How to Enjoy Mackay To the Fullest

Marinolaws
3 min readFeb 14, 2020

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Located in North Queensland, Mackay is a picturesque city that is surrounded by over 31 stunning beaches and luscious rainforest all within very close proximity to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Although it is not the largest city you will come across on the popular tourist route of Queensland, it is still loved by those who prefer to stray a bit from the beaten track. With an abundance of things to do and places to see, we guarantee your trip to Mackay will be all but enjoyment to the end.

Image credit: oakshotels.com

The heart of the city

To kick off the best things to do to spice up your vacation in Mackay, let’s start off with admiring the city heart. As of recent, the city’s heart has undergone a scrupulously detailed up-do where the community has undergone a magical transformation by way of authentic and unique community arts project. In total over 580 pieces of art, overall depicting the theme of environmental beauty of the North has been the underlying theme of this transformation. The lush rainforests, tropical islands and clear seas are all but a part of this never-ending gala of the artistic showdown. In addition, some of the other pieces include bronze animal figurines, plaques, sculptures and even mosaic tiles. This is a must-visit in Mackay.

The Heritage Walk

Embarking on the heritage walk is one of the most old-school yet intensely inspiring things you can choose to do to make the maximum out of your vacation. Feel that empowering connection to the history of Mackay as you make way through the heritage walk. You will come across a hotel that was built in the year 1889, that had slaked the thirst of thousands of rough and ready cane cutters for more than a century, a police station, courthouse and a Commonwealth Bank building which are all over a century old, all listed with the National Trust. If you are a nut for ancient history in general and the colonial days of the region, we would highly recommend a trip to the Greenmount Homestead located 18kms west of Mackay for some truly mind-blowing discoveries.

A beach per day!

Isn’t it simply amazing that if you happen to stay here foe over a month, you can visit a different beach every day? That’s right- Mackay is surrounded by a total of 31 insanely beautiful beaches. Shocked? So are we! They have all their own unique feels, but in general, make for an ideal spot for leisurely walks, a swim with the family or bonding over fishing and grilling your catch! Not only that, but you may also choose from a vivacious collection of different sports to engage in such as kiteboarding, windsurfing and etc. Some of the best beaches that come highly recommended are Eimeo Beach, Blacks Beach, Shoal Point, Harbour beach and last but not least the staggering Cape Hillsborough Beach.

Shopping in Mackay

Mackay houses three main shopping centres which collectively features more than 400 speciality stores- namely Caneland Central Shopping Centre, Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre and The City Heart. Accomodation options nearby the shopping centres, specifically Caneland includes the renowned Oaks Rivermarque, famed as a hotel in Mackay that provides some of the best views of the River Phoenix. Explore the familiar local brands mostly featured in the Caneland Central or discover Australian as well as International designers in numerous different boutiques spread out throughout the City Centre core. It is important you know that in contrast to most other destinations, ‘boutique’ doesn’t necessarily mean higher prices in Australia. With something to fit for all sizes, ages and budgets, from clothing and homeware to toys and giftware, we promise, the only way you will walk out of here disappointed is because you shopped till you broke your bank!

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