You came for the conference, the meetings, the site visits. But what if the real magic of your business trip happens after you close your laptop?
In the Mackay Isaac region, "Bleisure" isn’t just a mashup of business and leisure — it’s a way of life. It’s about swapping boardrooms for beach walks, spreadsheets for sunsets, and structure for spontaneity.
If you’re the kind of soul who does whatever vibes you—whenever it vibes you—then this region is your playground. So once business is ticked off, hit the road and follow the fun with this ultimate Bleisure checklist.
The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC)
Start here. It’s the hub of big ideas, epic events and polished presentations. But once your keynote’s done? Stick around for live music, comedy shows, or cultural performances that shake off the “business” and bring on the buzz.
Ideas to make the work trip awesome
Anytime Tours Australia
Got a free afternoon? Let them steer the way. From reef to rainforest, they’ll tailor an experience to your energy level—chilled, adventurous, or somewhere in between.
Off Camber Tours
Calling all dirt lovers. Jump in the troopie with a hired mountain bike or your own and explore hidden trails, secret lookouts, and the kind of backroads that make you want to quit your day job.
Artspace Mackay
Just a short wander from the MECC, this gallery brings a creative breath of fresh air. Admire rotating exhibitions, book into a workshop, or just sip coffee in the courtyard and pretend you’re an art critic.
BBPrint Stadium
When it’s game night, this is where the city roars. Whether it’s rugby league, international cricket or live events, the stadium is pure vibe, especially when the lights come on and the crowd fires up.
Endless Days
If your soul needs a reset that matches your free-spirit energy, this private charter is your ticket. Laidback, breezy, and coastal-cool—it’s the ocean’s version of a deep exhale.
Finch Hatton – Rainforests and MTB Trails
Time slows right down here. Tucked in the Pioneer Valley, it’s all about waterfalls, forest hikes, and breathing deeper than you have in months. Finch Hatton MTB is new to the scene but absolutely shredding. These rainforest-wrapped trails are world-class, with flowy descents and scenic climbs. Great for lone rangers or post-conference team bonding.
Purple Thunder Jet Boat Rides
Need a thrill, a salty splash, or just to shake up your day with something unforgettable? This high-speed jet boat ride is a little bit wild, a little bit cheeky, and a whole lot of “why not?”.
Wake House Australia - Wakeboarding
The cure for back-to-back Zooms? Wakeboarding. This cable park is high-energy and highly addictive, whether you’re a first-timer or a flip-master.
Red Dog Brewery
If your workmates are more into lagers than lattes, this is your happy place. Enjoy craft beers and hearty feeds in a laid-back warehouse setting that feels like a Friday afternoon, even on a Tuesday.
Goanna Brewing
DIY meets BYO. Brew your own custom beer or just sample their unique pours. It’s a microbrewery with a big personality and a fun place to cheers your hard work.
One Hungry Mumma – Cooking Classes
Follow the scent of homemade treats and you’ll find yourself here. It’s part home, part pantry, part restaurant and part cooking class but 100% all heart. Bonus: the best snacks for your onward road trip.
The Gift Shed & Café
Coffee, cake and local crafts all under one roof. It's the kind of place you stop for five minutes and stay for fifty. Plus, the vibe? Pure country charm.
Harrup Park
Where locals gather for cricket, bowls, and good vibes. Grab a meal, watch a match, or join a twilight bowls session under the fairy lights.
5th Lane
A street-art lover’s dream. Snap some pics, grab a bite from a nearby café, and soak in the cool laneway atmosphere that gives Mackay its urban edge.
Riverside Markets
Set along the Pioneer River, these markets serve up local produce, live tunes, and stallholder banter. Stock up for the drive or just chill out with a fresh juice in the shade.
Mackay Showground Markets
One of the region’s biggest markets and a treasure trove of everything from homegrown honey to handmade jewellery. Get in early on Saturday mornings for the best finds.
Seaforth Mega Markets
A coastal road trip must. These massive markets on the first Sunday of each month are full of vintage gems, fresh eats, and beach-town energy. It's the perfect detour before heading north or looping back inland.
Clock Off, Kick Back, Explore More
In the Mackay Isaac region, your out-of-office reply isn’t an end—it’s an invitation. To explore, unwind, laugh, wander, and vibe however you want. So next time you’re in town for work, pack an extra bag, update the playlist, and follow the freedom. Because BLeisure, baby, is where the magic happens.
