Mackay Airport Parking

Parking at Mackay Airport

At least 2 hours prior to plane take off
Minimum of 30 minutes after plane lands
At least 2 hours prior to plane take off
Minimum of 30 minutes after plane lands

Mackay Airport Parking

Mckay MKY Airport is Down Under’s 14th- busiest and by booking airport parking at Looking4.com, you’ll find the sweetest deals – with up to 40% off for early birds.

You’ll probably rather spend the lead up to your holiday or business trip planning properly and getting excited than trawling websites looking for parking deals at Mackay airport. So we’ll do all the hard work for you while you sit back and relax – simply pop your date details in our easy access online form and we’ll serve up superb moneysaving options in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.

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Mackay Airport Airport parking

Situated in picturesque South Mackay on the famous Pioneer River and 970 km north of Brisbane, Mackay Airport processed 763,000 passengers in 2017, making it Australia’s 14h-busiest air hub.

There are hundreds of parking spaces available across Mackay’s Covered Car park, Short Term Car Park and Long Term Car Park facilities, so provided that you plan ahead, you won’t struggle to stow your vehicle safely.

MKY currently focuses on domestic flights to cities like Brisbane, Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville and Hamilton Island, but you can also reach New Zealand destinations like Auckland, Dunedin and Wellington from here, with only a one stop layover.

Onsite Parking Options at Mackay (MKY)

For a small (yet perfectly formed) airport, Mackay is blessed by an abundance of onsite parking facilities — there are outstanding options available to suit every traveller.

The three official facilities available are the Covered Car Park, Short Term Car Park and Long Term Car Park and each has its own excellent advantages.

Put simply, the Covered Car Park does exactly what it says on the tin – keeps your vehicle protected from the elements thanks to cyclone-rated shelter from the sun and rain, in premium covered spaces with a generous 20% more space per parking bay. It’s super-close to the terminal and is located opposite Ibis Mackay.

Meanwhile, you’ll find the Short Term Car Park at the second entrance when rolling in from Jack Connor Drive, right opposite the car rental drop off/pick up zone. Just a couple of minutes from the terminal, your first 15 minutes parking are totally free and it offers excellent value for money when you’re taking a short-term break.

Next, you’ve got the absolute legend that is the Long Term Car Park. Located only a few minutes stroll from the terminal, this uncovered facility also provides the first 15 minutes parking gratis, is a brilliant option for budget adventurers and suits those escaping for long weekends in neighbouring cities, as well as those heading further afield for a few weeks or even months.

As you’d expect, all official onsite parking facilities are safe secure, and designed with passenger convenience in mind first and foremost.

Parking is available for as little as $5 (depending on duration) and you can save up to 40% on arrive and park rates by pre-booking online ahead of your departure date.

If you do decide to pay on arrival, Mackay Airport Parking’s Tap, Park & Go system utilises the latest tech to facilitate contactless credit card payment for all car parks – simply present your card to the reader when arriving and leaving the car park and you’re all squared up. The system accepts Diners Club, American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

Alternatively, Automatic Pay Stations have been placed in covered areas on the pedestrian walkways next to the terminal and Ibis Mackay – these accept the aforementioned credit cards and cash too.

Vehicle dimension limits for Mackay Airport are as follows

Cars that are a maximum of 4.9m long, 1.9m wide and 4.0m high can be accommodated in the Short Term Car Park and Long Term Car Park, while the Covered Car Park can hold vehicles of the same length and width, but a 2.45m height restriction applies.

The official airport parking has no provision for vehicles larger than these dimensions, or those with attachments to caravans or trailers.

Accessible parking for disabled drivers is provided at Mackay Airport

You’ll find clearly signposted accessible parking spaces in all official airport parking facilities. Parking for passengers with limited mobility in the Short Term Car park is situated close to the entrance to the terminal, while accessible parking in the Long Term Car Park is situated right next to the terminal walkway.

All Mackay Airport Car Parks are open 24/7, all year round, so you should never struggle to book a space.

Guide to Mackay Airport Airport

Mackay Airport served 763,000 passengers in 2017 and has experienced steady growth thanks to the popularity of its carriers QantasLink, Jetstar and Virgin Australia, which collectively operate several services a day.

Located 7km from Mackay city centre in central Queensland, it serves Brisbane, Townsville and Rockhampton with nonstop flights and has good onward connections to the rest of the nation.

In terms of inbound travellers, the Mackay Region welcomed 54,000 international visitors in 2018, who contributed $15.9 million to the economy. MKY has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mackay Tourism Limited and the partnership between the two entities is aimed at stimulating the interest of domestic and international tourists attracted to the area’s unique wildlife and outstanding natural beauty.

MKY is a vital driver for the region’s growth and The Mackay Airport Land Use Plan includes a $900 million redevelopment of the airport over the coming two decades which will maximise the airport’s potential in terms of tourist and business travellers as well as freight and commerce.

