Looking to explore the nightlife of Australia’s sugar capital? Do not worry; we have the list of the 5 most popular pubs in Mackay where you can unwind and relax with a drink. Mackay is one of Australia’s most famous beach holiday destinations, with 32 secluded beautiful beaches. This cosmopolitan coastal city has so much scenery, arts, and heritage to explore. And when you get tired of exploring the city, you can visit one of these top-rated pubs for a drink and to explore the city most authentically.

Things To Do In Mackay

Blue water lagoon in Mackay

Image Credit: Marcel Liawnardo for Wikimedia Commons

With more than 30 secluded beaches and 11 national parks, Mackay has become Australia’s most loved holiday destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. This laid-back and cosmopolitan coastal city is also famous as Australia’s sugar capital, featuring a revitalised city centre that links up to the pretty Bluewater Quay riverside precinct.

There are several things to do in Mackay:

  • Enjoy swimming in the Bluewater Lagoons, featuring three-tiered pools overlooking the Pioneer River. This family-friendly spot’s pools range from shallow to profound and are accessible to all age groups.
  • Drive for an hour west of Mackay and reach Eungella National Park. Here, you can hike the Mackay Highlands Great Walk, which is around 56 km long. You can see over 800 species of plants and abundant wildlife, especially platypuses.
  • Visit Kinchant Dam, one of the best locations in Australia for catching barramundi fish, which is just a 40-minute drive south of Mackay.
  • Mackay is the sugar capital of Australia; hence, a guided tour at Sarina Sugar Shed is the must-do activity in Mackay. Here, you will learn how sugarcane is transformed into sweet treats like liqueurs, ice cream, sauces and the award-winning Sugar Shed Rum.

Also Read: Hotels In Mackay

5 Most Popular Pubs In Mackay

Here is the list of best pubs in Mackay on the next trip.

1. MOJO Rooftop Bar

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Inside one of the city’s premium hotels, The Ambassador Hotel, Mojo Rooftop Bar is one of the most popular pubs in Mackay. This space embraces the natural beauty of Mackay City with its open-air setting and panoramic views of the Pioneer River. Whether you are looking for a pub for a relaxed gathering or an elegant cocktail party, MOJO Rooftop Bar is the place for you, featuring a stunning city backdrop for your event. In this pub, people can witness the picturesque views of the Pioneer River while enjoying a diverse range of cocktails, beers, and spirits. These are why MOJO is one of the best rooftop pubs in Mackay City.

Address: 2 Sydney St, Mackay QLD 4740, Australia
Price: Rs 2000 onwards per person

2. Mt Pleasant Tavern

The view of a beer bar in Mckay.

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Mt Pleasant Tavern is among the most popular pubs in Mackay City among locals and tourists. It’s been years since this pub has been serving locals, and its cocktail menu has something for every taste. Whether you are catching up with your friends for a few rounds of drinks or just stopping by to unwind after work, the pub at Mt Pleasant Tavern is the place to be. If you are here for a meal, match it with a local or imported drink from our extensive wine, beer or spirits menu. Mt Pleasant Tavern is also one of the best sports bars in Mackay, with all the latest in sports entertainment and UFC action. You can enjoy your drink while watching live sports featured on their big-screen TVs. You can choose from a wide range of ice-cold beer in the bar.

Address: Malcomson St, North Mackay QLD 4740, Australia
Price: Rs 3000 onwards per person

Related Post: Queensland Nightlife

3. The Golden Gecko

people watching sports in a sports bar

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The Golden Gecko is a renowned Bistro, Bar, and Beer Garden in Mackay. This is one of the most-visited pubs in Mackay City, featuring a beer garden, restaurant, multiple bars, gaming and various private function spaces. Located on Sydney Street, nestled between Alfred and Shakespeare Streets in Mackay’s CBD, The Golden Gecko pub has a significant history dating back to 1908, when it was known as Pearson’s Hotel. This is the place to be if you want to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and restaurant-quality food. The lounge bar at The Golden Gecko is newly renovated and looks like a little oasis in the heart of town. It is the ultimate place to visit if you want to unwind after a long day or catch up with friends over drinks. Other than the bar, the Beer Garden is the major attraction of The Golden Gecko Hotel. It is a tranquil outdoor area where you can enjoy a mug of beer in the summer afternoons while playing a game of pool beneath the palm trees.

