Top 17 Airbnb Vacation Rentals in Mackay, Australia - Updated 2024

Katie
Katie 
Updated
| 5 min read

Mackay is a river city just 603 miles (970 km) north of Brisbane, located on the banks of the Pioneer River, boasting many exciting things to do. During the hot summer days, you might choose to spend your time splashing around at the Blue Lagoon waterpark, stroll through the Botanical Gardens or even visit one of the many sites to learn about cane sugar and its production. That’s right, due to this city producing more than a third of Australia’s cane sugar it is lovingly nicknamed the “sugar capital.” So what better way to learn about cane sugar and its many delicious uses than visiting this place and exploring its sugar industry. Of course, you could always just spend the day at the beach. Keep reading for the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Mackay, Australia.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 19, 2024.

1. Detached unit with two spacious queen-size rooms (from USD 168)

Discover a tranquil escape in this detached unit with two spacious queen-size rooms. Nestled in a serene neighborhood, you’ll enjoy the convenience of secure parking and a fully fenced private back garden. Inside, the self-contained space offers a fully equipped kitchen, ideal for preparing meals during your stay.

Feel at ease with amenities such as air conditioning, a TV, and free access to a washing machine and dryer. Step out onto your private patio or balcony, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Plus, this pet-friendly retreat welcomes your furry companions, just remember to bring their own bedding.

Stayed at this property?
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
1.68 km (1.1 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
13 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place is great with the most comfortable beds you will find
Cleanliness:
the house is clean and tidy and had everything we needed to feel at home
Host:
great place and awesome host
Location:
great quiet location and close to every like restaurants queens park city beach etc
Read more reviews

2. Cozy abode with plush king-sized beds (from USD 254)

Immerse yourself in the welcoming ambiance of this abode, equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Rest easy on the plush king-sized beds dressed in top-notch linens. Stay seamlessly connected with complimentary Wi-Fi, and take full advantage of the resort-like amenities, including a barbeque area, gym, and a refreshing 20-meter (65.62 foot) pool. For local insights on dining, shopping, and culture, rely on the knowledgeable building reception staff.

Housekeeping is available for stays exceeding seven nights, maintaining a hotel-grade standard of cleanliness. Additional amenities can be obtained through reception, and complimentary on-site parking is provided. Cots are available upon request for a nominal fee of $20 per night, subject to availability.

Stayed at this property?
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
1.23 km (0.8 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
9 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire serviced apartment 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and decent value for what we needed if for
clean and modern with aircon
unit was lovely and spacious and had everything we required
Read more reviews

3. Modern hotel apartment with on-site amenities (from USD 235)

Make your Mackay trip even more memorable by staying in this modern hotel apartment. Inside, there are two king-size beds, comfortably sleeping around four to five people. Additionally, you can find a television with standard cable for entertainment and a fully equipped kitchen for your dining needs. If you wish to dine al fresco or simply have a place to lounge to enjoy the view of the Pioneer River, there’s a private balcony that you can enjoy.

You’ll also have access to many on-site amenities, such as the swimming pool, gym, spa, and sundeck, so feel free to make use of them during your stay.

Stayed at this property?
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
234 meters (0.2 ft) from Bluewater Lagoon
13 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire serviced apartment 2 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was very comfortable and it had a good view
great modern 2 bedroom apartment with full kitchen
Cleanliness:
it was a comfortable apartment and very clean
Location:
beautiful apartment in a perfect location
great location short walk to main street restaurants and pubs quick and easy drive to airport
Read more reviews

4. The View @ Dolphin Heads (from USD 56)

Located right on the beachfront, this Airbnb accommodation in Mackay will give you the sunny, beach-filled vacation of your dreams. You can enjoy sunbathing on the shores or swimming in the refreshing waters. If you’re not in the mood to go to the beach, you can choose to swim in the pool instead. At the end of the day, feel free to soak in the shared hot tub to soothe your aching muscles.

Aside from its on-site amenities, your room here will be wonderfully furnished. There’s a queen-size bed that can sleep two, but if you have a third guest, they can crash on the sofa bed. For entertainment, there’s a 40-in television with Netflix, and for your dining needs, there’s a complete kitchen.

Stayed at this property?
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
1.44 km (0.9 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
129 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
stunning view from the room epic sunsets
beautiful room with a beautiful view
great view tastefully decorated large tv netflix wifi nice pool and excellent hosts
great little room as described
great views of the water fantastic pool and spa area and a comfy unit
Cleanliness:
very clean presentation with nice little touches
room was clean and had everything you would need
the room was clean and had everything we needed
very nice spot clean and a very easy check in
good and clean lovely and with a beautiful morning view
Host:
service was great and host checked in to make sure all ok with us
highly recommended kim is a great host
cesar is an amazing host snd helped us and when we needed lovely
great comms from the host and the spot is amazing really friendly area and swarve apartment
Location:
great location though 5/5
cute room in a beautiful location
beautiful apartment in a great location
we were pleasantly surprised with the scenic location of cesar’s place
the unit was great (in the best location) in a nice resort
Read more reviews

5. Spacious house near the city center (from USD 119)

With four beds, this spacious house can comfortably sleep up to eight people. A crib is also available if you’re traveling with a baby. Additionally, the kitchen is fully equipped, allowing you to prepare your favorite home-cooked meals, and the living room has a television for entertainment. If you’re coming to Mackay for business purposes, there’s a dedicated workspace that you can use.

