Time zone
GMT +10:00
No time difference
Currency
Australian Dollar
1USD = 1.42AUD
Official languages
English
Best time to visit
MAY - SEP
Dry season offers sunny days and ideal beach conditions.
Recommended trip duration
2 days
Top things to do in Mackay
Green Island Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat Day Tour
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From
US$ 86.09
Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns
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Hotel pick-up
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From
US$ 194.10
Great Barrier Reef Snorkel, Dive & Helicopter Full Day Tour
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Hotel pick-up
Free cancellation
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From
US$ 264.65
Green Island Reef Cruise Full Day Guided Tour from Cairns
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Free cancellation
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From
US$ 112.20
Whitsundays Cruise and Whitehaven Beach Half Day Tour
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5-7 hrs
Free cancellation
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US$ 109.39
Whitsundays Scenic Flight Experience from Airlie Beach
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Up to 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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US$ 245.85
Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns
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From
US$ 77.05
Moore Reef Full Day Tour
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US$ 216.50
Great Barrier Reef Pontoon from Cairns including Snorkelling
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US$ 210.99
Half Day Green Island Reef Cruise from Cairns
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From
US$ 76.95
Bay of Fires & Binalong Bay Full-Day Tour
Hotel pick-up
Free cancellation
US$ 139.45
Great Barrier Reef Classic Scenic Flight from Cairns
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Up to 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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US$ 189.85
Hotels in Mackay
Coral Cay Resort
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From
US$ 89.14
White Lace Motor Inn
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From
US$ 76.97
Heron Island Resort
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From
US$ 208.18
The Marco Polo
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From
US$ 86.43
Mantra Mackay
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From
US$ 106.68
Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel
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From
US$ 80.81
Windmill Motel and Events Centre
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From
US$ 100.00
Mackay Seabreeze Apartments
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From
US$ 98.44
Shamrock Gardens Motel
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From
US$ 102.89
Miners Lodge Motor Inn
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From
US$ 79.14
Beachside Boutique Motel Mackay
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From
US$ 99.00
Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park
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From
US$ 113.00
Reviews of Mackay activities
Cool ******
2025-10-12 07:10:57
For the best snorkeling, head to the rocks near the restaurant/cafe. If you're going to Nudey Beach, remember that the sand is coral, so reef shoes are a must. Even while snorkeling, it's best to wear them. It was quite busy when we visited, and although windy, the sun was out. We hiked to the Summit before snorkeling, which took us 2 hours round trip with stops. I especially enjoyed Fitzroy Island because of the hiking trails. The beach and snorkeling are decent.
仕馨 *
2025-09-25 02:06:49
I went on the Great Barrier Reef helicopter tour and the Whitsunday Island National Park snorkeling trip.
I absolutely loved it—the experience was incredible, and every staff member was so friendly.
A huge thank you to Captain Kevin, Abby, and Ella (sorry if I misspelled your names). I really enjoyed my time on Black Betty!
Colin ***
2025-09-06 00:29:43
Our cruise took us down the river and out to a beautiful, sun-drenched beach that was pure paradise. The views along the way were stunning, and the captain provided interesting commentary about the local area and wildlife, which was a great touch. The boat was clean and comfortable, and the journey was incredibly smooth.
Celine ***
2025-10-25 07:51:19
I had a fantastic time with the Dreamtime Snorkel Experience. Check-in at the wharf was seamless. We visited 2 different dive sites, and the visibility was amazing that day, making for a great snorkeling experience. The buffet lunch was delicious and offered a wide variety of options. The team was very welcoming and did an amazing job with the thoughtful presentations throughout the day, including those about the local marine life and indigenous culture. They were knowledgeable and able to answer all questions with ease and passion. I added on a snorkel safari led by a marine biologist who passionately shared information about the marine life we spotted. Safety was also a priority, with multiple headcounts to ensure no one was left behind. Highly recommended!
Klook User
2026-01-20 06:39:03
Bradley, Marie and Renee from Reef Adventure looked after our family of four, including two young children (age 9 and 6) during the snorkelling tour. They are incredibly patient, friendly and helpful. We had an amazing time snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, and saw abundant sea life and beutiful corals. Highly recommended.
Say ********
2025-10-12 11:15:16
A bit oricey but definitely worth it. Seeing the Whitsundays from above is a must, or if you don't have time for a full day tour to the islands, do consider this. One of the highlights of our trip!
Klook User
2025-11-15 22:11:42
It was amazing! They even gave me extra 10 min flight! They were 10 min late to pick me up though. All in all, I was satisfied with them.
Alci ********
2025-10-04 08:05:58
worth the visit , you can do so many things in a single day . good for people who don’t have much time
CHU *****
2026-02-10 01:06:26
All the crew along the way were very friendly and professional, with staff of different nationalities, and even a very kind Hong Kong crew. Although it was raining inland, it was clear and sunny when we got to the center of the sea. We went to two reefs along the way, and an introductory dive was arranged. There was a detailed explanation first, and then an instructor took three guests, ensuring safety throughout the whole process. A photographer was underwater capturing everyone's photos all the time. I recommend adding the helicopter experience, which is definitely an unforgettable view. The facilities on the boat were cleaner than expected. I also strongly suggest buying seasickness pills for three Australian dollars per person in advance.
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