Cheap flights to Mackay from £1,467

Some travellers to Mackay may very well be miners bound for the coal mines of Central Queensland. This city, situated between Brisbane and Cairns, is a solid, industrial city. Not only is it the gateway to the Bowen Basin coalfields – Australia’s single largest coal reserve – the region also produces more than one third of Australia’s cane sugar.

Mackay itself has more than 30 beaches with Harbour Beach, beside the Mackay Marina, being the most popular. The streets boast some striking architecture, the Courthouse and Commonwealth Bank, both built in the latter years of the 19th century, are the standouts, but Mackay has an amazing collection of Art Deco buildings too. Harold V.M. Brown designed 13 buildings in the centre of the city between 1930 and 1940 and while walking the streets visitors will notice sunbursts and fountains and other decorative features. The Artspace Mackay is also a standout structure. It’s the modern art gallery that hosts local, national and international exhibitions. The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is one of Australia’s newest gardens and it’s a beautiful, natural, enormous garden.

Offshore there are several islands within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park including Brampton, Keswick and Scawfell. West of the town is the stunning Eungella National Park and Pioneer Valley.

Mackay climate

Mackay has a tropical climate. The summers (December to February) are hot and wet with temperatures reaching 30 C (86 F). The breeze blowing in from the sea keeps the summer months comfortable. The winters (June to August) are warm and sunny, and temperatures hover between 21 and 25 C (70 and 80 F). Most of the rain falls between December and March while August and September are the driest months. The cyclone season runs from December to April and thunderstorms are a possibility between late spring (November) and early autumn (March).

Getting around Mackay

There are several car-rental companies at the airport along with taxis and shuttles services.

Renting a car is a must if you’re hoping to explore the Mackay region. There are some bus services, operated by Mackay Transit. The CBD is the best-covered area. Buses run from north to south Mackay and east to Mirani. Taxis are available.

What is good to know if travelling to Mackay?

• There are landmark fishing spots around Mackay and charter and reef fishing expeditions available.
• Farleigh Sugar Mill is a working mill just 10 minutes north of Mackay. The mill offers tours to show visitors how they turn cane into sugar and molasses.