Destination focus: Mackay
<p>It’s a quintessential Queensland working town, built on farming and sugar, but Mackay has plenty to offer the visitor too.</p>
<p><strong>See</strong></p>
<p>You might be surprised to learn that Mackay has the best collection of art deco buildings in Queensland. It was one of the only city’s to boom from the 1920s to 1940s, when the style was popular, and it has left a stylish legacy. Wander along the town’s heritage walk and look out for the pineapples on top of the columns at the post office, the ocean liner-style of the Australian Hotel and the charming pastel colour scheme of the Ambassador Hotel.</p>
<p><strong>Do</strong></p>
<p>The Mackay region is home to two great national parks, Eungella and Cape Hillsborough. Eungella is one of the most ecologically diverse parks in the country, blending tropical and sub-tropical rainforest, and there are a number of well formed trails that wind through it. Take the Broken River trail to the viewing platform over the river and look for platypus. At Cape Hillsborough, wallabies and kangaroos search for food on the beach at sunrise and you can see more than 150 species of bird and 25 species of butterflies along the Diversity boardwalk.</p>
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<p><strong>Tour</strong></p>
<p>Mackay is set right along the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, so you should definitely get out and explore the underwater world. Day tours run from town and visit nearby islands like Brampton, Scawfell and Keswick and, while they aren’t as famous as their Whitsunday cousins to the north, they offer great snorkelling, diving and swimming at secluded sandy beaches.</p>
<p><strong>Eat & Drink</strong></p>
<p>Mackay has stayed mostly off the tourist map, so don’t expect too many fancy bars and restaurants. Head down to the waterfront and Maria’s Donkey Tapas bar for good food with a view. The brand new Paddock & Brew Company serves food with a paddock to plate philosophy and a great range of craft beers. Or you can just grab some fish and chips and head for the beach.</p>
<p><strong>Stay</strong></p>
<p>In Mackay you’ll find everything from retro roadside motels to family-friendly resorts and stylish self-contained apartments. It's one of the few beachside towns in the country where you can reliably find a room for less than $100 a night. To stay right on the beach, try SeaEagles Beach Resort, Potter’s Oceanside Motel or the Sarina Beach Motel.</p>
<p><strong>Here are some tips from the Over60 Community:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Michelle Nightingale</strong> says: “Sorbello's Italian Restaurant in the city. George's Thai Restaurant at the Marina. Eungella Chalet - beautiful views, friendly service and very reasonably priced.</p>
<p>“Botanic Gardens are worth a visit with a lovely sitting area to enjoy a yummy lunch and the Blue Water Trail goes for many kilometres and encircles the city. This trail can be followed on skates, bikes, scooters or foot. The last time I walked part of this trail I spent a good 30 minutes enjoying the antics of a black cockatoo family feeding in one of the native trees along the walk.</p>
<p>“There is so much here.”</p>
<p><strong>Karen Davidson</strong> recommends a meal at “Burp Eat Drink. The best place to enjoy food, wine and music!”</p>
<p><strong>Robyn Chalmers</strong> thinks you should get, “Fish n chips from the shop near McKay Marina. Best ever!”</p>
<p>Have you ever been to Mackay?</p>