Address: 97 Sydney St, Mackay QLD 4740, Australia
Price: Rs 3500 onwards per person

4. Rare Bar And Grill

Steak served in a pub in Mackay.

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Want to have the finest steakhouse dining experience? Visit Rare Bar and Grill, one of the top-rated pubs in Mackay. This restaurant and bar is quite popular in Mackay for offering locally infused, mouth-watering top cuts of meat, craft beers, premium spirits, sophisticated cocktails, and extravagant bubbles. At the restaurant and bar, you can enjoy all the classics in a relaxed atmosphere with your family and friends. Besides the classics, they have some unique and original cocktails that’ll leave you wanting more. Regarding food, Rare Bar and Grill ensures they source the finest beef products from across Australia and select imported speciality cuts. The menu also has fresh seafood offerings to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Address: 65 Victoria St, Mackay QLD 4740, Australia
Price: Rs 1500 onwards per person

Related Post: Things To Do In Queensland

5. The Bavarian Mackay

Cocktail served on a table

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If you want to explore some of the unique bars in Mackay, then The Bavarian Mackay should be your first choice as it brings a German-inspired, Aussie-embraced dining experience among the people. This restaurant and bar are focused on offering its guests great food, unbeatable German beers, and bucketloads of fun. Carrying the heritage of Bavaria, this affordable and family-friendly restaurant and bar serves some classic dishes such as deliciously roasted pork belly, warm, fresh-baked pretzels, huge pork knuckles, and schnitzels that you won’t get anywhere in Australia. There is no other pub in Australia where you will get seven styles of imported German beers on tap and served in a stein under one roof. This unique pub offers a unique blend of Bavarian-inspired diners and local pubs where guests can enjoy good beers, food, good times and the best of both worlds at The Bavarian.

Address: GS2443 and 2444 Caneland Central 2 MATSUURA DRIVE, Mangrove Rd, Mackay QLD 4740, Australia
Price: Rs 3500 onwards per person

You May Also Like To Read: Restaurants In Townsville

Visiting a pub for a beer mug is the best way to explore the city and its locals from the roots. Every town has its culture and heritage, which is well reflected in its pubs, bars, and restaurants offering local wines and authentic cuisine. Relishing some of the local cuisine accompanied by their handcrafted beer while exploring the city is the right way to enjoy a vacation. So, next time you are on a trip to Australia, get a drink at one of these pubs in Mackay.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pubs In Mackay

What is Makcay famous for among the tourists?

Makcay has some of the tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, and abundant recreational fishing activities that make it one of the popular tourist attractions in Australia.

Is it suitable to swim in Mackay?

There are a total of 31 beautiful beaches surrounding Mackay so no matter where you are in the city, you are never too far from a beach. Just be careful in the season of stringers, generally during the warmer months from October to May. Make sure you wear a stinger suit when swimming in this season to be completely safe.

Where exactly is Mackay located?

Mackay is situated at the eastern coast of Queensland, Australia, exactly located at the mouth of the Pioneer River. This is the centre of Australia’s sugar industry and home to the sugar-research institute (1953).

What are some famous tourist attractions in Mackay?

Some famous tourist attractions in Mackay are:

  • Bucasia Beach
  • Orchid Display House
  • Bluewater Trail
  • Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
  • Bluewater Lagoon

What are the ideal months to visit Mackay?

If you are interested in watching whales, then the best months to visit Mackay would be between July and September as this is the whale season when you can get some sightings of the humpback whale. Other than this, The Mackay Festival of Arts takes place in July and features wine, art exhibitions, and cheese tastings, along with live jazz, stand-up comedy and other performances.

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