10 Best Things to do in Mackay, Qld

Beautiful natural surroundings. Enjoy a swim, play in the rapids or just take in the serenity. It's the locals' best kept secret.

Finch Hatton Gorge is inside the Eungella National Park. It is a spectacular tropical rainforest, and has pristine rock pools and waterfalls. The Gorge is one of the most popular fresh water swimming holes in the region.

Finch Hatton Gorge is also home to some very rare and unique flora and fauna. Two examples are the rare gastric brooding frog and the orange sided skink.

For more information about the Gorge click here.

Coffee Devine is a fantastic spot to stop on the way to Eungella or Finch Hatton.

The cafe specialises in excellent coffee, has a wide range of loose leaf tea, and serves Devonshire teas, weekend breakfasts, scrumptious cakes and light lunches in an outdoor setting. It is just beautiful.

With three tiered lagoons, the Bluewater Lagoon is a free family-friendly leisure facility. It overlooks the picturesque Pioneer River in the heart of Mackay’s city centre.

A waterfall connects the two main lagoon areas, of which the deepest is 1.8 metres.

Other features include:
- a 19.5 metre water slide from the top lagoon to the middle lagoon
- an interactive children’s water playground and drop-bucket
- barbeque facilities
- and much more.

At Ballantyne's Strawberry Farm you can go and pick your own gorgeous strawberries. It's a perfect day out with your kids, who will learn all about strawberries while they're there. Fabulous.

Ask a local where to go for beer, and he'll tell you somewhere else so he has this place all to himself.

Eimeo Pub has million-dollar views overlooking the Coral Sea. Kick back and relax with your beer while gazing out over the water at the islands in the distance. It's just gorgeous.

Shoal Point is the most northern of the Northern Beaches, but is only 15 minutes from Mackay City Centre. Shoal Point offers a beachfront, shady picnic area with views to the islands, Cape Hillsborough National Park and the Hibiscus Coast.

It also has excellent reef fishing. Try your luck here for whiting, bream, trevally and flathead.

More than just an animal farm, Jarravale Alpacas is also a fabulous function venue. Whether you're after a party venue or a farm stay, you will find it here.
Jarravale Alpacas runs tours by arrangement that let you get up-close and personal with these beautiful creatures.

The Mackay Marina is a great place to chill and enjoy the sunshine. It has twice been named Marina of the Year and is a certified Clean Marina. It is also the only marina in Queensland to have qualified for Fish Friendly Status.

At this marina you will find accommodation, food, drink, and shopping. Bliss!

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens showcases the flora of the Central Queensland Coast. It is a diverse area featuring everything from tropical rainforest to open eucalypt forest.

More than just a garden of plants, the Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens features lagoons and wetlands, and has activities that everyone will enjoy. When you come, don't forget to bring your camera.

This resort, which is on the northern beaches just out of Mackay, overlooks the Whitsunday Islands. It's fabulous for lunch, a weekend, or a quiet week away.