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Things to do in Mackay

Find things to do in Mackay. Explore local events, attractions, markets and family activities, with dates, places and prices.

Public listings checked 25/10/2026. Dates use each event’s local time. Check organiser details before travelling.

Explore the region

Explore Mackay and its coastal suburbs, with day trips to the Pioneer Valley, Sarina, Seaforth and Cape Hillsborough.

Listings across Andergrove, Blacks Beach, Bucasia, Cape Hillsborough, Eimeo, Eungella, Finch Hatton, Mackay, Marian, Mirani, Sarina, Shoal Point, Slade Point, South Mackay, West Mackay.

Upcoming events

16 matching events listed in the next 60 days. Admission prices are shown where supplied.

Theatre & Shows

Disney: The Exhibition - A Century of Magic

Fri, 4 Dec, 12:00 am AEST

Mackay · Check price with organiser

Disney in Mackay! The Walt Disney Archives has opened its vault of treasures, showcasing hundreds of extraordinary objects, including many of Disney's "Crown Jewels" – more than 120 artifacts and works of art, costumes and props, and incredible memorabilia. Imaginatively themed galleries showcasing renowned classics from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to Encanto (2021), including the latest members of the Disney family – Pixar, Star Wars, and MARVEL! A chance for families, children and loved ones to celebrate their love of Disney's most timeless stories! Find out more at Disney: The Exhibition – The Official Website Waitlist Open Now. © Disney © MARVEL © &TM Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC Visiting Mackay Whether you're coming for a weekend escape, a road trip through regional Queensland, or a longer stay off the beaten track, this is where your journey begins. From how to get here and where to camp, to permits, weather, accessibility and local travel tips, we've got all the practical info you need to explore the region safely and stress-free.

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Live Music & Concerts

Crossroad Arts presents LOOSE ENDS

Fri, 4 Dec, 7:00 pm AEST

Mackay · From $15

Kooky. Social. Inclusive Crossroad Arts in association with Mackay Entertainment & Convention centre presents LOOSE ENDS Help them celebrate International Day of People with Disability at their annual kooky, social and inclusive performance evening. As well as strutting their stuff on the evening they also ask people to dig deep as LOOSE ENDS is also their annual major fundraiser. Please support them by grabbing a ticket for a night to remember as we showcase performance, music, live painting, dance and quirky antics from a cross section of the community! The night features Strictly Wheelchair Dance Group, Groove Movers, With One Voice, Choir of Unheard Voices, Crossroad Arts Crew and more! There will be prizes, giveaways and raffles on the evening!

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Live Music & Concerts

Leisa Payne School of Dance Presents Dance. Perform. Inspire.

Sat, 5 Dec, 2:00 pm AEST

Mackay · From $40

Leisa Payne School of Dance returns to the MECC stage for its highly anticipated 2026 annual production, Dance. Perform. Inspire. Showcasing Mackay's finest dance talent, this spectacular production brings together an outstanding cast of award winning performances across Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Song & Dance. From our youngest dancers taking their first steps on stage to our accomplished senior performers, Dance. Perform. Inspire. celebrates the artistry, versatility and exceptional standard of performance that have become synonymous with Leisa Payne School of Dance. With a proud history spanning more than 38 years, Leisa Payne School of Dance continues its longstanding tradition of excellence, presenting a powerful celebration of dance from one of Mackay's most established and highly regarded dance schools.

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Live Music & Concerts

The MECC presents The 7 Sopranos - Celebrating Christmas

Thu, 17 Dec, 7:30 pm AEST

Mackay · From $29

It will be a night of dazzling and festive high glamour as The 7 Sopranos enchant you with music and operatic elegance as they sing your favourite Christmas songs from the nostalgic charm of Jingle Bells and Let it Snow to the serene beauty of Silent Night and Oh Holy Night. This highly successful group of professional young opera and music theatre singers, whose combination of breathtaking voices, high glamour and sophistication have been wowing audiences across Australia and Internationally for a decade. Their self-titled debut album, released by ABC Music, went to the top of the ARIA charts. Their second album Popcorn, Songs From Stage and Screen garnered over a million views for their music video released on YouTube, Keep Young and Beautiful.

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Attractions and places to visit

57 places in this selection. Opening hours, access and admission vary; check the place details.

