The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Mackay, Queensland

Check mate! Get your game-face on playing giant chess on the rooftop terrace at these modern one- and two-bedroom apartments. While you’re up here, enjoy a panoramic view of local beaches and the nearby winding Pioneer River. On your way back to your room, pick some fresh herbs from the garden for seasoning your BBQ dinner. This is far-north Queensland, so, to cool off, head one block over to the family-friendly Bluewater Lagoon, with three cascading pools and play equipment that the kids will love.

At Oaks, you are close to some great cafes, including the Dispensary, which is open as a café during the day and bar at night. Not that you need to leave the building, as all apartments have modern kitchens, laundries and spacious living and dining areas. Outside, make the most of the lap pool or a workout at the gym. Cleverly, you can mix and match adjoining rooms. So, for larger groups, a two-bedroom apartment combined with a hotel room makes a three-bedroom apartment. Check in, check it out.

If you like to party, the Electric Garden has your name written all over it. Opportunities to throw shapes include the regular live music gigs – alternatively, just imbibe the atmosphere as you lounge under the enormous shade sails, or at the barrel tables, perching on high stools. The hotel rents simple dorms with just a ceiling fan, or air-conditioned singles, twins and family rooms, all at unbeatable budget rates. Fill up with the all-day breakfast dished up at the on-site Moostache Coffee Lounge. For an evening feed, the hotel cooks up filling Aussie pub meals.

This is one of the best-value-for-money motels in central Mackay. You get to choose from a range of rooms, unless you’d rather a three-bedroom apartment. On site is the Hot Wok Chinese and Thai restaurant, with more than 70 menu items to choose from. Nearby is the sheltered Harbour Beach for a cool, refreshing swim, and the Bluewater Trail featuring art installations dotted along the riverside. Explore all the way to Artspace Mackay – well worth a visit for the regular touring exhibitions it lays on, and the work of local Indigenous artists.

Right on the Pioneer River, with fine watery views, these quiet and conveniently located motel rooms have the cool benefit of air conditioning and a refreshing swimming pool. What’s more, they are well placed – just a block from the centre of town. You might stay in and sprawl on the open lawn area, throwing juicy steaks onto the excellent shared BBQ. Or there is a handy boardwalk you can follow along the river to catch the evening breeze. It’ll ultimately lead you to the Caneland Central shopping centre, where you might catch a movie at the cinema and sample great local restaurants.

OK, you’re right in the centre of Mackay, but tonight, you’re dining in the Greek Islands. Downstairs from these corporate serviced apartments is Let’s Do Greek, a popular restaurant offering your favourite Aegean-informed dishes. Fresh seafood is a feature, with octopus pasta and ouzo-flamed prawns as two standout main course options. Each studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment has its own private balcony and air conditioning, as well as handy tea- and coffee-making facilities and top-to-toe sleek design, based on earthy neutral tones.

At Rydges, choose between studio, one- and two-bedroom suites or, if you feel like a shameless upgrade, a deluxe spa suite with a deep spa bath – pure indulgence. When you’re scrubbed, glam up and pop down to Moss on Wood, the on-site modern restaurant and bar, and get settled in the snuggly groovy booths, grab a cocktail from the moss-green tiled bar and swig it under festive lights. The menu caters for vegans, with their super bowl topped with pomegranate, tahini and sauerkraut. Or, for meatier fare, try the fantastic selection of authentic Italian pizzas and pasta dishes.