Mackay is a spectacular contrast of natural wonders and man-made attractions.
Situated at the heart of Queensland’s coastline – flanked to the east by the Great Barrier Reef – the region...
Mackay
Mackay is a spectacular contrast of natural wonders and man-made attractions.
Situated at the heart of Queensland’s coastline – flanked to the east by the Great Barrier Reef – the region showcases spectacular rainforests, tranquil sandy beaches, rugged bushland, tropical islands and coral reefs teaming with exotic marine life.
Enjoying a year-round near-perfect climate Mackay complements a laidback lifestyle with cosmopolitan culture. The city’s urban landscape buzzes with alfresco dining, world-class shopping and family facilities such as the Bluewater Lagoon.
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Electricity
220 – 240v 50Hz
Time Zone
GMT +10
Population
Approx 80,000
Languages
English (official)
Currency
Australian dollar (AUD)
Dining
Relaxed and picturesque Mackay is a vibrant regional centre with the charm of a seaside town. Mackay's dining scene is focused around the city centre and the north side’s marina, and features a number of first-rate restaurants, taverns and cafes – diverse enough to please an extensive array of palates and budgets.
The marina precinct presents a wide range of excellent restaurants and active nightspots. The harbour is a thriving tourism hub, lined with an all-embracing selection of dining establishments that represent food cultures from all over the globe – including Thai, Japanese, Singaporean, Italian, Irish and modern Australian.
Downtown, fronting onto the Pioneer River, MacKay’s dining scene comes to life with a number of contemporary eateries, drinking holes and well-known chains.
Despite its nature as a relaxed and small city, Mackay also has a fun-loving, party vibe, and comes alive after dark with a host of clubs, pubs, bars and coffee houses. Take a stroll along Victoria Street to discover Mackay’s favourite after-hour haunts.
Shopping
Mackay hosts more than 400 speciality stores, mainly located in three main shopping areas: Caneland Shoppingtown, Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre and the city centre.
Mackay’s city centre bursts with shopping opportunities. Over 250 shops and service providers, including major banks, department stores and hotels, call downtown home. Spend a day wandering Victoria and Wood streets, and discover hundreds of retailers, offering everything from exclusive fashion, jewellery and accessories, through to unique homewares and gifts.
As the largest shopping centre in the Mackay region, Caneland Central is home to over 230 stores. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the centre offers a wide variety of stores and services, hosting major supermarkets, department stores, and more than 110 specialty shops.
Mount Pleasant Greenfields Shopping Centre is the north side’s go-to for shopping, catering for the area’s growing population. The sub-regional shopping centre features big name grocery and shopping outlets, plus over 70 specialty stores.
Arts and crafts are a jewel in the Central Queensland Coast’s retail crown, and are of a particularly high standard throughout the Mackay region. Craft stores, pottery barns, galleries and art service provider can be found in the city centre and the northern beaches and in outlining regional areas such as Homebush, North Eton and Eungella.
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