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Enviable Lifestyle
Mackay offers a fresh, stimulating lifestyle with plenty of space to work, rest and play.
The region’s 66,484 square kilometres encompass a diverse natural environment which includes a picturesque blue-water river, secluded beaches, a seaside marina and pristine rainforest hinterland.
Highlights
- One of Australia’s fastest growing regions that offers affordable “big city standard” services and housing in a relaxed and idyllic destination.
- Central location with ease of access by air, road and rail makes Mackay ideally located in an accessible central coast Queensland location.
- The fifth busiest airport in Queensland, Mackay is serviced by more than 110 flights weekly, with more than 70 of those providing the 1.5 hour flight between Brisbane and Mackay.
- An impressive array of affordable quality accommodation, a purpose-built convention centre, hotel conference and meeting facilities and unique off-site dining venues.
- With 31 beaches, pristine rainforests and easy access to nearby islands, Mackay region offers an idyllic work/life balance.
Climate
The Mackay region’s hot summers and mild, sunny winters make its climate one of the best in the world. Average daily temperatures range from just over 22C in the winter months of June to August and up to 30C during the summer months from December to February. Mackay experiences on average 261 days on sunshine a year.
Accessibility
Mackay is one of Queensland’s most accessible regional destinations by air, road or rail. Affordable and frequent air services into Mackay Airport enhance the destination’s appeal as a business and leisure destination, with access to anywhere in the world.
Sitting astride the Bruce Highway, Mackay also has excellent road connections. Rail access is also available via Queensland Railway’s ‘Spirit of Queensland’ train service which travels the state’s coastline with five returns services per week from Cairns to Brisbane and all regions in between.
The Mackay region is serviced by Mackay Transit Coaches, which provides daily, quality public transport options across the region.
Sporting
The Mackay region has a thriving and active sporting culture and is home to more than 130 sporting associations.
The city has Queensland representative teams in basketball, rugby league and netball. The range of sporting groups on offer is both large and diverse, including horse riding, shooting, athletics, boxing, cricket, darts, fishing, football, golf and much more.
In 2011, the opened a new $11 million sports stadium, BB Print Stadium Mackay, which regularly hosts games and concerts at a national level. The stadium is home to Mackay’s Queensland representative team in rugby league and can accommodate 12,000 people in total.
The region also boasts eight aquatic facilities, which are regularly used all year round, including the Bluewater Lagoon (Mackay), Memorial Swim Centre (Mackay), Pioneer Swim Centre (North Mackay), Sarina and Mirani Swim Centres, cable ski park, an aqua fun park and the Mackay (ARC) Aquatic & Recreational Complex.The Mackay region opened the new $23.9million Mackay ARC in March 2019, which includes three swimming pools, a synthetic athletics track and a multi-use playing surface.
Community Facilities
The Mackay region is home to a wide range of world-class facilities ranging from sport to theatre
Artspace Mackay
This award-winning architecturally appealing building is Mackay’s Regional Art Gallery located adjacent to the MECC. In addition to galleries, it offers a multi-purpose venue for meetings, seminars, functions and events.
Bluewater Lagoon
Comprising three tiered lagoons, the Bluewater Lagoon is a free family-friendly leisure facility overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River in the heart of Mackay's city centre. Covering an area equivalent to three 50 metre swimming pools, Bluewater Lagoon provides a safe all-round stinger-free swimming environment.
Bluewater Trail
Bluewater Trail incorporates raised boardwalks plus extensive pedestrian/bike pathways. The circuit meanders along the river, connecting the city to the botanic gardens and beaches. The trail is ideal for escorted walks, bike rides and fitness activities, such as yoga sessions, as well as informal al fresco functions.
Historical Centres
Discover our region’s past at one of the four historical centres located in Mackay, Sarina and the Pioneer Valley and discover the region's social, natural and cultural history at Greenmount Homestead, Mackay Museum, Pioneer Valley Museum and Sarina Museum.
Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex (ARC)
The Mackay ARC facility includes a FINA approved 50m pool, a covered 25m pool, as well as a heated 15m programs pool. We are also home to a brand new athletics track offering all events and disciplines. There are a range of incredible programs, including our Learn to Swim swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and Masters swimming. There is also extensive outdoor grassed areas for family picnics and get togethers.
Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre
Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre - The state-of-the-art Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) is located in the heart of Mackay and caters for most conferences and events. The MECC offers affordable, world-class facilities delivered with excellent hospitality and customer service.
Council owns this facility and works regularly with a variety of organisations to provide facilities for staff training, inductions and a range of other events. Given our unique position as being the only local government-owned convention centre in Queensland, we have the ability to provide attractive and cost-effective options for a range of functions or events.
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
A green 51-hectare oasis just five kilometres from the City Centre. Facilities include a meeting room, cafe and gallery, al fresco deck area and outdoor Meadowlands Amphitheatre with grassed seating for up to 5000 patrons.
Mackay Regional Council Libraries
Mackay Regional Council Libraries are a dynamic public resource that promotes free and open access to programs, information and materials. Mackay Regional Council has five libraries located across the Mackay region, and a mobile library.
Sarina Field of Dreams
Discover the historical and educational attractions at the Parklands including the Sarina Art and Craft Centre, Sarina Historical Centre and Sarina Art Gallery. And there is everything you need to plan your journey through the local area at the Visitor Information Centre.
Sarina Sugar Shed
Australia’s only miniature sugar mill and distillery, located 30 minutes south of Mackay. Specialising in rum and liqueurs, it has a 50-seat theatrette and onsite catering.
Sugar Bowl Mackay
This $2.2 million skate park is a state-of-the-art facility featuring a three metre competition bowl, intermediate bowl and a street run almost 80m long. Sugar Bowl Mackay has been designed with a community focus and features a full-size multi-sports court, informal grassed play area, climbing wall, parkour equipment, nature play area, ping pong, barbecue and picnic areas, for those who don't skate
Local Events
The Mackay Region hosts a diverse array of events, conferences and expos which continue to enhance the region’s lifestyle options while providing a significant economic boost through visitor spend and overnight accommodation.
Council places significant importance on attracting events and conferences to the region through our Events and Conferences Attraction Program. The Program which commenced in July 2015 has been successful in attracting over 50 significant events and conferences to the region (as of December 2016), with a focus on events which deliver an economic boost to the region.
Opportunities
Mackay’s employment, investment and development opportunities, buoyant economy and lifestyle attributes are just some of the many positive aspects that encourage people to live, work and play in the Mackay region.
