Top Spots Around Mackay for Families to Swim, Picnic, and Explore This Weekend

Looking for a weekend getaway with all the trimmings? This guide to Mackay will take you on a ride around the area’s best places to take a dip, go for a swim, go on an adventure and stop for a picnic—often all in the one place.  

Take a drive along Queensland’s coastline and you’ll come across Mackay, a place where there’s a bit of family fun around every corner. Here, you’ll be blessed with beautiful beaches, scenic walking trails, picnic spots and more—all within a reasonable driving distance from the heart of Mackay. So, if you’re ready to make this weekend one to remember, jump in your Thrifty rental car and remember to pack this handy guide to the best of Mackay. Ready to go? You better be! 

Get Amongst Nature at Eungella National Park

If your family is of the adventurous variety, you’ll all feel right at home at Eungella National Park. After an hour’s drive from Mackay, you’ll be surrounded by the park’s sprawling rainforest, where powerful waterfalls come crashing down on the tranquil waters below. Take your pick of the park’s many walking tracks, ranging from an easy half hour to an epic full day, or jump in the rock pool at Finch Hatton Gorge and ask yourself if this is all just a dream. Along the way, you may be lucky enough to bump into some of the park’s resident wildlife—like the Eungella day frog, Eungella spiny cray and Eungella honeyeater—who are even luckier than you are, because they get to spend every single day in this wild and wonderful place! When hunger hits, unpack the picnic basket at Broken River picnic area and take a breather while you inhale some of your favourite snacks. What a day! 

Make a Splash at Bluewater Lagoon

For a swimming day without the wilderness, take the family to Bluewater Lagoon. This water park is not only smack-bang in the centre of town—it’s also totally free! Take a dip in the park’s three lagoons, complete with water slides and a water playground, then set yourselves up on the shaded grass areas where barbecue facilities and picnic tables are conveniently waiting. Just keep in mind that it can get busy on weekends—which, after a day here, will come as no surprise! 

Immerse Yourself in Nature at Hillsborough National Park

For a day outdoors that packs all in one, Cape Hillsborough National Park is hard to beat. Here, you’ll have a rainforest, eucalypt forest, beaches, rocky headlands covered in hoop pines and volcanic rock formations to choose from. You’ll spend plenty of energy deciding what you want to see first, so make sure you save some for the rest of the day! If you and the family are early risers, come down at sunrise to see the many kangaroos and wallabies who make an appearance on the shore every morning. And if you’d rather opt for a sleep-in, you may want to make an exception for this particular day! 

Watch in Awe at Lamberts Lookout and Slade Point Reserve

If you’re on the lookout for a lookout, head straight to Lamberts Lookout or  Slade Point Reserve. At Lamberts, you’ll catch a sweeping view of Lamberts Beach, the Cumberland Islands and Slade Point, even a whale or two from May to November! For the best view, make your way to the upper level and take in the action from the in-built binoculars. If a picnic is the plan, point those binoculars down at Ram Chandra Park, then head down to the shaded grass area that overlooks the beach and let the kids go wild on the playground. If the energy’s still running high, head to Slade Point Reserve for a walk among the region's last remaining areas of coastal dunes and paperbark wetlands. 

Go Long and Leisurely at Bucasia Beach

Bucasia Beach is one lengthy beach, which means it’ll keep the fun going for a long time. The waves are nice and gentle, while the nearby Seaview Park gives you shaded areas with a view of the ocean, picnic tables, barbecue facilities and a playground. And, if you’re visiting with your four-legged family member, it’s perfectly fine to let ‘em loose on the beach! 

Take a Walk Among the Flora at the Botanic Gardens

Any trip to Mackay would be incomplete without a walk around the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. These gardens are like a crash course in the region’s flora, which means that after just one day you’ll feel like you’ve been all around the Central Queensland Coast. But it’s not just local plants here—you’ll also find a collection inspired by Matsuura, Japan (Mackay’s sister city), plus a collection inspired by the Maltese cultural heritage represented in Mackay. The gardens also have a nice lagoon that runs from one end to the other, which can serve as your walking trail and picnic place in one. Keep an eye on the website for any upcoming activities that take place at the gardens. 

Get the Most out of Mackay With Thrifty

And there you have it: you, the family and a great weekend in Mackay, guaranteed! In just a couple of days, you’ll be able to tick off a long list of adventures of all sizes, from short strolls to long hikes, with plenty of places to take a dip and have a snack along the way. And, when it comes to getting around Mackay, Thrifty’s here when you need us. We’ve got a great range of rental vehicles, at great prices, that'll make your journey around Mackay simple and stress-free, so head to our fleet page and click on the ride that feels right. Safe travels!