Mackay | Coral Coast Destination Guide

We invite you to explore beautiful Mackay while you’re in the region for our event weekend! A perfect getaway for families, couples or the single traveller, The Mackay Region can offer natural experiences, fun-filled adventures or pure relaxation with a backdrop of gorgeous scenery and amazing sunsets.

Whether it’s inland, on the coast or in the City Centre, see nature come to life with unique and rare experiences in The Mackay Region.

Fall asleep to the sound of waterfalls and wake up surrounded by lush rainforest. Enjoy sunrise with wallabies or sink your toes in the sand at a secluded beach. These are just some of the magical moments you will experience when you visit The Mackay Region.

The Mackay region is delighted to welcome visitors to the 2022 Fox Superflow sealed by Stan’s Gravity Enduro Race and the 2022 Rocky Trail Academy Central Queensland Schools Mountain Bike Comp. Whilst in Mackay we encourage you to explore our region.

Mackay Regional Council
Mackay

Rocky Trail Event Line-Up

Rocky Trail Academy – 24 June

Endurance, Speed and Tech Skills for School Age Kids Year 7-12

Rocky Trail Entertainment in conjunction with Mackay’s MAD MTB Club presents the Central QLD Schools Mountain Bike Comp at Rowallan MTB Park.

As a schools event it not only engages youth in healthy social and active recreation but brings a heightened appreciation of nature, the environment, self-reliance , self-learning and independence, all as part of riding a bike in the outdoors. It is all about encouraging students of all abilities to come and race with their mates in a safe and social environment. They will have an exciting racing experience and enjoy a fun event atmosphere together – great memories to share! 

Find out more…

Fox Superflow – 25 + 26 June

RACE THE WAY YOU RIDE: this is friendly enduro racing without a tight schedule.

Fox Superflow racing is your mountain bike life with the volume turned up! Hugely popular in NSW and the ACT we’ve launched Superflow racing in Central Queensland and this is your chance to “Race the way you Ride”: Up to 5 runs on each track. Party train with friends or leave a gap and pin it. Only the down is timed. Do the tracks in any order you want. See your times via your phone after any lap. How good does that sound!

Get ready for an absolute adrenaline rush as you smash down our Superflow race tracks to hunt down those precious seconds for the win!

Find out more…

About the Trails

Rowallan Park, home of MAD MTB Club, has an expertly-built trail network of 15km, which caters for everyone from the novice to experienced rider. With plenty of up and downhill sections, jumps, bumps, switchbacks, rock-gardens, sweeping berms, tricky trees to ride around and through, as well as a-line and b-line options to keep you on your toes. 

Address: Glendaragh Rd, Farleigh (look for the signs on Glendaragh Road north of Mackay, or check out more detailed directions here).

Transport Information

Plane
Fly direct to Mackay from Brisbane or Sydney to make the most of your time in this delightful piece of Queensland.

Mackay Airport enjoys a host of services provided by Virgin AustraliaQantasLink and Jetstar. All three airlines allow guests to carry bicycles, and you can find more information about restrictions and costs on their websites:

Short-term and long-term parking is available. Taxis or shuttle services are available and a number of rental car companies operate from the airport terminal.

Taxi
Mackay Whitsunday Taxi run taxis throughout the Mackay Region. Call 13 10 08 to book a pick up or look for taxi ranks within the city and at Mackay Airport.

Bus
Mackay Transit Coaches provide public urban bus services with pick up points throughout Mackay and surrounding suburbs such as Mackay’s Northern Beaches, Walkerston and Sarina. They also provide a Mackay-Emerald service.

Don’t forget to read all about our top tips for how to travel with your bike!

Read the blog

Mackay

Destination Information

There is SO much to do in this gorgeous region. Escape the crowds and discover untouched beaches and islands. Indulge in fresh, local produce at one of the many, friendly restaurants and eateries that offer superb hospitality. Take in the beautiful blue-water views of the Pioneer River. 

Visit any time of the year and you will be able to immerse yourself in the local history and culture and experience exciting entertainment with an extensive choice of events that are unique to The Mackay Region.

Check out our links and tips below if you need some ideas!

Mackay

All your visitor information in one place

Mackay

Where to stay

Mackay

Events and ideas for the weekend

Mackay

Planes, trains, and automobiles

Mackay

Sample the local produce

Mackay

Explore the region

Accommodation

Oaks Hotels

Oaks Carlyle

Address: 23 Alfred Street, Mackay
Phone: 1300 353 016
Email: carlyle@theoaksgroup.com.au
Discount rates booking

Oakes River Marque

Address: 55-63 River Street, Mackay
Phone: 1300 550 409
Email: rivermarque@theoaksgroup.com.au
Discount rates booking

Oaks Carlyle is conveniently located in the heart of the Mackay city centre, a hub for business, dining and retail. This new hotel offers the choice of 59 contemporary hotel rooms and self-contained one, two and three bedroom apartments – some with dual-key facilities, ideal for families and groups.

For the finest hotel apartments in Mackay, look no further than Oaks Rivermarque Mackay. With contemporary, stylish apartments located on the iconic Pioneer River in central Mackay, you’ll discover bright, modern and spacious apartments just a short walk from all the city has to offer.

