Brisbane to Mackay flights information
Staged on the vast sugar cane plantation-covered land owned by the Yuibera people, Mackay is a tropical gem and thriving regional hub.
Only a short flight from Brisbane, Mackay is home to 31 pristine beaches, wildlife experiences, and boasts the natural beauty of Eungella National Park and Finch Hatton Gorge. Mackay also has UNESCO World Heritage Great Barrier Reef on her doorstep and is a gateway to the iconic Whitsunday Islands.
Book affordable flights from Brisbane to Mackay with Virgin Australia today and discover this understated tropical gem for yourself.
When is the best time of year to fly from Brisbane to Mackay?
During the summer months (December to February) the average daytime temperature sits around 30 degrees, and it’s also the wet season which includes daily rainfall and high humidity.
Winter (June to August) is sunny, dry, and comfortably cooler, with temperatures sitting around 23 degrees. Book your ticket in advance if looking to fly in July – it’s peak time with the City both host to Mackay Festival of Arts, but also from July (through to September) welcoming the whales with the migration season.
What are the top attractions in Mackay?
Mackay offers more than meets the eye – Art Deco walks in the CBD, unspoilt beaches, the stunning Eungella National Park, and an understated arts scene.
Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens
An easy 3km from central Mackay you’ll discover Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens, sprawled over 33 hectares and boasting six themed gardens featuring native plants, walking trails, a playground, and a café.
Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park
An hour’s drive west of Mackay and you’ve reached nature’s finest. Put on your trail shoes and explore the wonder of Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park – Australia’s oldest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest spanning 51,700 hectares.
Within Pioneer Valley there is 22 kilometres of well-formed walking tracks, accessing you to the Wheel of Fire waterfalls, Finch Gatton Gorge and Araulen Cascades – then walk the banks of Broken River to Eungella to catch a sighting of the platypus.
Great Barrier Reef
Located just off the coast of Mackay lies the middle of the expansive Great Barrier Reef, offering great snorkelling and visibility of the most beautiful coral reef and reef fish.
Artspace Mackay
A must-visit contemporary art gallery in the heart of Mackay, showcasing work from both local and visiting artists, including pieces by the Indigenous Lockhart River Art Gang.
Mackay Laneway Project
Mackay Laneway Project is part of the City’s Art Walk. Pick up a brochure from the tourist information centre, then using the downloaded Zappar app discover the city’s collection of art and creative projects.
Bluewater Lagoon
A great place for families, Bluewater Lagoon is a three-tiered man-made lagoon backing on to Pioneer River. Explore the kids’ play areas and water slides, and either grab a bite to eat at the café or bring food from the fresh produce markets and have a picnic.
Mackay Marina
Gateway to the Southern Whitsundays, Mackay Marina is a great spot to wine and dine with a waterfront view, picnic in the park, or do a spot of fishing.
Mackay Beaches
Mackay has a whopping 31 white sandy beaches, the closest, Harbour Beach, just 5 minutes from the City Centre. An easy 20-minute drive from Mackay’s CBD and you’ll reach the tropical haven of Mackay’s Northern Beaches. Enjoy a swim at Black’s Beach - a 6km span of golden beaches, and at Eimeo Beach nestled in Sunset Bay.
Mackay City Walks and Tours
Make a visit to the tourist information centre and be guided by the passionate volunteers on the walks - Mackay City Heritage, Art Deco, and Eat Mackay.
There’s also a great range of ticketed tours you can book - including Taste of Sugar Tour; Hands on Brewing Experience; and Reef, Wildlife and Rainforest tour - showcasing the Great Barrier Reef.
Where to eat in Mackay?
Where to find the best Cafes?
Mackay’s cafes are scattered across the City Centre, northern beaches, inner suburbs, and at the Marina. For a coffee with an incredible view plan a trip to Platypus Lodge Restaurant and Cafe.
In the city heart make your way to The Grazing Goat Café – offering a healthy menu to suit all dietary requirements, acclaimed 9th Lane Grind - for delicious creative food and Grinders Coffee, or Woodman’s Axe Espresso offering a healthy artisan menu (including vegan options).
Where to find the best food markets?
Mackay locals love their markets, you’ll find everything from organic produce to bric-a-brac.
Experience the Mackay Showgrounds Market trading on Saturday morning for everything from fresh produce to craft; River Street Twilight Market – monthly night markets at Bluewater Quay on the Pioneer River, selling everything from retro fashion, bric-a-brac to baked goods; and the Troppo Treasure Market – a true trash ‘n’ treasure market with a bit of everything - food and drinks, buskers, and kids’ entertainment including go-carts and a jumping castle.
Brisbane to Mackay - Quick facts
Plane |
Boeing 737-700 / Boeing 737-800 / Fokker 100 |
|---|---|
Airport |
Mackay Airport (MKY) |
Airport transfer time |
15mins to city |
Average flight time |
1hr 45mins |
Timezone |
GMT +10 |
Cabins |
Business, Economy X, Economy |
Frequently asked questions - Brisbane to Mackay flights
The average flight time to Mackay from Brisbane is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Virgin Australia flies into Mackay Airport (MKY), located 11km from Mackay CBD and Harbour.
Transport options to Mackay CBD include public bus services with TransLink, taxi / rideshare, and car hire. There are also private transfers to Airlie Beach with M&T Charters.
Bus Transfer
Currently a trial public bus service, Translink offer transfers between Mackay Airport and Mackay City, South Mackay and Paget. Make your way outside the terminal for the 303 service, operating 6 days from Monday through to Saturday.
If travelling to Airlie Beach, contact M&T Charters to make your private transfer booking.
Taxi / Rideshare
You can also access taxis and book rideshare services when you arrive at Mackay airport – the operators in Mackay are Ola and Shebah. Request the ride share through your preferred app and your driver will meet you at the designated pick up area, the coach bay area outside baggage claim. The taxi rank is located outside the terminal, simply follow the signage inside the airport.
Transfer cost guide:
- Taxi and rideshare: pricing varies depending on the vehicle type, travel time and distance – approximately $14-$17 one-way for this 5-minute journey
- Translink bus: applicable zone fee applies – 8-minute journey
Read more in our Mackay Airport Guide.
Packing for your trip to Mackay depends on how much adventure you’re looking to pack in.
With Mackay’s sub-tropical climate and many humid days, we suggest that you pack light comfortable, casual clothes such as shorts, t-shirts, singlets, havaianas, and swimwear. Like most tropical destinations the vibe is casual, so you won’t need anything too dressy.
A light rain jacket is essential during the summer months, and a light jacket if visiting in winter.
Don’t forget your sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. The other hot tip is to bring your own eco-friendly water bottle. Pack your hiking shoes too if you’re planning to do any national park walks.