What’s on in Mackay
explore mackay (10 – 30 min from the park)
Stay at Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park and enjoy a relaxing holiday while exploring the best activities nearby. From beaches and lagoons to local markets and cafés, there’s something for everyone just 10–30 minutes from the park.
Dining options near the park
Enjoy a variety of dining options just minutes from Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park. From classic fish and chips to local pubs and Asian cuisine, there’s something for every taste nearby.
Mackay’s Golden Sun Chinese Restaurant: Authentic Asian flavours close to the park.
Eimeo Hotel: A classic clifftop pub with incredible ocean views, perfect for a relaxed meal near Blacks Beach. Don’t miss the scenic drive through Mango Avenue, a heritage-listed natural tunnel of 80-year-old mango trees, on your way there.
Blacks Beach Tavern: Family-friendly pub dining with all your favourite Aussie classics
Fish & Chips: Tasty fish and chips and takeaway options just minutes from the park.
Nearby Beaches
Blacks Beach — 0 min (just steps away): Long, peaceful shoreline perfect for walks, 6 km in length, making it the longest beach in Mackay. Soft sands, ideal for families, with opportunities to fish directly from the beach, and enjoy the sunrise over the Coral Sea.
Eimeo Beach — approx. 5 min drive: A small scenic beach with calm waters. Great for a swim or a relaxing stroll along the shore. Sunrise views and nearby Eimeo Pacific Hotel.
Bucasia Beach — approx. 7 min drive: Wide, quiet beach with picnic spots and gentle waters. Popular for sunrise walks and fishing. Park run also happens here every Saturday.
Shoal Point — approx. 10 min drive: Coastal nature with tidal flats and mangroves. Ideal for photography, calm beach walks, and spotting local wildlife. Sunrise views.
Sunset Lookout Spots
Harbour Beach / Mackay Harbour & Marina: East-facing beach and harbour area perfect for sunset views over the water. Drive or walk out onto the breakwater wall to watch the boats and sailing ships coming in, ideal for a relaxing evening and enjoying Mackay’s scenic waterfront.
Lambert’s Lookout / Slade Point: A scenic lookout offering sweeping coastal views over Lamberts Beach, the Cumberland Islands and Slade Point — an ideal spot to watch a beautiful sunrise in Mackay. During whale migration season (June to September), you may even spot humpback whales breaching and playing just offshore.
Local Markets
| Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market | Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay City Centre | Wednesday — 7:00 am to 11:00 am |
| Mackay Riverside Market | Bluewater Quay, 10 River Street, Mackay | Thursday — 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm |
| Mackay Showground Markets | Mackay Showgrounds, Milton Street / Showgrounds precinct | Saturday morning, check local facebook page — around 6:00 am to 10:00 am (produce / farmers market) |
Local Activities & Attractions
Bluewater Lagoon: Located in Caneland Park, the heart of Mackay, this free-admission water park is perfect for families. Spend the day enjoying its waterslides, three lagoon-style pools and a splash zone designed for kids.
GoWake Cable Park: Ever thought about trying wakeboarding or kneeboarding? Try it here on a cable-towed course designed for all levels.
Goosepons: The Gooseponds in North Mackay offer a combination of walking tracks around a large lagoon and wetland area. There is an abundance of turtles and bird life, including geese, ducks and pelicans.
Mackay Regional Botanic Garden: Wander along the scenic pathway that surrounds the Lagoon, exploring this beautiful natural setting filled with tropical flora from Mackay, the Whitsundays, and other similar climates around the world.
Day Trips (1 – 2 hours)
Cape Hillsborough: Discover the stunning landscapes of Cape Hillsborough National Park, just 50 minutes drive from Mackay. Arrive early to watch kangaroos grazing on the beach at sunrise, explore scenic walking trails, and take a walk to Wedge Island during low tide for a memorable adventure.
Eungella National Park – 1h Drive From Mackay: Explore Eungella National Park, just over an hour from Mackay, and experience the unique wildlife of the area. Spot platypus at dawn or dusk along Broken River, and visit during the wet season (October–February) to see magical fireflies lighting up the rainforest. Trails, lookouts, and lush tropical scenery make Eungella a must-visit for nature lovers.
Hay Point & Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal: Go for a 40 minutes drive to the Hay Point & Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal lookouts. Listen to the video, look at the maps showing where the coal mines are and count the number of ships lined up ready to be loaded with our coal.
Finch Hatton Gorge: Discover Finch Hatton Gorge, just 1.5 hours from Mackay. Explore Simpson’s Falls, rainforest walking trails, crystal-clear swimming holes, and picnic areas. Spot native birds and enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning gorge.
Forest Flying: Forest flying lets you zip-line through the rainforest at Finch Hatton Gorge. thrilling, and perfect for adventure seekers.
Sarina Sugar Shed & Sarina Beach: Discover the story of sugar at Sarina Sugar Shed, learn about the region’s rich history, and taste local products. Afterwards, head to nearby Sarina Beach for a relaxing stroll along the sand or a picnic by the sea.
Walkerston: A charming rural town offering local cafés and shops. Perfect for a short visit to experience the laid-back country lifestyle of the Mackay region.
Marian: Explore this peaceful town known for its sugarcane farming and friendly local community. Enjoy a coffee, walk around town, and take in the small-town atmosphere.
Greenmount Homestead: Step back in time at this historic homestead and gardens, showcasing heritage architecture and local history. Ideal for a cultural stop during your Mackay day trip.
Whithsundays
Planning a road trip along Australia’s East Coast? Your next stops could be Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. Don’t miss these unforgettable activities: snorkeling and scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef, exploring Whitehaven Beach, and sailing around the stunning islands.Arlie Beach
Lake Proserpine: Go for a peaceful freshwater lake perfect for a day outdoors. Visitors can enjoy fishing (especially barramundi), boating and kayaking, picnicking, and lakeside walks
Proserpine River – Cocodrile Safari: Explore the Proserpine region and spot crocodiles in their natural habitat. Join a guided Crocodile Safari Cruise for expert insights or explore the area independently at your own pace, always exercise caution.