Booking instructions: go to Oakshotels.com and select your hotel (or use the links above), select your dates (between 23 and 27 May 2022) and then enter the promo code (BIKE2022) to receive a 12% discount on the best flexible rates. To book the discounted offer displayed online only, reservations MUST be confirmed via the Oaks Hotels website.

Camping & venue info:

The hidden gem of Rowallan Park is located only 10mins from Mackay city centre. Owned and operated by Scouts QLD and the home to MADMTBC this venue is one to be seen: large open grassy green shady space bordering on a tropical rain forest pocket. With camping on lush greens and a bunk house on-site, this is great for groups or solo riders.

Book direct with Scouts QLD  to secure a spot:

  • CAMPING: This venue offers multiple camping locations allowing groups to spread out and enjoy the tranquillity of the area with tracks at your finger tips!
  • BUNK HOUSE: Alternatively a 30 bed bunkhouse is available for the weekend.

Find more accommodation deals and amazing local insider knowledge here!


Our top tips for #rockytrailracers

1.
Watch the Wallabies at SunriseIt’s the ultimate Aussie photo opportunity – a wallaby on the beach with the sun rising in the background. Cape Hillsborough National Park offers this amazing experience each morning for visitors and guests to the nearby tourist park, as the wallabies and kangaroos feed on the shoreline.
This experience is perfect for families who love nature. Those who
choose to stay overnight at the tourist park overlooking the beach can find a number of wallabies and kangaroos relaxing throughout the day.
2.
Kayak at Cape Hillsborough to Wedge IslandPaddle a sea kayaks around Cape Hillsborough to Ball Bay. This would have to be one one the most scenic paddles you can do around Mackay and it is easily accessible to anyone.
3.
Walk through the rainforestThe national parks that are spread throughout The Mackay Region offer something for every level of bushwalker, whether it’s the lush, green rainforest you crave or the rugged terrain in national parks that can only be accessed by 4WD. Bushwalks throughout the region vary from beginner five-minute circuits to three-to-five-day treks for the experienced walkers.
Enjoying the City?
Try the Kommo Toera trail at Slade Point or the Mackay Region Botanic Gardens on Lagoon Street.
Our tip:Find the top National Parks in the Visitor Guide (Page 4)
4.
Take in the viewsJust 30 kilometres west of Mackay’s coastline lies the gateway to the Pioneer Valley where lush, green rolling hills, charming rustic towns and Australia’s longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest awaits. Here you will find unique wildlife, bushwalking tracks and pristine billabongs.
Our tip:The Sky Window Circuit is a short walk boasting
views of the entire Pioneer Valley.
5.
Meet a PlatypusSpot platypus in the wild at Broken River, a tranquil freshwater environment within Australia’s longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest, Eungella National Park. Platypus viewing platforms alongside Broken River are prime positions to see these shy creatures when they rise to the surface.
Did you know? Platypus have sensitive hearing and are easily disturbed. Sit quietly and watch the water surface for ripples.
Our tip:The best times to see a platypus are dusk or early morning – why not catch a tour with Reeforest Adventure Tours?
6.
Go fishingThe Mackay Region is Australia’s premier recreational fishing destination and known for 365 days a year for fishing. Within 45 minutes of Mackay, you can be fishing at a tropical reef, rainforest stream, blue water river, a sandy estuary or an inland dam. Catch that legendary metreplus Barramundi by hiring a fishing charter or try your luck at one of the inland dams.
Our tip:Check out all the best tips and info on Page 6 of the Visitor Guide
7.
Enjoy a delicious meal outBoasting Art Deco buildings in the main CBD, world-class events and a region to discover the local flavours, there is something for everyone in The Mackay Region. A buzzing food scene along Wood and Victoria Streets will have you spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink – no matter what time of the night or day.
Our tip:Enjoy good old- fashioned fish and chips beside the Lighthouse amongst a flock of seagulls.
8.
Take a drive!Home to the largest sub-tropical rainforest in Australia, 32 beaches, rolling hills and fields of flowering canefields – the regional areas make for a beautiful holiday escape.
Our tip:For ideas check out the Instagram Photo Trail and follow the Mackay Region on Instagram
9.
Enjoy the beaches!With 31 unspoilt, pristine beaches to explore, you will never be disappointed at the variety of beaches in The Mackay Region. Fishing, swimming, kite boarding or stand up paddle boarding are popular sports. Charter boats can take you further out to the islands where the fishing and serenity are second-to-none.
Our tip:Considered the longest stretch of beach in Mackay, Blacks Beach offers around six km of pure golden sand to explore.
10.
Bring the whole family!The Mackay Region is an adventure playground for families, brimming with nature, wildlife and child-friendly destinations that will keep the whole family entertained.
Our tip:Find the top spots for Families on Page 8 of the Visitor Guide

So what are you waiting for?? Escape the crowds and find your own slice of paradise with a visit that will bring you closer to nature and leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated in The Mackay Region.


INS(TA)PIRATION:
There are so many experiences that await,
here are just a few to get you started:

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