Virtually surrounded by sugar cane fields and aptly nicknamed
the 'sugar capital' of Australia, Mackay is nestled in the heart of
the tropics and hosts thousands of visitors each year. With classic
19th-century colonial architecture and dozens of fabulous natural
attractions, Mackay has a unique charm and a little something for
everyone.
With the mighty blue Pioneer River flowing past the city, the
surrounding areas boast spectacular rainforests in national parks
and beautiful islands just off the coast of Queensland. Not to
mention the palm-fringed golden beaches, relaxed atmosphere,
fabulous shopping and nightlife opportunities and a close proximity
to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. It's not hard to see why
visitors love this small coastal city.
Trek through the rainforest of the Finch Hatton Gorge to the
waterfalls, spot the elusive platypus or bandicoot in the Eungella
National Park, snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef, soak up the
history at Outback towns such as Clermont and Nebo or along the
Heritage Walk, visit the mining town of Blair Athol, or frolic
along one of 31 unspoilt, pristine beaches such as at Cape
Hillsborough where wild wallabies can often be seen on the beach at
sunrise.
Other activities available to visitors in Mackay include golf,
fabulous reef, estuary and creek fishing, and even 4x4 trails,
while those looking for some cultural activities can peruse
Mackay's modern art gallery, Artspace Mackay, or stroll around the
weekend markets to pick up some local crafts and produce, while the
restaurant scene is something to be explored.
