The Mackay Islands – A Local’s Guide

When people think about tropical islands in Queensland, places like the Whitsundays usually steal the spotlight.

But sitting quietly just offshore from Mackay is a collection of islands that rival some of the most famous destinations in the state.

Soft white sand beaches. Crystal clear water. Vibrant coral reefs. Incredible marine life.

And often, barely another person in sight.

The Mackay Islands are one of the region’s best kept secrets, and they’re right on our doorstep.

Where Are the Mackay Islands?

The Mackay Islands sit just off the coast of Mackay in North Queensland, forming part of the southern Whitsunday region.

Several islands lie within easy reach of the mainland, making them perfect for day trips, boating adventures and exploring some of the most untouched parts of the Queensland coastline. While there are only 10 better known islands, there’s a total of 35 islands and small islets.

Some of the most stunning islands include:

Keswick Island
St Bees Island
Brampton Island
Scawfell Island

Cockermouth Island

Each island has its own character, landscapes and wildlife, but they all share one thing in common.

They all feel wonderfully untouched, boast beautiful beaches, plentiful marine life and some of the healthiest coral gardens in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Keswick Island – Mackay’s Tropical Paradise

If there’s one island that locals talk about the most, it’s Keswick Island. Properly pronounced “Kes-ick” the W is silent.

Just a short boat ride from Mackay Marina, Keswick offers everything people imagine when they picture a tropical island.

White sandy beaches stretch along the shoreline while the surrounding waters glow turquoise in the sunlight.

Snorkelling around the island reveals vibrant coral reefs and an incredible variety of marine life. Turtles glide through the water, colourful reef fish dart between coral formations and dolphins are sometimes spotted nearby.

One of the most popular activities on Keswick is simply exploring the coastline.

Hidden beaches appear around the island and many of them feel like private slices of paradise.

Although it’s the only island off Mackay with a small number of permanent residents, it’s not unusual to step ashore and realise you have the entire beach to yourself.

St Bees Island – Wildlife and Untouched Nature

Alongside Keswick sits St Bees Island, a rugged and largely untouched island known for its natural beauty and wildlife.

The island is home to a population of wild goats that roam the hills and coastline, adding to its rugged and remote character. St Bees Island is also known for having one of the purest koala populations in Australia. Around 100 healthy, disease free koalas live on the island, and researchers regularly study the population because its isolation has allowed it to remain largely untouched.

St Bees also holds historical significance, having once been used as a quarantine station in the late 1800s.

Today, it’s a quiet escape where nature takes centre stage. In recent years, the Queensland Government purchased the lease as part of a broader initiative to protect biodiversity and expand national parks. It’s now a completely natural island paradise.

Clear water, rocky headlands and secluded beaches make it a beautiful destination for anyone wanting to explore beyond the more well known island spots.

Brampton Island – A Piece of Mackay’s Tourism History

Many locals will remember Brampton Island as the home of one of the region’s most iconic island resorts.

For decades the island was a popular holiday destination, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed island lifestyle. Owned by a subsidiary of United Petroleum, Brampton Island Resort officially closed in 2011 for a major redevelopment, transforming it into a seven star resort. Unfortunately, the redevelopment never took place. Almost all long term locals have fond memories of Brampton Island Resort with many enjoying day trips, partaking in a beverage or two at the beach front bar or swimming in the saltwater rock pool on the beach. It holds a special place in Mackay’s heart still to this day.

Although the resort is slowly being reclaimed by nature and considered unsafe to explore, it’s no longer accessible to the public, Brampton remains a stunning island to visit.

Walking trails wind through lush vegetation, while the surrounding waters are full of marine life and reefs waiting to be explored.

The island still holds a special place in Mackay’s tourism story and remains one of the most picturesque islands along the coast.

Incredible Snorkelling and Marine Life

One of the biggest surprises for visitors exploring the Mackay Islands is the quality of the coral reefs.

Despite ongoing conversations about reef health across the broader Great Barrier Reef, many of the reefs around Mackay’s islands remain vibrant and full of life.

Colourful, healthy coral gardens stretch along sections of the coastline and are home to:

Tropical reef fish
Sea turtles
Rays
Occasionally reef sharks

Snorkelling here can feel like stepping into a natural aquarium.

It’s one of those experiences that often leaves visitors wondering why these islands aren’t more widely known.

The Best Part – No Crowds

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the Mackay Islands is how peaceful they feel.

Unlike some of Queensland’s more famous island destinations, you won’t find packed beaches, long lines of tour boats or crowds of visitors competing for space.

Most days, the beaches are completely secluded. The only sounds are the tiny waves lapping on the shore and the rainforest birds singing their sweet song.

It creates a sense of discovery and serenity that feels increasingly rare in popular coastal destinations.

For many people, that’s exactly what makes the Mackay Islands so special.

A Hidden Gem in North Queensland

The Mackay Islands are one of those places that quietly surprises people.

They offer everything travellers love about tropical island destinations:

Beautiful beaches
Clear water
Coral reefs and marine life
Wild, natural landscapes

Yet they remain relatively under the radar compared to other parts of Queensland. For locals, that’s part of their charm.

And for visitors who take the time to explore them, the experience often becomes a highlight of their time in the region.

Exploring the Mackay Islands

Seeing the islands coastlines for the first time anchored just offshore, near quiet beaches and exploring coral reefs creates a completely different appreciation for the region.

Whether you’re visiting Mackay for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, the islands sitting just beyond the mainland offer a slice of tropical Queensland that still feels wonderfully undiscovered.

And once you experience them for yourself, you’ll quickly understand why locals who’ve experienced paradise love them so much.