of Target, Coles, Myer, Big W, Woolworths, and Harris Scarfe.

Numerous independent businesses provide a variety of products, from gifts to water sports supplies.

For convenient dining, patrons can choose from a range of cafes as well as national and international chains like McDonald’s, Red Rooster, KFC, Subway, Sushi Sushi, and Donut King.