Timezone Caneland

Amusement and Theme Parks

Timezone Caneland

Mackay

Mackay's got it all – the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep, pristine harbour beaches, tropical islands teeming with wildlife, and yes, Timezone Caneland right in the heart of it all. Located on Ground Level in Caneland Central Shopping Centre, Timezone Caneland is your perfect holiday pit stop. Maybe the tropical sun's got you seeking cool relief. Maybe you need something that'll make the whole crew happy after a morning of sightseeing. Or maybe you're just ready to inject some high-energy fun into your day. Whatever brings you through our doors, you'll find 85+ arcade games ready to deliver exactly what you need – whether that's nostalgia, connection, or the simple joy of trying to catch that impossible plushie that's been taunting you. The Laser Tag arena is where holiday group play truly come alive. There's nothing quite like a friendly battle to bring families together, settle sibling rivalries, or break the ice with new travel companions. And when you've worked up an appetite for victory, the Winner's Vault is stacked with incredible prizes that turn your gaming prowess into tangible memories. Timezone Caneland isn't just another activity – it's where your Mackay holiday shifts from great to unforgettable. Come for the games, stay for the laughs, leave with prizes and stories that'll outlast your sunburn.

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View various exhibitions at Artspace

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Artspace Mackay

Mackay

Discover the arts and culture of The Mackay Region when you visit Artspace Mackay, the regional art gallery and museum in the centre of the city. This architecturally award-winning building provides visitors with an opportunity to explore some of the world's most highly recognised artists through exhibitions and artwork on display. Group tours can be booked with well-trained volunteer guides who will provide visitors with insights into the exhibitions on display. Indulge your artistic palate with delicious culinary creations from the on-site cafe, Foodspace.

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Far Beach

Natural Attractions

Far Beach

Mackay

Far Beach is a popular walking beach with locals, recognised for its tranquility and soft white sand. At low tide an expansive sand flat is exposed giving walkers kilometres of beach to meander. The beach provides expansive views, from Hay Point to the south and toward Flat and Round Top Islands. Nearby resorts provide options for accommodation and dining. Far Beach is one of the nearest beaches to the Mackay City Centre, only a five minute drive away. A recreational area, Quota Park, fringes part of the beach at Binnington Esplanade and includes a playground, fitness equipment, picnic tables, barbecues and public toilets. There is also a beautiful flower garden located there, popular for being home to many butterflies. Northern Far Beach between Evans Street and Bridge Road is a designated off-leash dog friendly area. The southern end of Far Beach is accessible through sand dunes via four wheel drive, and it a popular location for fisherman at the Shellgrit Creek mouth.

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Harrup Park

Entertainment Venues

Harrup Park

South Mackay

Experience the vibrant heart of Mackay at Harrup Park, your ultimate destination for sports, entertainment, and exquisite dining. Indulge in a culinary journey at The Bistro and Boundary Cafe, where our talented Pastry Chef Alison crafts delectable homemade cakes, tarts, and pastries alongside mouthwatering lunch and dinner options. Step into a world of excitement with our 200-machine gaming room, lively sports bar, and relaxing deck bar. Families are welcomed with open arms at the kids club, while their state-of-the-art function and event center provides the perfect venue for any occasion. Embrace the thrill of the brand-new Great Barrier Reef Arena, hosting world-class sport and entertainment events. At Harrup Park, they're more than just a venue – they're a community hub, proudly supporting over 40 sports clubs. Join them, and become a part of something special. Discover where you truly belong at Harrup Park.

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Picnic Table beside Town Beach

Natural Attractions

Town Beach

Mackay

Popular for its sensational sunrises, Town Beach offers great views of Flat and Round Top Islands and Dalrymple Bay. Town Beach is very popular with locals and visitors for late afternoon walks, fishing and watching the impact of Mackay's huge tides which can go out for miles during peak times. The south-easterly sea breeze makes this a popular location for kite boarding. The beach is fringed by Iluka Park, with an all-abilities playground, picnic tables, public toilets and barbecues. The Bluewater Trail starts here, winding past grasslands and mangroves as it heads toward the Pioneer River. Town Beach is only a five minute drive from Mackay's city heart and is a terrific option for a picnic or afternoon stroll.

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Mackay Gooseponds

Natural Attractions

Gooseponds, North Mackay

Mackay

The Gooseponds in North Mackay are a combination of popular walking tracks around a large central wetland lagoon, an initiative of Mackay Regional Council's 10,000 steps program. There are also a number of exercise stations along the walk giving fitness fanatics a varied workout. The ponds are home to a variety of bird life, including geese, ducks and pelicans. As a designated off leash area there is plenty of open space for your pet to play. The walk also passes the popular Goosepond dog park, giving dog owners a variety of options for entertaining their pooch. The Gooseponds Walk pathway in North Mackay starts behind Wheeler Drive, Glenella and stretches through to Evans Avenue. The walking trail passes under the Bruce Highway, offering a safe crossing option, and includes multiple access points and a few large loops along the way, totalling close to 8 kilometres of shared pathway. For shorter walk options, begin your walk from Walter's Parade, from the 'Goose Walk' turnoff on Malcomson Street.

