Welcome to the Mackay Region

WELCOME

TO THE

Mackay Region

Everyone dreams of a long and relaxing holiday. However, the luxury of time and taking months off work to recharge oneself is something that everyone struggles with. Sometimes, a mini break is all you need. Mini doesn’t have to be boring, your quick getaway can be jam packed with a whole lot of fun.

If you are looking to have some “sea time” and want to admire the world of reef playing out beneath you, then you are in luck!

Mackay is an excellent jump off point for snorkelling and diving tours to the Great Barrier Reef.

Take a five minutes’ drive north of Mackay’s city centre and head towards the impressive Mackay Marina Village to book a snorkelling/ diving charter with Wildcat Mackay.

Whether you are a dive enthusiast or just someone who has always dreamed of taking the plunge, Wildcat will take you on a journey of discovery to encounter this natural wonder of the world waiting for you just below the surface.

Of course, The Great Barrier Reef offers mind blowing underwater experiences but what many don’t realise is that the view from above is equally spectacular. Add a scenic flight to your itinerary and you’ll get a whole new appreciation for the scale of this incredible ecosystem.

You can choose a flight on a helicopter with departure points in Mackay region. Maybe even combining your snorkelling/ diving tour with a scenic flight might just be the way to go to discover and enjoy the region to its fullest.

With Whitsunday Helicopter Group, you can opt for a full-day adventure packed with highlights. Explore one of the reef’s remote islands in the morning, then touchdown on a pontoon in the afternoon to enjoy some snorkelling action.

You can even add a touch of rugged landscape the experience. Bush Heli Services out in the Isaac region offer tours that will take you high above the mainland, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the picturesque volcanic mountains of Peak Range National Park. Ask your pilot to point out the area’s highlights, such as the impressive points of interest of the park – Wolfgang peak.

To perfectly wrap off an already amazing weekend getaway, you can jump on a tour that will surely delight your tastebuds. Just 30kms south of Mackay, Sarina Sugar Shed – a unique miniature working sugar mill and distillery, offers an interactive and highly engaging guided tour of their sugar mill and distillery.

Your guided tour takes around one hour and includes a walk past our own cane plantation and outdoor display area, then indoors to see how the sugar cane is crushed. A touch of history, an outline of farming innovation and a demonstration of how sugar is made, all topped off with a tasting treat - fairy floss for the kids, a taste of our homemade Chefs’ Gusto sauces and a nip of liqueur, schnapps or ginger beer for the adults. Perfect for all ages and a lovely way to end your mini break on the beautiful Mackay Isaac Region.

A weekend getaway is all you need.

Mackay, Credit: Tourism Australia

The Pioneer River is one of only two blue-water rivers on the east coast. We have 31 beaches that doorstop the vast canefields of the Pioneer Valley leading up to the cool rainforests on the top of the range at Eungella. In our piece of paradise you can enjoy the great outdoors all year round.

Mackay is home to some fantastic wildlife experiences. You can join the wallabies on the beach at Cape Hillsborough if you can be there at sunrise. It’s an incredible experience! Sunrise on a magnificent beach with some unique Australian wildlife. Then up in the hills at Broken River you will be able to see a platypus swimming at Broken River. A new and very exciting adventure also provides easy access to the unique, pristine islands off the Mackay coast thanks to Wildcat Mackay tours.

When it’s time to relax, kick back with a sweet treat or exotic beverage distilled onsite at our famous Sarina Sugar Shed. Or you can visit one of our great restaurants or cafes offering a range of cuisines, from exotic to traditional, fusion to gourmet.

Mackay’s festivals are vibrant and exciting, our sporting calendar boasts first class games and matches, and our arts and culture scene is rich and diverse. Mackay is a place where you can do as much or as little as you like and where the people are friendly, welcoming and proud.

Honestly, we live in the best region in Australia, and we can’t wait for you to visit.

Mayor Greg Williamson Mayor

Our home is a region that offers once-in-a-lifetime natural experiences, spectacular sprawling landscapes and a vibrant food scene that champions local produce.

of Mackay Region

Mackay, Credit: Tourism Australia

Things to See & Do

SPOT A PLATYPUS

Spot platypus in the wild at Broken River, a tranquil freshwater environment within Australia’s longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest, Eungella National Park. The best times to see this shy creature in its natural habitat are at dawn or dusk. Platypus viewing platforms are at the Broken River Visitor Information Centre, Eungella Dam Road.

