Mackay is one of Queensland’s most underrated coastal destinations, a blend of tropical scenery, riverside calm, bright blue lagoons, great coffee, warm weather and vibrant local experiences. Whether you’re here for work, a family holiday, a weekend escape or a sporting event, you’ll find Mackay is full of things to do, especially when you stay somewhere central.
That’s the beauty of staying at Lanai Riverside Apartments. You’re right on the Pioneer River, steps from the CBD and moments from Mackay’s most loved attractions.
Forget long drives, traffic or planning full day outings.
From Lanai, you can walk, wander or take a quick 2 to 5 minute drive to everything that makes Mackay special.
Here are the top 15 things to do in Mackay, all within 10 minutes of Lanai.
1. Bluewater Lagoon (1 minute walk)
If there’s one attraction Mackay is famous for, it’s the Bluewater Lagoon, and when you stay at Lanai, you can walk there in minutes.
This iconic aquatic precinct features:
- Three sparkling blue lagoon style pools
- Waterslides
- Shallow children’s play zones
- Beautiful picnic spots
- Lifeguards on duty
- Riverside views
It’s free, family friendly and perfect for cooling off on hot Queensland days.
Whether you’re travelling with kids, wanting an afternoon dip or simply enjoying the sunshine, the lagoon is a must do.
2. Pioneer River Walkway (1 minute walk)
Step outside Lanai and you’re moments from the beautiful Pioneer River walkway, a peaceful riverside path that stretches for kilometres.
Enjoy:
- A sunrise walk
- A morning coffee stroll
- A sunset jog
- Cycling
- Birdwatching
- River breezes and quiet views
Few cities in Australia offer a CBD walking path this scenic. It is one of Mackay’s most calming and scenic experiences.
3. Caneland Central Shopping Centre (2 minute walk)
Just across the footbridge from Lanai is Caneland Central, Mackay’s largest shopping centre.
Whether you need:
- Groceries
- Coffee
- Pharmacy items
- Last minute clothes
- Beauty services
- Lunch options
- Gifts
…it’s all right there.
From fresh sushi to cafés, major retailers to boutique stores, everything is within walking distance, making your stay even more convenient.
4. Mackay CBD Dining Precinct (5 minute walk)
The Mackay CBD has undergone major revitalisation in recent years. The result is a vibrant dining strip filled with:
- Modern restaurants
- Cocktail bars
- Riverside pubs
- Asian fusion
- Italian and Mediterranean
- Steakhouses
- Breakfast cafes
- Tapas and wine bars
Guests love being able to stroll from Lanai to dinner, then wander home along the river.
5. Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens (8 minute drive)
Filled with tropical plants, lagoon bridges, wetlands and scenic walking trails, the Botanic Gardens are a peaceful escape only moments from the CBD.
Highlights include:
- Wildlife
- Boardwalks
- Flowering displays
- Bike trails
- Themed gardens
- A lakeside café
It’s a beautiful spot for a morning walk, coffee catch up or relaxed afternoon.
6. Harbour Beach and Mackay Marina (8 to 10 minutes)
Just a short drive away is the Mackay Marina, a stunning waterfront precinct where boats, ocean views and fresh sea breeze create the perfect coastal atmosphere.
Enjoy:
- Marina restaurants and bars
- Fresh seafood
- Free beach access
- Coastal walking tracks
- Drinks overlooking the water
- Sunset views
It’s ideal for date nights, relaxed afternoons or scenic morning walks.
7. Jubilee Park (5 minutes)
A beautiful open space in the CBD, Jubilee Park features lush lawns, shaded trees and peaceful seating areas.
Throughout the year, the park hosts:
- Markets
- Concerts
- Community events
- Festivals
- Food trucks
It’s also a favourite lunch spot for visitors wanting fresh air and tranquillity.
8. Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) (7 minutes)
The MECC is Central Queensland’s premier venue for:
- Conferences
- Theatre shows
- Concerts
- Award nights
- Corporate events
- Comedy acts
- Touring productions
Most visiting performers and guests stay nearby, and Lanai is one of the closest high quality accommodation options.
9. The Leichhardt Tree and Riverfront History (5 minute walk)
Mackay’s riverfront is rich with history, and the iconic Leichhardt Tree is one of the region’s most photographed landmarks.
