- Mackay City is a city located in the Mackay Region of Queensland, Australia. It is the largest city in the region and is situated on the eastern coast of Queensland, approximately 970 kilometers north of Brisbane. Mackay City is known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands, which attract tourists from around the world. The city has a population of over 80,000 people and is a major hub for the sugar cane industry, as well as the mining, agriculture, and tourism sectors. Mackay City offers a range of amenities and services, including shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and recreational facilities.