Stays in Mackay
Mackay, a coastal city in Queensland, Australia, is known for its sugar cane industry and as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. It offers a relaxed tropical lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches, national parks, and a vibrant city center. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities and explore the region's natural beauty.
Mackay in numbers
Reef & IslandQuest Mackay on Gordon
★4.4Self-contained apartments with river or city views, pool, and fitness centre
Why guests love itI recommend Quest Mackay on Gordon to families who want a self-contained apartment with a river view. Each apartment has a private balcony overlooking the Pioneer River or the city, and the outdoor pool, fitness centre and BBQ area give children and parents plenty to do. The Pioneer River and the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre are a short walk. Guests rate it 8.8 from nearly 1,500 reviews.
Reef & IslandLanai Riverside Apartments
★4.3Riverside apartments with private balconies, a sauna, and tropical gardens
Why guests love itLanai Riverside Apartments gives families spacious, self-contained units with private balconies and fully equipped kitchens, a short walk from Mackay's Bluewater Lagoon. The tropical gardens hold an outdoor barbecue area for easy dinners, and a sauna and fitness centre are there for parents. More than 320 guests rate it 8.6. My advice: walk the children to the Bluewater Lagoon for a swim, then cook a relaxed barbecue dinner back in the gardens.
Family-friendlyOcean International Hotel
★4.3Family-friendly comfort with a sauna, terrace, and diverse dining options
Why guests love itOcean International Hotel offers families air-conditioned rooms with garden views in Mackay, close to Far Beach, Mackay Airport and the marina. A sauna and a terrace add a relaxing side, and the modern restaurant serves Australian cuisine with options for different dietary needs, useful with fussy or allergic eaters. More than 660 guests rate it 8.5. My advice: arrive the night before an early flight, since the airport is nearby.
LuxuryMainStay Suites Mackay
★4.3Elegant 5-star suites with a saltwater pool and Greek dining
Why guests love itMainStay Suites Mackay offers families elegant accommodation with a saltwater swimming pool, a sun terrace and an on-site Greek restaurant. Family rooms are available, pets are welcome and Wi-Fi is free. Mackay Airport is 3 km away and the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre is a short walk. About 95 guests rate it 8.5. Our editorial advice: book a family room, eat at the Greek restaurant and use the pool in the late afternoon.
Family-friendlyOaks Mackay Carlyle Suites
★4.2Family-friendly apartments with a pool, close to shops and the river
Why guests love itOaks Mackay Carlyle Suites offers families a choice of self-contained apartments or private rooms, with an outdoor swimming pool and barbecue facilities for relaxed evenings. Local shops and restaurants are a short walk away, the Pioneer River is close, and Harbour Beach is a short drive. More than 510 guests rate it 8.3. My advice: pick an apartment for the kitchen if you are staying several nights, and drive to Harbour Beach for a morning on the sand.
Family-friendlyThe Metropolitan Hotel
★4.1Family-friendly city stay with on-site dining and free WiFi
Why guests love itThe Metropolitan Hotel offers families air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms in Mackay, close to Mackay Airport and the Entertainment & Convention Centre. The on-site restaurant serves Australian cuisine at lunch and dinner, with vegetarian and vegan options that help when not everyone eats the same thing, and the bar suits a quiet evening drink. WiFi is free throughout. More than 460 guests rate it 8.2. My advice: eat in on arrival night, then explore Mackay the next day.
Reef & IslandOaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel
★4.0Modern hotel with a pool, spa, and dining, close to Mackay's attractions
Why guests love itOaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel has a swimming pool and an outdoor spa, with an on-site restaurant, a cafe and shared BBQ facilities. Some rooms have river views. It is near Blue Water Lagoon and Artspace Mackay, and it works as a base for reef and island trips. An 8.0 score from 993 reviews is decent, and I would choose it for the pool, the spa and the easy dining.
Reef & IslandRydges Mackay Suites
★4.0Modern suites in Mackay CBD with an indoor pool and private balconies
Why guests love itRydges Mackay Suites is a 4-star hotel in Mackay's CBD, rated 7.9 by guests. I would recommend it to families for the indoor swimming pool, which children can use whatever the weather, and for the spacious air-conditioned suites with private balconies that give everyone more room than a standard hotel room. The fully serviced suites, a fitness centre and an on-site restaurant and bar mean you rarely need the car once you arrive in the city centre.
Family-friendlyIbis Mackay
★3.9Airport convenience with a pool, spa, and dining options
Why guests love itI recommend Ibis Mackay to families who are flying in or out and want an easy stop at Mackay Airport. The hotel has a pool and spa and wellness facilities, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a 24-hour front desk. Mackay CBD is within a 10-minute drive. Guests rate it 7.8 from more than 1,400 reviews, a fair score for a simple, family-friendly airport hotel.
WaterfrontMantra Mackay
★3.9Waterfront rooms with balconies, a pool, and on-site dining
Why guests love itMantra Mackay is a 4-star waterfront hotel in Mackay, rated 7.8 by guests. I would recommend it to families who like a little independence, because every air-conditioned room has a private balcony with water views and a kitchenette with a stove top and microwave for light meals. The outdoor pool gives children somewhere to swim, the Latitude 21 restaurant serves modern Australian breakfast and dinner, and room service helps on evenings when everyone is tired.
Family-friendlyBoomerang Hotel
★3.9Family-friendly hotel with a pool, diverse dining, and free parking
Why guests love itBoomerang Hotel is a family-friendly three-star hotel in Mackay with an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor play area for children. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, and there is an Australian restaurant with diverse dietary options, a bar and free on-site private parking. About 125 guests rate it 7.7. Our editorial advice: use the play area on hot or wet days and tell the restaurant about dietary needs.
Reef & IslandRiviera Mackay
★3.8Spacious apartments with a rooftop terrace in the heart of Mackay
Why guests love itRiviera Mackay offers spacious, stylish apartments in central Mackay, a short walk from Bluewater Lagoon and Caneland Shopping Centre. Apartments are fully equipped, there is a rooftop terrace with giant chess, BBQ facilities and free WiFi. It suits families using Mackay as a base for the reef and islands. A 7.5 score from 521 reviews is modest, so I would choose it for the central position and the space.
Family-friendlyMackay Seabreeze Apartments
★3.7Comfortable apartments with garden balconies, a saltwater pool, and pet-friendly options
Why guests love itMackay Seabreeze Apartments are four-star apartments with air conditioning and free WiFi, each with a balcony over the garden, a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchenette. There is a saltwater swimming pool, a lush garden and a bar, and the listing says pet-friendly and family-friendly options are available near Lamberts Beach. The 7.4 rating from more than 650 guests is modest. My advice: read recent reviews and ask about pet options before booking.