How to Explore Food Adventures in Mackay – Treat Your Taste Buds to an Adventure of a Lifetime!

Located in Queensland, Mackay is a foodie's dream come true. Although the city's food scene is not as well-touted as those of its more popular tourist hubs, the wealth of culinary experiences up for grabs in Mackay are no less interesting. Offering travellers a host of fantastic restaurants and food hubs, wining and dining in Mackay can be a real treat. From finding the best eateries to dining in lesser-known food hotspots, here are some tips on how to enjoy culinary adventures in the area.

Photo by MariaPolna form PxHere 

Stay at a Central Base and Pop by the Markets

Those who wish to wine and dine in Mackay's finest food hubs should first and foremost secure a strategic base hotel.  Whether it's the Oaks Mackay Carlyle Suites or any one of the other hotels in Mackay, there is no substitute for a convenient location when it comes to finding excellent venues in which to dine. Having garnered many an Australian Food Award, Mackay's top eateries are known to procure fresh produce from local farmers and markets such as the Whitsunday Farmers’ Market. So, visitors should stop by this famed local market to find out just what the best-sellers are in the popular thoroughfare.

Oscars on Sydney Café & Bar

When it comes to the perfect place to grab a hearty breakfast in Mackay, there are no contenders that can surpass the Oscars on Sydney. Renowned for its homemade and healthy baked goodies including the sugar-dusted Dutch pancake variety known as Poffertjes and its nutty macadamia muesli, vegan and vegetarian travellers can also find such delights as smashed avocado and more traditional breakfast items such as huevos rancheros. This popular corner café is also a great place to grab a cup of coffee or tea before heading out on a sightseeing excursion.

Dispensary 

The curiously named Dispensary is one of the most atmospheric dining hubs in Mackay to date. Housed in a cave-like dark wood interior, this modern Australian food serving hub is also a well-loved coffee stop as it is open all day and night long and is renowned for its extensive lunch menu. Having opened its doors to the public back in 2013, the locale is also home to the largest wine and whiskey collection in the entire city. Its craft beers and cocktails are also worth a try as this café turned bar is a fun place to sample contemporary Australian dishes in a private setting.

Maria's Donkey

Maria's Donkey lives up to its name with its quirky mix and match menu, which includes everything from tapas to large jugs of sangria. Also known as a live music hub for discovering local bands, this charming little restaurant on the riverfront serves up delicious grub in a comfortable setting.

9th Lane Grind

Don't count on the regulars when you're heading to 9th Lane Grind for a meal as this restaurant is known to change up its menu quite dramatically according to the wishes of its head chef. Dubbed Mackay's finest 'bruncherie', health food fans may want to steer clear of this restaurant, which is unapologetic about the many decadent food items that grace its menu.

Foodspace

Travellers in search of light meals and a love of sandwiches and wraps will find the dishes served at Foodspace the perfect pick-me-up any time of the day. Known for its delicious salads and wholesome sandwiches, this café is an informal and cosy diner ideal for families looking to grab a quick bite before heading out on a morning or afternoon adventure in Mackay. Occupying pride of place inside the Artspace Mackay facility, the eatery is conveniently located as well.

Fusion 128

When it comes to the best Asian and European fusion cuisine in Mackay, no restaurant enjoys the reputation held by Fusion 128. Housed in a casual and industrial-looking building, this laid back diner provides mind-blowing gastronomical offerings by combining Asian flavours with European preparation techniques.