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Top things to do in Mackay

Green Island Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat Day Tour
Tours • From Cairns

Green Island Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat Day Tour

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
4.4 / 5
(168) • 8K+ booked
AUD 107.95
Save AUD 19.05
Great Barrier Reef Full Day Snorkel or Dive Tour from Cairns
Klook's choice
Cruises • From Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Snorkel or Dive Tour from Cairns

Hotel pick-up
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(256) • 7K+ booked
AUD 255.00
Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns
Cruises • From Cairns

Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
4.2 / 5
(32) • 1K+ booked
From
AUD 114.00
Great Barrier Reef Snorkel, Dive & Helicopter Full Day Tour
Klook's choice
Cruises • From Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel, Dive & Helicopter Full Day Tour

Hotel pick-up
English guided
Free cancellation
4.6 / 5
(194) • 4K+ booked
AUD 420.00
Scenic Flight Heart Reef, Whitehaven beach  from Airlie Beach
Tours • Whitsundays

Scenic Flight Heart Reef, Whitehaven beach from Airlie Beach

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
4.6 / 5
(25) • 1K+ booked
AUD 355.00
Green Island Reef Cruise Full Day Guided Tour from Cairns
Klook's choice
Cruises • From Cairns

Green Island Reef Cruise Full Day Guided Tour from Cairns

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(127) • 7K+ booked
AUD 162.00
Great Barrier Reef Classic Scenic Flight from Cairns
Tours • From Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Classic Scenic Flight from Cairns

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Up to 3 hrs
4.7 / 5
(37) • 1K+ booked
AUD 289.00
Half Day Green Island Reef Cruise from Cairns
Cruises • From Cairns

Half Day Green Island Reef Cruise from Cairns

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(38) • 3K+ booked
AUD 110.00
Cairns Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Experience
Water activities • Cairns

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Experience

English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
4.8 / 5
(15) • 400+ booked
From
AUD 229.00
10% off select options
Outer Reef Pontoon Full Day Tour at Moore Reef
Cruises • From Cairns

Outer Reef Pontoon Full Day Tour at Moore Reef

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
4.4 / 5
(36) • 2K+ booked
AUD 307.00
Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Full Day Cruise from Port Douglas
Cruises • From Cairns

Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Full Day Cruise from Port Douglas

Hotel pick-up
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(39) • 1K+ booked
AUD 338.00
Reef Magic Pontoon Cruise Tour from Cairns
Cruises • From Cairns

Reef Magic Pontoon Cruise Tour from Cairns

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(17) • 1K+ booked
AUD 325.00

Hotels in Mackay

Ocean International Hotel
Hotels • Mackay

Ocean International Hotel

Instant confirmation
4.4 / 5
(308)
From
AUD 152.79
Heron Island Resort
Hotels • Mackay

Heron Island Resort

Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(326)
From
AUD 265.92
Mid City Motor Inn
Hotels • Mackay

Mid City Motor Inn

Instant confirmation
4.1 / 5
(756)
From
AUD 134.44
Coral Cay Resort
Hotels • Mackay

Coral Cay Resort

Instant confirmation
4.3 / 5
(1.0K)
From
AUD 135.56
Kooyong Hotel
Hotels • Mackay

Kooyong Hotel

Instant confirmation
3.4 / 5
(231)
From
AUD 96.12
Oaks Mackay Carlyle Suites
Hotels • Mackay

Oaks Mackay Carlyle Suites

Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(380)
From
AUD 237.64
White Lace Motor Inn
Hotels • Mackay

White Lace Motor Inn

Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(999)
From
AUD 120.53
Mackay Seabreeze Apartments
Hotels • Mackay

Mackay Seabreeze Apartments

Instant confirmation
4.1 / 5
(526)
From
AUD 156.90
Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park
Hotels • Mackay

Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park

Instant confirmation
4.6 / 5
(64)
From
AUD 194.11
Sarina Motor Inn
Hotels • Mackay

Sarina Motor Inn

Instant confirmation
3.8 / 5
(68)
From
AUD 149.09
The Resort @ Dolphin Heads
Hotels • Mackay

The Resort @ Dolphin Heads

Instant confirmation
3.7 / 5
(522)
From
AUD 149.52
The Marco Polo
Hotels • Mackay

