Flights from Brisbane to Mackay

The best time to visit Mackay

Like much of Queensland, January and February in Mackay see hot and wet weather conditions. Temperatures range from 26-31°C (78-87°F) and the humidity can be high. Look to visit during the summer if you’re searching for cheap flights from Brisbane to Mackay. Autumn in Mackay can also be humid, although temperatures cool slightly and range from 18-26°C (64-78°F) during the day. July to September is peak season for Mackay tourism. With little rain and temperatures hanging around 23°C (73°F), you can enjoy all Mackay has to offer from winter into early spring. While the rain picks up around late November, spring is a beautiful time to look for return flights from Brisbane to Mackay.

Departing From Brisbane

The flight from Brisbane (BNE) to Mackay airport (MKY) takes about an hour and a half. Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas all have cheap return flights from BNE to MKY.

Getting to Brisbane Airport

Uber or black and white cabs will get you from the city centre to Brisbane airport for a one-way fare of $33. If you’re looking to save more money on your trip from BNE to MKY, take the 20-minute ride on the AirTrain. The AirTrain is perfect for solo travellers or small parties. A one-way fare is $15 and with trains running every 30 minutes, your holiday in Mackay can be off to a care-free start. Catch the Airtrain at the Park Road, South Bank, Brisbane Central, Fortitude Valley, or Eagle Junction stations.

Parking at Brisbane International Airport

If you’re driving yourself to the airport, expect a 21-minute ride in from the city centre. Brisbane airport has four easy parking options for your domestic flight to Mackay Airport.

Where to Park at Brisbane International Airport

Brisbane airport offers four convenient domestic parking options, including valet parking, long term parking, and covered and uncovered Skypark options.

• Valet: Simply leave your keys with the attendant and start your trip off in style. It is a short 2-minute walk to the terminals and travellers parking valet also enjoy express entry and exit from the park. Expect to pay $69 with the weekend deal.
• PARKLONG: These spaces can be booked in advance. You’ll find your pre-booked slot between Levels 5-9 at the P1 multi-level car park or at any of the levels in the P2 car park. Either car park will have you within a 5-10-minute walk to the terminals. Weekend specials for PARKLONG start from $39.
• Guaranteed Space: Includes exclusive gated entrance with ground level parking in the P1 garage. Once you’ve found your pre-booked space, take the short 3-minute walk to the domestic terminal. Weekend Guaranteed Space parking starts at $77.
• AIRPARK: Park any time of day and hop on the shuttle service to the terminal doors. AIRPARK provides both covered and uncovered options to suit your needs. Weekend rates in the uncovered lot is only $29. The covered lot features parking shades for each spot with a weekend rate of $39.

Arriving in Mackay

Mackay is a single-terminal airport servicing many regional flights.

How to Get from Mackay Airport to Your Mackay Hotel or Accommodation

Mackay Airport (MKY) is five kilometres from the city centre. Taxis are the most popular method of transfer and the rank is located just outside the terminal exit. The newest addition to the airport transfer line is bus route 303. This bus runs from Mackay Airport to the CBD 11 times a day during the week and four times a day on the weekends.

Things to do in Mackay

Keen anglers can cast a line with a chartered fishing expedition or private tour. The waters off the Mackay coast sit are brimming with a range of species, giving you ample opportunity to catch a variety of fish. Want an encounter with land-based creatures? Snap a selfie with wallabies and kangaroos on Cape Hillsborough Beach. This is one of the few beaches where these marsupials can hop onto the beach, snack, and even pose for incredible photos. Use the money you saved by booking your cheap flights from Brisbane to Mackay, to rent scuba gear at Whitehaven Beach. This is the southernmost point of the Whitsunday Islands and is a favoured spot for snorkelling and scuba diving in Mackay. Finch Hatton Gorge is home to the Araluen and Wheel of Fire waterfalls and is located in Eungella National Park. While you stroll through the 4.2-kilometre trail through dense rainforest, keep an eye out for crystal clear watering pools and rare Australian wildlife. The Eungella National Park is also home to platypus and rare frogs such as the gastric-brooding frog and the orange-sided skink. For a relaxing afternoon or a dreamy sunset stroll, head to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Set up a romantic picnic beside the landscaped ponds to watch black swans nuzzling their mate.