Mackay Harbour, Queensland: A Waterfront Lifestyle

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People Watch the Ships Departing From the Dock
Credit: pexels.com, People Watch the Ships Departing From the Dock

Mackay Harbour, Queensland, is a stunning waterfront destination that offers a unique lifestyle experience. It's a place where you can wake up to the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore.

The harbour is a hub of activity, with a range of amenities and services available to residents and visitors alike. From waterfront restaurants and cafes to boutique shops and marinas, there's always something to do.

One of the best things about Mackay Harbour is its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, making it an ideal base for snorkelling and diving trips. The harbour's picturesque views and tranquil atmosphere also make it a popular spot for fishing.

The area is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, which can often be spotted from the harbour's foreshore.

Marina and Living

Living on a boat at the Mackay Marina is a great option, with over 400 berths available for a range of boats from 10m to 49m.

Aerial View of Coastal Town
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial View of Coastal Town

The marina has an onsite office and amenities blocks at each end, providing easy access to toilets and hot/cold showers. You can also fill up on gas, fuel, and water, and even do some laundry.

Some of the practical amenities available at the marina include:

  • Gas Bottle Refills
  • Fuel Station
  • Shore Power
  • Fresh Water
  • On-site Laundry

Marina Entry Navigation

Navigating into Mackay Marina is relatively straightforward due to the well-maintained channel markers guiding the way.

To ensure safe navigation, it's essential to consult updated nautical charts and tide tables.

The marina's tranquil waters and organised layout provide easy access to allocated berths once you're inside.

Built in 1998, the Marina was designed to accommodate the 6.5m tides with a breakwater made of large rocks.

The top of this sea wall forms a two-lane roadway that has become a tourist attraction in its own right for marina tenants and locals alike.

Marina Specifications

The Marina is a bustling hub for all types of marine vessels, offering over 400 berths for everything from small sailboats to massive commercial fishing vessels.

Credit: youtube.com, Sailboat Living At A Marina (aka Docklife)

You'll find six Mega Berths that can accommodate vessels up to 55 meters in length.

There are also 12 Big Boat Berths for monohulls and multihulls over 30 meters and 25 meters respectively.

In total, the Marina has 32 commercial fishing berths, making it a vital facility for the local fishing industry.

All these facilities make it a versatile marina capable of accommodating a broad spectrum of marine vessels.

Marina Events

The Marina Events are a big drawcard for the Mackay Marina. They're a great way to meet new people and get involved in the local community.

You can expect to see fishing tournaments and sailing regattas, which are always well-attended and lots of fun. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it easy to strike up a conversation with fellow sailors or fishermen.

The Marina is also a hub for social gatherings, where residents and visitors can share stories of their adventures. It's a great way to learn new things and get tips from experienced sailors and fishermen.

A picturesque coastal town with colorful rooftops overlooking the vast ocean waves.
Credit: pexels.com, A picturesque coastal town with colorful rooftops overlooking the vast ocean waves.

If you're planning to attend one of the Marina Events, be sure to check out the amenities available at the Marina. You can find everything you need, from gas bottle refills to shore power.

Here are some of the amenities you can expect to find at the Marina:

  • Gas Bottle Refills
  • Fuel Station
  • Shore Power
  • Fresh Water
  • On-site Laundry

Apartments and Units

Mackay Harbour offers a range of apartments and units for sale, with most facing east and enjoying a warm Coral Sea sunrise.

These units and apartments often come in three and four bedroom options, making them suitable for those seeking a sea change or looking to downsize.

You can expect to pay around $530 per week for a 3-bedroom unit.

If you're looking to rent, be prepared to act fast, as rental properties in this precinct tend to get snapped up quickly.

Within walking distance, you'll find a variety of restaurants and bars to socialize with friends, including the Breakwater Bar and Restaurant, George's Thai Marina, and the Mackay Surf Club.

Here are some popular places to dine within walking distance:

  • Breakwater Bar and Restaurant
  • George's Thai Marina
  • The Deck Steakhouse
  • Sails Sportsbar
  • Lighthouse Seafood Mackay
  • Casu Jacks
  • Mackay Surf Club

Geography and Demographics

Lush green landscape meets an industrial harbor by the sea under a bright blue sky in China.
Credit: pexels.com, Lush green landscape meets an industrial harbor by the sea under a bright blue sky in China.

Mackay Harbour is a coastal locality in Queensland, Australia, bounded by the Coral Sea to the east and the Pioneer River to the south. The locality is situated near the Port of Mackay, which is a significant industrial facility.

The land in Mackay Harbour is mostly low-lying and comprised of wetlands, with Mount Bassett rising to 64 meters above sea level. The mountain is home to a quarry extracting rocks and other materials for road building and construction.

Mackay Harbour has a relatively small but growing population, with 555 people recorded in the 2016 census and 686 people in the 2021 census.

Geography

Mackay Harbour is a locality bounded by the Coral Sea to the east and the Pioneer River to the south. It's a beautiful area with a mix of land uses.

