Mackay Things to Do

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The Pioneer River goes directly through the city of Mackay and flows into the sea here. It is a 120km long river and Mackay is the biggest city it flows through. However, it is to shallow to really navigate it, this is why you don't see any ships on it, although it is a very wide river!
The city centre lies north of the river and there are three bridges that lead to the other side, the main bridge being the one leading the Bruce Highway over it.
I found the river very nice, it gives the city a special atmosphere and I liked to stroll along the shore a little.

What really distinguishes Mackay's city centre from other cities in Australia is that there are so many Art Déco Buildings. When you stroll around here, have a look at the façades and you will discover so many beautiful ones! They were constructed in the 20th century and give the city its special flair. Most of them are located in Victoria Street (for example the Australian Hotel) and Sydney Street (for example the Ambassador Hotel), there are also some in Wood Street.

Unfortunately, it is hard to take good pictures of them because there are street signs and cars in the way...

I have uploaded more pictures in the travelogue.

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Harbour Beach is a beach located next to the Marina, you get there very easily when you just walk on after having seen the harbour. I must say that I was a bit disappointed, it is not nearly as beautiful as most of the other beaches in Queensland. It was not as clean, the sand does not have such a good quality, and the location next to the harbour is just not that good. However, it still is a nice beach, and as it was a little stormy when I went here, I must say that it maybe is a lot better in sunshine!
I also have heard that there are more beaches in Mackay, north of the city, and that they are much better - so if you travel by car, you should probably go there and have a better experience :-)

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The Mackay Marina is a very nice area north of the town centre. There is a harbour with many small boats and yachts, and many nice cafés and restaurants. It is just very pretty and luxurious area, and on a sunny day, a wonderful place to have a stroll and a rest on one of the cafés. There are also lawns and trees so that you can have a picnic in the shade or sit down and read a book.
Harbour beach is right next to the Marina.

As it is located outside of the city centre, it is best to catch a bus to go here. You need to take bus No 12, leaving from Gregory Street in the centre.

Saint Paul's United Church is a very pretty church located in the city centre. It is typical wooden church in Queensland style, and in 2010 it has been painted white as it originally was. Thus, I am sure that now it looks even prettier! You find these white wooden churches all over Queensland and I really like to look at them. They are so different from European churches, as they have such a plain and innocent country style, but are beautiful in there own right.

You can see a picture of the church with its new paint here:
Saint Paul's in white

The church was constructed in 1898.

Artspace Mackay is a regional art gallery that shows changing exhibitions, mostly from Australian, but also from international artists. There are also a few permanent exhibitions: An artists books collection, pottery from the Mackay area, and early prints from the Lockhart River Art Gang.
I liked this gallery very much - it does not have any works from the great European masters, but this was a whole new experience to me as I really discovered some new styles and techniques and got to learn more about Australian art!

There is also a great shop with many table books and other art gifts, and a café which is called "Foodspace". No admission fee.

Opening hours are from 10am until 5pm, daiy except mondays.

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The main reason why most tourists come to Mackay is not the city itself, but Eungella National Park, as Mackay is the nearest city to it and also daytrips are organised from here. Eungella National Park is the oldest and biggest patch of subtropical rainforest in Australia and home to unique plants and animals. You can visit the beautiful Finch Hatton Gorge and the Araluen Falls, do bushwalking and see animals - most of all the platypus living in Broken River. To see these unique marsupials is what makes Eungella a top destination for animal lovers, as Broken River is one of the best places in Australia to spot these quirky animals!

You can learn more about this place on my Eungella National Park page

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Seaforth lies about 40 kilometres north of Mackay and has been one of the more popular beaches and day trip destinations for years. Facilities at this quaint beach community include a swimming enclosure, bowls club, nice park like surroundings and a large and well maintained caravan park right on the beach. There are also public toilets and showers.
There is the convenience of a shop where you can buy anything from an icecreams, take away food, souvenirs, bait and tackle etc.
Don't forget the usual long sandy beach, palm trees and exotic bird life.
Sunday morning markets offer local craft and produce from 8.30 to 11.30.
Nearby Victor creek and it’s boat ramp are also very popular with the local fishermen.