Mackay Airport Car Hire: Cape Hillsborough, Eungella and the Whitsundays

Quick summary: Mackay Airport is the southern gateway to the Whitsundays, with a wide choice of flights and car hire on arrival. From here, you can drive around 150 km north to Airlie Beach, but the real reward of picking up in Mackay is what’s nearby: wallabies on the beach at Cape Hillsborough, platypus in the rainforest at Eungella, and the beaches and lagoons of the city itself.

At a glance
Airport	Mackay Airport, close to the city centre
To Airlie Beach	Around 150 km, about 1 hour 45 minutes
Cape Hillsborough	Around 45 km north
Eungella National Park	Around 85 km west
In Mackay	Bluewater Lagoon, Harbour Beach, the marina
Tours	Whitsundays day tours

Compare car hire at Mackay Airport

Why fly into Mackay rather than Proserpine?

For flight choice and the attractions on the way. Mackay often has more flights, and starting here lets you see Cape Hillsborough and Eungella before heading north to the islands. If you’re going straight to Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Coast Airport is closer. See Whitsunday Coast Airport car hire.

What can you see with a car from Mackay?

Destination	Highlights
Cape Hillsborough	Wallabies and kangaroos on the beach around sunrise
Eungella National Park	Platypus at Broken River, rainforest, the Sky Window lookout
Finch Hatton Gorge	Rainforest walks to waterfalls at the base of the range
Sarina	A sugar town around 35 km south, with beaches nearby

See Cape Hillsborough and Eungella.

Is the road to Eungella suitable for a hire car?

The road is sealed but climbs steeply up the range with tight bends, so drive carefully and use a low gear on the way down. The road to Finch Hatton Gorge can include creek crossings, which may be impassable after heavy rain; check conditions and your rental terms, and never drive through floodwater.

How do you plan the drive north to Airlie Beach?

Follow the Bruce Highway for around 150 km, with Proserpine and Cannonvale on the way. Allow time for a stop at Cape Hillsborough if you haven’t been. Watch for wildlife at dusk and for cane trains crossing roads during the crushing season.

Can you drop the car somewhere else?

One-way hires may be possible depending on the supplier, so check the pickup and drop-off options and any fees when you compare. If you’d prefer to sleep in your vehicle on the way, see the Whitsundays by campervan and campervan or car?.

What do you need to collect the car?

A full driver’s licence, a translation or international permit if needed, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Check the supplier’s minimum age and young-driver terms. Browse day tours for the islands once you arrive.

Compare car hire in Airlie Beach

Frequently Asked Questions