If you’re passing through and need to fill your belly or quench your thirst, there are plenty of options to tantalise your taste buds. You’ll find gourmet coffees, refreshing beers and wines, succulent chicken and fresh fruit smoothies, to name but a few of the fabulous options on offer.

In terms of retail therapy, there are options for topping up your personal stock of travel tech and for grabbing a bestseller or absorbing magazine to while away the time while you fly or on the beach when you arrive.

Mackay is well integrated with its local community and even operates a Community Grants Program that provides $1000 grants which local sports, arts and cultural organisations can use to buy equipment, launch projects or organise events.

The airport is also committed to sustainable growth, as evidenced by it reaching the Bronze Benchmarking Requirement of the EarthCheck Company standard. Its recent $1.3 million upgrade to LED energy saving lighting across its complete apron is the first of its kind in Australia and management is fully committed to maintaining green growth in the future.

Mackay Airport MKY location and transport links

Mackay Airport is located in South Mackay in Queensland – Australia’s second-biggest state by land area and third-largest in terms of population. It’s just 7km from the centre of the city of Mackay and well appointed with transport links.

In terms of public transport, buses are your best bet. Translink are operating a trial bus service from Mackay Central Business District (CBD) – the Translink runs from Mackay city centre to the airport 11 times daily Monday to Friday and four times on Saturdays. Visit Translink.com.au for timetable info.

Meanwhile, you can reach Mackay CBD from almost anywhere in Australia with national coach service Greyhound – call 1300 473 946 for more information on departures and bookings in your local area.

Private bus transfers from MKY to popular tourist areas like the Whitsundays can also be arranged – check online for recommended firms and pre-book to secure the most reasonable deals for you and your party.

If you’re driving to Mackay Airport from the CBD or further afield, set your SatNav for Mackay Airport (MKY), Boundary Road East, East Mackay QLD 4740.

Mackay Airport (MKY) History

Mackay Airport’s history stretches back to 1920, when trailblazing aviators Lieutenant AW Murphy and Corporal RG Simpson landed their prototype aeroplane at the Ooralea Racecourse after a 130km flight from Proserpine.

In 1927, Captain Ron Adair landed his plane on Mackay town common and chose the site for the proposed aerodrome, which commenced commercial flights in 1930.

In 1941, the Australian Federal Government took ownership of MKY from Mackay City Council, ownership was transferred again to Mackay Port Authority in 1989 and private entity North Queensland Airports assumed ownership in 2008.

A $20 million upgrade project was completed in 2011, which included work on the terminal, car parks, lighting, runway and surrounding road network. Additionally, a $30 million Ibis on-airport hotel opened in 2015.

MKY has a single runway which is 1980m long and suitable for narrow bodied aeroplanes. Its single terminal is situated on the airport’s south side.

Airport facilities

Mackay Airport passenger numbers have hovered around the underside of the 1 million mark for the past few years, but official statistics show that domestic passenger numbers have increased by 4.4% in the past 12 months, while transit and transfer passenger numbers have been boosted by an impressive 48.6% in the same period.

The major redevelopment of MKY slated for the next 20 years equates to a $900 million investment and will transform the airport into Central Queensland’s Multimodal Integrated Transport Hub, which will cement its position as the major economic engine for the state’s commerce, agriculture, commerce and tourism sectors.

Authorities predict that the project will inject $721 million into the Mackay Gross Regional Product, secure 3,600 full-time jobs at MKY, 8,600 full-time jobs in Mackay city and 10,300 in Queensland at large.

Airport food and dining provisions in Mackay have been proportionate to its size, but passenger choice has been expanded with the recent opening of four additional food and beverage outlets – serving high quality coffee, domestic and international beers, delicious snacks and healthy fresh juices and smoothies.

A recent $18 million investment in the airport’s terminal facilities means that its retail and dining precinct is now hosted within a comfortable and accessible central lounge which also serves as the departures holding area and arrival concourse, meaning that you don’t have to go out of your way for a pitstop before boarding your flight or heading out to sample the rest of Queensland’s delights.

Services and facilities include:

  • Outdoor Observation Area facing the runway where you can socialise with friends and family and watch flights arriving and departing. Area includes seating and tables, food and drink outlets and a smoking section.
  • Public toilets located at Check-In, Arrivals Hall, and Departures Lounge. Check-In toilet block features showers.
  • Recharging points for electronic devices in Departure Lounge.
  • Four ATM machines located in terminal for you to draw cash – two in Departures Lounge and Two in Arrivals section of terminal.
  • Parent’s Rooms in Departures and Check-In.
  • Luggage storage at Ibis Mackay Hotel.
  • Trolleys available in all car parks.
  • Accessible parking in all car parks. Vehicles must show a valid disability card and if you need wheelchair assistance, please phone ahead to arrange this on 0434 607 658.
  • Wheelchairs available to use from Mackay Airport Customer Service Officer (CSO). Call the CSO on 0434 607 658 to order a chair and the CSO can bring it to you when you arrive.
  • Outside smoking areas close to the baggage collection zone and in the outdoor Observation Area.
  • Easy access to taxis, rental cars and transfer services.
  • Currency exchange facility at Check-In.