Outside, you can find a private patio, where you can lounge after a long day, sipping your favorite drink while enjoying the view. If you’re driving to Mackay, there’s free parking on the premises. But if you don’t have a car, there’s no need to worry because you’re near the city center, which means everything is within walking distance.

Stayed at this property?
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
811 meters (0.6 ft) from Bluewater Lagoon
13 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cold air con throughout comfy beds and nice balcony
Host:
great host and great place will stay there again if i return to mackay
Location:
amazing stay close to everything you would need
thanks linda great place for our guys to stay whilst away for work
Read more reviews

6. Large, central location (from USD 133)

This spacious holiday home in Mackay can sleep up to six guests, making it perfect for a family or friends on a holiday visit. In total, there are three bedrooms and plenty of common space where you can enjoy each others’ company. If you have kids joining you, or if you are in fact a big kid yourself, then you’ll love the fact that there is a Playstation with games in the living room. The house is just 100 meters to the waterpark Blue Lagoon, and as such, there is a multitude of eateries and bars to choose from. However, if you don’t feel like eating out then the kitchen is well stocked and comes with milk, coffee, and tea readily available. The decoration is minimalist but stylish, so you’ll soon feel like you’re at home.

Stayed at this property?
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
226 meters (0.2 ft) from Bluewater Lagoon
198 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house is well equipped with great comfortable beds ac and super fast nbn
rooms are very spacious with lovely poster beds in two of the rooms
beautiful big space with very comfortable king sized beds candice was very generous providing yummy breakfast too
beds were super comfortable also
the beds are comfortable and it is in a great spot for restaurants and pools
Cleanliness:
large comfortable clean king size beds were awesome
clean and friendly owners
simple & clean great location
clean and comfortable furniture
stayed here a few times and always comfortable and clean - great space
Host:
nice history and nice little add ons that the host left for us
robert is a fantastic host
robert is a fantastic host
rob was super helpful and replied to messages very quickly
candice and rob were very efficient and kind to let us in when we arrived early
Location:
the location is great you are within walking distance to everything
great location close to the city
location is very central with some fantastic restaurants in walking distance
great location and rob is fantastic
location was perfect with walking distance to shops restaurants cafes etc
Read more reviews

7. Your home away from home and close to everything! (from USD 120)

This long-term rental in Mackay can be your home for your holiday break along with seven other people. Yes, there is space for eight people across three bedrooms, so there is plenty of room to spread out and make the place feel like home. The property itself is not far from the central zone of Mackay, but if you don’t want to travel, there are plenty of little cafes to explore in the vicinity of this quiet residential neighborhood. On hot summer days, you’ll be grateful not only for the space and air-conditioning but also of the fact that the property has a pool and shaded entertainment area that has a BBQ grill. The hosts lived in a detached accommodation away from the property, so you’ll have private access to the whole house.

Stayed at this property?
South Mackay, Queensland, Australia
2.71 km (1.7 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
91 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 7 Beds 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good furnishings great kitchenware tvs lounges
the air conditioner fans and pool are excellent for the tropical climate
no air con but the pool was great to cool off in when needed
the house was clean spacious had internet pay tv ducted ac etc
the house is large and comfortable aircon fans and lots of windows to catch the breeze
Cleanliness:
huge modern and clean house
clean spacious stylish and well appointed
it was clean and had everything we needed
plenty of room very clean and comfortable
this place is clean tidy and large
Host:
the owners are wonderful people
hosts were lovely and thoughtful
awesome place our hosts were lovely
our hosts were wonderful
friendly hosts and great for families
Location:
great house in an excellent location
brilliant location - walked to the elton john concert venue & close to shops
location was good close to the airport shopping centre and town centre
very central location and a quiet street highly recommend
in a fantastic location close to everything yet quiet and relaxing
Read more reviews

8. bed self-contained property (from USD 40)

This holiday rental in Mackay is close to the main public transport links and offers private access for up to four guests, sharing two bedrooms. Staying here means you’ll have access to free WiFi and onsite parking. The furnishings are fairly basic but include everything that you would need for a comfortable holiday. The property has no major design features or unique aspects. But if you are looking for a friendly host and a “basic” place to stay, then this might be the perfect spot for you.