The locality has several headlands, including Forgan Smith Point, Bagley Point, East Point, and Fishermans Point. These headlands are located along the coastline and provide a scenic view of the surrounding area.

Explore a serene coastal town with mountain backdrop at twilight, capturing urban and natural harmony.
Credit: pexels.com, Explore a serene coastal town with mountain backdrop at twilight, capturing urban and natural harmony.

The land in Mackay Harbour is mostly low-lying and wetlands dominate the landscape. However, there is a notable exception in the south of the locality, where Mount Bassett rises to 64 meters above sea level.

The Port of Mackay is a significant industrial facility located on the oceanside, supported by various associated facilities. This port plays a crucial role in the local economy.

To the south of the port, you'll find the Mackay Marina Village, a residential and tourism development with 479 marina berths. This area is popular with tourists and locals alike.

A quarry on Mount Bassett extracts rocks and other materials for road building and construction. This quarry is an important part of the local infrastructure.

Here's a list of some of the notable locations in Mackay Harbour:

  • Forgan Smith Point
  • Bagley Point
  • East Point
  • Fishermans Point
  • Mount Bassett
  • Port of Mackay
  • Mackay Marina Village
  • Mackay Harbour Caravan Park
  • Mount Bassett Cemetery
  • Bureau of Meteorology weather station
  • Mackay Harbour railway station

Demographics

Mackay Harbour has a relatively small population, with 555 people recorded in the 2016 census.

The population has been steadily increasing, with 686 people counted in the 2021 census.

Economy and Services

Stunning night scene of Panama City harbor with yachts and starry sky reflection.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning night scene of Panama City harbor with yachts and starry sky reflection.

Mackay Harbour is a significant economic hub in Queensland, with the Port of Mackay being the fourth largest multi-commodity port in the state. It services both the mining and agricultural industries in Central Queensland.

The port handles a vast amount of cargo, with over 3 million tonnes handled in the 2017-2018 financial year alone. This includes 1,573,629 tonnes of fuel, 876,519 tonnes of sugar, and 148,245 tonnes of grain.

The port's facilities also cater to the maritime industry, with the Mackay Marina designed for vessels with a 3.5m draft at the lowest astronomical tide. It's a Port of Entry into Australia with Australian Customs and Border Protection & D.A.F.F. on site.

The marina offers a range of services and facilities, including secure car parking, refuse and recycling, gas refills, refuelling, laundry services, and shore power.

Economy

The Port of Mackay is a significant economic hub in Queensland, serving both the mining and agricultural industries in Central Queensland. It's impressive to see how the port has grown to become the fourth largest multi-commodity port in the region.

Seagull Standing on the Wharfs Fender
Credit: pexels.com, Seagull Standing on the Wharfs Fender

The port's bulk sugar terminal is one of the largest in the world, reflecting the extensive sugarcane industry in and around the Mackay Region. This highlights the importance of the region's agricultural sector.

In the 2017-2018 financial year, the port handled an incredible 3 million tonnes of cargo. This includes 1,573,629 tonnes of fuel, 876,519 tonnes of sugar, and 148,245 tonnes of grain.

The port's cargo statistics are truly staggering, with such a significant volume of goods being transported through it.

Infrastructure and Services

The Mackay Marina is a well-equipped facility that caters to the needs of visiting sailors and boaters. It's designed for vessels with a 3.5m draft at the lowest astronomical tide.

The marina is a Port of Entry into Australia, making it a convenient stop for international sailors. Australian Customs and Border Protection and D.A.F.F. are both on site to assist with any necessary paperwork.

Secure car parking is available, with two carparks located at the northern and southern end of the marina. These carparks are accessible only to marina patrons.

The marina offers a range of facilities, including refuse and recycling services. Gas refills and refuelling options are also available.

For those who need to do some laundry, the marina provides laundry services. Additionally, shore power is available for vessels that need it.

Queensland Reef

Aerial view of Noosa National Park with rugged coastline and ocean in Queensland, Australia.
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial view of Noosa National Park with rugged coastline and ocean in Queensland, Australia.

Mackay Harbour, located in Queensland, is situated near the Great Barrier Reef. The harbour is just 1 km away from the nearby tide station, Mackay Outer Harbour.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. It's a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with an incredible array of marine life.

Here's a breakdown of the tidal data for Mackay Harbour:

The tidal data shows a range of high and low tides throughout the day. The highest tide on April 22nd is 494H cm at 06:15 AM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of Mackay Harbour?

Mackay Harbour was opened on August 26th, 1939, after a four-year construction period, replacing the inefficient Pioneer River port. The need for a new harbour was identified as early as 1884 due to the existing port's limitations with large ships.

What is exported from Mackay Harbour?

Mackay Harbour exports a range of commodities, including fuel, sugar, grain, magnetite, fertiliser, and scrap metal. Learn more about the port's trading activities and throughput figures.

Can you fish at Mackay Harbor?

Yes, fishing is allowed at Mackay Harbour, with various species such as Jew, Mackerel, and Trevally caught in its waters.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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