The Area

Mackay is a vibrant exciting tropical city, booming from the richness of sugar and mining. Mackay was settled in 1862, named after one Captain John Mackay who discovered the valley of the Pioneer River. Early pioneers brought sugar cane to the region and began an industry that has become one of Australia's largest. Within a decade of settlement, Mackay became Queensland's largest sugar producing area and still is! Mackay grew with its industries. As sugar boomed so did the frontier town. The climate and environment of the Mackay area soon attracted families and today more than 75,000 people live in Mackay.

More and more out of stater's are drawn by the promise of sunshine, warmth and relaxed family living. Mackay's close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and some of the world's most prized rainforests make it a holiday destination for many thousands of visitors.