Locals Guide to Mackay

Wake House Australia

For the ultimate wake boarding experience, check out Wake House Australia. From introductory clinics to free riding, they have the session to get you out on the water having fun. Enjoy the vibe with their regular live music and events or cheer on your family and friends from the Lakeside Cafe and Sunset Bar.

Address: Poco Place, Mackay, QLD, 4740

Phone: 1300 500 261

Oh Deere Farm Stay

Oh Deere Farm Stay is a unique rural escape just north of Mackay in Calen, offering peaceful farm stay camping and fascinating on farm tours. Visitors can relax amongst lush green surrounds or learn the ins and outs of sugar cane farming, with a behind the scenes look at life on a working cane farm.

Email: info@ohdeerefarmstay.com.au
Phone: 0419 873 909

Bottletops & Brushes

Bottletops & Brushes offers fun and relaxed paint and sip experiences where locals and visitors can unleash their creativity while enjoying a social night out. With guided sessions designed for beginners through to budding artists, it’s a great way to celebrate birthdays, date nights, team building events or simply try something different in Mackay.

Address:  104 Victoria Street, Mackay
Phone: 0435 941 554

One Hungry Mumma

One Hungry Mumma is a charming food experience in Finch Hatton in the beautiful Pioneer Valley, known for its prize winning small batch condiments, cooking workshops and intimate dining events. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy great food, learn new skills and experience warm country hospitality surrounded by the lush valley landscape.

Website: www.onehungrymumma.com.au/

Email: onehungrymumma@gmail.com

Off Camber Mountain Biking

Off Camber Mountain Biking runs shuttle services, skills sessions and guided experiences at the Finch Hatton mountain bike trails in the Pioneer Valley. Led by passionate local riders and qualified instructors Rob and Leah, it’s the perfect way to improve your riding skills or simply enjoy more downhill runs on one of Queensland’s most exciting trail networks.

Sarina Sugar Shed

Sarina Sugar Shed is a multi-award winning food tourism attraction offering the full paddock-to-plate-to-bottle sugar experience. Bring the whole family as we take you on an interpretative journey – utilising replica miniature mill equipment and passionate and knowledgeable guides – to demonstrate how sugar cane is planted, grown and crushed. Taste our unique product range, from craft-distilled rum and liqueur products to decadent ice-creams, sauces, chutneys and non-alcoholic ginger beer, all made onsite using as many local ingredients as possible. Enjoy our specialised tour experiences and events and relax in our café with morning tea or a light lunch!

Address: Sarina Field of Dreams Parklands, Railway Square, Sarina, QLD Phone: 07 4943 2801

Orange Reef Fishing Charters

Orange Reef offers personalised fishing charters and marine adventures departing from Mackay Marina. Run by passionate local skipper Ben, trips are tailored to your fishing style or target species, with a strong focus on sustainable fishing and experiencing the incredible marine life of our coastal waters.

Website: https://castandcatch.com.au/

Phone: 0478 823 669

Cast and Catch Fishing Charters

Cast and Catch Fishing Charters offers unforgettable fishing adventures just south of Mackay, launching from Hay Point. Run by experienced local skipper Alvan aboard the custom built vessel Obsession, anglers of all levels can chase prized reef and pelagic species like Spanish mackerel and coral trout while enjoying a relaxed day on the water.

Website: https://castandcatch.com.au/

Phone: 0429 833 045

Riviera Apartments Hotel Mackay

Riviera Apartment Hotel Mackay your boutique style fully self-contained apartments just minutes away from locations including Bluewater Lagoon, CBD, Entertainment Centre, Artspace, Caneland Shopping Centre, Restaurants, you are spoiled for choice with things to do. Take advantage of our rooftop BBQ and terrace area, sit back , relax and take in the picturesque views. Just a short walk to take off on a Purple Thunder jet boat experience!

5-7 Nelson Street, Mackay, QLD, 4740 Phone: 07 4914 2460

Ibis Mackay

Ibis Mackay, a part of the Accor hotel brand, is a modern hotel with superb facilities welcoming local visitors, workers and travellers alike to Mackay. Situated directly opposite the airport and about 6km from the CBD, the Ibis is perfect to explore the town and surrounding attractions and boasts unparalleled comfort. Ibis Mackay features ibis Sweet Beds in every room, complimentary car parking, complimentary WIFI, a fully equipped gymnasium and a modern Tavern. 

Address: Christensen Circuit, South Mackay, QLD, 4740 Phone: 07 4898 0000

Mackay Adventure Tours & Lodge

Positioned overlooking the Wake Park, Mackay Adventure Lodge has everything you need for your Mackay stay. Check out their awesome adventure tours to the pristine, prehistoric rainforests of Finch Hatton & Eungella & sunrise with the wallabies on the beach at Cape Hillsborough.

