Places to Visit In Mackay
All of these Mackay attractions have Free Entry
River Board Walk
Just 500 metres from the Hostel is the start of a picturesque walk beside the blue waters of the Pioneer River. Continue past the Bridge to the fish markets (open 7 days, cooked or fresh catch available) and then try the exercise trail.
Heritage Walk
Collect a brochure from the Larrikin Lodge Reception and visit these historical buildings in the CBD.
Orchid House
Display open 6 days - 1 hr mornings, ½ hour afternoons. 200-300 varieties of tropical orchids on display.
Botanical Gardens
A guided interpretive walk is available from the office in Lagoon Street. The Gallery Cafe has art works and displays are ever changing. Concerts and activities are held on a regular basis – check with reception or notice board for "What's on".
Artspace Mackay
Art galleries and small museum featuring Australian, Queensland and regional artworks.
More Information
Wetlands Walk
Take the bus or bike to Keeleys Road where there is a boardwalk through the Melaleucas. There is a bird hide and sign posts indicating the flora and fauna that may be seen in this wetland area.
For avid birdwatchers, Mackay has a branch of the Bird Observers Club of Australia and brochures may be obtained from Reception.
Beaches
Town Beach is the closest to the hostel and city area. Great for beach walks and sunbathing. Harbour Beach is a bus / bike ride and is patrolled by lifesavers with a stinger net used during the summer months to keep the beach as safe as possible.
The Northern Beaches require a bus trip. Timetables available at Reception. If travelling to Eimeo Beach then a meal at the famous and historic Eimeo Pub is a must.
Marina & Harbour
Fabulous restaurants and fish & chips overlooking the Marina and out to the Islands. Cycle to the end of the breakwater wall where great fishing is available.
Boat trips (snorkelling, sight-seeing and fishing) all depart from the Marina.
On weekends, the best value Island and snorkelling trip may be taken on the "Reef Goddess". Possibly the cheapest on the Queensland coast. $55.00 per person.
Snorkel in the water around Keswick and St Bees Islands and you will see black coral, colourful fish and even parts of an old shipwreck.
Island Camping
Camping on a deserted island is possible for a small National Park camp fee.
The Brampton Island Ferry will transport you over and back for approximately $100.00. On arrival at Brampton the watersports operators will take you to Carlisle Island for about $20.00. If the tide is right, you can save money and walk across the causeway onto Carlisle where the facilities are limited. Water must be taken to the Island and rubbish removed when you leave. A fabulous experience with snorkelling and bush walks available where you will probably be the only people on the Island. Check at Reception for National Park information on permits and for travel arrangements.
Sugar Mill Tours
During the "crush", June — November, it is possible to visit a working sugar mill in Mackay.
The tours operate - Monday - Friday afternoons only and there is a small fee of about $15.00. Larrikin Lodge owners may transport guests to the Farleigh Mill as it is about 10 kilometres from town.
Alternatively, the Sarina Sugar Shed, a miniature mill, offers tours all year. A bus pass from Mackay will get you to Sarina and back for about $6.00 per day.