It’s a simple, peaceful activity for:
- Morning walks
- Photography
- History lovers
- Enjoying Mackay’s natural heritage
This is one of those hidden gems you only discover when you stay close to the river.
10. Queens Park and Orchid House (5 minutes)
A favourite among locals, Queens Park is home to:
- Shaded walkways
- Beautiful gardens
- Open lawns
- The famous Orchid House
- A recently upgraded playground
Perfect for:
- Picnics
- Morning coffees
- Family time
- Relaxing in nature
It’s calm, quiet and close to everything.
11. Try the Best Cafés in Mackay CBD (5 minutes)
Coffee lovers, Mackay won’t disappoint.
Within minutes of Lanai, you’ll find beloved local cafés including:
- Laffos
- 9th Lane Grind
- The Dispensary
- The Laneway
- Botanic Gardens Café
From specialty lattes to beautiful brunches, the CBD scene is thriving and all so close to your riverside stay.
12. Artspace Mackay (5 minutes)
Located in the Civic Centre Precinct, Artspace Mackay is the region’s leading contemporary art museum.
It features:
- Exhibitions
- Touring collections
- Local artists
- Workshops
- Creative programs
It is a great cultural stop for travellers wanting to experience Mackay’s creative side.
13. Bluewater Quay (3 minutes)
This stunning stretch of riverfront features:
- A viewing pier
- Public art installations
- Open air seating
- Beautiful sunrise views
It’s a scenic spot for photography, picnics or simply taking in the peaceful flow of the Pioneer River.
14. Wake House Australia (10 minutes)
For something more adventurous, wakeboarding is a must try.
Visit Wake House to enjoy:
- Cable wakeboarding
- Kneeboarding
- Water sports
- A relaxed waterfront café
- Fun group activities
Great for:
- Families
- Teens
- Sporting groups
- Corporate bonding activities
Just a short drive from Lanai.
15. Mackay Showgrounds and Major Events (6 minutes)
If you’re in town for:
- NRL trials
- Rodeo events
- Car shows
- Festivals
- Mining expos
- Live performances
- Trade fairs
…you’re only minutes away from the Showgrounds when staying at Lanai.
It’s central, convenient and perfect for event weekends.
Why Staying at Lanai Makes All 15 Activities Easy
Lanai Riverside Apartments is surrounded by Mackay’s best attractions, all within walking distance or a quick drive. This gives guests:
✨ More time to explore
✨ Less time commuting
✨ The ability to walk to cafés, shops and dinner
✨ Easy beach and lagoon access
✨ Stress free holiday planning
And with spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, you have plenty of room to relax between activities.
Lanai offers:
- Full kitchens
- Laundry facilities
- Private balconies in most apartments, with private courtyards for ground floor apartments
- 20 metre outdoor pool, heated in winter
- Gym and sauna
- Secure undercover parking
- 24 hour onsite management
- Fast, secure NBN Wi Fi
- River views and breezes
- Unbeatable walkability
It’s the ideal home base, whether you’re here for a family trip, work visit or weekend escape.
Plan Your Mackay Stay Around These Top Attractions
To make your trip even easier, here are suggested itineraries depending on your stay.
✔ For Couples
Day 1: Walk the Pioneer River and enjoy sunset drinks at the Marina
Day 2: Brunch in the CBD, explore Artspace and finish with a lagoon swim
Day 3: Botanic Gardens, markets and café hopping
✔ For Families
Day 1: Bluewater Lagoon and Caneland lunch
Day 2: Queens Park playground and Botanic Gardens
Day 3: Wake House adventure and Marina afternoon
✔ For Corporate Travellers
Morning: River walk and quick café breakfast
Day: CBD meetings and MECC events
Evening: Dinner at The Dispensary or other CBD restaurants
Final Thoughts: Mackay Has Something for Everyone and Lanai Is in the Heart of It All
From sunrise river walks to lagoon swims, coastal dining, family adventures, nature escapes and cultural attractions, Mackay delivers the perfect mix of lifestyle and leisure.
And when you stay at Lanai Riverside Apartments, you get the best of the region right on your doorstep.
More convenience.
More comfort.
More time to enjoy Mackay, just moments from your door.
Book Your Stay at Lanai Riverside Apartments
📍 20 River Street, Mackay QLD
📞 (07) 4957 4401
🌐 www.lanaiapartments.com.au
Stay central. Stay riverside. Stay comfortably.
Only at Lanai Riverside Apartments.
