Mackay City & Islands

• Summary
• Weather for Mackay City & Islands

Centred on the vibrant and stunningly picturesque resort city of Mackay, is a region rich in the wealth of Great Barrier Reef Islands, national parks, scenic hinterland drives, spectacular city beaches and historic Eton & Homebush, a sugar growing area south west of Mackay.

The city itself is a bustling coastal centre with a resort vibe and many of the features to prove it. Mackay is a prosperous regional centre with a thriving sugar cane industry, not to mention the benefits the tourism industry brings to this beautiful city. Mackay is known as the sugar capital of Australia characterised by the maze of cane fields that surround the city.

The city centre, by contrast, is characterised by beautiful art deco inspired architecture, many plaques, statues, mosaics and monuments peppered around the city. Along with a great historic trail, visitors to Mackay can also experience the attractions of a truly modern regional centre. There are a plethora of boutique stores, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and galleries in the city centre.

Another draw to Mackay City is the Mackay Marina Village, and the harbour that neighbours it. This coastal precinct is best for luxury accommodation, outdoor dining and entertainment, meeting at the Yacht Club, swimming at the nearby Harbour beaches, parklands, BBQ and picnic areas as well as one of the most advanced marina facilities on the Queensland coast.

Offshore you will find the southernmost tropical islands and atolls of the Great Barrier Reef. A visit to Mackay is not complete without exploring the pristine resort on Brampton Island, the secluded beaches of the Cumberland Island group and the diving opportunities off Keswick and Goldsmith Islands.

These islands are well known for their bright blue waters, accessible reefs, and snorkelling around the atolls and islets. These destinations are accessible either from Mackay Airport or by boat from the marina. Other popular snorkelling and diving destinations are Carlisle and Scawfell islands aswell as Bushy Islet. St Bees Island is also a well known fishing spot with local fishermen. Most of these islands are National Parks with rich environmental diversity and uniqueness. Whales can be seen in the warm waters of these islands from June to August each year.