Making the most of Mackay
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
5km distance from town.
Situated on some of Queensland's most scenic coastline, the Mackay Region's coastline boasts a mighty 31 beaches and several tropical islands within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Pretty Brampton Island is located at the southern entrance of the Whitsunday Passage. The island is almost entirely covered by national park and fringed by twelve beaches. You can stay at romantic Voyages Brampton Island Resort or visit the national park's walking trails and beaches on a day cruise (Day-trippers are not permitted on the resort). Untouched is adjacent to Brampton with Meleluca forests and basic camping facilities.
Food and shopping
At the redeveloped marina, restaurants, themed pubs and residential apartments overlook a giant stone spit and long stretches of open beach.
Money
Australian Dollar
Opening Hours and
Shops and services are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many shops stay open late on Thursday or Friday evening - usually until 9pm - and all day on Saturday. Shopping malls are often open on Sundays as well.
In remote country areas, roadhouses provide all the essential services for the traveler and, on the major highways, are generally open 24 hours a day. In tourist areas, even ones well off the beaten track, tourist offices are often open every day or at least through the week plus weekend mornings; urban information centers are more likely to conform to normal shopping hours.
Tourist attractions such as museums, galleries and attended historic monuments, are often open daily, though those in rural communities may have erratic opening hours.