2023: Top 10 things to do in Mackay

New to Mackay, or not sure how to fill in your weekend?  Here are 10 of our favourite things to do in Mackay and surrounding areas.  The best part is most of these are free!  Pack a picnic and spend a few hours taking in the sights and making memories.

Here’s 10 things to do in Mackay

Lamberts Lookout

The perfect place to see the stunning Coral Sea and Islands. If you time your visit right you will be able to see whales!!  The Slade Point lookout has a few secret hidden gems like the Rockpool, private beach and the newly painted water tower.

Mackay Regional Botanic Garden

Get lost and discover the beautiful flora in the gardens.  With ponds, waterfalls and the lagoon you will also find a wide array of birdlife. There are many walking tracks too, taking you all through the gardens and over to the South Sea Islander Hut.

Queens Park

One of the biggest playgrounds in Mackay is at Queen’s Park.  There is play equipment for the littles through to the more adventurous who can play on the Skywalk!  There are also BBQ and toilet facilities!   Further on from the playground, is the gorgeous parkland and Mackay Orchid House. You can access Queens Park via East Gordon Street and Goldsmith Street.

Mount Oscar Lookout

A new lookout in North Mackay over looking, Mackay out to Sarina, the ports, the bottom of the Whitsunday Islands and the sugar mills.  Located on Pollock Street.  For those who like a fitness challenge, look no further than High Street – that will get your blood pumping.

Bluewater Lagoon Mackay

This spot is fun for the whole family and it is free!  There are three pools including a splash pad for the kids and is open during the warmer months.

Fifth Lane Street Art:

Mackay’s Fifth Lane is officially Australia’s Best Street Art! Located between Gregory and Wood streets you will be amazed at the talented and playful work of 16 local artists and five visiting artists.

Further out from Mackay…

Cape Hillsborough

Getting up early to take in the sunrise and hang out with kangaroos & wallabies on Cape Hillsborough beach is a sure fire why to start the day off great!  It’s a 30min drive north of Mackay.  Cape Hillsborough has amazing walking trails too.  You could easily spend a few full days exploring this slice of paradise.

Spot a platypus in Eungella National Park:

This is your best chance to find this shy creature in the wild.  About a one hour drive west of Mackay you can be sure to check this item off your bucket list.

Ballantynes Strawberry Farm

To the north of Mackay you will find Calen, home of Ballantynes Strawberry Farm.  Nestled away in Cameron’s Pocket, you can pick your very own strawberries.  A wonderful morning to spend with the family and enjoy all the strawberry-goodness from the cafe

Sarina Sugar Shed:

To the south of Mackay you will find the award-winning and Australia’s only unique miniature working sugar mill and distillery. All ages will enjoy touring and learning about Queensland’s sugar history.

We are spoilt for choice for things to do in Mackay and the surrounding areas.

Alyce xx

Hey I’m Alyce – Photographer, Mother & Wife, and we have called Mackay home for last 14 years!  There is so much to see and do, and I hope you enjoy some of the sights mentioned above.

You can see more of our personal adventures here, and if you are looking photography services let me know here, I would love to chat with you~