Public Transport and How to Get Around Mackay
Taxi
Mackay has taxi ranks within the city and at Mackay Airport (MKY). If you have a lot of bags or you want to save time, the best way to get to your hotel is with a cab. You'll find the drivers waiting outside of the terminal building when your Auckland to Mackay flights arrive. If you're not staying near a taxi rank, you can ask your hotel to call ahead and arrange a pick-up.
Bus
Traveling to Mackay on a budget? One of the cheapest ways to get around town is with the public bus. There are various pick-up points in the city centre and surrounding suburbs. Travellers buying flights Auckland to Mackay can take the bus to the Northern Beaches, Walkerston and Sarina.
Car Rental
When buying your Auckland to Mackay return flights with Webjet, you can add a car rental at checkout. Alternatively, you can choose from what's available when you land at Mackay Airport (MKY).
Tours
If you don't want to rent a car for your Auckland to Mackay flights, you can sign up for tours around the Mackay Region. Many tour operators offer door-to-door pick-up and drop-off services.
Major Events and Festivals
Happy Daze Festival
Happy Daze Festival takes place at the end of May every year. It's located on the famous Whitsunday Coast and is only a one-hour drive from Mackay. It's one of the best events outdoor festivals in Australia and is worth planning your flights Auckland to Mackay around.
Mushroom Valley Festival
Mushroom Valley Festival has been a staple on the Mackay festival scene for the last eight years. Happening in Queensland's sub-tropical setting, it's an electronic music event that includes live acts from Australia and around the world. If you want to attend, book your Auckland to Mackay flights a few months before the event as prices for airfares may increase closer to the event date.
G&S Engineering Wine and Food Day
For budget travellers buying cheap flights Auckland to Mackay, the G&S Engineering Wine and Food Day is an excellent event to plan your trip around. Not only is the entrance to the event free, but it's an absolute foodie paradise. Held every year in July, you can spend the entire day watching live music, nibbling on delicious food and sampling some of Australia's best vintages.
Mackay Festival of Arts
The Mackay Festival of Arts is one of the most iconic events in Queensland. It's been around for more than 30 years and boasts incredible live performances and tantalising dining experiences. It's a 10-day program that covers everything from visual arts, theatre, music, food, and so much more. Be sure to book your flights Auckland to Mackay and hotels in advance if you want to attend.
Landmarks and Monuments You Can’t Miss
Spend the day at Bluewater Lagoon
Are you buying tickets to Mackay from Auckland for travel over the hot summer months? Add a trip to the Bluewater Lagoon to your itinerary. It's the perfect spot for the whole family to cool off and entrance is free.
Go to the Artspace Mackay
The Artspace Mackay deserves a spot on any Mackay itinerary. It's home to curated exhibitions, and there are workshops you can attend. For families buying flights Auckland to Mackay, it's an afternoon outing that everyone will enjoy.
Visit the Whitsunday Islands
You can't buy flights Auckland to Mackay and not visit the famous Whitsunday Islands. Travellers can book tours or hire a car at Mackay Airport (MKY) and drive up to the port at Airlie Beach. You can then book a cruise to the islands and spend as long as you want relaxing and exploring the pristine tropical paradise. Some of the top activities include diving, snorkelling or flying over Heart Reef.
Explore Eungella National Park
For nature lovers searching for Auckland to Mackay return flights, you'll love exploring Eungella National Park. It's one of the largest sub-tropical rainforests in the country and is home to dozens of native Australian animals. If you want to see as much as possible, hire some camping gear and spend a day or two reconnecting with nature and wandering around the various walking trails.