Mackay

Mackay just might be the sweetest spot in all of Queensland – since 1860, it’s been known as the sugar capital of Australia, producing a whopping one third for the entire country. Founded by John Mackay, the town was originally named Alexandra before reverting to Mackay to honour John’s father, George Mackay (although Alexandra became a prominent suburb and home of the first sugar mill). Sparkling with brilliance on the coast of Queensland, Mackay is a tropical haven for tourists and marine life, and is nearby the Bluewater Trail, a trek which covers some 20 kilometers around the natural wonders including Bluewater Lagoon, and the Mackay Botanical Gardens. Mackay holds an annual Arts Festival in July each year, and hosts several music events including Global Groves and the Wintermoon Music Festival. 

Mackay is located on the coast 955 km (10 hr 40 min drive) north of Brisbane and 380 km (4 hr 20 min drive) south of Townsville.

View the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships online portal to identify the Indigenous language group/s for Mackay.

Population:

121072

Airport:

Mackay Airport

Arts & Culture:

Australia Council Profile - Dawson

Local Electorate:

Mackay Regional Council

State Electorate:

Mackay

Federal Electorate:

Dawson

Weather:

22°C light rain

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