WALLABY EXPERIENCE

Enjoy sunrise with kangaroos and wallabies who feed on the beach at Cape Hillsborough National Park each morning.

FINCH HATTON GORGE

A wonderful landscape of waterfalls, lush flora and volcanic boulder formations make Finch Hatton Gorge a must-see attraction.

ARALUEN WATERFALL & WHEEL OF FIRE

Take a walk through the rainforest on a 1.6km journey to the beautiful Araluen waterfall and rockpool or continue on 1.4km to reach the Wheel of Fire cascades, with another spectacular waterfall and a large rock pool.

BEACHES

Mackay has 31 beautiful sandy beaches waiting to be explored, that you will more than often have all to yourself. That’s one for each day of the month!

SNORKELLING & DIVING

Mackay is an excellent jump off point for snorkelling and diving tours to the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you are a dive enthusiast or just someone who has always dreamed of taking the plunge, Wildcat Mackay will take you on a journey of discovery to encounter this natural wonder of the world waiting for you just below the surface. Wildcat Mackay offers travellers a "pure escape" to the unique and pristine islands in the Great Barrier Reef. Soak in the sun, sand and sea and get on board a custom designed 17m catamaran to idyllic destination like, Brampton, Keswick, St Bees and Scawfell islands.

SCENIC FLIGHT

Add a scenic flight to your itinerary and you’ll get a whole new appreciation for the scale of this incredible ecosystem. You can choose a flight on a helicopter with departure points in Mackay region. Maybe even combining your snorkelling/diving tour with a scenic flight might just be the way to go to discover and enjoy the region to its fullest.

You can even add a touch of rugged landscape the experience. Bush Heli Services out in the Isaac region offer tours that will take you high above the mainland, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the picturesque volcanic mountains of Peak Range National Park. Ask your pilot to point out the area’s highlights, such as the impressive points of interest of the park – Wolfgang peak.

WAKE HOUSE AUSTRALIA

Watch some of the world’s best wakeboarders at this state-ofthe art facility. Try wakeboarding and kneeboarding designed for a range of age groups and experience levels, it’s great for fun, fitness and relaxation. There’s also food, drinks and live music on offer. See website for opening times and events.

Cape Hillsborough National Park, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

WIldcat Mackay, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Finch Hatton Gorge, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Wolfgang peak, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

SARINA SUGAR SHED

Enjoy a close-up, interactive and highly engaging guided tour into the region’s sugar cane history, at this multi-awardwinning facility. The guided tour takes around one hour and includes a tasty treat for the kids and adults. 30kms south of Mackay. Open 7 days, 9am - 4pm.

BLUEWATER LAGOON

Featuring three lagoons, a 19.5 metre water slide and interactive children’s water playground, the Bluewater Lagoon is a free family-friendly leisure facility in the heart of Mackay's city centre. Cafes, public toilets, showers and change rooms, barbecue facilities and lifeguards patrolling during opening hours. 9am - 5.45pm September to March, 9am - 4.45pm April to mid July.

MACKAY MARINA VILLAGE

The impressive Mackay Marina Village complex is world class. Dine alfresco and sample local cuisine and fresh seafood at one of many restaurants along the palm fringed esplanade. A thriving yacht club, award winning hotel and residential apartments complete the facility.

SWEET BERRIES

Pick your own strawberries from June to September, and blueberries from October to January at Ballantynes Strawberry Farm at Mt Charlton, north of Mackay. Enjoy a treat from the farm cafe while you’re there.

FOODIE FESTIVAL

The annual Wine and Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s finest culture and talent. The community bars, restaurants, cafés and festival food trucks showcase a handpicked collection of sought-after wines, beers and foodie delights.

GLOBAL GROOVES

Mackay’s largest multicultural event showcasing food, music, dancing and costumes from cultures right across the world. It features local and international performers, as well as a large variety of food vendors. October

MEET LOCAL FARMERS

Buy fresh and seasonal produce from local farmers every Wednesday at the Bluewater Quay in the city centre.

MACKAY CITY & HERITAGE WALK

Take a self-guided Heritage Walk through the city centre. The prosperity and pioneering heritage of Mackay is reflected within the Central Business District, a collection of beautifully preserved buildings and art, which give an insight into the region's diverse history.

