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■ Population: 90,303
■ Currency: Australian Dollars (AUD)
■ Country and city code: +61, +7
■ Tourist info: The Mill, 320 Nebo Road, Mackay, tel: +61 1300 130001, website: www.mackayregion.com
FUN FACT
Surrounded by sugar cane fields and sugar mills, Mackay is Australia’s largest producer of sugar, which has earned it the nickname “Sweetheart of Australia”.
Forest Flying (www.forestflying.com)
Get a bird’s eye view as you fly through the air 30m above ground. Lush tropical rainforest in nearby Finch Hatton Gorge, a 50-minute drive from Mackay. Suspended amidst the rainforest canopy, Forest Flying offers a view of this natural wonderland from a completely different angle. It costs AUD45 (SGD58.10) per person.
Mackay Region Botanical Gardens (9 Lagoon Street, West Mackay, tel: +61 (0)7 4952 7300)
The country’s newest botanic gardens feature Australian natives and exotics from around the world. With over 3km of walking and cycling tracks, the gardens are home to loads of free events, rare flora, guided tours, market days and even a play garden for kids, all overlooking gorgeous lagoons.
Mackay City Heart
Mackay City Heart boasts the second highest number of art deco buildings in the Southern Hemisphere. Palm trees line the main street, the Pioneer River flows past historical buildings, and more than 350 businesses tempt shoppers. On Sundays, there are colourful local markets between
8.30am and 1pm.
The Church on Palmer (15 Palmer Street, Mackay, tel: +61 (0)7 4944 1466)
An old wooden church has been reincarnated 
as a divine restaurant. Dining here is a religious experience, with stained glass windows and a restored pulpit. $$
Satchmos at the Reef (Mulherin Drive, Mackay Marina, tel: +61 (0)7 4955 6055)
Found in Mackay’s trendy marina village, Satchmos is famous for tempting dishes like saffron-and-lemon scallops with sweet potato and its delicious sorrel twice-cooked soufflé. $
Pacific Hotel (1 Mango Avenue, Eimeo, tel +61 (0)7 4954 6106)
Lovingly referred to as the Eimeo Pub by locals, this quintessential Aussie pub is reportedly home to the coldest beer in Mackay. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Coral Sea, Eimeo Beach and the aptly-named Sunset Bay, the pub boasts views that are to die for – and a killer drinks menu. $
B.W. Reef Resort (166-170 Nebo Road) *
This comfy three-star hotel is located 800m from the botanical gardens, making an early morning walk possible. It is only a few minutes from the city centre and Mackay airport. Enjoy a dip in the pool or head to the beach, which is seven kilometres away. Room rates start from AUD162 (SGD207). $$
BY BRONWYN MARQUARDT
* FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS, BOOK HOTELS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM
