Thinking of Moving to Mackay, QLD? Here Are the Pros and Cons You Need to Know

Mackay, QLD, might not always make the top of the list when it comes to big Aussie cities, but it’s definitely worth considering.

With its relaxed coastal vibe, warm weather, and access to the booming mining industry, it offers a unique lifestyle that’s hard to beat.

Whether you’re thinking of moving for work, family, or retirement, it’s important to understand what the city has to offer—and what it doesn’t.

In this post, I’ll give you an honest look at the pros and cons of living in Mackay, from affordable housing and tight-knit communities to the tropical climate and job opportunities.

Let’s find out if Mackay could be the right fit for you.

Climate

Mackay enjoys a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild, dry winters.

The wet season, from November to April, sees most of the rain, often with heavy downpours and the occasional cyclone.

From May to October, the dry season brings warm, sunny days perfect for outdoor activities.

Pros:

Winters are comfortably mild, with temperatures around 22°C and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor living year-round.

The tropical scenery, including lush rainforests, sugarcane fields, and beautiful beaches, thrives under these conditions.

Cons:

Summers can be stifling, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30s°C and high humidity, so air conditioning becomes essential.

The wet season can bring cyclones and flooding, disrupting daily life and travel plans. Tropical pests, like mosquitoes, are more common during this time.

Cost of Living

Mackay tends to be more budget-friendly than larger Australian cities.

The median house price is much lower than places like Brisbane or Sydney, sitting around $460,000, while rent for a typical house is about $500 per week.

Groceries and utilities are pretty much in line with state and national averages.

Pros:

Housing and rent are relatively affordable, meaning first-home buyers and families often find they can afford more space or land here than in the southeast.

With Mackay being a mid-sized city, shorter commute times also mean less spent on petrol.

Cons:

The demand for rentals often outweighs the supply, with vacancy rates sitting at about 1%.

This means rentals are competitive and can be leased quickly. As Mackay’s popularity grows, particularly among mining families and retirees, rents and home prices have steadily increased.

For some, living costs, like air-conditioning bills and water during the dry months, can be higher than anticipated.

Job Market

Mackay’s economy is largely driven by mining, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and service industries.

With its proximity to the Bowen Basin coalfields, mining and related sectors like engineering and transport have long been dominant.

Other key industries include healthcare and social assistance (14,000 jobs), construction, retail, and accommodation and food services.

Pros:

There are plenty of employment opportunities in mining, engineering, and trades, with strong demand for healthcare, education, and tourism workers.

Over the past year, health jobs have grown by 5% (now 14,000 jobs), and the construction sector has seen similar growth.

Tourism and hospitality have had a major rebound, with a 44% increase in jobs over just one year, thanks to a surge in travel and local festivals during the dry season.

With a diversified economy and ongoing infrastructure projects, Mackay offers roles for engineers, technicians, and service workers.

Cons:

The region’s economy is vulnerable to the boom-and-bust cycles of mining. Employment in the mining sector has dropped by about 14.5% in the last year, with 12,300 people now working in the industry (down about 31% over five years).

When coal prices drop or projects stall, it can be tough for job seekers. Outside of mining and healthcare, there are fewer specialised corporate or high-tech opportunities.

Some locals feel that advancing their careers in niche professions may require moving to Brisbane or other larger cities.

Safety and Crime

Mackay is known as one of Queensland’s safer regional cities. The close-knit community and active police programs help keep local neighbourhoods secure.

Pros:

Violent crime is relatively low compared to larger cities, and many locals feel at ease letting their kids play outside or walking around after dark.

The sense of safety is also boosted by community events like Beach Baseball and local festivals, alongside the welcoming atmosphere created by the friendly residents.

Cons:

Like any city, Mackay isn’t without its issues. Property crime, such as car break-ins, thefts, and home burglaries, is something to keep an eye on.

Recent statistics show a slight increase in these types of offences, with theft and burglary reports rising modestly in 2023.

While crime levels aren’t high, it’s still wise for residents and visitors to take basic precautions, like locking cars and setting alarms, especially after dark.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Mackay provides a relaxed coastal way of life with numerous outdoor recreation options.

The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including golden beaches like Harbour Beach, Eimeo, and Blacks Beach, along with the Bluewater Lagoon water park, nearby rainforests such as Eungella National Park, and opportunities for boating or fishing on the coast and the Pioneer River.

Residents often spend their weekends barbecuing, picnicking, and taking trips to the Whitsunday Islands or Dugong Sea Trail. Outdoor sports are a year-round staple, from surfing and four-wheel driving in the hinterland to golf.

The regional arts and events scene also brings life to the area, with events like the Mackay Festival of Arts offering outdoor concerts and exhibitions. At the same time, local pubs and clubs regularly feature live music and shows.

Pros:

The strong community spirit makes Mackay a friendly and welcoming place to live. With long summer evenings and mild winters, there’s always time for outdoor activities like barbecues, beach trips, or hiking.

There’s no shortage of sports and family events, with rugby at BB Print Stadium, fitness facilities and pools at the Sugar Bowl and Mackay ARC, and yearly celebrations such as Show Day and agricultural shows.

The slower pace of life here is appealing for many, offering a welcome contrast to the hustle of bigger cities.

Cons:

Being a smaller city, Mackay’s cultural and nightlife options are limited compared to places like Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

While there are cinemas, a convention centre (MECC), and some live theatre, major concerts and high-profile events don’t often make their way here.

