Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Mackay travel guide

Mackay Tourism | Mackay Guide

You're Going to Love Mackay

With a population of 74,219, Mackay is a must-see destination in Queensland, Australia. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Mackay deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Mackay

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Andergrove Tavern (64 Andergrove Rd) and Rare Bar and Grill (65 Victoria St) are great picks.

When to visit Mackay

Mackay in May
Estimated hotel price
$48
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mackay in May
Estimated hotel price
$48
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Mackay in January, when the average temperature is 78.8 °F, and the highest can go up to 86 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is July, when it can get as cold as 53.6 °F, with an average temperature of 60.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in February, when precipitation is around 12.2″. In contrast, September is usually the driest month of the year in Mackay, with an average rainfall of 0.4″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Mackay

Plane

When flying to Mackay, you’ll arrive at Mackay (MKY), which is located 2 miles from the city center. The shortest flight to Mackay from the United States departs from Santa Rosa and takes around 38h 43m.

Car

Another option to get to Mackay is to pick up a car rental from Proserpine, which is about 64 miles from Mackay. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in Proserpine.

Plane

When flying to Mackay, you’ll arrive at Mackay (MKY), which is located 2 miles from the city center. The shortest flight to Mackay from the United States departs from Santa Rosa and takes around 38h 43m.

Car

Another option to get to Mackay is to pick up a car rental from Proserpine, which is about 64 miles from Mackay. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in Proserpine.

Airlines serving Mackay

Qatar Airways
Good (3,732 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,662 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,214 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,644 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,431 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,487 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,602 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (241 reviews)
Air India
Okay (2,922 reviews)
China Southern
Good (172 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (1,100 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (669 reviews)
Jetstar
Good (569 reviews)
Virgin Australia
Good (475 reviews)
Air Niugini
Okay (4 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Mackay

Most booked hotels in Mackay

Coral Cay Resort
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1149 reviews)
$91+
Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8, 1571 reviews)
$82+
Ibis Mackay
4 stars
Good (7.9, 1622 reviews)
$112+
Mackay Seabreeze Apartments
0 stars
Good (7.6, 980 reviews)
$112+
White Lace Motor Inn
4 stars
Good (7.4, 1764 reviews)
$85+

Renting a car in Mackay

Renting a car in Mackay costs $58 per day, on average, or $117 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 40% cheaper than airport locations in Mackay.

Expect to pay $5.53 per gallon in Mackay (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $66.32 and $88.43. Compact (Hyundai Kona or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Mackay, while also 31% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Mackay costs $58 per day, on average, or $117 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 40% cheaper than airport locations in Mackay.

Expect to pay $5.53 per gallon in Mackay (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $66.32 and $88.43. Compact (Hyundai Kona or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Mackay, while also 31% cheaper than other types, on average.