Mackay Airport Airport hotel and parking

The Ibis Mackay Hotel at MKY opened in 2015 and is currently the airport’s only onsite accommodation facility.

However, its location bang in the heart of the airport and fabulous facilities mean that it provides absolutely everything a modern traveller requires.

Ibis Mackay Hotel sits directly across from the airport terminal, next to the car rental facility and has its own adjacent car parking facility.

There are standard queen and king rooms, twin rooms and ibusiness queen rooms adapted for corporate travellers – and every room features a fantastically comfortable Sweet Bed.

If you’re partial to a tipple and lip-smacking food, the hotel’s TurBARlence Tavern serves a sumptuous selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, while the airy and ambient dining area is the perfect place to sample local and international cuisine from head Chef Ashleigh Black.

When it comes to corporate entertainment, networking and meetings, the hotel’s Lieutenant Murphy Room can host up to 70 guests, while the Corporal Simpson Room is suitable for smaller meetings of around eight guests.

Finally, if you need your pre-flight keep-fit fix, Ibis Mackay’s Fitness Suite is situated on the ground level and boasts a crossbar machine, weights, treadmills and much more.

Top things to do in Mackay Airport Airport

Sink a premium pint

Travelling can be thirsty work and there’s no better way to cool down in the Aussie heat than by savouring a pint of ice cold beer.

The Botanist Café Kitchen & Bar has an unrivalled selection of first-rate regional, national and international brews, so you can pick your poison from the world’s best brands.

And to make sure you’ve lined your stomach appropriately and don’t become a tad too refreshed, The Botanist also serves superb breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

Bag a juice boost

For Aussies, Boost is the last word in healthy juice brands, so it’s beyond exciting that MKY now has its very own Boost outlet.

Choose a crushed or blended juice or smoothie packed with fresh fruit and dairy ingredients that refresh your system and prep you for the flight ahead.

If you’ve got special diet requirements, Boost has low fat, dairy free and high protein options, and even offers popular protein balls for its health-conscious clientele.

Top things to do near Mackay Airport Airport

Get Arty and Crafty

If you’re a creative sort who can’t get enough of Art and Crafts, then Artspace Mackay is made for you.

You can catch exhibitions from major artists like Robert MacPherson, see the outstanding offerings of local artists at community exhibitions or even try your hand at creating your own masterpiece at a dynamic workshop.

Go Forest Flying

If you’ve always fancied yourself as a bit of a bird or fruit bat, the thought of flying through a tropical forest canopy should fill you with delight.

And that’s exactly what’s on offer at the Flying Fox Tour at stunning Finch Hatton Gorge, a few miles west of Mackay.

You’ll safely zoom over 350 metres of the rainforest at heights of 25 feet above the ground on a tailor-made overhead cable and pulley system – it’s terrific fun.

Befriend wallabies on the beach

Australia is famous for its jaw-dropping indigenous wildlife and at nearby Cape Hillsborough National Park, there’s plenty of room to hike, roam and chill out completely in amazing natural scenery.

But the best thing for many visitors to this perfect park is its resident wallabies – you’ll meet plenty of them in person as you stroll along the beach and if you’ve only seen them on TV previously, they’re a privilege to encounter in person.

If you want a truly immersive experience, camp out overnight at Smalley’s Beach and wake to the beautiful sounds of birdsong and splashing waves.

Which terminal?

Mackay Airport only has one terminal – so whichever carrier you’re travelling with, it’s easy to find your flight.

However, if you’re struggling to find your way around, please ask one of Mackay’s friendly airport staff for directions – they’ll be happy to help.

Airline Terminal

Useful tips


Visit the Mackay Airport website

Visit the site at www.mackayairport.com.au for the latest flight info and guidance on airport services and facilities.

Arrive at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart

Increased security checks at airports worldwide can mean longer queues and you don’t want the hassle of missing your scheduled flight.

Save on parking

Check Looking4.com MKY parking options to see if you can secure a cheaper deal that saves you cash to spend on something more stimulating on your holidays.

Purchase over the counter flights

Purchase over the counter flights for Virgin and Jetstar at the airport itself if you haven’t been able to book online beforehand – but be aware that you may not be able to fly on the same day.

Relax in the airline lounges

If you’re flying with Virgin or Qantas, take advantages of the pre-flight pampering that’s on offer in their lounges. The Qantas lounge is on the first floor and the Virgin lounge is on the ground floor.

Reclaim lost property

Reclaim any lost property that’s been left on an aeroplane by contacting your carrier directly. If you think you’ve left something in the car park or terminal building, call the Customer Service Officer on 0434 607 658.

Don’t smoke outside the designated areas

If you smoke, you might face a hefty fine from airport authorities.

Don’t leave your vehicle unattended at the MKY Pick-Up and Drop-Off zones

If you do you might have to pay a penalty.

Keep up to date with tourist events in the region

Click on the link to visit Tourism Mackay website

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