Mackay is a major coastal city in Queensland, Australia. It is located halfway between Cairns and Brisbane. It is considered as a large and prosperous center which has everything from the large, modern and sophisticated central business district to good beaches, major port facilities, a vast range of motels and hotels, good restaurants, excellent boating facilities and plenty of interesting trips into the historical hinterland. It also boasts of 30 secluded beaches and easy access to 11 national parks. Travelers visiting the city at the right season and time might be lucky enough to spot some amazing native animals like the echidna, possum, turkey or turtle at Cape Hillsborough. Mackay boasts one of the best art scenes in Queensland, with the award-winning Artspace Gallery, as well as one of Australia's most prominent public art displays along the Bluewater Trail.

Airports in Mackay

Mackay Airport (MKY)

Mackay Airport is a major regional airport that takes flights from all the major cities within Queensland. It's about 5.2km from the city centre. It is considered a major Australian regional airport that services the city of Mackay, with flights to the cities of Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville, Hamilton Island and Cairns. There are no direct flights to Mackay from Manila however Qantas flies from Manila to Mackay with two transits in Sydney and Brisbane. The flight will take approximately 18 hours and 20 minutes with ticket fare ranging around PHP 54,000 one way.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Mackay?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travellers to find the cheapest flights to Mackay. All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Mackay.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Mackay?

Travelers looking for great weather should visit Mackay between January and April when the temperature is in the pleasant mid 20°C. Summer with temperatures ranging around 30°C is the best time to enjoy relaxing at the beach and swimming in the crystal, clear water. Nature and animal lovers should consider visiting between July and September for a chance to sight some whales. Humpback and pilot whales are a common sight during the whale season. The Mackay Festival of Arts also takes place in July and features art exhibitions, wine and cheese tastings, live jazz, stand-up comedy and other performances.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Mackay?

Riverside Bluewater Trail - The Bluewater Trail is a shared bicycle and pedestrian path which links a variety of Mackay City's attractions, including the Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens, Town Beach and the Bluewater Lagoon, a three-tiered swimming haven. Mackay's largest shopping mall can also be found along the Bluewater Trail, lined with riverside cafes and restaurants. The trail aims to improve community wellbeing and recreational opportunities and provides a mixed-use integrated trail through environmental and green space areas and the city's beaches.

Eungella National Park - Eungella National Park is one of Queensland’s most ecologically diverse parks boasting of many unusual plants and animals. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking through the trails available at this park and trails can vary in difficulty ranging from half a day to a day’s walk. Travelers interested to see Australia’s wildlife can hike to the Broken River and see platypuses in their natural habitat. Other points of interest include fishing at Kinchant, Teemburra or Eungella Dam. Travelers can also visit places of historical importance like Melba House in Marian or browsing interesting artifacts at the Mirani Museum.

Black Beach - Blacks Beach is Mackay’s longest stretch of uninterrupted beach which totals six kilometres in length. Travelers can also stay here as there is a range of beachfront accommodation options including caravan and camping, self-contained, motel-style and resort. Blacks Beach is a popular spot for leisurely walks and is also animal-friendly. Fitness enthusiasts can also keep fit by exercising at the Blacks Beach stairs. Start the exercise from Camilleri Street entrance and enjoy the view of the beach below on your way down.