Stayed at this property?
South Mackay, Queensland, Australia
1.66 km (1.1 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
395 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the air conditioning was great in the mackay heat
2 x air conditioners free wifi handy shops 5 minutes walk to the north-east
air conditioning is so good good base for a short stay
the accommodation is clean with many blankets and good quality air conditioning
double room twin room and futon means the small unit can easily accommodate a small family
Cleanliness:
good spot clean and tidy
everything was clean and tidy
nice and clean - accurate
great value for accommodation clean neat and tidy
little bit rough round the edges but clean tidy and practical
Host:
host was friendly and welcoming
sarah the host is very nice and kind
host was very helpful when needed
sara is a great host
sara is a lovely host
Location:
easy access at a central location for mackay
sara's airbnb is great value and is located both close to the airport and main shopping centres in mackay
decent location good price for decent accommodation
great quiet location handy to east mackay
good value close to everything would recommend to everyone
Read more reviews

9. Ground floor unit (from USD 89)

Moving across to East Mackay and we come to this fab little location for two guests. The main transport links to the city center are just across the road. There are also plenty of walking trails just 500 meters away, and the property feels very spacious. This location is actually a ground floor unit that has its own private access, free WiFi, and convenient kitchen space. This is a very cozy and homey rental, perfect for a few days’ break with a classic feel in terms of decoration and furnishings.

Stayed at this property?
East Mackay, Queensland, Australia
2.89 km (1.8 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
115 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
apartment didn’t have a kettle but luckily we had our own
everything you need to feel comfortable including plenty of space and privacy
the place was true to the outline and comfortable
only area for improvement would be to improve lighting in the kitchen
Cleanliness:
very clean and functional
the place was clean and comfortable
the place was clean comfortable and well equipped
lovely touches in the bathroom and linen was crisp and clean
the area we had was neat clean and tidy
Host:
friendly welcoming and helpful host
dee was a great host very welcoming approachable and easy to communicate with
dee was a great host very friendly
good value for money friendly host
dee was an awesome host and could not fault the stay
Location:
nice quiet central location
great location to basketball stadium and other sporting venues
a good quiet place near the cbd of mackay
the location is close to paget and also the city so was perfect for us
dee’s apartment is in good location - close to the beach and cbd
Read more reviews

10. A private room in a townhouse (from USD 36)

Set within close proximity to the CBD, this townhouse offers a private and cozy room to solo travelers or couples. There is one bed available here, along with access to a shared bathroom, household essentials, heating, and a dryer, among others. While staying here, you may want to make a stop at the Mackay Orchid House and the Mackay Community Garden, as they can both be reached within a quick stroll.

Stayed at this property?
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
1.2 km (0.8 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
36 reviews   Wifi Available
Private room in townhouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
simple clean functional and great value for money
Host:
silvio is an amazing host and i really enjoyed staying at his place
silvio was one of the best hosts i've had
silvio is a great host and is very easy to talk to
silvio is very friendly and great to have a chat with
easy going host enjoyable stay everything you need available and private even with another guest staying
Location:
the location is also great walking distance to everything you need
a great value place to stay conveniently located
really close to downtown very clean and has everything you need
when hes away it's like you have the place to yourself
Read more reviews

11. Contemporary apartment with a pool (from USD 105)

This contemporary apartment comes with two king-size beds, so up to four people can be accommodated here. Additionally, you can find a kitchen with all the essential appliances and utensils and a living room with a television. WiFi is also available, so you can stream movies and shows on your devices if you prefer. For people on a work trip, feel free to use the dedicated workspace available.

As a guest, you’ll have access to the building’s amenities. In particular, you can take a dip in the pool to cool down when the weather is hot. You can also work out in the gym in your spare time. If you’re driving to Mackay, there’s free parking on the premises.

Stayed at this property?
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
1.18 km (0.8 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
14 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the aircon units in the living room and bedroms were great
Location:
great apartment close to everything
great property very clean quiet comfortable and well situated within walking distance to shops cafes and river walks
neat contained apartment in a good location
all in all a pleasant place to stay
Read more reviews

12. Motel-style room for 3 people

This motel-style room offers excellent value for money with all of the necessities needed to enjoy a holiday accommodation. The room features hot drink-making facilities. You’ll have access to the common-use pool on the property. The room is within walking distance to the Blue Lagoon water park and the cafes and restaurants surrounding the area. So after a long hot day exploring, you’ll be looking forward to using the pool and taking a nap in the comfortable queen-size bedroom.

