Let us tell you why Mackay is a must-see destination to complement your event

Mackay sits on the Queensland coast, half-way between Brisbane and Cairns. This makes it ideal for conferences and events attracting state-wide attendance.

• As a relaxed, nature-based destination, it encourages inspiration, with limited distractions.
• An impressive array of affordable, quality accommodation, a purpose-built convention centre, hotel, conference and meeting facilities, plus unique off-site dining venues tick all the business event decision-making boxes.
• A population of more than 120,000 ensures ‘big city’ technical, production and professional support services are available.

The Mackay Region of Queensland continues to punch well above its weight in the highly competitive Australian business events marketplace, winning national conferences, offering generous local support, and delivering impressive off-site venue locations. The wide-open spaces and places on offer have never been more appealing, especially when backed up by more than 65 flights from Brisbane (1.5hours duration) weekly. The high instance of repeat clients provides a clear indication that conference planners are delighted to discover a convention centre of the calibre of the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, conveniently located midway between Brisbane and Cairns.

Looking for some pre or post touring options or your team or delegates? Check these out.

• Sarina Sugar Shed – an award-winning local attraction located ½ hour south of Mackay. It features Australia’s only miniature sugar mill and distillery specialising in delicious rums and liqueurs, sauces, chutneys, and home-made fudge confectionary.
• Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park – the park’s ancient rainforest is one of the best places in the world to see the remarkable and very shy platypus in the wild. It is just one hour’s drive from the Mackay CBD and offers a range of dining and activity options, including the chance to SCUBA dive with the platypus.
• Cape Hillsborough – share a beach sunrise with the wallabies

The huge 66,484 square kilometre Mackay Region offers diverse destination experiences, complemented by an enviable climate. Average daily temperatures range from just over 22c in the winter months of June-August, and over 30C during the summer months December-February.

Supportive Funding for Business Events:

The Mackay Regional Council’s ‘Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Programs’ continues to provide generous support for conferences, offering up to a maximum of $75,000 per event per annum for events which meet the program criteria.

Take a VR tour

The recently launched Virtual Reality Tour facility (www.themecc.com.au/plan-event) on the MECC website enables planners to take a sneak-peek at the wide range of venues available at the MECC, ranging from the 1000 + seat Auditorium through to Plenary Halls, meeting rooms and exhibition spaces.