Nicknamed the sugar capital of Australia because it produced more than a third of Australia’s sugar, Mackay has a long and interesting history of sugar cane farming.
Attractions
You can tour Australia’s only miniature sugar mill to get an insight into how sugar cane is harvested, crushed and processed.
Get a culture fix at Artspace Mackay with its eclectic collections, wander by the art deco buildings and check out the public art. Visit Greenmount Homestead, a heritage-listed Queenslander home with 20,000 items dating back to the early 1900s.
The Bluewater Trail weaves between attractions including the Bluewater Lagoon, Bluewater Quay and the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens,
Stay
There’s a wide choice of hotels, motels, apartments and holiday rentals. Modern hotels include Mantra Mackay, Quest Mackay on Gordon and Oaks Mackay Carlisle Street.
Lanai Riverside Apartments offer studios and one-two-and three-bedroom apartments.
Ocean International Hotel, Comfort Resort Blue Pacific, and Dolphin Heads Resort are all popular resorts for travellers staying in Mackay. Riveria Apartments are two minutes from the free aquatic centre, the Blue Lagoon.
Dine
Pick up fresh supplies at the Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market in River Street Mackay, every Wednesday from 7am to 11 am. The farmers’ market showcases fresh produce and value-added products from the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region.
Dining is a culinary adventure with suggested restaurants including The Dispensary with its 5000 plus bottle cellar and indigenous degustation menu. The Italian inspired Church Cafe Pinnacle is located in a converted 20th century church.
For a great burger try the Platypus Lodge Restaurant.