Discovery Parks - Mackay

🌴 Discovery Parks – Mackay Harbour, QLD

🌟 Description & Location

Just a short 2 km from Mackay’s city centre, Discovery Parks – Mackay Harbour sits comfortably between the coast and the wetlands in a peaceful corner of the harbour precinct. Surrounded by palms and lush lawns, the park is a vibrant, family-friendly retreat with a splash park, pool, and mini-golf—all just a stone’s throw from the marina. The cooling sea breezes and nearby surf club add to the laid-back tropical vibe.

📚 History

This area forms part of the traditional lands of the Wiri people. The broader Mackay Harbour precinct has long played a pivotal role in regional trade, initially established to support sugar cane exports and now a major shipping route for coal. The site itself transitioned from a locally managed caravan park into a Discovery Parks location in 2021, gradually expanding to include more resort-style amenities while retaining its relaxed coastal charm.

🏕️ Facilities and Amenities

• Saltwater swimming pool and adjacent splash park with shaded seating

• Mini-golf course, tyre maze, and jumping pillow for kids

• Camp kitchen and undercover BBQ shelters

• Clean amenities block with hot showers

• Laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi throughout the park

• Dump point and water refill stations

• Onsite kiosk selling basic groceries and travel supplies

• Outdoor seating areas and open grassy zones for games or picnics

• Equipment hire available for bikes and recreation gear

• AED (defibrillator) available near reception

🚙 Vehicle Access

• Fully sealed access via Harbour Road

• Flat, grassy powered and ensuite sites—many are drive-through

• Suitable for large caravans, motorhomes, and camper trailers

• Internal roads well maintained; some wet-weather pooling possible near unsealed edges

• No steep grades or clearance issues reported

🛌 Stay Information

• Powered Sites: Tariff Rate 3–4

• Ensuite Powered Sites: Tariff Rate 4(Tariff Price Chart at bottom of page)

• Bookings recommended, especially during school holidays and winter months

• Managed by Discovery Parks corporate network

• Site type: formal caravan and holiday park

• Maximum stay: not stated

• Pets allowed on request for select site types—must be pre-approved

• Reception open daily; no after-hours gate code required

• Contact: (07) 4955 1496 | mackay@discoveryparks.com.au

• Public-facing note: For pet site availability and ensuite access, contact Discovery Parks directly

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• Harbour Beach Surf Life Saving Club – beachside venue, 5-minute drive

• Breakwater Bar & Restaurant – marina-side dining with great views and local seafood

• Fusion128 Steakhouse – popular CBD eatery about 2.5 km away, well known for steaks

🏕 Nearby Campgrounds

• Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park – scenic coastal site 12 km north with wallaby sightings and beach access

• BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach – family-friendly park about 15 km north with full amenities and beachfront access

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• Harbour Beach – patrolled surf beach just minutes away

• Mackay Marina Village – great for walking, dining, or boat watching

• Bluewater Trail & Pioneer River Walk – urban trail loop through art-deco CBD and botanical gardens

• Eungella National Park – excellent for platypus spotting and rainforest walks (~80 km west)

• Finch Hatton Gorge – hiking trails and freshwater swimming holes in the hinterland

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Supermarkets (Coles and Woolworths) in Mackay CBD, 5–10 minutes away

• Fuel stations (Caltex, BP) on Harbour Road

• General practice clinic and pharmacy in North Mackay

• Drinking water available on site; additional refill points in town

📝 Reviews Summary

👍 Positives

• Family-friendly features like splash park, mini-golf, and playground

• Well-kept lawns and shaded sites

• Pet-friendly options and flexible site layouts

• Convenient to beaches, marina, and shops

• Generally praised for friendly and helpful staff

⚠️ Cautions

• Some older bathroom facilities reported, though clean

• Can be noisy near the main road or during peak travel seasons

• Occasional mosquito activity, especially near the wetlands

• Site layout slightly exposed to strong wind during storms

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency: Dial 000

• Closest fuel: Harbour Road (Caltex, BP)

• Mobile reception: Strong for Telstra and Optus

• Nearby mechanics: Located in Mackay CBD (~4 km)

• UHF Channels: Road Channel = 40 | Emergency Only Channel = 5

• Extra advice: Tropical rains may cause puddles; bring insect repellent

📝 Final Note

With palm-fringed lawns, fun water features, and a prime spot near the marina, Discovery Parks – Mackay Harbour makes for an easy-going base whether you're with the family, rolling solo, or road-tripping with pets. It blends relaxed park vibes with modern conveniences, all while keeping you close to both urban perks and natural beauty. A great stop to recharge—just book ahead if you're aiming for those ensuite drive-throughs.