It’s no surprise that Mackay, just south of the Whitsundays, has quietly emerged as one of Queensland’s top family-friendly holiday spots.
Surrounded by rainforest and the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef, a Mackay family holiday means exploring palm tree-lined streets filled with Art Deco buildings, relaxing in laid-back accommodation and watching the sunset on spectacular beaches.
Like other North Queensland holiday destinations, Mackay is full of memorable nature and wildlife experiences. Humpback whales, dolphins and turtles can be spotted in the offshore waters, while a short drive from the city sees you amidst wildlife-filled rainforests dotted with cascading waterfalls.
Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Mackay with kids.
Top things to do in Mackay with kids
Go bushwalking in Eungella National Park
Translating as ‘Land of the Clouds’, Eungella National Park encompasses a long stretch of subtropical rainforest and is considered one of the best locations in Australia to spot platypus. Watch the bubble trails of these shy creatures from the viewing decks along the Broken River, then walk through the iconic Tree Arch on the Cedar Grove Track. For some of the best views in the Mackay region, don’t miss the Sky Window Lookout.
Splash in Finch Hatton Gorge's swimming holes and waterfalls
Between Mackay and Eungella National Park, Finch Hatton Gorge is a must-stop destination for bushwalking and swimming. Its walking trails weave through a majestic landscape of waterfalls and volcanic boulders, with highlights including the Araluen Cascades and Wheel of Fire Cascades. There are nearby rock pools where you can enjoy a refreshing dip, accompanied by the sounds of rare gastric-brooding frogs and Eungella honeyeaters.
Watch the sunrise with wallabies and kangaroos
Early risers will be rewarded with one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife experiences on the beach at Cape Hillsborough. Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies arrive each morning to feed on seaweed and mangrove seed pods, which wash ashore with the overnight tides. Accompanied by the rich colours of the sunrise sky, this furry encounter makes for some unforgettable photos. Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park is the perfect place to stay for this early morning experience.
Hit the inflatable water park at Wake House Australia
Wake House Australia combines jumping, sliding and racing your friends around on inflatable obstacles, with a state-of-the-art cable ski park. The Aqua Park sessions are great family-friendly fun, operating most mornings before the cable ski park gets going. Check the website for opening times, bookings and to answer your safety questionnaire before arriving.
Enjoy sweet treats (with a side of history) at Sarina Sugar Shed
Discover the sugar cane-growing history of Queensland at the award-winning Sarina Sugar Shed, a miniature mill and distillery that’s the only one of its kind in Australia. After touring the sugar shed, there’s fairy floss tasting for kids and homemade schnapps sampling for adults, as well as delicious ice cream made on-site.
Mackay's best family cafes and restaurants
Sorbello's Italian Restaurant
166 Victoria St, Mackay
Family owned and operated, Sorbello’s is located in the heart of Mackay and dishes up authentic Italian cuisine. From pizzas to pasta, seafood and steaks, their extensive menu caters to everyone. Be sure to arrive hungry, the portions are generous.
Platypus Lodge Restaurant & Broken River Café
534 Eungella Dam Rd, Eungella
Take a break from platypus watching with an alfresco lunch or great coffee and cake at the Platypus Lodge Restaurant & Cafe set in the rainforest of Eungella National Park. It’s run by talented Austrian chef Oskar Krobath, who personally delivers the Yodel Burgers with a startlingly impressive performance.
Magpies Sporting Club
1 Glenella Rd, Glenella
Magpies Sporting Club is a dining and entertainment hub for the Mackay community, with sporting, gaming and function venues as well as two bars and Centro Restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner daily, Centro is a casual dining spot suitable for the whole family. The Modern Australian menu offers a broad range of dishes, and locals love the nightly specials, where excellent values steaks and roasts are available.
Best family accommodation in Mackay
Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park
51 Risley Parade, Cape Hillsborough
Sitting right on Casuarina Beach, the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park is located less than an hour from Mackay. It’s surrounded by an untamed wilderness of dramatic rock outcrops, waterfalls and creeks, with a rich indigenous heritage. Cape Hillsborough provides exceptional wildlife encounters, including kangaroos, wallabies, sea turtles and whale sightings during the annual migration.
You can book one of its fully-equipped beach huts or family cabins, with powered and unpowered sites also available for campers. The park is family owned and run, with Ben and Renae Atherton at the helm along with their three children; Kira, Sean and Alysse. Make sure you stop and say hello before you head into your own reconnect family time.
BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park
16 Bourke St, Blacks Beach
Overlooking the southern islands of the Whitsundays, BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park is positioned on the longest of Mackay’s northern beaches. Settle in at one of their family villas, then take advantage of the resort pool, kids splash pad and family-friendly activities that are held during the school holidays.
Mackay Resort Motel
154 Nebo Rd, Mackay
At the Mackay Resort Motel, you’ll find all the amenities you’d expect from any four-star hotel. Guests can enjoy the Tuscan-style resort pool, high speed internet, luxury AH Beard beds and terrace dining at the on-site bar and restaurant.
Designed for families, the self-contained suites have dual sleeping areas, each with their own TV, providing privacy for kids and adults. Each enjoys a kitchenette and direct access to the pool and garden. Mackay Resort Motel is located just minutes to the nearest airport, Mackay city centre and the region’s many family attractions.
How to get to Mackay, QLD
You can fly direct to Mackay from Brisbane, Rockhampton and Townsville with easy connections to all major Australian cities. Over 70 flights by Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Bonza service Mackay Airport each week. From there, it’s easy to pick up a rental car at Mackay Airport – see options here.
Opening image: Family watching wallabies at sunrise at Cape Hillsborough National Park. © Tourism and Events Queensland
