Compare Cheap Flights from

Melbourne to Mackay

Compare Cheap Melbourne to Mackay Flights

Head for Queensland and discover Mackay. This relaxed tropical city is an exciting combination of tradition and glorious natural surroundings. Mackay is home to 1920s Art Deco-style façades, and history enthusiasts can soak up bygone times on a heritage walking tour. Take an easy 20-kilometre drive north of Mackay to the Hibiscus Coast, which includes the picturesque seaside towns of Ball Bay, Halliday Bay, Seaforth and Cape Hillsborough. Lovers of the great outdoors can explore the impressive Cape Hillsborough National Park, where the rainforest connects to the coastal water of the Coral Sea. Plenty of flights daily, a choice of airlines and an average flight of 4 hours 20 minutes makes Mackay an easy long-weekend destination from Melbourne. Your holiday can be as adventurous or relaxed as you like, so set out to explore this unique region of Australia and be swept up in the mellow character of Mackay.

Use Webjet to find cheap airfares from Melbourne to Mackay on Qantas, Virgin Australia or Jetstar.

The best time to visit Mackay

Mackay enjoys a subtropical climate with two seasons. The wet season from November to April, and the dry season (winter) which is May to October. The wet season is generally hot and humid with temperatures above 30℃, and the winters are mild, sunny and fairly dry. The winter season is peak holiday time in Mackay, attracting large numbers of holidaymakers looking to enjoy the pleasant weather. July to September is when you have the chance to spot humpback and pilot whales during their annual migration through the Whitsundays. Plan your trip for the quieter, off-peak wet season and use Webjet to look for cheap airfares from Melbourne to Mackay.

Departing From Melbourne

Melbourne Airport (MEL) is also known as Melbourne Tullamarine. There are currently no direct flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Mackay ( MKY). The average flight time is 4 hours 20 minutes via Sydney or Brisbane. Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar offer cheap airfares from Melbourne to Mackay.

Getting to Melbourne Airport

If you are leaving the Melbourne CBD for your flight to Mackay, hop on the City Express bus service offered by SkyBus. This service has buses running 24/7 and departing every ten minutes - even on public holidays. Allocate 30 minutes for your journey but include an extra 15 minutes during heavy traffic periods. A one-way ticket will cost you $19 online, at a ticket booth or from a touch-screen kiosk. If you prefer a door-to-door option, take a taxi to the airport. The ride from the CBD will generally get you to the Melbourne Airport in less than half an hour and works out to approximately $55 to $75 depending on traffic. Rideshare services like Uber are also available in Melbourne and will drop you off anywhere on Departure Drive at MEL.

Parking at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport has parking options for every budget and timeframe. There are allocated bays for motorbikes and bicycles and disabled parking is available.

Where to Park at Melbourne Airport

Passengers flying out of MEL can confidently leave their car at the airport. Plan ahead, pre-book and secure the best rates. Drive-up options give you complete flexibility.

• Value Car Park: This is the cheapest option for collecting and dropping off or when staying for a long time like an extended holiday to Mackay. A week’s parking costs $99. Rates include the free 24/7 shuttle bus service that departs to and from the terminals every 10 minutes.
• Long Term Park: This offers reasonable rates. You can comfortably walk to the terminals or use the free 24/7 shuttle bus. Drive-up rates start from $25 per day. Budget $99 for 7 days long-term parking.
• Premium Terminal Car Park: When jetting off for your vacation this car park is the ultimate in convenience, service and proximity to the terminals. Choose from Premium, Business or Valet options. Premium parking drive up rates will cost $369 for a week.

Getting to Avalon Airport

Avalon Airport (AVV) is Melbourne’s second commercial airport. You can drive to AVV and the journey will take 45 minutes from the city depending on traffic congestion. Hop on the SkyBus to get from Melbourne’s CBD to Avalon Airport. Services start from Southern Cross Station and you will pay $22 for a one-way single fare. The trip will take approximately one hour. Taking a taxi is another option. Budget about $120 to $130 for the trip from the Melbourne CBD to Avalon Airport. Rideshare services like Uber are also available in Melbourne and will drop you off near your terminal.

Arriving in Mackay

Mackay Airport (MKY) is the regional airport for Mackay. If you're picking up a hire car, you'll find all of the car rental operators located opposite the baggage claim carousels.

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

Mackay Airport is situated six kilometres outside the Mackay city centre. If you are getting a lift, wait in the Public Pick Up zone. This is directly outside the arrivals terminal. If you are looking for cheap and convenient public transport, hop on the Translink Bus 303. There is a regular service from the airport that operates 11 times a day on weekdays and four times per day on Saturdays. Buses leave every 30 minutes and a one-way trip costs about $5 per person. You will find metered taxi stands outside the arrivals terminal. Taxi fares are calculated according to distance, location and time of travel. Allow about $24 for a short ride into town. A rental car is great to explore Mackay, use Webjet to search and book the best deal. Mackay Airport has a selection of car hire options to choose from, including Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty and the hire counters are in the arrivals hall

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Things to do in Mackay

Plan a day-trip to Eungella National Park, located 90 minutes outside of Mackay. Here you can explore the famous network of walking trails which snake through subtropical rainforest. Dusk and dawn are the best times to spot one of Australia’s most elusive marsupial, the platypus. Early birds can visit Cape Hillsborough National Park at daybreak to spot wallabies and kangaroos frolicking on the beach. Energetic visitors who have flown in from Melbourne to to Mackay can keep moving by hiking the Bluewater Trail. This 20 kilometre-long scenic path winds past the Botanical Gardens, Iluka Park and the Bluewater Lagoon. Uncover more about Mackay’s history and the influence of the sugar industry by taking a guided tour through nearby sugarcane fields and mills. You can also find out how award-winning rum, sweets and delicious ice-cream are produced.