The city of Mackay with its historic, art deco town centre is divided by the Pioneer River and fringed by a coastline of sandy beaches with the warm waters of the Coral Sea to the East and the rich green of the hinterland to the West.
Take some time to soak up life in the tropics. Establish a base at one of the many different accommodation options. Wander the centre of town admiring the candy coloured facades of the buildings before grabbing a coffee and a meal at one of the al fresco cafes and restaurants dotted within easy walking distance.
Beyond the CBD, to the east lies the marina precinct with its coastal accommodation and waterfront eateries boasting views across the water. Here you can admire the yachts bobbing gently at their moorings, or you can hire a vessel and explore the coastline and islands of the Great Barrier Reef firsthand.