Things to do in Mackay – Ways to amplify the fun of your long-awaited trip

It would be quite fair to say that the Bluewater Lagoon takes precedence over other attractions – people who visit MacKay usually stay at Oaks Carlyle – one of the hotels in Mackay that are closely located to the lagoon – to make it a point to visit the place. There's an area where you can swim with your kids – not to mention the picnic tables for you to have lunch. If you haven't made your picnic lunch, not to worry, there's a stall where you can buy food and drinks. Also, you don't have to worry about your family's safety as the lagoon is patrolled by lifeguards all day.

The single most alluring aspect of Mackay is that its abundance of beaches – ones that are a bit tucked away and secluded are the most sought after. If you want to spend a relaxed evening, undisturbed by people, head to Illawong or Armstrong Beach.

This is an activity everyone visiting Mackay takes an interest in. The Mackay Yacht Club makes arrangements for boat sailing throughout the year on Saturdays. Even If you don't have any experience in sailing or if you haven't so much as been on a boat – that's no matter as the boat ride is supervised by an experienced crew. If you like, you can try steering the wheel too. Undoubtedly, this is going to amplify the fun of your trip.

You shouldn't be surprised to see watersports wherever you go in Mackay – the locale is surrounded by the ocean. Watersports top the list of things to do in Mackay and paddleboarding is one of the most desired activities; you can go paddle boarding from the marina and tour the crystal blue water enjoying the warm sun.

While in Mackay, you must give yourself some time to visit the famous gardens. They are well maintained – and you can find small cafés where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the beautiful views. There's plenty of birdlife which is a good reason for you to go for a nice evening walk through the tropical greenery

Head to Keswick Island for a scuba diving session. You can study the astonishing reef and dive closely to the shipwrecks. During night-time, you will hear the sound of humpback whales while diving alongside a mass of beautifully hued coral.

A one-hour drive from Mackay is Eungella National Park where you get to glimpse at the elusive creatures – platypus. There are viewing decks at Broken river for you to look at them in their natural habitat.

On your last day of the trip, make sure you wake up a bit early in the morning and head to Cape Hillsborough to see kangaroos hopping around in search of a feed. You can snap pictures if you like to keep them as mementoes of your journey.