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Lawn and palm trees line the white sand and calm water at Blacks Beach, Mackay. Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Tourism and Events Queensland
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A pretty beach town on nature's doorstep

Mackay, on Queensland's central coast, is a laidback town with a café-lined waterfront precinct and a vibrant Art Deco city centre. Nature's finest is right on its doorstep, with secluded beaches, national parks, lush hinterlands and offshore islands all within easy reach.

Fun things to do: Mackay

  • Enjoy all the fun of the beach in the heart of the city at Bluewater Lagoon
  • Bushwalk through Eungella National Park and spot a platypus in the wild 
  • Treat yourself to a tropical paradise getaway on Keswick Island  
  • Take a tour of Sarina Sugar Shed for a taste of the region's famous sugarcane  
  • Share the beach at sunrise with wallabies at Cape Hillsborough National Park

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Escape to paradise on Keswick Island

Aerial shot of hilly Keswick Island covered in greenery and surrounded by blue water. Image credit: Tourism and Events QueenslandTourism and Events Queensland
You can ferry from Mackay to Keswick Island in under an hour.

Treat yourself to a dose of paradise at nearby Keswick Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Surrounded by white sand, it's a treasure trove of rainforests, national parks, coral reefs and hidden coves. Go fishing, scuba diving or just soak up the sun with a picnic on the beach. Day-trip or stay a while at the island's guesthouse.

Wake up with wallabies at Cape Hillsborough

Two kangaroos on the beach at sunrise, with people in the background. Image credit: Tourism and Events QueenslandTourism and Events Queensland
Admit it. It was worth getting up early for this, wasn't it?

Share a beach sunrise with wallabies and kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough National Park. It's totally worth getting up early to hang out with them at the water's edge and it's a chance to take a memorable photo. This national park serves up both lush rainforest and sparkling ocean, so take to the beaches or the scenic walking tracks. It's rich in wildlife too, so keep an eye out for colourful birds and butterflies (including the bright blue Ulysses butterfly).

Spot a platypus at Eungella National Park

Back view of a couple looking out onto a river from a platypus viewing platform. Image credit: Tourism and Events QueenslandTourism and Events Queensland
Grab yourself a spot on the platypus viewing platform.

Explore the misty, magical, sub-tropical rainforest of Eungella National Park. The name means 'Land of the Clouds' and you'll see why when you hit the bushwalking tracks (including the Mackay Highlands Great Walk to some amazing, panoramic lookouts. The park is chock-a-block with native wildlife too. If you want to spot a platypus in the wild, head to Broken River's platypus viewing platform at sunrise or sunset.

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Looking for more inspiration? See everywhere we fly

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