Stayed at this property?
West Mackay, Queensland, Australia
1.25 km (0.8 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
48 reviews  
Private room 2 Beds 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
unlimited wifi and comfortable room
was a really good stay for one night check- in was easy and the room/bathroom were clean
Cleanliness:
was a very clean comfortable
everything was clean and easy
a clean room and comfortable bed
clean and we'll equipped motel accommodation
efficient and super clean
Host:
receptionist was very friendly
damian the host was an amazing host
hosts are lovely and easy to communicate with
realy nice friendly staff
cool palms provided a clean room friendly host and good parking for 4wd
Location:
good motel close to the highway
good location easy check in and check out
great location able to walk to lagoon main part of town and the large shopping centre
cool palms's place is in a great location
great place and loved the convenience of the location
Read more reviews

13. Cheap, cool, and convenient self-contained townhouse

The title of this property pretty much sums it up. It has gone through some modernization features and now offers space for up to six guests to enjoy the unique “eat-in” kitchen, which is well stocked, the outside balcony area, and the courtyard with a BBQ grill, perfect for those hot summer nights. The rental is in a central location where you have easy access to the main tourist spots while still enjoying the peace and quiet of the surrounding area. There is WiFi at the property, free parking at the premise, and pets are allowed at an additional cost, so be sure to contact the host directly if you want to bring along your favorite pooch for the trip.

Stayed at this property?
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
1.32 km (0.9 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
19 reviews   Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN RENTAL UNIT 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
could have been a bit cleaner very well equipped missed the wifi lovely and helpful hosts
Cleanliness:
place was clean and tidy with lots of extras available
very clean and easy to organise with craig and fiona
Location:
great location close to city centre
this is in a good location and is an extremely well equipped unit
we've had a great long-term stay in this well equiped unit close to everything we needed
i could walk or ride my bike easily to the cbd and shops
the neighbourhood did feel safe
Read more reviews

14. The Platypus

Going a bit more “upmarket,” this entire house Airbnb rental has space for six guests sharing three bedrooms. This property has a spacious interior with large, open plan lounge and dining room, breakfast bar area, and kitchen with plenty of space for you and all your guests to sit around and have a chat in. The bedrooms are stylishly decorated with crisp white sheets contrasting against the deep mahogany color of the furniture. You can relax and unwind in the garden.

Stayed at this property?
South Mackay, Queensland, Australia
1.76 km (1.1 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
59 reviews  
Entire house 3 Beds 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
each bedroom had a queen bed which was perfect as we had 3 couples traveling
Cleanliness:
clean and tidy and quite spacious
very clean and cental to mackay
very clean and great value for money
clean and comfortable house well kept and quiet street
great location and clean and comfortable space
Host:
tamara was a great host
tamara was a great host
lovely house with a great host
thank you so much for hosting us
communication with owner was great
Location:
the perfect location in mackay close to everything
comfortable walking distance from the mackay centre
great central location for visiting family in mackay
was a great house very roomy and in a quite location
fantastic comfortable modern holiday house in central mackay
Read more reviews

15. bedroom modern unit

This recently renovated property is in a fantastic location where you can explore both the central area of Mackay and the beach as well. As a guest, you’ll have private access to the whole property, which consists of two spacious bedrooms with wooden flooring, a well-equipped and fresh-looking kitchen area and stylish lounge with a large black leather L-shaped sofa – perfect for stretching out on after a long day of exploring. There is a nearby bus station where you can hop aboard one bus to go to the town center. There is also a small complex with eateries and a few other necessities within walking distance from the unit.

Stayed at this property?

1.27 km (0.8 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
25 reviews  
Entire apartment 2 Beds 4 Guests

16. Close to the city and the beach

If you’re looking for an Airbnb in Mackay that has a great location, then this spot that is within walking distance to pretty much of Mackay might just be the one for you. Just 10 minutes’ walking will see you strolling down the beach while watching the waves roll in. There are a number of restaurants and cafes within five minutes’ walking distance. The bus station is also a five-minute walk away. This location is also within walking distance from the Greyhound bus stop.

Stayed at this property?

1.55 km (1.0 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
25 reviews  
Private room 1 Bed 2 Guests

17. Mackay Mystique

Nestled into one of the Whitsunday islands, this fully self-contained apartment offers space for up to two guests sharing a queen-size bedroom or utilizing the sleeping space in the living room. This apartment also offers a well-equipped kitchen, parking on-site and arranged activities, which are subject to an additional charge. The apartment is very clean and comfortably stylized. There is also a small back patio to enjoy.

Stayed at this property?

3.49 km (2.2 mi) from Bluewater Lagoon
208 reviews  
Entire apartment 1 Bed 2 Guests

You're all set

With these properties you won’t be spending a fortune on taxis or petrol, so you’ll have plenty of change left over to spend on more holiday activities. Look at that, we just saved you time and money. That’s our good deed done for the day! Be sure to let us know where you’ll stay during your Mackay holiday.

Stayed at this property?

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb vacation rentals in Mackay, Australia


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Katie is a committed full-time global wanderer and volunteer. She possesses an unerring compass that guides her to the obscure and distant corners of the Earth, where she explores jungles,...Read more

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