The Marco Polo

Instant confirmation
4.3 / 5
(725)
From
AUD 142.09

Reviews of Mackay activities

Klook会員
2026-09-18 22:59:08
Fantastic 5.0
Since I was a bit nervous about swimming, I opted for the glass-bottom boat and snorkeling package! The glass-bottom boat was amazing; just looking down, I could see beautiful fish and sea turtles, which was truly breathtaking. For snorkeling, I paid an additional AUD 12 to rent a life vest! Just a short distance away, there were schools of colorful fish, and swimming among them myself was a completely different experience. (The fish themselves were actually clearer to see from the glass-bottom boat!) Coin lockers, the souvenir shop, and restaurants all accepted credit card payments!
Klook 用戶
2026-10-05 00:27:23
Fantastic 5.0
The onboard staff were very enthusiastic and provided detailed introductions. After boarding, we left our ID at the counter to borrow prescription diving masks. At the second dive site, we decided on the spot to pay the 20 AUD for the glass-bottom boat ride, where we saw many fish and corals. The meals on board were simple and average, so those who care about food can bring their own snacks. Also, it is recommended to take motion sickness medicine to avoid ruining a wonderful trip.
Josel ******************
2026-10-20 20:07:52
Fantastic 5.0
Overall a great experience and definitely a must to add onto your itineraries! The tour was organised and the staffs made sure everyone was having a safe and fun day at the reef. You have most of what you’ll need in the boat—sea sickness pills, drinks and snacks. We not only got to see The Great Barrier Reef upclose but also above from the Heli. 😍
Klook客路用户
2026-10-03 04:05:03
Fantastic 5.0
The scenery starts off amazing 👍. The pilot counts down when approaching the Heart Reef. I'm usually very afraid of turbulence and weightlessness; I took motion sickness medication in advance and was able to manage it well ~ Highly recommended, and the pick-up service was also very thoughtful without a long wait.
Mark **************
2026-07-07 15:02:03
Fantastic 5.0
Our tour was delayed by an hour because of bad weather (quite unseasonal, considering winter is supposed to be the "dry season"), but honestly they made the right call! We had a brief window of okay weather and good visibility over the reefs. The pilot Jesse was very nice and cheerful; he made me sit beside him seeing that I was travelling solo, and honestly it made the experience so much better! Also, that was one of the smoothest landings I've ever experienced for an aircraft; I didn't even notice we were already on wheels on the runway. Highly recommend this tour! But allow some flexibility in your schedule as it is a very weather-dependent activity: keep an eye on the forecast 2-3 days before locking in a date.
Klook会員
2026-09-07 02:33:40
Fantastic 5.0
We participated in an afternoon departure on a pleasantly cool spring day. On the way there, we encountered whales! An announcement was made, and we stopped for a while to watch them. At Green Island, snorkeling was canceled that day due to a crocodile sighting, so we went on a glass-bottom boat tour instead. We could have still gone into the ocean, but we decided to enjoy the island's walking trails, which led to several small beaches. Before heading back, we dipped our feet in the water.
Liyi **
2026-07-01 04:28:26
Fantastic 5.0
Excellent experience! Thr Great Barrier Reef is definitely worth going! Sunlovers boat was really nice compared to other boats. The guides to the SeaWalker and the Scuber Diving were excellent. We also had the best snorkeling experience !
Noorlisawati ***********
2026-06-30 12:35:12
Fantastic 5.0
Nice island getaway with a relaxing vibe We joined a day trip to Fitzroy Island and overall had a nice experience. The boat ride from the marina took about 45 minutes, which was quite manageable. The weather in the days before our trip had been rainy, so the guide let us know in advance that the water might not be very clear. Even so, it was still enjoyable to spend time on the island and go into the water. The beach we were at had corals instead of soft sand, so it was a bit harder and more slippery to walk on, something visitors may want to be prepared for. We still managed to see a few fishes and corals while snorkelling. Overall, it was a relaxing and pleasant day trip, especially if you want to enjoy island scenery and spend some time by the water. I’d recommend bringing suitable footwear for the coral beach and managing expectations depending on recent weather conditions.
You *******
2026-10-28 12:04:46
Fantastic 5.0
Safety: During free snorkeling, there are many instructors keeping an eye on you at the same time. Floating equipment is provided, so even if you don't know how to swim, you don't need to worry. Equipment: You only need to bring your own towel and swimsuit; everything else is provided. Location: It takes 3 hours by boat from Airlie Port, with 4 hours of free time at the destination. The boat provides plenty of food and drinking water, so there is no need to bring your own snacks. However, the coral bleaching is a bit severe.

