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What if we told you there’s a beautiful beachside town in Australia where winter brings daily averages above 20 degrees, but without the crowds of the Gold Coast or Whitsundays? Enter: Mackay.
Located roughly halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, this coastal Queensland city was just spotlighted by Skyscanner as one of the world’s top ten lesser-known destinations for 2026. It was the only Australian spot to make the global list, alongside underrated gems like Nagoya in Japan, Ottawa in Canada, Casablanca in Morocco and Busan in South Korea.
According to Skyscanner’s 2026 Winter Sun Report, more than half of Aussies are still deciding whether to lock in a winter holiday. We totally get it, given the unpredictable travel landscape, rising costs and sheer decision overwhelm.
If you’re easily convinced, let’s put forward a case for Mackay. As a savvy, crowd-free alternative for Australians seeking a winter escape, this coastal city delivers the same warmth, charm and adventure as its more saturated Queensland counterparts. Mackay is an adventurer’s playground, boasting epic hikes, mountain biking trails and water sports. Plus, it serves as a quieter gateway to the southern Great Barrier Reef, where the waters remain warm enough for a winter snorkel.
For those in need of some serious R&R, the lack of crowds will be a welcome luxury when you’re soaking up the sun on one of the region’s 31 beaches. Head to Lambert's Beach to witness the majestic whale migration, Eimeo Beach for a sheltered swim or Bluewater Lagoon for some free, family-friendly fun (waterslides included).
Even if your winter getaway is already locked in, Mackay will also be making waves this summer when it hosts the Aussie premiere of the internationally renowned Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic from December 4, 2026 to May 4, 2027. Whichever season you choose to visit, a sun-drenched escape is definitely on the cards.