For some, the social scene can feel quiet, with most after-dark entertainment centred around pubs, bars, and occasional gigs.

Public transport is minimal, so owning a car is essential. Those looking for large shopping centres or fine dining may need to travel to Townsville (about four hours away) or even Brisbane on occasion.

Healthcare Access

Mackay has a solid healthcare system for a regional city. The Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) is responsible for delivering healthcare to approximately 180,000 people, with a network that includes eight hospitals and four community health centres spread across the region.

The Mackay Base Hospital is the primary referral hospital and offers state-of-the-art facilities, including emergency, surgical, maternity, cardiac, and cancer services.

There are also private medical practices, specialist clinics, and dental and allied health services available throughout the city.

Pros:

Most routine and emergency healthcare needs can be taken care of locally. Many residents highlight the excellent healthcare facilities, particularly the Mackay Base Hospital, as a major benefit.

The presence of experienced doctors, specialists, and even access to telehealth services ensures most people can receive the care they need without travelling far.

Cons:

For highly specialised treatment, such as complex surgeries or rare conditions, patients may need to head to Townsville or Brisbane.

Some medical equipment or specialist appointments may also have longer wait times compared to larger cities.

Education

Mackay is a great place for young families, with a variety of schools to choose from. The region is home to more than 40 primary and secondary schools, featuring top-rated public and private institutions such as Mackay North State High and St Patrick’s Catholic College.

The local high schools have strong reputations, and there are preschools, TAFEs, and a university campus (Central Queensland University) in the city.

Pros:

With a wide selection of schools, most suburbs offer access to quality public education.

There’s also a good range of extra-curricular activities like sports, music, and clubs. Mackay’s Central Queensland University campus provides local students with opportunities to pursue degrees in areas like nursing, education, and business, making it easy to start tertiary studies at home.

Families value the diverse and high-quality educational choices on offer.

Cons:

For more specialised degrees or advanced schooling, such as engineering or medical courses, students often need to move to larger cities.

School zoning can also limit housing choices, as children must attend the local high school. Despite this, the overall education access in Mackay is still considered a big plus.

Suitability for Different Groups

Families:

Mackay is often considered an excellent place for families, with its safe neighbourhoods, parks, and playgrounds.

There are plenty of community events for kids, and over 40 schools and childcare options ensure good education for children.

The outdoor lifestyle offers affordable family activities like trips to the beach, camping in national parks, and joining local sports clubs.

Housing is more affordable than in larger cities, so families often have the opportunity to secure bigger homes with yards.

Cons:

The tropical climate can be challenging, with hot summers that require sun protection for young children.

Wet-season storms can also disrupt outdoor plans. Housing demand is high, meaning that good family homes near schools or on larger blocks can be hard to find and tend to sell quickly.

Some parents also point out that school zoning can limit suburban options.

Retirees:

The warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, and welcoming community in Mackay make it an attractive choice for many retirees.

Affordable coastal properties mean they can downsize or live comfortably, and the city’s relaxed atmosphere, alongside abundant clubs like bowls and fishing, is a real draw.

The abundance of sunshine and the modern hospital and GP clinics offer added peace of mind when it comes to healthcare.

Cons:

The heat and humidity during summer can be uncomfortable for some older residents. A few months of heavy rain and cyclones during the wet season might also be a bit of a hassle.

For retirees seeking more cultural activities, there may be fewer theatre productions, galleries, or senior-focused programs compared to larger cities.

While general healthcare is solid, extremely specialised eldercare, such as certain aged-care facilities, tends to be found more in larger cities.

Young Professionals:

Mackay offers great opportunities for young professionals, especially those with in-demand skills.

Many newcomers are drawn here by well-paying jobs in mining or healthcare, or to start families.

The city provides a better work-life balance and lower rent than Brisbane, making it easier to save while building a career.

With new developments and infrastructure projects underway, there are opportunities in trades, engineering, and project management.

The growing community also attracts enterprising professionals looking to make their mark.

Cons:

If you’re after a fast-paced career in sectors like high-tech, media, finance, or the arts, Mackay may not be the place for you, as options are limited.

Corporate or office jobs outside of mining and healthcare are fewer, so some young professionals find they need to move to bigger cities for career progression.

Socially, the scene can feel a bit small, and it might take some time to find your place unless you get involved in community clubs.

The nightlife is more laid-back, centred around bars and pubs, so those seeking a more vibrant entertainment scene might find it a bit restricted.

FIFO Workers:

Mackay is a key hub for Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) workers, with the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region employing around 12,000 mining workers, making up 18% of Queensland’s total.

For FIFO workers and their families, Mackay offers all the infrastructure they need, including regular flights, support services from mining companies, and a strong community of shift workers.

Pros:

FIFO residents in Mackay enjoy the benefit of lower living costs while still earning high mining salaries.

The supporting industries, such as contractors, equipment suppliers, and logistics, also provide additional job opportunities.

The city has everything required during home stays, including schools, shopping, and services, as well as a strong sense of community among FIFO families.

Cons:

The high demand for housing due to FIFO workers can lead to increased competition for accommodation, as transient workers still need places to stay.

Additionally, the FIFO lifestyle means many workers are away from town for weeks at a time, which can put stress on families and result in time spent away from children and spouses.

When the resource sector slows down, the impact is often felt by entire households, not just individual workers.