The Top Things To Do In Mackay
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Located on the east coast of Queensland, Mackay is a beautiful city surrounded by 31 beautiful beaches, luscious rainforests and in close proximity to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Offering visitors a plethora of things to see and, you'll almost never be bored during your stay in Mackay. Browse all available tours, attractions and activities in Mackay including a range of free and cheap things available to keep visitors of all ages occupied and entertained.
Select one from the following:
Select one or more from the following:
Cape Hillsborough National Park
Finch Hatton Gorge
Mackay Marina
Bluewater Lagoon
Eungella National Park
Blue Water Quay
Sarina Sugar Shed Tours
Scuba Diving In The Rainforest
Great Keppel Island Trip with Snorkel and Optional Jet Ski Tour
Top 10 Things to do in - Mackay and surrounds
Cape Hillsborough
#1
Finch Hatton Gorge
#2
Sugar Cane Mill Tour
#3
Eungella National Park
#4
Lamberts Lookout
#5
Mackay Harbour
#6
Bluewater Lagoon
#7
Bluewater Trail
#8
Pinnacle Pie
#9
Water Skiing
#101. Make friends at Cape Hillsborough
Location:Cape Hillsborough Rd, Cape Hillsborough
An iconic attraction in the Mackay region, Cape Hillsborough is a popular destination for wildlife lovers. The National Park is filled with local wildlife, including wallabies and kangaroos, who are friendly and inquisitive to visiting humans. Gracing the beach at dawn and dusk, visitors are often approached by these photogenic Aussie icons are sure to brighten up your day.
2. Hike to Finch Hatton Gorge
Location:Eungella National Park, Eungella
A popular walking track and swimming hole, Finch Hatton Gorge is often filled with locals and tourists enjoying the fresh water and beautiful scenery. Located in the luscious Eungella National Park, you can walk the 1.6-kilometre trail from the picnic area to Araluen Waterfall, which is the closest and most popular swimming hole. If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can climb the following 1.4-kilometre uphill trail to the Wheel of Fire Cascades to enjoy the second swimming hole in the region.
3. Tour a sugar cane mill
Location:Farleigh Mill, 49 Christoe Street, Farleigh
For many years Mackay has been known as one of the biggest sugar cane regions in the country. All you have to do is drive around the outskirts of the city and you’ll lose count of how many cane fields you see. The region is also home to a number of sugar cane mills, with a small handful still in operation and open to tourists to explore. Farleigh Mill is a short 15-minute drive from Mackay CBD along the Bruce Highway, and during the crushing season offers tours of the mill.
4. Dine in Eungella National Park
Location:Eungella Hinterland, Eungella
A rich, luscious rainforest, Eungella National Park offers visitors a contrasting adventure to the region’s popular beaches. Featuring a number of walking trails and swimming holes home to local platypus, Eungella offers a beautiful location to sit back, relax and enjoy a bite to eat. With various picnic facilities located throughout the park, you can bring your own food or dine at one of the local establishments nestled in the rainforest.
5. Look out from Lamberts Lookout
Location:Pacific Esplanade, Slade Point
Offering incredible views over Lamberts Beach, the Cumberland Islands and Slade Point, Lamberts Lookout is a popular viewing platform year round. Often drawing crowds at sunrise and sunset, the lookout features a number of useful facilities including shaded areas, picnic tables and barbeques.
6. Eat fish & chips on Mackay Marina’s breakwater
Location:Mackay Harbour
Local eatery The Lighthouse cooks up a delicious feast of fish and chips. From your basic combo to overflowing fish burgers, seafood lovers will be well in their element at this local establishment. You can dine in their indoor and outdoor seating areas or you can order takeaway and drive out onto the breakwater to enjoy your meal just off the shore.
7. Cool off in the Bluewater Lagoon
Location: 32 River Street, Mackay
A popular and safe place to cool down from the muggy Mackay heat, the Bluewater Lagoon is a free attraction suitable for a range of ages and swimming abilities. Made up of three tiered pools equalling the area of three 50-metre swimming pools, you can choose from the deeper pools or kids pools depending on your swimming ability.
8. Follow the Bluewater Trail
Location:Mackay CBD
Looping around the river, the Bluewater Trail is a scenic and relaxing walking and cycling trail. Linking some of the city’s main recreational attractions including the Bluewater Quay, Bluewater Lagoon, Botanic Gardens and Iluka Park all abilities playground. The trail also links some of the scenic walks in the region such as the Catherine Freeman Walk, Pioneer Environmental Walk, Sandfly Creek Environmental Walk and Ocean Way all along the river.
9. Bite into an award winning Pinnacle Pie
Location:604 Mackay-Eungella Road, Pinnacle
Another out of town attraction, Pinnacle Pub is somewhat of an icon in the Pioneer Valley region due to their famous pies. Australians do love a good meat pie, but you haven’t tasted a good one until you’ve dined at the historic Pinnacle Pub. Made from locally sourced ingredients, these pies are handmade daily to accommodate the large crowds that frequent the pub on a weekly basis.
10. Water Ski on Kinchant Dam
Location:Kinchant Dam Road, Kinchant Dam
If you consider yourself a pro on the waterskis, then head to Kinchant Dam on the weekend. A popular spot, you’ll often find groups of locals towing their boats towards the inland dam ready for a big day on the water. If you don’t have access to a boat or ski equipment you won’t be disappointed! Kinchant Dam is also a great spot for a picnic, camping, swimming and fishing with the dam filled with barra, sooty grunter and cod, drawing expert anglers from around the country and the world.