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Welcome to Mount Pleasant Centre

Shopping and Markets

Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Mackay

Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre is your go-to destination for convenient shopping. Offering a wide range of shops including Woolworths, Coles, Kmart and more. Conveniently located in Mount Pleasant, the centre is open seven days and offers visitors an impressive selection of stores and eateries guaranteed to meet all your everyday needs. The location makes Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre easy to get to and there’s ample onsite parking available, so you can relax while you’re discovering everything there is to offer.

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Learning how to wakeboard is easy in Mackay with the help of our amazing coaches on the dock.

Image: Wake House Australia

Amusement and Theme Parks

Wake House Australia

Andergrove

Wake House Australia is the perfect for beginners wanting to learn how to kneeboard or wakeboard and hosts international standard features which will keep even the most talented riders busy experimenting with multiple lines and options. With regular live music and fun wakeboarding events, the whole family will enjoy spending their free time at the park. Situated in the Andergrove Lakes housing estate, this unique integrated community consists of watersports, sunset bar and lakeside apartments and housing. It's a great lifestyle! The Mackay region is home to some of Australia's most pristine beaches and only a stones throw away from ancient reefs teeming with tropical marine life. The city of Mackay is approximately 90 minutes south of tourist hot spot Airlie Beach with readily available transfers to the Mackay region.

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Illawong Beach

Natural Attractions

Illawong Beach

Mackay

Illawong Beach is a serene and peaceful coastline that awaits you! Illawong Beach a popular choice for sunrise strolls, kilometres of sandy shoreline, as well as off and on dog leash areas. At low tide, the ripples in the sand stretch for kilometres, where small blue soldier crabs can be seen scuttling across the surface. Avid fishermen cast from the beach or into the mangrove-lined creeks, a popular local fishing spot. Windsurfers can often be seen at this beach, with the view of nearby islands and the Hay Point Coal Terminal in the distance. Illawong Beach is home to Quota Park, with public facilities including toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and a playground. There is also public fitness equipment at Quota Park for those looking for variety in their workout. A colourful flower garden at Quota Park is often home to many colourful butterflies. A nearby oceanside resort offers accommodation and dining options. At the northern end of the beach, there is another playground with barbeque facilities, beach volleyball and mini-golf; as well as another resort providing accommodation.

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Waterfall in the Mackay Botanic Gardens

Image: Brooke Miles

Parks and Gardens

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

West Mackay

Located just five kilometres from the Mackay City Centre, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens showcases the beautiful tropical flora from Mackay and the Whitsundays, along with other beautiful Australian native and exotic plants from similar climates around the world. This young botanic garden opened in 2003 and provides many resources to visitors - from over three kilometres of walking and cycling trails, wetland boardwalks, a unique cafe and gallery perched high above the wildlife filled lagoons, to excellent bird watching opportunities. Feature gardens include the luxuriant Fernery, the Regional Forest, rare and threatened flora of the tropical Shade Garden and the unique Coal Garden - tracing the evolution of plants and the importance of coal. Interesting art installments and information boards provide additional entertainment during a pleasant stroll. A cafe provides an array of food and refreshments with indoor and outdoor dining options, overlooking the wetland lagoon.

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Mackay Marina

Landmarks and Buildings

Mackay Marina Village

Mackay

Mackay Marina Village is your gateway to the stunning South Cumberland Islands near Mackay. Mackay Marina Village is a vibrant hub for adventure, relaxation, and convenience. Whether you're here to set sail, stay a while, or simply soak up the beauty of Mackay, our marina has it all. Mackay marina Village is next to sandy Harbour Beach and home to the Pine Islet Lighthouse, one of the only working kerosene lighthouses left in the world. The marina itself contains 328 berths, with six Mega Berths of 60-metre capacity and alongside vehicle access, 18 new big boat berths, which can hold boats of up to 38 metres and 32 fishing berths - plus one maintenance berth. The marina offers berths purpose-built for multi-hull vessels and is designed for vessels with a four and a half metre draught at lowest average tide. Mackay Marina offers accommodation options, a range of dining and catering experiences boutique retail shops, a full-service shipyard, and Superyacht facilities. Mackay Marina Village is the perfect base for your next Mackay adventures.

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Pine Islet Lighthouse

Image: Mackay Isaac Tourism

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Pine Islet Lighthouse

Mackay

Pine Islet Lighthouse is more than just a structure, it's a unique piece of history, Pine Islet Lighthouse in the Mackay Region is the only intact kerosene-powered lighthouse in the world. Pine Islet light house represents a time when lighthouse keepers played a crucial role in maritime safety. Pine Islet Lighthouse can be seen out the beautiful Mackay Marina.

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