Boasting picturesque beaches, breathtaking national parks, and incredible wildlife viewing, Mackay, known as the Sugar Capital of Australia, produces more than a third of Australia's sugar supply. Once known as a 'little country town', the city has grown into a modern regional hub offering a range of amenities. Given its proximity to the mines in the Bowen Basin, it's the perfect place for those working in the mining industry to call home. Here's our ultimate guide to the top things to do in Mackay.
Once a 'little country town,' Mackay now boasts a diverse dining scene that caters to every palate. From cute little cafes to catch up with friends to restaurants making the most of the amazing produce grown in the region, producing culinary options that reflect the city's rich diversity.
The Dispensary
Serving delicious breakfasts and a fine dining dinner menu that wouldn't be out of place in Manhattan or Melbourne, The Distillery is loved by locals and it is easy to see why. If you're heading there for breakfast, and are after something sweet, we recommend the apple crumble French toast, or if it's dinner you're after, the wagyu ragu pappardelle is out of this world.
Pain Au Chocolate Patisserie
Located on Victoria Street, in Mackay's CBD, you will find a little bit of Parisian charm at Pain Au Chocolate Patisserie. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet or prefer a delicious savoury pastry you'll find it here. Serving breakfast as well, our go-to recommendation is the croque madame.
Moss on Wood
Open 7 days a week, and touted as a 'modern twist on city styling, with a fresh hint of urban chic,' Moss on Wood is the perfect place to catch up with friends to enjoy a dinner with live music. Boasting a large pizza oven direct from Italy, you can't go wrong with a pizza from Moss on Wood, our top pick is the carne.
Sorbellos Italian Restuarant
An institution in the Mackay community, the family-owned and operated business in the heart of Mackay's CBD has been a favourite with locals and tourists alike for decades. We'd recommend the house specialty gnocchi chicken pesto, and the lemon cannoli for dessert.
Eimeo Pacific Hotel
Famous for its breathtaking views of the ocean, the Eimeo Pacific Hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind on a balmy summer evening in Mackay. If you're in the mood for traditional pub fare, we suggest the chicken parmigiana, or if you're looking for something a little bit exotic, you can't go wrong with the crispy pork belly with sticky jaew sauce
Let's Do Greek
Bringing traditional, authentic Greek cuisine to Mackay, you'll be forgiven for thinking you've been transported to the island of Mykonos from the attentive staff to the amazing atmosphere, the ouzo flamed saganaki prawns will have you telling everyone, 'Let's do Greek'.
Whether you have kids or are just a big kid at heart, there are so many places to play in Mackay. Whether you're an avid skateboarder, a lover of watersports or love social sports like rugby league, there's an activity for you. Escape the humidity and cool down at the Bluewater Lagoon, or get your scrum on with a game of rugby league.
Bluewater Lagoon
Made up of 3 tiered lagoons, Bluewater Lagoon is a beautiful swimming environment in the city's CBD perfect for all ages. The interactive water playground with water drop-bucket is perfect for the little ones, while the 19.5m waterslide from the top lagoon to the middle lagoon will provide hours of fun for the big kids.
Wake House
Located in the Andergrove Lakes estate, Wake House Australia is the perfect place for those with a love of watersports or for those wanting to learn how to kneeboard or wakeboard. Begin your weekend with their Friday Sunset Sessions, where you can relax at the Sunset Bar and Cafe while enjoying the sweet sounds of the live acoustic musicians.
Sugar Bowl Mackay
An impressive $2.2 million state-of-the-art skateboarding facility, the Sugar Bowl skatepark caters to skaters of all skill levels. Some of our favourite features are the competition bowl, the parkour area, and the climbing and hit-up walls, make a trip to The Sugar Bowl a day out, and pack a picnic to enjoy in the picnic area.
Brothers Cricket Club
Founded in 1976, and located at Harrup Park Country Club, the home of the Mackay Cricket Association, Brothers Cricket Club is a family-friendly club that has teams in Master Blasters, junior and senior competitions, as well as a social 8's ladies competition.
Mang Gon Thai Boxing Gym
Founded in 2006, Mang Gon Thai Boxing Gym is a gym dedicated to the art of Muay Thai perfect for the whole family. The gym offers both kids and adult Muay Thai classes, and what better way to finish your training session, than a session in their recovery sauna and an ice plunge?
Magpies Rugby League Club
Known as Mackay's oldest rugby league club in the Mackay region. Located in North Mackay, the club is home to both junior and senior footy teams, as well as a wheelchair team. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a newcomer, Magpies Rugby League Club promises an exhilarating and fulfilling experience.
While not known as a shopping mecca, Mackay does offer a number of shopping offerings. Whether you're after a premier shopping destination like Caneland Central or prefer to shop local and head to the quant Mackay Farmers' Market, you'll find what you need in Mackay.
