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Reasons to book your next Mackay hire car with us
Mackay is a beautiful coastal city in Queensland, situated halfway between Brisbane and Cairns. The city's prosperity is owed to the rich, fertile soil which supports lush sugarcane plantations. Although Mackay is often overlooked by travellers in favour of spending more time in Brisbane, those who do visit are surprised to find that there are not only excellent snorkelling and diving sites but also history, culture and a thriving art scene in Mackay.
It’s well worth adding Mackay to your Australian road trip route. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring Brisbane and other areas along the Queensland coast. You can book a reliable Mackay car hire in advance with Enjoy Travel.
Guide to Mackay
Climate in Mackay
This coastal city has a tropical climate with high heat, humidity and rainfall. As it is located in the southern hemisphere, December is the warmest month with an average maximum temperature of 32°C (89°F). The monsoons start soon after that and last until April. Occasionally, the rainfall is accompanied by cyclones. The best time to visit would be spring, which typically falls in June and July when the average daily temperature would be around 23°C (73°F).
Things to do in Mackay
Mackay history & architecture
If you're an architecture and history aficionado, Mackay may not typically be on your radar, but you may be surprised by the hidden gems it holds. Stroll down Gordon Street to pass an array of remarkable structures before reaching the famed Masonic Temple, which is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register for its Classical architectural style as well as its history of masonic rituals. For a peek into Mackay's sugar-producing past, visit the Mackay Bulk Sugar Terminal to learn about how this facility became equipped to hold over 700,000 tonnes of sugar, making it an important resource centre for all of Australia.
Explore rainforests & wildlife
After you've reached your quota of historical facts for the day, catch a taxi or drive over to Cape Hillsborough National Park, about 40 minutes north of Mackay. It's a rainforest reserve located right next to the beach, so after you tire out from bushwalking or hiking, plop yourself on the sand to get a tan or jump into the water to cool off. If you're lucky, you may see kangaroos, wallabies and turtles on the beach. Mackay is also one of the top fishing destinations in Australia; the Kinchant, Teemburra and Eungella Dams are all situated around 90 minutes from Mackay. If you're driving from Brisbane to Cairns to reach the Great Barrier Reef, Mackay is a perfect mid-way point to fuel both yourself and your vehicle.
Eating out in Mackay
There's almost always a food festival going on in Mackay! If you happen to visit in May, make sure to check out the Lamberts Beach Seafood & Wine Festival and Jayco Mackay Italian Street Party. However, on a regular hot day, make a beeline to Mackay Lager where you can choose from over 200 locally made brews. If you're looking for something a bit stronger, then Sarina Sugar Shed doles out award-winning rums. If you're staying in town for a while, on Wednesdays, there's the Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market where you can find an array of fresh local produce.
Transport in Mackay
Airport & public transport
Mackay Airport is connected to the rest of Australia by Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Qantas. Within the city, the Mackay Transit Coaches operate a fairly reliable bus schedule connecting a handful of important centres around the city.
Driving in Mackay
If you plan to travel outside the city, then a car hire would be recommended. The airport offers car parking as well as car hire services through popular agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, Europcar, and Budget.