CLERMONT HISTORICAL CENTRE

Travel back in time when steam was the king of the rails, read about the murder at Mt. Coolon in 1918, find out why Clermont is known as the ‘Town that Moved' and discover the many interesting articles which make up the Centre's collection. Open Wednesday to Saturday between 9am and 3pm.

MELBA HOUSE

The house where acclaimed opera singer Dame Nellie Melba lived is open to the public. It shows a beautiful array of photos, recordings, memorabilia, books and furniture of her time. Free entry. Open Daily from 900am – 3pm. Closed Good Friday & Christmas Day.

REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens showcase the unique flora of the Central Queensland bio-region, with free guided walks available on request.

ARTSPACE

Don’t miss Artspace Mackay, where function meets form at the city’s spectacular regional art gallery. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 3pm.

GOLF

A pleasant hour drive north of Mackay, Laguna Whitsundays is a fantastic destination with an award-winning golf course with easy access to the reef and Whitsunday Islands.

FISHING

Mackay is one of the best regions for recreational fishing on the east coast of Australia. For the novice to the experienced angler, from shore to reef, lake to estuary there is a fishing experience for all. The magnificent freshwater impoundments stocked with plentiful barramundi as well as other species.

THE MINING TRAIL

Inland and beyond the ranges, there are numerous coal mines tucked off the highway. Visit historic mining communities such as Nebo and Clermont or join an interesting coal mine tour of Peak Downs or Blair Athol mine, along the mining trail. Drive through the picturesque and vibrant mining community from Clermont all the way through to Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay.

NEBO

Pop out and see what the region has to offer and immerse yourself in the vast history. The Nebo Hotel is a heritage listed hotel in the Isaac Region, 1 hours drive from Mackay. Famous for its welcoming country hospitality, you will find delicious meals along with cold beverages, always served with a smile.

Regional Botanic Gardens

Sarina Sugar Shed, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

History & Culture

Celebrate the rich and colourful history and heritage of Australia’s oldest gold mining towns in The Isaac Region.

CLERMONT HISTORICAL CENTRE

Clermont is one of the most historic towns in northern Australia and has a colourful past filled with drama and laced with tragedy. In fact, Clermont was the first inland settlement in the tropics, making it a frontier town in the truest sense of the word. Something of that frontier atmosphere can still be found here without having to look too long. Behind it's small town facade is evidence from the days of gold-rushes, copper mines, timber getters, shearers, stock men and squatters.

The Clermont Historical Centre is situated approximately 2km north of Clermont along the Peak Downs highway. It contains over 8000 artefacts reflecting the rich and sometimes tragic history of Clermont and its surrounding region.

Travel back in time when steam was the king of the rails, read about the murder at Mt. Coolon in 1918, find out why Clermont is known as the ‘Town that Moved' and discover the many interesting articles which make up the Centre's collection.

Bookings: Book Direct with the Owner at Clermont Historical Centre And Museum with Attractions in Clermont, for all your Attraction and travel needs. Phone: (07) 4983 3311

Address: Gregory Hwy, Clermont QLD 4721

Outdoor exhibition at Clermont Historical Centre, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Clermont Historical Centre, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

MACKAY CITY & HERITAGE WALK

The prosperity and pioneering heritage of Mackay is reflected within the Central Business District, a collection of beautifully preserved buildings and art, which give an insight into the region's diverse history.

Follow the Mackay Heritage Trail walk, a self-guided stroll through Mackay's Central Business District to view buildings of architectural significance, many from the 1930's Art Deco era.

Despite being settled in 1862, many of Mackay's earliest buildings were destroyed in a devastating cyclone in 1918. Many of the re-built structures were from the 1920 to 1940 era, making the style of Mackay's Central Business District unique for a Queensland city.

The 90-minute walk includes historic structures that are listed with the National Trust, including the Mackay Court House, the Town Hall, Holy Trinity Parish Church and the Masonic Temple.

Visit the Mackay Visitor Information Centre at the Bluewater Lagoon for a copy of the Heritage Walk brochure, or download directions via mackay.qld.gov.au/heritage

MELBA HOUSE

Her soft brown eyes captured the hearts of men, her voice cast a magic spell on audiences in London, Paris and many other cities in Europe as well as the United States of America, the legendary diva Dame Nellie Melba.

