Mackay
Mackay is a vibrant exciting tropical city, booming from the richness of sugar and mining. Mackay was settled in 1862, named after one Captain John Mackay who discovered the valley of the Pioneer River. Early pioneers brought sugar cane to the region and began an industry that has become one of Australia's largest. Within a decade of settlement, Mackay became one of Queensland's largest sugar producing areas - and still is! Mackay grew with its industries. As sugar boomed, so did the frontier town.
The climate and environment of the Mackay area soon attracted families and today more than 60,000 people live in Mackay. More and more Southerners are drawn by the promise of sunshine, warmth and relaxed family living. Mackay's close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and some of the world's most prized rainforests make it a holiday destination for many thousands of visitors.
The City Heart - Mackay's City Heart has recently undergone a magical transformation by way of a unique community arts project. Comprising over 580 pieces of art, the overall theme depicts the environmental beauty of the Natural North. The lush rainforests of the Pioneer Valley through to the coast, tropical islands and clear seas are all seen in the project. Other pieces include bronze animal shapes such as geckos and the Eungella Honeyeater, plaques, sculptures and terazzo and mosaic tiles.
The Heritage Walk - Feel close to the history of Mackay by following the Heritage Walk. You'll find a hotel built in 1889 that slaked the thirst of thousands of rough and ready cane cutters for over a century. You'll see the Police Station, the Court House and the Commonwealth Bank, all over a century old and all listed with the National Trust. If you are interested in the colonial days of the region, a trip to Greenmount Homestead, 18kms west of Mackay, is highly recommended.
Shopping - There are three main shopping centres - Caneland Shoppingtown, Mount Pleasant and The City Heart. Caneland boasts over 100 specialty stores and four major chains and confidently offers the best shopping variety of any shopping centre in Mackay, as well as a great range of services. Mackay's City Heart has the character of a modern tropical city - with a history. Mt Pleasant host a large range of stores conveniently positioned for easy access from the northern beaches. Arts, crafts and fine pottery galleries may be found at Homebush, North Eton, Eungella and the northern beaches.
Eating Out - Seafood, some of the best steaks you'll ever find, a wide range of multicultural cuisines, cordon bleu restaurants and humble hamburger joints - the selection of dining alternatives is as wide as the differing tastes of visitors. Several excellent seafood restaurants specialise in the product of the district's clear tropical waters - reef fish, fresh prawns, oysters and mud crabs. Light and healthy salads and locally grown tropical fruits. Chinese, French, Italian, Thai, Mexican and Indian cuisines are all found in Mackay.
Entertainment - All Mackay's resorts have their own activities. In addition, the City's hotels and nightclubs give the fun loving visitor night time entertainment. The Mackay Entertainment Centre is one of the best provincial venues in Australia. Opened in 1987, the complex features a regular programme of acts from around the world. Enjoy a night out at the Theatre Restaurant or take the family out to dinner at any one of Mackay's clubs.
Australia
Mackay Region
