Flights from Sydney to Mackay

The best time to visit Mackay

Mackay has two seasons. The wet season from November to April, and the dry season (winter) which is May to October. The wet season is typically hot and humid with temperatures above 30℃ and the winters are mild, sunny and fairly dry. The dry season is peak season for tourists so expect large numbers of other visitors if you’re travelling from Sydney to Mackay during this time. Enjoy the thrill of whale watching from July to September when you can catch sight of humpback and pilot whales. If you want to avoid crowds of holiday-makers, look for cheap airfares during the off-peak wet season.

Departing From Sydney

Sydney Airport is located 8 kilometres south of the CBD and is the busiest airport in Australia. It is a hub for Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, and there are number of daily return flights from Sydney ( SYD) to Mackay Airport (MKY). There are currently no direct flights between Sydney and Mackay, and routes stopover in either Brisbane or Cairns.

Getting to Sydney Airport

Avoid traffic congestion and take the train from the city to the airport. The T8 Airport & South Line leaves every 10 minutes from the CBD and runs from 5am to midnight. A one-way ticket without an Opal card starts at $14.30 AUD and increases depending on distance travelled. . Budget-conscious travellers can hop on-board the local bus. Route 400 travels from Bondi Junction to the airport via the CBD and fares start at $2.80 for travel without an Opal card and then increase depending on the distance you’re travelling. Metered taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Sydney. A trip from the CBD to the departure terminals runs between $45 and $55 and take 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Parking at Sydney City Airport

Parking at Sydney Airport is plain sailing with three different options available. Book online and in advance to take advantage of savings and discounts.

Where to Park at Sydney

There are three parking options available at Sydney Airport.

• P1 and P2: These offer the most affordable rates for short-term stays. If you're only going to Mackay for the day, park your car in P1 or P2. Expect to pay $59 AUD for the day.
• P3: For weekend trips away, P3 is the best option. You'll save money with it's discounted daily rates, and you'll be a short distance from the terminal building. Budget $50 AUD for a 24 hour stay.
• Blu Emu: The cheapest parking option at Sydney Airport is the Blu Emu. Located 15 minutes away from the departure building, there is a free 24-hour shuttle bus you can use to get around. Plan to spend $135 AUD for a week’s parking.

Arriving in Mackay

Mackay Airport (MKY) is the regional airport for Mackay. Book a hire car with Webjet and head for the operators’ desks located opposite the baggage claim carousels in the arrivals hall. You have a wide choice of car hire options at including Budget, Avis and Europcar.

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

Mackay Airport is situated 6 kilometres outside the Mackay city centre. Local public transport is cheap and easy to use. The Translink Bus 303 service runs a regular service from the airport that operates 11 times a day on weekdays and four times per day on Saturdays. Buses leave every half-hour and a one-way trip costs about $5 per person. You will find metered taxi stands outside the arrivals terminal and a quick ride into town will set you back about $24. Mackay Airport has a selection of car hire options to choose from, including Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Plan ahead and book a rental car using Webjet or look out for hire counters situated in the arrivals hall.

Things to do in Mackay

If you are a nature buff, head for Eungella National Park. Located a 90-minute drive from Mackay, the park is famous for its network of walking trails through subtropical rainforest and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of one of Australia’s most elusive marsupial, the platypus. The best time to visit Cape Hillsborough National Park is at sunrise when you can catch kangaroos and wallabies on the beach, feasting on washed up mangroves. Active visitors to Mackay can keep moving by exploring the Bluewater Trail on foot or by bike. This 20 kilometre-long scenic route winds past the Botanical Gardens and the Bluewater Lagoon. Learn more about Mackay’s history and the impact of the sugar industry by taking a guided tour through nearby sugarcane fields and mills and find out how sugarcane is transformed into local sweet treats, such as ice cream and award-winning rum.