Sugar fields meeting the Coral Sea, rainforest ranges an hour inland, a working harbour, and a friendly regional city in the middle of it all. This is an independent guide to the Mackay region — what to see, where to go, and what makes the place tick.
Explore the region
Things to doThe short list of what the region does best, from reef trips to rainforest drives.
Beaches & the coastThe northern beaches, the marina, and the kangaroos-at-sunrise beach at Cape Hillsborough.
Eungella & Pioneer ValleyMisty rainforest, wild platypus, and the green valley that climbs west of the city.
The city and its industries
Mackay is one of regional Queensland’s economic engines — the heart of Australia’s sugar industry and the coastal gateway to the Bowen Basin coalfields. It gives the city a working, prosperous, down-to-earth character that visitors notice straight away.
Sugar countryWhy Mackay is called the sugar capital of Australia, and how cane shapes the landscape.
Resources & the Bowen BasinHow the region became the service centre for one of the world’s great coal provinces.
What’s onHow the events calendar runs across the year, and where to find the official listings.
Planning a visit? Start with visiting Mackay for getting here, getting around and the best time of year, or browse things to do for the highlights.