Few know that the acclaimed opera singer spent the first year of her married life in a small house right here in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, in Marian.

And the house where the diva with the golden voice lived, is now open to the public for free. It shows a beautiful array of photos, recordings, memorabilia, books and furniture of her time. All this has been lovingly reconstructed by members and supporters of the Pioneer Valley Tourism and Development Association.

Open Daily from 9am to 3pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. www.mackayregion.com/melba-house

Phone: (07) 4954 4299

GREENMOUNT HOMESTEAD

Built in 1915 by Albert Cook, the former cattle property forms part of the original claim taken up by Captain John Mackay in 1862. Following the death of Albert’s son Tom, the homestead was gifted to the city in 1983 and has operated as a heritage site ever since.

The grounds contain a number of buildings, including a Queenslander style homestead, staff quarters, garage and blacksmith’s workshop, which together house a collection of more than 20,000 artefacts.

The stunning heritage listed gardens and grounds played an important role in Cook family life, and feature a formal front garden, fernery, and arbour.

Address: Greenmount Road, Walkerston (off the Peak Downs Highway)

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 9am to 1pm. Last Sunday of the month from 9am to 1pm. Tours begin at 9am, 10am, 11am and noon.

Phone: 4959 2250

Melba House, Former Residence Of Dame Nellie Melba Greenmount Homestead, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Mackay City & Heritage Walk, Mackay Courthouse Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Mackay City & Heritage Walk, old Paxtons Markets Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

A Fisherman's Dream

The magnificent freshwater impoundments stocked with plentiful barramundi as well as other species that will give you some sport. And that’s not to mention the red claw!

The freshwater rivers and creeks can be challenging to go hunting for barramundi and sooty grunter.

The estuaries and saltwater creeks make it easy to collect bait from jigging herring to pumping yabbies. Anglers can choose from fishing from the banks or using a boat to get at the abundant fish that come in spectacular colours, shapes and sizes.

Those with a boat have a choice from reefs just offshore from the coast or those around the nearby islands. And a little further on is the reef proper, notorious for multiple hookups of the sought-after red emperors and coral trout and a multitude of other species of reef fish. Mackay is located in the unique position at the meeting point of northern and southern fish species so anglers have the best of both worlds. For those without their own boat there are great charter and tour options and plenty of beach fishing spots.

Great Keppel Island, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Mackay is one of the best regions for recreational fishing on the east coast of Australia, if not the best!

First, there’s an opportunity to enjoy virtually any fishing style you choose.

Theresa Creek Dam, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Crabbing at Clairview, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Distances

FROM MAKCAY TO

GETTING TO MACKAY

By Air Mackay Airport is serviced by major carriers Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar. Moranbah Airport is serviced by Virgin Australia and Qantas. Short and long-term car parking is available at both airports. By Rail Queensland Rail travels to and from Mackay, with the train station located in Paget, 5km south of the city centre.

By Road Major coach operators include Mackay in their scheduled services from destinations throughout Queensland.

GETTING AROUND MACKAY

By Taxi Call 131 008 or look for the taxi ranks within the city centre, at local shopping centres or at the Mackay Airport.

By Bus Mackay Transit Coaches operate a public busschedule to most areas in the Mackay Region.

AIRLIE BEACH

PIONEER VALLEY

Driving along Cape Palmerston, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

National Parks & Walks

The Mackay Region boasts a diverse range of national parks, many of which offer opportunities to stay, eat and explore. From lush green, mist shrouded Eungella National Park, to the windswept, rugged coastline of Cape Hillsborough and the expansive plains of Peak Range National Park, there’s an experience that suits every traveller.

As you make your way through the Pioneer Valley to Eungella (pronounced young-g’lah) National Park, you pass charming sugar hamlets hemmed in by the ever-present sugar cane on either side of the road. Stop at the Pinnacle Pub for one of their famous pies and then make the quick hop to stunning Finch Hatton Gorge.

Once inside this lush green world, the popular walk to Araluen Falls is a 40-minute round trip or its one and a half hours if you want to visit both Araluen and Wheel of Fire Falls. Both falls are surrounded by rainforest and flow into clear and refreshing swimming holes at their base.

