Cheap flights to Mackay (MKY)

When is the best time of year to fly to Mackay?

The best time to book your holiday in Mackay is Spring (March to May) when its mostly dry. It’s the ideal time to explore the many outdoor activities on offer including a visit to the beaches and joining one of the many locally run tours, such as Taste of Sugar Tour.

During the summer months (December to February) the average daytime temperature sits around 30 degrees, and it’s also the wet season which includes daily rainfall and high humidity.

Winter (June to August) is sunny, dry, and comfortably cooler, with temperatures sitting around 23 degrees. Book your ticket in advance if looking to fly in July – it’s peak time with the City both host to Mackay Festival of Arts, but also from July (through to September) welcoming the whales with the migration season.

What are the top attractions in Mackay?

Mackay offers more than meets the eye – Art Deco walks in the CBD, unspoilt beaches, the stunning Eungella National Park, and an understated arts scene.

Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens

An easy 3km from central Mackay you’ll discover Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens, sprawled over 33 hectares and boasting six themed gardens featuring native plants, walking trails, a playground, and a café.

Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park

An hour’s drive west of Mackay and you’ve reached nature’s finest. Put on your trail shoes and explore the wonder of Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park – Australia’s oldest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest spanning 51,700 hectares.

Within Pioneer Valley there is 22 kilometres of well-formed walking tracks, accessing you to the Wheel of Fire waterfalls, Finch Gatton Gorge and Araulen Cascades – then walk the banks of Broken River to Eungella to catch a sighting of the platypus.

Great Barrier Reef

Located just off the coast of Mackay lies the middle of the expansive Great Barrier Reef, offering great snorkelling and visibility of the most beautiful coral reef and reef fish.

Artspace Mackay

A must-visit contemporary art gallery in the heart of Mackay, showcasing work from both local and visiting artists, including pieces by the Indigenous Lockhart River Art Gang.

Mackay Laneway Project

Mackay Laneway Project is part of the City’s Art Walk. Pick up a brochure from the tourist information centre, then using the downloaded Zappar app discover the city’s collection of art and creative projects.

Bluewater Lagoon

A great place for families, Bluewater Lagoon is a three-tiered man-made lagoon backing on to Pioneer River. Explore the kids’ play areas and water slides, and either grab a bite to eat at the café or bring food from the fresh produce markets and have a picnic.

Mackay Marina

Gateway to the Southern Whitsundays, Mackay Marina is a great spot to wine and dine with a waterfront view, picnic in the park, or do a spot of fishing.

Mackay Beaches

Mackay has a whopping 31 white sandy beaches, the closest, Harbour Beach, just 5 minutes from the City Centre. An easy 20-minute drive from Mackay’s CBD and you’ll reach the tropical haven of Mackay’s Northern Beaches. Enjoy a swim at Black’s Beach - a 6km span of golden beaches, and at Eimeo Beach nestled in Sunset Bay.

Mackay City Walks and Tours

Make a visit to the tourist information centre and be guided by the passionate volunteers on the walks - Mackay City Heritage, Art Deco, and Eat Mackay.

There’s also a great range of ticketed tours you can book - including Taste of Sugar Tour; Hands on Brewing Experience; and Reef, Wildlife and Rainforest tour - showcasing the Great Barrier Reef.

Where to eat in Mackay?

Mackay offers a range of dining experiences in and around the CBD, from Devonshire tea at The Old Station Teahouse to Austral Hotel and Steakhouse offering quality and value meals.

Where to find the best Cafes?

Mackay’s cafes are scattered across the City Centre, northern beaches, inner suburbs, and at the Marina. For a coffee with an incredible view plan a trip to Platypus Lodge Restaurant and Cafe.

In the city heart make your way to The Grazing Goat Café – offering a healthy menu to suit all dietary requirements, acclaimed 9th Lane Grind - for delicious creative food and Grinders Coffee, or Woodman’s Axe Espresso offering a healthy artisan menu (including vegan options).

Where to find the best food markets?

Mackay locals love their markets, you’ll find everything from organic produce to bric-a-brac.

Experience the Mackay Showgrounds Market trading on Saturday morning for everything from fresh produce to craft; River Street Twilight Market – monthly night markets at Bluewater Quay on the Pioneer River, selling everything from retro fashion, bric-a-brac to baked goods; and the Troppo Treasure Market – a true trash ‘n’ treasure market with a bit of everything - food and drinks, buskers, and kids’ entertainment including go-carts and a jumping castle.