Mackay Holiday Houses & Accommodation

Airy, beach-style villas are the typical type of holiday house you'll find in Mackay. The glorious location away from the hustle and bustle of the city means there's plenty of space for generously sized holiday rentals, many with views of the ocean to enjoy at your leisure. If you can tear yourself away from your home-away-from-home, beaches, fabulous restaurants, and trips to the idyllic Whitsundays await.

Mackay is easily accessible however you choose to travel. Mackay Airport is conveniently located just 7km from the city centre and is served by a host of domestic flights from Brisbane and Sydney operated by Qantas Link, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar. Numerous car rental services are available at the airport to continue your journey to your accommodation in Mackay.

For an eco-friendlier option, Greyhound coaches run from both Brisbane (950km) and Sydney (1720km), as well as the closest major city Cairns (740km). Premier Motor Service run similar coach services.

By train, Mackay can be accessed using the Queensland Rail Service which runs from Brisbane and Cairns with plenty of other stops along the way; check to see if yours is included. Mackay Train Station is located at Paget, 5 km from the city centre.

What to eat on your holiday in Mackay

Mackay offers visitors a diverse range of dining options, from traditional BBQ and seafood to Asian fusion and quality pub grub. For a family-friendly meal of Aussie-style BBQ, head to The Paddock & Brew Company. The gargantuan portions are served up alongside an excellent selection of locally brewed beers to wash down the plentiful grub.

For international cuisine, check out George's Thai On The Marina, just a 10-minute stroll from the city centre – its reasonable prices and sublime dishes make the walk worth every step. If you're seeking a proper sit-down meal, head to Fusion 128 or BURP.eat.drink & The Dispensary, which both offer classic food in a contemporary setting.

Where to get your dose of culture in Mackay

Since settlers arrived in 1862, Mackay has become one of the coast's cultural hotspots, with plenty of museums and events your whole family can visit. To learn more about the area's history, visit the touching WWI cenotaph in Jubilee Park, the Lagoons Café & Gallery, and the nearby town of Clermont's memorial dedicated to those who died in the floods of 1916.

Trace the region's vibrant history at Clermont's Old Town Site, which depicts life during the Australian Gold Rush, and don't miss the picturesque town hall's events and workshops. You'll also want to bring the family to the Clermont Historical Centre, which has recently undergone extensive refurbishment and exhibits key moments in the area's history.

Family Holidays in Mackay

Featuring 31 stunning beaches, beautiful weather, great child-friendly holiday houses and some of the best Aussie food around, Mackay is the perfect destination for a family holiday.

Known as Australia's sugar capital, you and your kids can learn all about how sugar is grown, processed and milled in Mackay. Sarina Sugar Shed has Australia's only miniature working sugar mill where you can see sugar turned from plant into product. Enjoy some fresh candy floss to sweeten the deal.

Amongst the highlights of family accommodation to stay in is Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort and Tourist Park which offers great family cabins, plenty of walking trails, morning visits to see kangaroos on the beach, as well as lots of organised kids activities to give parents a chance to relax.

To see whales and other exotic marine life, explore the many beaches in this northern Queensland region for an exciting day out for all the family. Alternatively, for some poolside fun head to the Big4 Mackay Marine Tourist Park, or ride the slides at Bluewater Lagoon water park.

Exploring around Mackay: Islands and Australian icons

Situated on Australia's eastern coast, the Mackay region is known for being the gateway to the glorious Great Barrier Reef, which offers some of the world's most sublime snorkelling and scuba diving. Visit the paradisical Whitsundays, considered one of the world's most stunning collections of islands – they're just a short hop from Mackay.

Hamilton Island, a highlight of the Whitsundays, is car-free. Explore the island and spot iconic Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies. For an adventure close to Mackay, head to the Bluewater Lagoon water park or Eungella National Park, an extensive area of outstanding natural beauty packed with wildlife ranging from amphibians to exotic reptiles. Don't miss the sweeping views of the Pioneer Valley from the Sky Window viewpoint.

Frequently Asked Questions