MACKAY Mackay is a city that has it all, but doesn’t quite get there. Something is unfortunately  missing that should make the town click. Bustout, in our visit was not able to determine that assessment. Mackay does not appear to reach out to the visitor. It might just be that Mackay has not got a point of difference i.e. it's thing!!!! Mackay has all of the services any citizen could seek to have. The city does not have a commercial heart and this may in part be what is missing. Two vast shopping precincts at war with a relatively small population. Mackay is nicknamed the sugar capital of Australia because its region produces more than a third of Australia's cane sugar. Mackay is famous for its history as one of Australia's largest cane farming regions. However, in recent years, the mining industry has become the mainstay of the local economy. Heavy investment and planning is also going into MacKay's growing tourism industry.  One of the first Europeans to travel through the Mackay region was Captain Cook, who reached the Mackay coast on 1 June 1770 and named several local landmarks, including Cape Palmerston, Slade Point and Cape Hillsborough. The Mackay Museum is near the airport. The Mackay War Memorial and cenotaphs are located at the admin heart of Mackay. The Catholic and United Churches are great buildings. The Mackay hotels are vintage 30/60/s Clearly Mackay is a young city, and while obviously progressive must attune to the culture of the people. Allow a minimum of up to three days to enjoy. Diary notes