{"id":5444,"date":"2024-12-16T23:38:42","date_gmt":"2024-12-16T23:38:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/?p=5444"},"modified":"2024-12-16T23:38:45","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T23:38:45","slug":"8-things-to-do-in-mackay-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/travel\/8-things-to-do-in-mackay-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Things to do in Mackay with Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thinking of heading to Mackay<\/a> with the kids? It\u2019s a great idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perched on Queensland<\/a>\u2019s east coast, overlooking the pretty Coral Sea, Mackay offers plenty of fun for families \u2013 from spotting platypuses in the wild to swimming in a human-made lagoon to visiting the southernmost of the Whitsunday Islands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are eight things to do in Mackay with kids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SPOT PLATYPUSES IN THE WILD <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The platypus, one of Australia\u2019s most fascinating native animals, is, sadly, endangered. It\u2019s getting harder and harder to spot one in the wild. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Mackay region is an exception. Head to Broken River in Eungella National Park (an hour\u2019s drive west of town) at dawn or dusk, and you\u2019re highly likely to see a platypus from the viewing decks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SWIM IN A HUMAN-MADE LAGOON<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mackay is surrounded by stunning natural swimming spots, but for a relaxing dip (without worrying about stingers), Bluewater Lagoon is ideal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in the middle of town, this human-made wonder is made up of three lagoons, catering to children of all ages. There\u2019s also a waterslide and a water playground to keep them busy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bluewater
Image credit: Visit Queensland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

STROLL OR CYCLE ALONG BLUEWATER TRAIL <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To soak up Mackay\u2019s gorgeous scenery and major landmarks, take the kids for a stroll or, if they\u2019re old enough, a cycle along Bluewater Trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shared pathway takes you on a loop through the city. Highlights include the lush greenery of Mackay Botanic Gardens, the public artworks of Bluewater Quay and the all abilities playground of Iluka Park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEARN TO WAKEBOARD AT WAKE HOUSE AUSTRALIA <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For kids older than seven looking for some action, Wake House Australia is the place to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, they can get an introduction to wakeboarding with an expert instructor. For those with experience, intermediate and advanced sessions are available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FLY THROUGH ANCIENT RAINFOREST <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another place where you can add some thrill-seeking to the kids\u2019 holiday is Forest Flying at Finch Hatton Gorge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children aged ten and above can jump on a flying fox 25 metres above the ground, and soar for 340 metres over ancient rainforest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GO ON A TRAIL RIDE WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether the kids have never been on horseback before or are veteran riders, they\u2019re in for a treat on a trail ride at Stoney Creek Farmstay, which is a 30-minute drive southwest from Mackay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019ll walk, trot or canter around the 70-acre property, taking in spectacular views of Mt Bridgeman along the way, while looking out for koalas, wallabies, dingoes and wedge-tailed eagles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Keswick
Image credit: Visit Queensland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

VISIT THE SOUTHERNMOST ISLAND OF THE WHITSUNDAYS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not many people know that the Whitsunday Islands begin off the coast near Mackay. The southernmost of them is Keswick Island, which is just 32 kilometres away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s possible to charter a private ferry (or helicopter!), but the easiest way to travel is on a day trip with a local company. This usually includes snorkelling sessions, swims at secluded beaches, and stops in beautiful spots for lunch and snacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

JUMP IN THE BALL PIT AT KIDZ LIFE PLAY CENTRE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some indoor fun, make tracks to the Kids Life Play Centre in North Mackay, five minutes\u2019 drive from the town centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This giant playground has ball pits, slides and more. Plus, it\u2019s air conditioned and there\u2019s a cafe where you can kick back while the children are playing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GETTING TO MACKAY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mackay is 17 hours\u2019 drive north of Brisbane<\/a> and 13 hours\u2019 south of Cairns<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could make it one stop on a road trip between the two cities<\/a>, but, if you\u2019re short on time, flying is faster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch a plane to Mackay Airport<\/a>, then jump into a SIXT car rental, and get on the road in minutes.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Thinking of heading to Mackay with the kids? It\u2019s a great idea.  Perched on Queensland\u2019s east coast, overlooking the pretty Coral Sea, Mackay offers plenty of fun for families \u2013 from spotting platypuses in the wild to swimming in a human-made lagoon to visiting the southernmost of the Whitsunday Islands.  Here are eight things to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":108,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[132,82],"class_list":{"0":"post-5444","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-travel","7":"tag-mackay","8":"tag-queensland","9":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\n8 Things to do in Mackay with Kids - SIXT Magazine Australia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From spotting platypuses in the wild to swimming in a human-made lagoon to visiting the southernmost of the Whitsunday Islands.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/travel\/8-things-to-do-in-mackay-with-kids\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"8 Things to do in Mackay with Kids - 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