Mackay's marina is a little out of town, but well worth the trip to wine and dine with a waterfront view, or to simply picnic in the park and stroll along the breakwater. Good fishing, too.

Just south of the marina is Harbour Beach. The beach is patrolled and there’s a foreshore reserve with picnic tables and barbecues.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Mackay Laneway Project

3.12 MILES

For Mackay's tag artists, the city is their canvas. Download the Zappar app, step into this alleyway and aim your phone at the barcodes provided to make…

2. Bluewater Lagoon

3.22 MILES

Backed by the Pioneer River and reassuringly stinger-free, this pleasant three-tiered artificial lagoon has kids' play areas, water slides, grassed picnic…

3. Artspace Mackay

3.33 MILES

This contemporary art gallery showcases works from local and visiting artists, including pieces by the Indigenous Lockhart River Art Gang. Exhibits may…

4. Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens

5.13 MILES

Set on 33 hectares, 3km south of central Mackay, these gardens were first envisioned in 1878 yet didn't open until 2003. Taking their names from pioneer…

5. Keswick Island

18.24 MILES

Thirty-two kilometres northeast of Mackay, Keswick Island is the only island in the Cumberland group with constant human habitation. It's a real paradise,…

6. Cape Hillsborough National Park

18.46 MILES

Comprising broad beaches, rocky headlands, sand dunes, mangroves, hoop pines and rainforest, the 10.2-sq-km national park lies some 50km northwest of…

8. Sarina Sugar Shed

21.57 MILES

Sarina Sugar Shed is the only miniature sugar-processing mill and distillery of its kind in Australia. After sucking on raw cane and seeing sugar in…