Mackay at a glance

When is the busiest time to visit Mackay?

Based on what travelers booked on Klook

Busier than usual Quieter than usual
250
200
150
Avg 100Avg
50
0
Busiest 244
Jan
76
Feb
Quietest 29
Mar
54
Apr
72
May
62
Jun
29
Jul
51
Aug
43
Sep
97
Oct
230
Nov
216
Dec

Demand for Mackay from travellers from Australia spikes in January, roughly 144% above a typical month, while March is much quieter, about 71% below a typical month — book early for January and expect easier availability and fewer crowds in March. Based on Klook historical booking data.

When is Mackay cheapest?

Find months that fit your budget.

1,250
1,000
750
500
250
0
Cheapest AUD158 Priciest AUD1,198
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Activity prices in Mackay are typically around AUD 803, with July usually the cheapest at around AUD 158, roughly 87% below the priciest month in February; July’s low prices also fall in the city’s quieter season. Based on Klook booking data, July 2025 – June 2026.

How far ahead should you book?

Plan ahead so you don’t miss out

4 daysLast-minute
14 daysTypical
31 daysEarly

Most travellers book about 14 days ahead, so there’s decent flexibility for spontaneous plans from Australia, though you may still want to book earlier for January when demand peaks. Based on Klook booking data, February 2026 – July 2026.

Quick facts about Mackay

General info
  • Time zone

    No time difference

  • Currency

    1AUD = 1.00AUD

  • Official languages

  • Best time to visit

    Dry season offers sunny days and ideal beach conditions.

  • Recommended trip duration

What to know before visiting Mackay

What to expect in Mackay

Mackay is best known for Cruises, Tours and Water activities, with a seasonal rhythm that swings between a busy summer and very quiet winter months according to Klook booking data. Activity bookings peak in January when demand jumps markedly, while March and several mid‑year months are far quieter, so plan the vibe you want. For waterfront excursions and boat-based experiences aim for the lively summer window; for quieter, more budget-friendly travel choose the off-peak months. Decide whether you want peak-season energy or a quieter escape — Klook booking data helps you pick the right time.

When to visit Mackay

Demand on Klook peaks in January and again at the end of the year, while March and many mid‑year months register far lower booking levels; prices move independently at times, with the priciest month in February and the cheapest in July. That means January and the November–December period suit visitors chasing lively atmosphere, while July offers the lowest typical prices and much quieter conditions. If you want cheaper, quieter travel aim for July; if you want peak-season atmosphere plan for January or late-year months.

Month Demand Level Typical Price
January Peak demand AUD 990
February Quieter than usual AUD 1,198
March Very quiet AUD 1,051
April Very quiet AUD 671
May Quieter than usual AUD 405
June Quieter than usual AUD 272
July Very quiet AUD 158
August Very quiet AUD 963
September Very quiet AUD 998
October About average AUD 977
November Peak demand AUD 968
December Peak demand AUD 990

Demand is bookings in that month compared with a typical month, from historical Klook booking data, grouped into the demand levels above; typical price is the median paid on Klook in that month; prices are shown with their currency code. Based on Klook booking data, July 2025 – June 2026.

Where to stay in Mackay

Klook booking data shows Slade Point as the most affordable area for typical nightly hotel rates, around AUD 134, while Coral Sea sits at the priciest end, around AUD 330, a gap of roughly 59% between them. Cheaper districts like Slade Point tend to suit travellers prioritising budget and a quieter neighbourhood feel, while pricier Coral Sea suits those seeking a more premium stay or a central coastal vibe. Use these typical nightly rates from Klook booking data to decide whether to save on accommodation or trade up for location and comfort.

Tips for travellers from Australia

Most travellers on Klook lock in plans about two weeks ahead, while the earliest planners book around a month out, so allow time to secure popular experiences in busy months. During January and the late-year peaks, booking earlier pays; outside those windows you’ll usually have more flexibility and can book a few days before travel. Use Klook to compare typical prices and availability for your dates and snag offerings that suit your budget and timing — the data above shows which months lean cheaper or busier, so plan accordingly.

FAQs about Mackay

When is the best time to visit Mackay?

When is the cheapest time to visit Mackay?

How far ahead should I book activities in Mackay?

How much do activities in Mackay typically cost?

What is Mackay best known for on Klook?