Car Hire Mackay - Mini guide to Mackay

Mackay is an effervescent tropical city, prospering from the wealth of sugar and mining. The town was settled in 1862 and named after Captain John Mackay who discovered the valley of the Pioneer River. Within a decade of settlement, Mackay became Queensland's largest sugar producing area and still is today.

Mackay boasts a temperate climate and serene environment, drawing in families to its relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and stunning rainforests make it a popular holiday destination.

Mackay's City Heart has benefited from a unique community arts project filling it with 580 pieces of art boasting themes of the environmental beauty of the natural north. The Heritage Walk is worthwhile, bringing you past a hotel built in 1889, as well as many other interesting buildings.

The Mackay Entertainment Centre offers a variety of shows, including performances by dance companies and bands. Additionally, there is a good selection of pubs and restaurants to keep you busy in the evening. Angelo’s at the Marina is particularly atmospheric.

Those curious about the colonial days of the region can take a trip to Greenmount Homestead, 18kms west of Mackay. Eungella National Park is home to the unusual and elusive duck-billed platypus and well worth seeing. Also near to Mackay is the old tropical inland town of Clermont. Additionally, Mackay’s harbour is a departure point for cruises to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands.

By car, the Bruce Highway travels along the coast from Brisbane to Cairns, and is mostly a narrow two-lane highway. Queensland Rail's Traveltrain operates two long-distance trains along the Brisbane-Cairns route. Alternatively, visitors can fly to Mackay Airport.