Destination Fast Facts about The Mackay Region
Access
- One of Queensland’s most accessible regional destinations by air, road or rail.
- Affordable and frequent air services - airlines Jetstar, Qantaslink and Virgin Australia provide regular services in and out of Mackay to Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns.
- More than 65 flights operate per week between Mackay and Brisbane for the 1.5 hour flight.
- Queensland Rail Travels ' ‘Spirit of Queensland’ train service travels the state's coastline from Cairns to Brisbane and all regions in between. Five return services per week offer a transport alternative for delegates from nearby regional areas.
- Mackay sits astride the Bruce Highway, which forms part of Australia’s Highway One, so has excellent road connections to key Queensland centres.
Climate
Located just 340 kilometres north of the Tropic of Capricorn, Mackay experiences humid summers and mild, sunny winters.
Average daily temperatures range from just over 22 Celsius in the winter months of June-August, up to 30 Celsius during the summer months December-February. See Monthly Averages table to the right.
Mackay Industry and Business Strengths
The Mackay Region is a powerhouse of strong industry sectors. These provide scope for off-site technical tours, locally-based guest speakers, potential sponsorship support, trade show exhibitors and prospective delegates.
Key industries in Mackay include:
- Mining & resources - coal mining, coal distribution and shipping. The region provides direct access to the rich coal deposits in the Bowen and Galilee Basins.
- Resources sector servicing hub - Mackay hosts much of the engineering, manufacturing and mining services industries supporting the wider Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday economy.
- Fishing, boating & marine – a world class marina, shipyard and superyacht servicing facility.
- Agribusiness – one of Australia’s largest sugar-producing regions and is known for its beef cattle production.
Who's coming to The Mackay Region?
Mackay hosts a number of key annual events which can be add-on inclusions or post-event options for Business Events.
Annual public festivals:
- Chinese New Year Celebrations in Mackay City Centre (February)
- Wintermoon Festival – Four day music festival (May)
- Mackay Expo (May)
- Mackay Marina Run (June)
- River Sessions (June)
- Mackay, Clermont, Pioneer Valley Shows (June)
- Mackay Festival of Arts – Ten day arts festival (July)
- Mackay Mountain Marathon - Mountain Biking Event (August)
- Global Grooves Multicultural Festival (October)
- Pioneer Valley Country Music Festival (September)
- Motorcycle Beach Races in Grasstree (September)
Trade/Business:
- Ag.Trade.Life - Two day agricultural exhibition (annual May)
- Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition - Three day exhibition (bieannial July)
Who's been?
Mackay has hosted a number of significant conferences over the years, with many becoming recurrent events for the region.
A selection includes:
- LGAQ Conference
- Australian Coal Preparation Society Conference
- Bowen Basin Symposium
- The Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Conference
- Australian Institute of Medical Scientists Tropical Division Medical Conference
- Museums & Galleries State Conference
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) North Queensland Conference
- Minerals Council Australia Sustainable Development
- North Queensland Law Association Conference (NQLA)
- Queensland Mining & Engineering (QME) Conference & Networking Functions
- Rural Doctor’s Association Queensland (RDAQ)
- Planning Institute of Australia Conference
- Australian Water Association Conference
- Queensland Information Centres Association Conference
- Tourism and Events Queensland Regional Events Conference
What they say about Mackay
“There has been a noticeable increase in the capacity and quality of accommodation available in and around Mackay. With the recent introduction of new hotels, there will be even greater opportunities for the region to support business events, conferences and tradeshows.”
Paul Baker
Director of REEDMININGEVENTS (organisers of the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition)
“Please be assured that e-Kiddna Event Management is a keen advocate for your wonderful piece of paradise and I’ll be doing my best to spread the word.”
Jayne Kidd of e-Kiddna Event Management
“Mackay was a fantastic host destination, attracting delegates from across the state to present and learn about the latest innovations and best practice in managing a regional Queensland event.”
Leanne Coddington
Chief Executive - Tourism and Events Queensland
 |
 |
 |