This week on Melanie in Mackay, we’re taking a closer look at some of the region’s most scenic and historic spots, perfect for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re up for a challenging hike, a relaxing stroll along the marina, or a beachside coffee at Casu Jacks, there’s plenty to explore. Let’s dive into some of Mackay’s must-visit coastal attractions!
Rotary Lookout
For breathtaking panoramic views of Mackay, Rotary Lookout is an unmissable spot. The ground is marked with directional indicators that highlight prominent landmarks and local hot spots.
Famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset vistas, it’s a perfect place for a challenging hike, especially if you’re looking to boost your cardio with a steep incline.
Southern Breakwater Road
Constructed in the late 1930s and extended by 1999 to include the Mackay Marina, the Southern Breakwater Road (or Break Wall) stretches 1.73 km. In 2017, the impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie led to extensive repairs, with 80,000 to 90,000 tonnes of rock used to restore the breakwaters.
Starting from Breakwater Access Road, visitors can take the Southern Breakwater Trail, which offers spectacular views of the Mackay Marina and the Port of Mackay. The 3.5 km return walk (roughly 2,000 steps) is a popular route.
However, be mindful that the lack of shade and the heat radiating from the bitumen surface means it’s best to explore during cooler parts of the day. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like dolphins and turtles in the waters below.
Pine Islet Lighthouse
The Pine Islet Lighthouse, originally built in 1885, remained in operation for a century until it was deactivated in 1985, making it the last kerosene-powered lighthouse in Australia. It was relocated from Pine Islet in the Percy Isles to its current position at the Port of Mackay, where it was carefully reassembled to remain operational, making it one of the few remaining working kerosene lighthouses in the world.
Mackay Marina Village
With a tropical vibe and palm-lined esplanades, Mackay Marina Village is a charming hub where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll alongside luxury yachts. The commercial precinct features a variety of shops, a bar, a restaurant, and a hotel.
The marina itself boasts 328 berths, including six Mega Berths with 60-meter capacity, 18 new big boat berths, and 32 fishing berths. There are also purpose-built spaces for multi-hull vessels, designed to accommodate boats with a four-and-a-half-meter draught at low tide.
While the marina is known for its scenic views, a recent crocodile sighting reported on social media serves as a reminder that swimming in the waters is not advised.
Casu Jacks Café
Located in the Marina Village, Casu Jacks Café offers affordable breakfast options and great coffee. The Big Breakfast is a must-try, and with a 4.5-star Google rating, it’s the perfect spot to start your day. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along the esplanade.
Port of Mackay
As Queensland’s fourth-largest multi-commodity port by throughput, Mackay serves as a vital hub for Central Queensland’s mining and agricultural industries. Operating around the clock, seven days a week, the port spans over 800 hectares.
The region is renowned for being Australia’s largest sugar-producing area, and the port is home to one of the world’s largest bulk sugar terminals.
Harbour Beach
Only a five-minute drive from the Mackay CBD, Harbour Beach is seasonally patrolled by the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club. It’s also pet-friendly, though dogs must remain on a lead during visits.
This beach offers a unique feature: it faces nearly due east and experiences some of the largest tides and waves along the east coast of Australia, with tidal shifts of up to 8 meters and wave heights of 0.5 to 1 meter within the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. The 60-meter-wide high-tide beach transforms into a 200-meter-wide low-tide stretch, where rips can form, particularly at the low tide.
The Mackay Surf Life Saving Club has been a fixture since 1949 and relocated to its current position in 2000 due to the nearby Mackay Marina development.
