population: 0.12 million

extension: 621.5 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Mackay and interested in museums, I would suggest visiting the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, which has a small museum inside called the Orchid House. The Orchid House features displays of tropical orchids, as well as other plants from the local region. Additionally, the Artspace Mackay is an art museum that showcases contemporary Australian art and also offers various workshops and events related to art. If you're interested in similar types of museums, you may want to check out the Central Queensland Military Museum or the Greenmount Homestead, both located near Mackay.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Mackay according to local people are:

1. Seafood - Mackay is known for its fresh seafood, including prawns, crabs, and fish like barramundi and coral trout.
2. Cane Toad sausages - unique to the area, these sausages made from cane toad meat are a local delicacy.
3. Mangoes - Mackay produces some of the best mangoes in Australia and they are a must-try when in season.
4. Macadamia nuts - another local produce that is commonly used in various dishes, including desserts.
5. Beef - the region is known for producing high-quality beef and there are many restaurants that serve up delicious steaks and burgers using this beef.

These are just a few examples of the local cuisine in Mackay, but there are many other tasty dishes to try as well.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals in Mackay enjoy:

1. Visit the Bluewater Lagoon: This is a free swimming facility with three pools of different depths and features such as waterfalls, slides, and fountains.

2. Go on a bushwalk: Mackay has many beautiful national parks and reserves nearby, such as Eungella National Park and Cape Hillsborough National Park, which offer scenic hiking trails.

3. Explore the local markets: The Mackay region has several weekly markets featuring fresh produce, crafts, and food stalls, including the Mackay City Centre Markets and the Greater Whitsunday Farmers' Market.

4. Visit the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens: In addition to the Orchid House museum, the gardens offer walking paths, picnic areas, and various events throughout the year.

5. Take a day trip to Brampton Island: This is a popular spot for snorkeling and other water activities, accessible by ferry from Mackay.