Description:

The tropical city of Mackay, located midway between Brisbane and Cairns, is the “sugar capital” of Australia. It is a prosperous city and its proximity to the rainforest and the Whitsunday reefs make it a very attractive destination.

Cruiser Highlights:

This is a good place to stop if traveling either north or south, as most boat facilities and services are available here onsite at Mackay’s large boatyard. Cruisers report that prices for repairs can be cheaper here than in Cairns. It is also a useful base if cruising the nearby islands.

Entrance Notes or Cautions:

Approach Mackay with caution and patience, as plenty of bulk carriers, are usually anchored offshore waiting to be loaded at Hay Point. Keep the VHF on scan because the reef pilots now mostly move by helicopter. Be aware that if you have AIS on board, alarms will start sounding on approach, as the many anchored carriers shift about slightly on their moorings – the AIS will pick this up that they are underway.

Position:

21°06′ 17″S, 149°14’06″E (harbour entrance)

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