Caneland Central
Known as the largest shopping centre in the region, this two-level shopping centre is located adjacent to the Pioneer River and boasts both Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, a Myer and is home to over 230 specialty stores, making it convenient for getting all your shopping done in one spot, leaving more time for fun and adventure.
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre
Conveniently located in the charming suburb of Mount Pleasant, just 4.5km north of the town's CBD, the centre is open seven days a week and offers visitors a wide range of stores and dining options from Noodle & Sushi Paradise to the ever-popular Stellarossa.
Sydney Street Markets
Conveniently located in the heart of the CBD lies the Sydney Street Markets. While a tiny shopping centre it is home to Coles, ANZ bank, Sydney Street Medical Centre and Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, making it the perfect shopping centre for all your life-admin needs.
Mackay Farmers' Market
Held every Wednesday morning from 6:30 am – 10:30 am at Bluewater Quay on River Street is where you will find the Mackay Farmer's Market. The market is a local authentic farmers' market with seasonal produce grown in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions, and is a must if you're after authentic farm-to-table food.
Northern Beaches Central
Located in Mackay's Northern Beaches region, just 20 minutes from the city's CBD is Northern Beaches Central, boasting both Coles and Woolworths along with 30 specialty stores, it is a convenient destination for all your retail needs without having to drive into town.
Mackay Riverside Market
For those who can't make the Wednesday morning Farmers' Market at Bluewater Quay (on River Street), there is the Mackay Riverside Market. Every Thursday afternoon from 3 pm – 7 pm, you will find not only fresh produce and artisan goods but also food trucks and live music, making it the perfect place to begin unwinding as the working week ends.
In Mackay, adventure awaits beyond the city limits. Whether you're into hiking and want to explore the rugged wonderland of the surrounding landscapes, or you enjoy fishing and want to drop a line in one of the region's fishing spots, the Mackay region has you covered.
Cape Hillsborough National Park
A short 40-minute drive north of Mackay is the rugged, beautifully scenic Cape Hillsborough National Park, offering visitors picturesque walking trails, along with the opportunity to get up close with native wildlife, the nearby nature resort is the perfect place to pitch a tent or book a beachfront hunt and wake up to a morning beach sunrise.
Finch Hatton Gorge – Pinnacle Pub
A short trip inland from Mackay is where you will Finch Hatton Gorge, home to the Wheel of Fire and Araleun Cascades. Finch Hatton Gorge is a hidden gem full of breathtaking waterfalls, and rainforests that are home to rare and unusual flora and flora, such as the Mackay tulip oak and the Eungella honeyeater. If after all that walking you've built up an appetite, stop by the Pinnacle Family Hotel, for a famous Pinnacle Pie.
Keswick Island
Just 32km from the coast of Mackay is where you will find Keswick Island, one of the southernmost Whitsunday Islands and can be visited directly from Mackay Keswick Island is a hidden, untouched gem in the Great Barrier Reef. The island is the perfect place to take time out to de-destress and unplug from the world.
Cape Palmerston National Park
Just over an hour's drive south of Mackay is Cape Palmerston National Park which can be accessed via 4WD. The national park with its rocky headlands, mangroves, rainforest, sand dunes and swamps is home to a variety of lowland coastal vegetation and a variety of birds, making it perfect for avid bird waters to escape to.
Mount Britton
For those interested in history, you can't go past a visit to Mount Britton, the abandoned gold mining town is a 90-minute drive from Mackay along the Peak Downs Highway. Mount Britton was founded in 1880 and at the height of the gold mining era in 1883 was a thriving township with a post and telegraph office, lands office, school of the arts, numerous hotels, stores, butcher and baker. Today, there is still evidence of this once-prosperous mining town, with old mining equipment on-site. Visitors can explore the lookout, a mining display and many rustic shelters containing high-quality period prints and an information board on the history of the area.
Eungella National Park
Located an hour west of Mackay is where you will find the Eungella National Park, one of Queensland's most ecologically diverse parks. Enjoy the view from the Sky Window Lookout or enjoy the 56km hike of the Mackay Highlands Great Walk, popular with seasoned hikers.
Think Mackay may be the town for you? Explore our range of mining courses and kickstart your career in the Mackay region.
About Civil Safety
Civil Safety is a leading Registered Training Organisation (RTO 32381) for the mining, civil and construction industries, with operations across Queensland and Western Australia.
We provide safety and operational training to thousands of people every year from a diverse range of backgrounds. Our highly experienced trainers bring real-world experience to the classroom – ensuring our students graduate ready for work with the skills, confidence and qualifications required for safe and compliant operation in dangerous environments.
With a vast range of courses, plus a variety of learning methods including face-to-face, blended and online – we can help you gain the skills you need to enter a new industry or upskill in your current career.
Find out more information on the range of courses we offer in Mackay, or give our Mackay team a call on 07 4862 8800.