Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Mackay Region, Queensland

Stoney Creek Farmstay is located in a valley at the base of Mt Bridgeman, here you can get perfect peace and quiet, our guests can't believe how quiet is is here, stay in our secluded cottage that is very unique, go exploring along the creek up Mt Bridgeman were you can swim in crystal clear water at the base of a water falls. Or you might choose to go horse riding along our picturesque trails where you can see right back to the coast. Our well trained horses suit all riders, we take novice riders to experienced, all ages from 5 yrs to 85 yrs. If you prefer we can take you four wheel driving on the same trails as the horses, stop at Pine Tree falls and go for a swim, be careful though you just might not want to leave.

The ultimate inflatable obstacle course on water that's fun for all ages! Perfect for groups large and small, birthday parties or just a fun way to get active and cool off in Mackay! We typically close over the winter months of June, July and August. Please always check our website for up to date session times.

Sarina Sugar Shed celebrates the rich history of sugar cane farming in the Mackay region. Visitors can enjoy a one-hour guided tour and learn how sugar cane is grown, farmed and processed. The tour takes you through the early harvesters, shows you how sugar cane is crushed on our replica sugar mill (during crushing season approx. June - Dec), and demonstrates how sugar can juice is extracted. The tour includes tasting of sugar cane juice, plus tastings of our award-winning rums and liqueurs (produced in our onsite boutique distillery), chutneys and sauces made in our onsite kitchen, homemade non-alcoholic ginger beer, and freshly-spun fairy floss. We also have a retail store loaded with our products and other gift ideas, and a café for a relaxing drink and morning tea snack. Open Monday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, with scheduled tours at 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm. Note: we are closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Greenmount Homestead (five kilometres west of Walkerston) is one of Mackay's most valued historic attractions. Built in 1915 by Albert Cook, the former cattle property forms part of the original claim taken up by Captain John Mackay in 1862. Following the death of Albert’s son Tom, the homestead was gifted to the city in 1983 and has operated as a heritage site ever since. The grounds contain a number of buildings, including a Queenslander style homestead, staff quarters, garage and blacksmith’s workshop, which together house a collection of more than 20,000 artefacts. The stunning heritage listed gardens and grounds played an important role in Cook family life, and feature a formal front garden, fernery, and arbour.

Get out and explore this great region along the Bluewater Trail. Take a leisurely stroll or scenic bike ride along the award winning shared pathway whilst taking in much of the region's natural beauty.Six of the region's key attractions sit along the trail including the beautiful Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, the Sandfly Creek Environmental Walkway, the Catherine Freeman walk, the free three-tiered Bluewater Lagoon aquatic facility, Bluewater Quay (with barbecue facilities) and Iluka Park (all abilities playground).Get active and enjoy the 'ring of activity' which boasts pedestrian and bicycle pathways, raised boardwalks, environmental areas, disabled access and activities for children and young people.Winner of the 2010 National Heart Foundation Local Government Award.