Then it’s up the mountain to Eungella National Park a world of tall timber and small wildlife. The sentinels of the park are the Mackay Tulip Oaks standing tall, buttresses flared, cloaked in mists and centuries old.

Eungella is platypus country and Broken River is the capital. Nowhere else in the world are you as likely to see these furry, little duck-billed critters than here. You never know what you might encounter on your travels through this misty, magical place!

Get down from the high country and head for a coastal change at stunning Cape Hillsborough. Just north of Mackay the cape is most famous for the agile wallabies that meander down onto the beach at dawn.

Of the many wonderful walks available, the Juipera Plant Trail is a must. It highlights the plant food used by the original custodians of the land, the Juipera people.

BRAMPTON ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

Rugged peaks provide magnificent views to nearby islands, secluded bays and turquoise waters. This park protects Brampton and Carlisle islands and is a natural haven for diverse plants and animals.

Brampton Peak | Grade: Moderate to challenging

Time: Allow 3hrs | Distance: 6.6km return from the jetty Explore Brampton Island with an invigorating hike up Brampton Peak. The walk from the resort site to Brampton Peak is steep in places, but the reward is splendid views of the mainland and Carlisle Island's steep forested slopes. Enjoy the surroundings and catch your breath at one of the bench seats along the way.

From the verdant Brampton Peak lookout to the coralcovered sea floor, Brampton Islands National Park abounds in the beauty of nature. Blue tiger butterflies add bursts of colour to the island and rainbow skinks are abundant in the undergrowth, should you take the time to look. Turtles feed in the surrounding marine park waters and both islands are important turtle rookeries.

Swimming and snorkelling are popular in this area. Stop for lunch on one of the isolated beaches, take a dip and enjoy the spectacular marine life.

CAPE HILLSBOROUGH NATIONAL PARK

Diverse habitats are protected in the 1074.85ha Cape Hillsborough National Park, one of the most ruggedly beautiful parks on the Central Queensland coast. West of the day-use area, a large mangrove community is an important breeding ground for marine animals.

Andrews Point Track | Grade: Difficult Time: Allow 2hrs | Distance: 5.2km return Breathtaking ocean, island and coastal views are well worth the climb on this visually-rewarding walk.

Beachcomber Cove Track | Grade: Moderate Time : Allow 1.5hrs walking time | Distance: 2.2km return Climb the ridge for spectacular views and then drop down to a gold-flecked beach in a secluded cove.

The Diversity Boardwalk | Grade: Easy

Time: Allow 40min walking time | Distance: 1.2km return This aptly-named boardwalk meanders through shadowy mangroves, towering eucalypts, cool melaleucas and dense vines.

Cape Hillsborough, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland Walking to Andrews Point, Cape Hillsborough, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

CREDITON STATE FOREST

Tall, stately rose gums more than a century old remain along Crediton Loop Road. Crediton marks the northern-most limit of these beautiful trees. The forest also contains relics of gold mining exploration during the 1880s.

Quiet country roads and farming communities here provide country charm. Just outside the state forest, Crediton Hall is a key feature of the area. It has brought this small community together for more than 60 years. In its early days, the hall was both a classroom and community hall. Today, it's part of the recreation reserve and serves as a camping area for weary walkers and travellers like you.

Following old forestry tracks through Crediton State Forest's open woodland, you can continue south to enjoy the cool breezes and open outlooks of Denham Range camping area. You can mountain bike through Crediton State Forest on the internal roads and fire breaks, unless otherwise signed.

The Diggings is a pleasant place for a picnic or rest stop but no facilities are provided. Nearest toilets and barbecue facilities are at Sky Window visitor area. All rubbish (including food scraps) must be carried out.

Mackay Highlands Great Walk | Grade: Moderate to difficult | Time: 3–5 days | Distance: 56 km one way

The 3–5 day walk is only for skilled walkers with high fitness levels. Experience rainforest and palm groves, cliffs and peaks, and quiet roads and farming communities.

EUNGELLA NATIONAL PARK

High above the surrounding plains, this mist-shrouded and forest-clad mountain refuge is one of Queensland’s most ecologically diverse parks with 860 plant species and a wonderful variety of wildlife.

CLARKE RANGE-BROKEN RIVER AREA - EUNGELLA

NATIONAL PARK

Pine Grove Circuit | Grade: Grade 4

Distance: 1.6km | Time: 45mins–1hr

Pine Grove-Cedar Grove Track | Grade: Grade 4

Distance: 2.8km | Time:1–1.5hrs

Sky Window Circuit | Grade: Grade 2

Distance: 250m | Time: 5–10mins

Clarke Range Track | Grade: Grade 4

Distance: 8.2km one way | Time: 3–4hrs

Granite Bend Circuit | Grade: Grade 3

Distance: 1.6km circuit | Time: 40–55mins

Rainforest Discovery Circuit | Grade: Grade 3

Distance: 780m circuit | Time: 20–30mins

Crediton Creek Track | Grade: Grade 4

Distance: 8km one way | Time: 3–3.5hrs each way

Wishing Pool Circuit | Grade: Grade 4

Distance: 1.7km circuit | Time: 35–50mins

Guide to Grades

Grade 2 Suitable for beginners and young children

Grade 3 Recommended for people with some hiking experience or average fitness

Grade 4 Recommended for experienced hikers and a reasonable level of fitness

Eungella National Park, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Eungella National Park, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Eungella National Park, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Eungella National Park, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

• Bliss n Esso: Harrup Park

FEBRURARY

• Mackay Sports Expo

MARCH

• Mackay Airport Twilight City Run

• 2022 Variety Queensland: Jet Trek

• Bowen Basin Symposium

APRIL

• Australian Off Road Championship (AORC)

• P roMX Championship Round 2

• Great Barrier Reef Arena Bash For Cash

• W intermoon Festival

• Sa rina Rodeo

MAY

• The Clermont Show: The Isaac Region’s Show

• Z ach Mach Adventure Challenge

• The INDT 2022 World Sooty Championship

• Mackay Italian Street Party

JUNE

• MackPop Con

• Mackay Show

• BMA Mackay Marina Run

• Beach Horse Races

• Festival of STEM Pedal Prix

• P ioneer Valley Show

• St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend

• Rocky Trail Academy & FOX Superflow

JULY

• 2022 Platypus Paddle

• The Mackay Scottish Bluewater Fling

• Mackay Charity ‘Kilt’ Run

• Motorcycle Beach Races at Grasstree Beach

• W ine & Food Day

• Queensland Mining and Engineering Expo

• Mackay Cup

• Mackay Mountain Marathon

• Mountain Bike Australia XCO National Cup Round

• Festival of Arts

AUGUST

• Variety Bash NSW: Mackay Finish Line

• QCCS presents NQ’s Rock’n Country Music Festival 2022

• Beer & BBQ – Harrup Park

• Sarina Show

SEPTEMBER

• L ight up the Lake WSPD

• Rock Paper Scissors Art & Design Market

• Rumble on the Reef

• 2022 Hydrofoil Pro Tour

• National Street Skateboarding Championships

• Moneybowl 2022

OCTOBER

• 2022 Rhythm and the Reef

• 2022 Rhythm and the Reef Recovery Party

• Eungella Ancient Arts & Crafts Fayre

• Run for MI Life

• Global Grooves

• P rofessional Bull Riders Mackay Invitational

NOVEMBER

• Moranbah Miners’ Memorial Race Day

DECEMBER

• New Year’s Eve Party

For the most up to date calendar of events and dates, go to www.mackayregion.com/play/all-events

Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL

Queens Park, Saturday, 16 July 2022

The annual Wine and Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s finest culture and talent. The community bars, restaurants, cafés and festival food trucks showcase a handpicked collection of sought-after wines, beers and foodie delights.

GLOBAL GROOVES

Queens Park, Saturday, 22 October 2022

Mackay’s largest multicultural event showcasing food, music, dancing and costumes from cultures right across the world. It features local and international performers, as well as a large variety of food vendors.

MEET LOCAL FARMERS

Buy fresh and seasonal produce from local farmers every Wednesday at the Bluewater Quay in the city centre.

SWEET BERRIES

Pick your own strawberries from June to September, and blueberries from October to January at Ballantynes Strawberry Farm at Mt Charlton, north of Mackay. Enjoy a treat from the farm cafe while you’re there.

Wine and Food Festival, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Global Grooves, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Wolfgang Peak, Credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism