Mackay Airport (SYD)

Privately owned since 2008 by Mackay Airport Limited and operating since the 1931, Mackay’s regional airport was Australia’s 14th busiest in the year 2011-2012. It is only seven kilometres from the city centre, on Boundary Road. Within the terminal there are eateries near the screening point, as well as the Barra Bar, which opens every day at 10 am, and a kiosk near the baggage carousels. 

Car Rental

The airport has six car companies with desks in the terminal: Delta Europcar, Budget, Hertz, Avis, Thrifty and Red Spot Rentals. Mackay Airport also has three car parks, for long-term, short-term, and covered car parking. Mackay Taxis can be booked through 131 008.

Transport

Whitsundays 2 Everywhere shuttles buses travel a route to Airlie Beach, timed with Tiger Airways arrivals. Ocean Breeze Transfers offer group discounts and can be pre-booked online.

Tourist Attractions

Mackay is known for its mining services industry, and is located to the Bowen Basin, the state’s main coal supply. However, it also contains or is close to a number of major tourism attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. There are several excellent white-sanded beaches in Mackay, including Harbour Beach and Town Beach. 80 kilometres away is the famed platypus population and rainforest at Eungella National Park, which has 20 kilometres of hiking trails.

Climate

The city enjoys a humid subtropical climate. The average high and low temperatures in January are 30.1 and 22.9 degrees Celsius, and 22.5 and 11.1 in July.

Airlines

The busiest route from Mackay is to Brisbane Airport, served by QantasLink, Jetstar and Virgin Australia. QantasLink also flies to Cairns, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Townsville; Virgin flies to Sydney.