A North Queensland Summer Holiday

Discover Mackay’s Magic

Mackay’s popularity as a tourist destination is growing rapidly, attracting travellers from all around the world. Known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, Mackay offers visitors plenty of things to do and see. Make sure these activities are on your list for a day in Mackay.

Explore The Islands

Explore the hidden wonders that lay above and below the island waters off the coast of Mackay with Wildcat. Snorkel, paddleboard, swim in crystal clear water then finish the day with a cold beverage for the ride home. A day on the Wildcat will take you to Cockermouth, Brampton, Keswick, St Bees, and Scawfell Islands, as well as some secret, hitherto unexplored spots. Sunset cruises and private charters are also available.

Stroll Through Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is a 25-hectare garden that is home to a wide variety of native and exotic plants. Visitors can explore the different themed gardens, including the tropical display garden, the arid garden, the lagoon area and the rare and threatened plants area. The garden also offers guided tours, educational programs and picnic facilities, as well as an onsite café.

Take A Scenic Drive Through The Valley

Mackay is home to some of the most scenic drives in Australia. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the Pioneer Valley, which is home to sugar cane plantations, lush rainforests and waterfalls, as well as plenty of quaint Valley towns offering wholesome bakeries, classic country pubs and plenty of history.

Traverse Cape Hillsborough

Known for its scenic beauty, Cape Hillsborough is home to a variety of wildlife and is a popular spot for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of the region. The most famous attraction of Cape Hillsborough is feeding the kangaroos at sunrise over the beach, which is a spectacular sight to behold. Other popular activities in the area include hiking, bird watching, fishing, kayaking and exploring the nearby Wedge Island.

Explore Eungella

Eungella National Park is a magnificent and diverse natural wonderland located an hour inland from Mackay. Spanning over 50,000 hectares, it is a protected area of pristine rainforest, stunning waterfalls, rugged cliffs and unique wildlife. Eungella is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including the elusive platypus, rare frogs, marsupials and bird species. Visitors to the park can explore the various walking tracks, including the popular "Sky Window" walk, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley. The park also boasts several stunning waterfalls, including the Wheel of Fire Falls and the Araluen Cascades.

Take A Dip

The Mackay area boasts several safe and beautiful freshwater swimming locations perfect for a relaxing day out. Platypus Beach near Mirani offers a slice of sandy paradise on the banks of the Pioneer River. It's an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking. Cattle Creek, located ten minutes past Platypus Beach towards Eungella, is another local favourite with shallow, rocky and safe waterholes. Finch Hatton Gorge boasts beautiful blue waterholes to swim in between an expanse of rocks to climb. Kinchant Dam and Eungella Dams also offer clear and still waters perfect for swimming, kayaking or boating. With plenty of safe freshwater options, exploring Mackay's swimming holes is a great way to beat the heat.

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