Brisbane to Mackay flights: Can I fly direct to Mackay Airport?

Brisbane to Mackay flights with Jetstar and Qantas take an hour and 35 minutes. Mackay Airport is an alternative gateway to the Whitsundays region of Queensland.

For tourists flying to the Whitsundays region of Queensland, Mackay Airport isn’t usually the first choice. Brisbane to Hamilton Island flights, or flights to the Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine tend to be more convenient.

But if you want excellent South Cumberland Islands snorkelling cruises, pick Mackay.

To choose from the best Mackay tours and experiences, head this way. To select the right Mackay accommodation for you, book here.

The best thing to do in Mackay is a snorkelling cruise around the South Cumberland Islands.

Bluewater Lagoon in Mackay. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Mackay is also the biggest city in the Whitsundays region, and is better placed for the Eungella National Park and Cape Hillsborough. And, perhaps crucially, there are plenty of flights from Brisbane to Mackay.

Brisbane to Mackay flights: Airlines and costs

Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia all fly the Brisbane to Mackay route. Competition between the three airlines keeps prices low. Well, in theory, at least.

Three great Mackay experiences to book in advance

(Highly recommended ✅) Whitsunday Islands boat cruise – with snorkelling and paddleboarding.
Cape Hillsborough sunrise tour – meet wallabies on the beach.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Finch Hatton Gorge waterfalls tour.

Searching two months in advance with Webjet, Australia Travel Questions found one way flights from Brisbane to Mackay for from $92. These cheap flight tickets were with Jetstar, and didn’t include checked-in luggage. The cheapest Brisbane to Mackay flights for those wanting to check in a bag were $99 with Virgin Australia.

Flights from Brisbane to Mackay vary in duration depending on which airline you fly with. According to Jetstar and Qantas, the Brisbane to Mackay flight time is one hour and 35 minutes. The Virgin Australia flights to Mackay from Brisbane take slightly longer – a scheduled one hour and 40 minutes.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

Mackay Airport flight destinations

Brisbane isn’t the only place you can fly to from Mackay Airport, however. Qantas also runs flights from Mackay Airport to Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns.

Mackay Airport is by no means a major airport in Australia, but the city is a major regional centre. Like Bundaberg Airport, Broome Airport or Karratha Airport, it does serve a purpose. And if flights to other airports in the Whitsundays region look a little bit too expensive, Mackay Airport might be worth a look. The drive from Mackay Airport to Airlie Beach takes just under two hours.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.

Best Mackay accommodation options

The top places to stay in Mackay are:

For attractive apartments by Blacks Beach: The Shores Holiday Apartments.
For a cheap, but surprisingly good, motel: Cool Palms Motel.
For apartments with kitchenettes by the marina: Mantra Mackay.
For a holiday park with lot of family-friendly facilities: Big4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park.
For fully furnished apartments in prime position next to Bluewater Lagoon: Riviera Mackay.