Holiday houses in Mackay

Known as the sugar capital of Australia due to its industrial heritage, the city of Mackay sits on the Pioneer River as it winds its way into the Coral Sea on the east coast of Queensland. The city is surrounded by a dizzying array of subtropical rainforests and national parks that are all within easy reach, including Cape Hillsborough with its kangaroos and wallabies, and Eungella, with peaks covered in a shroud of mist.

As you stroll through the streets of Mackay, you will encounter stunning examples of Art Deco architecture. Bordered by palm trees on the north side of town sits Mackay Marina, where you can glimpse the luxury yachts and the gleaming white Port Islet lighthouse as you walk along the promenade. The breakwater to the marina provides shelter to Harbour Beach, which is where you find visitors taking the sun and spotting islands in the distance. This sandy beach is the city’s destination for surfers and where you can try your hand at various water sports.

Although Queensland is known as the Sunshine State, be aware that Mackay does have a rainy season between December and the end of March, where high amounts of rainfall are possible, particularly in the afternoon. So if this is when you’ll be staying at your pet-friendly accommodation in Mackay, be sure to bring your umbrella with you. This is also when the city experiences its highest temperatures.

In the winter months, temperatures are still warm and there are limited amounts of rainfall. This is a more comfortable time to visit the national parks in the region. If you come to the area between July and September, you may get the chance to see some of the whales as they pass along the coast. One of the city’s busiest periods of the year is July, when it plays host to the two-week Mackay Festival of Arts, which features musicians, comedians, art exhibitions, and food tastings.

Wildlife spotting in the Botanic Gardens

Take some time away from the beach for a visit to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, which is around five kilometres from the centre of the city. You can discover many of the exquisite plants from the local area, such as the Mount Blackwood holly and cheese fruit, as well as other native Australian species, including the blue umbrella. The gardens have a series of trails and lagoons that are brimming with wildlife, as well as a viewing platform to help you spot different birds and animals.

The Bluewater Lagoon

After a walk around the city, you can take a dip in the cool waters of the Bluewater Lagoon, which is spread across three tiers, each pool with different water depths and features. The quickest way to travel from the top to the middle lagoon is via a 19.5-metre water slide. There’s also a grassy area for you to tuck into a picnic to wind down after your fun in the water.

The Bluewater Trail

One of the best ways to see Mackay is to follow the Bluewater Trail, a circular pedestrian and cycle route that links the various facilities in the area, including the Bluewater Lagoon and the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. As you are walking or cycling around, try to spot the 100 pieces of public art on display around the city.