Bruce Highway, part of Australia's circumferential Highway 1, runs through the western part of Mackay. The city is a gateway to Eungella National Park and nearby Finch Hatton Gorge.
Beaches and reefs
There are some 31 beaches in the Mackay region with Town and Illawong beaches close to the central business district.
Day tours and extended charters to the Great Barrier Reef are available. Several islands, including the resort island of Brampton, lie off the coast. Fish, waterski, dive, snorkel.
Sugar centre
Mackay is the centre of the largest sugar producing region in Australia and is said to have the biggest bulk sugar facility in the world.
The city is 975 kilometres north of Brisbane.
Services and facilities
Mackay airport has air services linking with other Australian cities and towns.
Accommodation facilities include resorts, hotels, motels, self-contained apartments, rainforest retreats and farmstays.
