Mackay is known for its relaxed tropical lifestyle and outstanding recreational attractions. In Mackay, you can choose from a range of primary, secondary, tertiary or vocational education and training providers.
Major attractions
Mackay’s major attractions are its tropical beaches and beautiful island destinations.
Popular leisure activities in Mackay include:
- snorkelling
- horse riding
- camping
- hiking
- fishing.
Mackay has a vibrant arts community. It hosts a number of festivals throughout the year including the annual River Sessions Music Festival, the River Rock to Mountain Top Community Festival, and the Mackay Festival of Arts. It is home to a number of art galleries and museums.
Dining and nightlife
Mackay provides numerous dining options, from casual waterside meals to rainforest retreats, local hotels and cosmopolitan cafes. Take advantage of the fresh seafood available or choose from a range of Thai, Mexican or Italian cuisine to suit all tastes and budgets.
Other points of interest
Mackay has a number of theatres and entertainment venues, offering the latest international and local touring acts. You may also like to visit the weekend markets for arts, crafts and fresh produce. In addition to Mackay’s spectacular beaches, there are many golf courses and recreational centres to keep you active and amused.
The Mackay region website has information on attractions and recreational activities throughout Mackay.
Getting around
Getting around Mackay is simple with the Mackay airport, regular bus services (including the free explorer bus service on Sundays), and the Queensland Rail service, which connects Mackay to the rest of Queensland.





