'''Mackay''' [http://www.mackay.qld.gov.au/about_mackay/visitor_information/attractions] is a city on the eastern coast of the [[Australia|Australian]] state of [[Queensland]], some 900 km north of the state capital [[Brisbane]].
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'''Mackay''' [http://www.mackay.qld.gov.au/about_mackay/visitor_information/attractions] is a tropical city on the eastern coast of the [[Australia|Australian]] state of [[Queensland]], some 900 km north of the state capital [[Brisbane]].
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===Weather===
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The climate is tropical, with daytime temperatures in the coolest month still averaging 72F, and the coolest nights only in the low 50sF. The ocean is also warm year-round. Due to the warm weather, Mackay is noted for its sugar cane industry.
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==Understand==
==Understand==
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Be warned that Mackay has the very worst drivers in all of Australia, so be careful with your combie. The roads are equally as bad as the local drivers so a suspension check after a weeks vacation would be advised. Although the locals seem friendly and laid back that still think it is two decades earlier and can be very sceptical of strangers. But smile, offer a beer and you should find a place to sleep (perhaps even a warm bed!).
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In the last 10 years Mackay and the surrounding region has seen a massive boom in the coal mining industry with many of it's workers and supporting industries setting up shop there. As a result the cost of living has climbed somewhat and is a source of tension between the very well paid mine workers and those working in other industies in the town.
==Get in==
==Get in==
===By plane===
===By plane===
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Sporting a decent domestic airport, Mackay boasts QANTAS, Virgin Blue and Jetstar have frequent flights from capital cities, as well as major cities such as [[Cairns]] and [[Townsville]]. Via [[Brisbane]] is perhaps the best route, as the prices are generally cheaper.
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'''Mackay Airport (MKY)''' is 5km south of the city centre. It has services from QANTAS, Virgin Blue and Jetstar have frequent flights from [[Brisbane]]. Qantaslink have services to [[Cairns]], [[Townsville]], and [[Rockhampton]]. Tiger airways now offers direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne.
===By train===
===By train===
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Queensland Rail has twice weekly services running from Mackay to Brisbane on the "Tilt Train"
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'''Queensland Rail''' [http://www.qr.com.au] has twice weekly services running from Mackay to Brisbane on the "Tilt Train"
===By car===
===By car===
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Highway #1 The '''Bruce Highway'' passes directly through Mackay.
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The '''Bruce Highway''' is the coastal highway between [[Brisbane]] and [[Cairns]] and passes through Mackay. The'''Peak Downs Highway''' runs from Clermont North-East to terminate in Mackay.
===By boat===
===By boat===
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Mackay has a extensive marina is often the first stop for those exploring the whitsunday islands but no regular passenger ferries run at this time.
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===By bus ===
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Greyhound buslines have regular services from Brisbane stopping at the airport and in Mackay itself on the way to Carins.
==Get around==
==Get around==
Limited bus services run in the Mackay region. Cars can be hired from the airport.
Limited bus services run in the Mackay region. Cars can be hired from the airport.
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Taxies are available from major shopping centres and individuals can call the service to be picked up from a specified destination.
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Taxis are available from major shopping centres and individuals can call the service to be picked up from a specified destination.
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Bicycles (push bikes) are a good fit for city transportation. Projects are ongoing to expand current bicycle routes, one long route exists from West of the city to the Canelands shopping area.
==See==
==See==
Line 44:
Line 56:
==Work==
==Work==
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The main industries of Mackay are coal mining and Sugar Cane, Mackay being the "Sugar Capital of Australia". Many use Mackay as a stopping point for lucrative mining work in [[Moranbah]].
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The main industries of Mackay are coal mining and Sugar Cane, Mackay being the "Sugar Capital of Australia". Many use Mackay as a stopping point for lucrative mining work in the Bowen Basin of central Queensland.
==Buy==
==Buy==
Line 63:
Line 75:
*Birch Carroll and Coyle Cinema's
*Birch Carroll and Coyle Cinema's
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'''Caneland Central''' is located on Mangrove Road and includes major retailers such as
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'''Caneland Central''' is undergoing expansion, it is located on Mangrove Road and includes major retailers such as
*Target
*Target
*Big W
*Big W
Line 83:
Line 95:
Try the eateries at the Marina overlooking the boats - loverly cool breezies. Mid range prices.
Try the eateries at the Marina overlooking the boats - loverly cool breezies. Mid range prices.
*<sleep name="Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina" alt="" address="Mulherin Drive, Mackay" directions="" phone="07 4955 9400" url="http://www.choicehotels.com.au/en/clarion-hotel-au651" checkin="14:00" checkout="10:00" price="" lat="" long="">4.5 star Mackay hotel, close to CBD, on site restaurant, buffet breakfast, room service, fitness centre, business center facilities.</sleep>
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==Get out==
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==Get out==
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{{Routebox
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|directionl1=N
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|minorl1=[[Proserpine]]
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|majorl1=[[Bowen]]
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|directionr1=S
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|majorr1=[[Rockhampton]]
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|image1=Australian Route 1.svg.png
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|imagesize1=22
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}}
{{outline}}
{{outline}}
{{isIn|Queensland}}
{{isIn|Queensland}}
[[WikiPedia:Mackay, Queensland]]
[[WikiPedia:Mackay, Queensland]]
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[[pl:Mackay]]
Revision as of 04:33, 5 January 2013
Mackay[1] is a tropical city on the eastern coast of the Australian state of Queensland, some 900 km north of the state capital Brisbane.
The climate is tropical, with daytime temperatures in the coolest month still averaging 72F, and the coolest nights only in the low 50sF. The ocean is also warm year-round. Due to the warm weather, Mackay is noted for its sugar cane industry.
Understand
In the last 10 years Mackay and the surrounding region has seen a massive boom in the coal mining industry with many of it's workers and supporting industries setting up shop there. As a result the cost of living has climbed somewhat and is a source of tension between the very well paid mine workers and those working in other industies in the town.
Get in
By plane
Mackay Airport (MKY) is 5km south of the city centre. It has services from QANTAS, Virgin Blue and Jetstar have frequent flights from Brisbane. Qantaslink have services to Cairns, Townsville, and Rockhampton. Tiger airways now offers direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne.
By train
Queensland Rail[2] has twice weekly services running from Mackay to Brisbane on the "Tilt Train"
By car
The Bruce Highway is the coastal highway between Brisbane and Cairns and passes through Mackay. ThePeak Downs Highway runs from Clermont North-East to terminate in Mackay.
By boat
Mackay has a extensive marina is often the first stop for those exploring the whitsunday islands but no regular passenger ferries run at this time.
By bus
Greyhound buslines have regular services from Brisbane stopping at the airport and in Mackay itself on the way to Carins.
Get around
Limited bus services run in the Mackay region. Cars can be hired from the airport.
Taxis are available from major shopping centres and individuals can call the service to be picked up from a specified destination.
Bicycles (push bikes) are a good fit for city transportation. Projects are ongoing to expand current bicycle routes, one long route exists from West of the city to the Canelands shopping area.
Historical Farleigh Mill - tours run daily (Monday to Friday) during the sugar season: July - November
Do
Drink, with over 2 dozen pubs within the heart of the city and more surrounding it. You can always find a place to roll out of.
Work
The main industries of Mackay are coal mining and Sugar Cane, Mackay being the "Sugar Capital of Australia". Many use Mackay as a stopping point for lucrative mining work in the Bowen Basin of central Queensland.
Buy
Mackay has two major shopping centres
Mount Pleasant Greenfields located on the Corner Phillip Street and the Bruce Highway
Mount Pleasant (affectionately known by locals as "Mount P") contains major retailers such as
K Mart
Woolworths
Greenfields is a shopping precinct located across the road from Mount Pleasant. Occupants include:
Bunnings
Warehouse
Spotlight
Toys'R'Us
Birch Carroll and Coyle Cinema's
Caneland Central is undergoing expansion, it is located on Mangrove Road and includes major retailers such as
Target
Big W
Woolworths
Action
Best and Less
City Beach
Rush Surfwear
Mathers Shoes
Spend Less Shoes
Vodafone
Crazy Johns
Telstra
Optus
EB Games
Tarocash
Eat
Try the eateries at the Marina overlooking the boats - loverly cool breezies. Mid range prices.
Drink
Mackay has some very fine establishments to tip a quiet ale or two. On the outskirts of town to the north-east along the Bruce Highway are two quaint little pubs; The Leap Hotel and the Farview Tavern. Both are excellent locations for grabbing a counter meal whilst overlooking the agricultural views of the Pioneer Valley.
If it is the beach atmosphere that you seek then head to the Eimeo Pub, located to the North of Mackay perched picturesquely on top of a sea cliff. Slightly closer to town is the Seabreeze Tavern, located at Lamberts Beach, 10 seconds walk from the ocean.
For some topless talent and a very fun long lunch you will need to head into town and visit either; Maguires Tavern or Taylors Hotel. A nipple and a smile always kicks the evening off well.
For the remainder of the night there are several other standard pubs and clubs in town, including; Austral Hotel, Imperial Hotel, Kate O'Reillys (Irish Bar), Blue Heelers, Ryans Tavern, Andergrove Tavern, Mount Pleasant Tavern, Boomerang Hotel and the Spotted Dick.
Remember Mackay has dial a driver, so drive in, drink up and get driven home safely.
Sleep
Comfort Resort Blue Pacific, 26 Bourke Street, Blacks Beach, Mackay 4740, ☎ +61 7 4954 9090, [3]. .
Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina, Mulherin Drive, Mackay, ☎ 07 4955 9400, [4]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 10:00. 4.5 star Mackay hotel, close to CBD, on site restaurant, buffet breakfast, room service, fitness centre, business center facilities.
