How to Get Around and About in Mackay Region - Everything you need to know!

Planes, trains, and motor vehicles: there are a plethora of options available to guarantee that you reach your destination on time and safely when touring around Mackay. All that is required is a decision on whether to choose the fastest, most leisurely or most convenient alternative. Here is a guide that will take you through these details!

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Travelling to Mackay

By Air

You can fly directly to Mackay from either Sydney or Brisbane to make the most out of your stay. The Mackay Airport is served by a variety of airlines, including Virgin Australia, Jetstar and QantasLink, among others. Parking is provided for both short and long-term use. From the international terminal, taxis, shuttle services and car rental businesses are available. Brisbane is served by QantasLink as well as Virgin Australia, both of which provide direct flights to Moranbah International Airport. Parking is provided for both short and long-term use at no charge. Taxi and vehicle rental booths are also available on-site. Before you arrive at the airport, make sure to book accommodation as hotels get fully booked during the peak seasons. For instance, you can check out hotels in Mackay the likes of Oaks Mackay Carlyle Suites.

By Rail

Queensland Rail Explore takes the tranquil travel route through the Queensland coastline and offers passengers the opportunity to take in the changing scenery from the luxury of a vintage railcar. Take a trip on the Spirit of Queensland to Mackay, where you may pick between Premium Economy seats or even the Railbed, which includes a lie-flat bed and a supper. Paget Train Station, situated 5 kilometres southern side of the city centre, is the closest train station to Mackay.

By Road 

The additional pleasure of pausing to take in the landscape and views while you drive enables you to get to Mackay in comfort and style. If you don’t prefer to drive by yourself, you can have it taken care for you by taking advantage of the scheduled services offered by major bus operators. These include Greyhound Australia from key cities along the coastline, which include Mackay, Moranbah, Nebo and Clermont. The trip time from Mackay to Cairns is about 8 hours, while the travel time from Mackay to Brisbane is roughly eleven hours.

Getting Around

By Taxi

Mackay Whitsunday Taxi is a cab company that serves the whole Mackay region. To schedule an immediate pick-up, dial 13 10 08 or seek taxi ranks around this city and also at the Mackay Airport. 

By Bus

A public urban bus service operated by Mackay Transit Coaches has picked up locations across the city of Mackay and adjacent suburbs including Walkerston, Mackay's Northern Beaches, and Sarina. They also offer services between Mackay and Emerald. Additional information, including schedules, may be found on this website. 

Tours and Transport Services

One can join an educational tour led by the local tour guides who know the city better than most to get a feel for the finest of what the region has to offer. Several tours and transportation companies operate in the Mackay region, with the majority of them providing door-to-door pick up as well as drop off services. It's the most relaxed method to explore the sights in the Mackay area. Tours may be found here.

The Environment and Travel

The Mackay Region is a natural paradise where you may connect with the forests and the reefs. While travelling, please be on the alert and make sure to minimise any environmental impact: The Mackay Region's magnificent reef and rainforest may well be damaged by climate change; therefore, your assistance is needed to reduce harmful impacts.