Discover North Mackay

In North Mackay, shared paths wind through a landscape where picnic areas and parks are as much a part of the scene as a lookout with views of Mackay. There is also a swimming centre and a skate park. When planning your stay, you can start by asking which of these aspects of the area appeals to you most: getting outdoors, visiting a park or enjoying views across the city.

Exploring the Gooseponds Walk

The Gooseponds Walk covers just under eight kilometres of shared paths. Several access points and some larger loops shape the route, which passes under the Bruce Highway. This makes it possible to follow the route description using clear landmarks: the highway is not the end of the description, but a distinctive section beneath which the walk runs. The different access points and loops mean the walk is not limited to a single distance for an outing.

There are shaded picnic areas and picnic tables along the Gooseponds Walk. There is also a table with barbecue facilities near Walters Parade. This makes the picnic areas a part of your plans in their own right: you can combine the walk with a break rather than viewing it only as a route. If you choose a particular access point or loop, you can add the picnic areas as another stop in your day’s plans without assuming a specific walking time.

There are also playgrounds along the walk in the North Mackay area: at Wheeler Drive, Willets Road, and John Breen Park at the corner of Malcomson Street and Willis Street. The locations are spread along the route. This helps you plan the walk not only as a continuous route, but also around different named places.

Swimming, the skate park and the recreation park

The Pioneer Swim Centre is at the corner of Malcomson Street and Glenpark Street. If you are planning a visit, check with the operator for current admission prices and opening hours. Behind the swimming centre, near the same street corner, is John Breen Skate Park. The two venues are therefore close to each other, but the swimming centre and skate park are separate places to visit, which you can include in your plans individually depending on your interests.

John Breen Park and Centenary Place make up an 11-hectare recreation park in North Mackay. The name John Breen Park also appears as one of the playground locations along the Gooseponds Walk. There is also North Mackay Dog Park, also called Police Dog Tunza: the fenced dog park is opposite North Mackay State School on Willis Street. Dogs do not have to be on a leash there, and the park has agility equipment and drinking stations for dogs. For travellers with a dog, this is a specific park visit to consider separately from the walking and playground stops.

Views of Mackay

North Mackay Rotary Lookout on Pollock Street offers views of Mackay. The lookout adds a different perspective on the area to the activities on the paths and in the parks. When planning your time in North Mackay, you can weigh up a walk on the Gooseponds Walk, the parks and sporting venues mentioned above, and a visit to the lookout.

These different interests can also help when searching for holiday accommodation in North Mackay. First, consider which places you are most interested in visiting during your stay: the paths with their picnic areas and playgrounds, the swimming centre and skate park, the recreation park or the lookout. Then compare the locations of potential accommodation with your own plans rather than assuming a particular location is best. This way, your choice is guided by the experiences you actually want to include in your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Mackay Regional.