Discover Mackay
Mackay is located at the gateway of the Whitsundays region in Queensland on the east coast of Australia. With plenty to explore and enjoy, like beaches, national parks, restaurants, shopping and regular local events. The year-round sub-tropical weather makes it an ideal Queensland Coast location.
Mackay has grown from a small town into a larger city with a population of over 130,000 people. It is home to many facilities, including hospitals and allied health, parks, playgrounds, libraries, galleries, museums, sporting precincts and aquatic facilities. It is an ideal place to retire and enjoy a small-town charm with all the convenience and niceties of a bigger city.
The best way to explore Mackay CBD is via the award-winning Bluewater Trail. Many activities are available at various points along the Bluewater Trail, including botanic gardens, picnic areas, swimming lagoons, public fishing platforms, BBQ areas, artwork and an environmental walk. Plus, cafes and restaurants where you can stop for refreshments or light meals before heading back out onto your adventure again!
Located just 20mins from Mackay CBD is the growing Northern Beaches suburb, where you can find the region's most popular beaches that boast sandy shores, gleaming blue water, pockets of melaleuca forests and mangrove fringed creeks. Guaranteed to deliver sun, sand and sensational ocean views.
Northern Beaches is also home to Northern Beaches Central and Northern Beaches Central Showroom Precinct. Across the two adjoining centres, you'll find everything you need in one location, including Coles, Woolworths, BWS, Australia Post, and Moblie Fuel, along with services like hairdressing, beauty, fitness, plus cafes, restaurants and fast food options.
If you love to get out and explore the outdoors, Mackay's year-round weather makes it the perfect place to reside. There are plenty of national parks, with flora and fauna to discover, including Eungella National Park, Australia's longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest. Boating and fishing are on the list of things to enjoy, with a beautiful marina precinct located on Australia's best-known stretch of coastline. In addition, you can enjoy wine paired with fresh local seafood and produce at restaurants dotted along the sunny waterways. Regular markets, community events, festivals, concerts and theatrical shows fill Mackay's calendar year-round.
Day trips will take you to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays islands, where you can explore The Great Barrier Reef via boat tours, snorkeling or diving. If you prefer to explore inland, you can venture to Pioneer Valley, with waterfalls, lush flora and volcanic boulder formations or enjoy a round of golf at the Pioneer Valley Golf Club. Following walking tracks at Finch Hatton Gorge will take you to clear rock pools, waterfalls and platypus spotting.
Getting to and from Mackay is accessible by car with Australia's highway network. Mackay's major Australian regional airport is located in South Mackay, which services many domestic flights daily. You can also rediscover the luxury of train travel with the Spirit of Queensland, covering locations between Brisbane and Cairns.
Where will retirement take you? Solana Lifestyle Resorts will launch its fourth Queensland Coast location in 2023 at Northern Beaches, Mackay. So, if sunny North Queensland is calling you, register your interest to find out pricing, floorplans and launch details first.