Address: 2 Poco Place, Mackay, QLD, 4740 Phone: 1800 622 529

Mt Jukes Eco Retreat

Mt Jukes Eco Retreat is a peaceful off grid sanctuary just north of Mackay, offering eco glamping tents, cosy cabins and wellness retreats surrounded by nature. Set amongst permaculture gardens, fruit forests and mountain views, it’s a beautiful place to slow down, reconnect and experience a truly unique nature based escape.

Mackay Caravan Park

Tucked among palms and native gardens, Mackay Van Park blends easy-going charm with tropical tranquillity. Unwind, explore, and soak up the laid-back beauty of Mackay and the Whitsunday Coast.

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Mackay Van Park offers comfortable self-contained cabins and spacious powered sites, including sites large enough to comfortably accommodate buses and fifth wheelers. Set in a peaceful pocket of Mackay, it’s a great base for exploring local beaches, shops and attractions. Whether you’re staying for a night or settling in longer, enjoy the perfect blend of comfort, space and warm hospitality.

Address: 40‑68 Beaconsfield Road East, North Mackay QLD
4740

Phone: 07 4942 4922

Ambassador Hotel & Mojo’s

The Ambassador Hotel in Mackay stands out as a celebration destination with its historical charm and dynamic nightlife offerings. Featuring Mackay’s only rooftop bar, guests can indulge in picturesque views of the Pioneer River while enjoying table service and a diverse range of cocktails, beers, and spirits. Finish off your Friday or Saturday with a Purple Thunder jet boat experience, followed by roof top views over the Pioneer River and a cold drink at Mojo’s!

Address: 2 Sydney Street, Mackay, QLD, 4740 Phone: 07 4957 7522

Bing’s Nomiya

Bing brings a unique charcoal-grilled wagyu experience to the heart of Mackay, showcasing the flavours of both Australian and Japanese wagyu alongside fresh local seafood, tapas, tempura, sashimi and sushi tacos. With a focus on simple cooking that lets premium ingredients shine, it’s a vibrant place to eat, drink, relax and enjoy bold, memorable flavours.

Address: 145-147 Victoria Street, Mackay, QLD, 4740 Phone: 0429 166 666

Red Dog Brewery

With two awesome venues, one at Rural View and one right in the heart of Mackay City, overlooking the Pioneer River, Red Dog Brewery offers delicious tapas and craft beers. Drink their craft beers right inside the brewery where they make it.

Address: 10B River St, Mackay, QLD, 4740

The Dispensary

The Dispensary is a popular Mackay CBD café, restaurant and bar known for great coffee, creative Modern Australian cuisine and an impressive selection of wines, whiskies and cocktails. Open from morning through to late evening, it’s a favourite spot for breakfast, long lunches or relaxed dinners with friends.

Address: 84 Wood St, Mackay QLD 4740

Phone: 4951 3546

The Deck Steakhouse

The Deck Steakhouse is a relaxed waterfront restaurant at Mackay Marina serving premium Australian steaks, fresh local seafood and a great selection of wines. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a great meal with marina views, whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner or celebrating a special occasion.

Address: Mackay Marina, Mulherin Drive, Mackay, QLD, 4740

Phone: 4955 5337

The Deli Nook/Plattered Up

Plattered Up creates beautiful grazing platters, gourmet platter boxes and event catering designed for easy entertaining and memorable celebrations. Be sure to visit their Deli Nook café in Mackay CBD too, where you’ll find boutique deli goods, delicious treats and what many locals argue is some of the best coffee in town.

Address: 15 Macalister Street, Mackay Q 4740

Phone: 0412 897 266

Mackay Airport

Mackay Airport is the gateway to the Mackay Isaac region with over 70 flights arriving and departing each week, operated by Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia. Offering easy access and a welcoming atmosphere, the terminal features a variety of dining options and travel essential stores to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. There is also a variety of transport options available including car hire, rideshare and taxis.

Located just a short stroll from the Airport, ibis Mackay hotel provides a relaxing and comfortable stay, whether you’re visiting for business or leisure. Together, Mackay Airport and ibis Mackay offer the perfect beginning and end to your visit to the Mackay Isaac region.

Address: Christensen Circuit, South Mackay, QLD, 4740

Phone: 4957 0201

Hawkeye Mini Bus Charters

As a local uber driver, the owner of Hawkeye Mini Bus Charters has moved thousands of people around Mackay. Hawkeye’s riders brought attention to the lack of mini bus transport available so a small dedicated transport service was created to meet the needs for small groups.

Address: Mackay, QLD, 4740

Phone: 0421 244 116

ATN Events

For all your event needs including Balloon gifts, Event & Wedding styling, Clothing Hire, Proposals, Catering & Bar Services. Yes, they cater to special requests, chat to Virginia today! Now partnering with Endless Days, offering decoration and proposal packages to make your special moment memorable.

VIRGINIA PH: 0492465955

What else can we do in Mackay?

If you’d like to experience Mackay from a different perspective, exploring the islands or enjoying a sunset on the water is a pretty great place to start.