Mackay, QLD
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City Info
City of Mackay, QLD
Established in 1860 by John Mackay
Mackay, QLD CBD
Located in the banks of the Pioneer River
Seasons
Winter
Jun to Aug
12°C - 23°CSpring
Sep to Nov
17°C - 27°CSummer
Dec to Feb
22°C - 30°CAutumn
Mar to May
18°C - 27°CTime
Queensland remains on Eastern Standard Time (GMT +10 hours) all year round.
No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in Queensland within 5 metres of non-residential entrances, and between 5 to 10 metres at beaches, sporting stadiums, near children's playgrounds, at restaurants, bars or clubs either indoor or outdoors $220 on-the-spot fines apply for breaches.
Post Office
Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
* Some Open Saturday 09:00 am – 12 noonPopulation
85,000 people
Money
Notes or Bills
$5, $10, $20, $50, $100Coins
¢5, ¢10, ¢20, ¢50, $1, $2Education providers
CRICOS registered institutions for international students: 1 Public Universities, 1 University English Centres
Electricity
240/250volts/50Hz
Weather
Humid Tropical Climate
Shopping
Mon-Wed 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thu (suburbs) & Fri (CBD) 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pmBanks
Mon-Thu 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Fridays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Some bank branches open Saturday morning 9:30 am – 12 noon -
Explore
EXPLORE MACKAY
Just over 900km north of Brisbane is Mackay. Mackay is a city in Queensland, on Australia’s east coast. Off the coast is a section of the Great Barrier Reef. Closer to shore are the islands of St. Bees, with reefs, rainforest and koalas, and Keswick, rich in marine life. Mackay itself is known for its Harbour Beach, marina and Bluewater Lagoon, a city water park. Inland from Mackay, Eungella National Park is a habitat for rare frogs and platypus.
Great Barrier Reef
Eungella
Whitsunday islands
Bluewater lagoon
Weekly markets selling quality fashion, art, handcrafts, fresh produce, etc.
(Courtesy of Google)
EXPERIENCE AND LIFESTYLE AT MACKAY
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Transport
Mackay Airport
https://www.mackayairport.com.au/
https://www.mackayairport.com.au/travelling/parking-and-transport/transport-options/
B 5 Kms approx. to CBD
10 minutes (allow more time for peak traffic hours)Getting around
It is important to learn about all the public transport modes around Mackay and Queensland including the bus, train and taxi. The cheapest and more convenient way to go around is by bus. You can purchase a ticket when boarding the bus or from Mackay Transit Coaches Depot. Bus services are divided in different zones. The closer your destination, the cheaper the fare is.
Useful tips
- Students doing VET (Vocational programs) and Higher Education (University courses) can obtain discount in public transport. See www.mackaytransit.com.au/public-transport/fares/
- If you are entitled to Student discount, carry your student ID card with you at all times.
- If you are travelling late at night on weekends, find out if there is a night route that goes near your destination as some routes are not scheduled on weekends.
- Disabled and elderly people as well as pregnant women have priority seating.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in public transport or in taxis.
- Always make sure that you have sufficient money for fares.
WALKING
is a healthy alternative for transport. When crossing a street, wait for the green pedestrian icon. Do not walk or run over a red pedestrian light.
BUSES
Make sure you haiI the bus so the driver stops to pick you up! The fare you pay for the trip depends on how far you travel (zones) and also the time of the day. Always keep a bus/train time table in your bag see www.translink.com.au/mackay. Remember that times for the above services change on weekends and designated holidays.
RIDE A BIKE
To cycle you must wear a helmet at all times and follow the road rules.
RIDING A MOTORCYCLE
Always wear a helmet. It is now required by law to have a special motorcycle license for models of a certain size. Check with Queensland Transport at www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/motorcycles/licence-types/.
DRIVING
We drive on the left side of the road. To drive in Australia, you need an English translation of your driver’s license. For driving rules in Queensland, check this link https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/road/. If you are going to drink alcohol, do not drive.
TAXIS
A safe mode of transportation in particular if you have been drinking after a party. You can pay the taxi fare with your credit card if you do not carry cash. Always ask for a receipt.
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Hospitals
IMPORTANT NOTE:
International Students must go to Public Hospitals as their Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) does not cover expenses in private hospitals.
Seeking Medical Assistance
- Carry your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card with you at all times.
- When visting the doctor, you will need to pay for their services (some doctors may bulk bill at no cost to you).
- Keep all receipts so you can obtain reimbursement later.
- All medical emergencies are covered by your Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC).
- If you are unable to attend classes due to being sick, you should obtain a medical certificate from your doctor.
Mackay Base Hospital
(07) 4885 6000
475 Bridge Rd, Mackay QLD 4740
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Government Offices
State Library
N/A
City Library
Australian Taxation Office
Website
https://www.ato.gov.auResidential Tenancy Authority
Website
https://www.rta.qld.gov.auDept. of Immigration & Citizenship
Website
https://www.border.gov.auFair Work Ombudsman
Website
https://www.fairwork.gov.au -
Emergency & Assistance
How to make an International call:
0011 + Country Code + City Code + Number
If you don't know your country code, call 1225National Phone Codes
(02) Sydney (NSW) & Canberra (ACT)
(07) Brisbane & Gold Coast (QLD)
(08) Perth (WA), Adelaide (SA) & Darwin (NT)
(04) Mobile (Australia wide)
(03) Melbourne (VIC) & Hobart (TAS)
(13 or 1300) Local calls
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Assistance, Health and Welfare
- Australian Red Cross Queensland www.redcross.org.au 07 3367 7222
- Directory Assistance (within Australia) 1800 810 211
- Directory Assistance (International) 1225
- Domestic and Family Violence 1800 811 811
- Gambling Help Line 1800 858 858
- Lifeline (Counselling Services) www.lifeline.org.au
- Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.au
- Sexual Assault Help www.dvconnect.org 1800 010 020
- Sexual Help Service www.health.qld.gov.au 13 43 25 84
- Surf Life Saving Queensland www.lifesaving.com.au 07 3846 8000
- Queensland Health www.health.qld.gov.au 13 43 25 84
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Emergency Numbers
- Ambulance, Police and Fire (emergency only) 000
- Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
- Policelink (non emergencies) 13 14 44
- Digital Mobile Phone Services (alternative for 000) 112
- Directory Assistance (from a land line) 1234
- Poison Information Centre 13 11 26
- State emergency Service (Mackay) 07 4965 6651
- Surf Life Saving Queensland 07 3846 8000
- Mackay Regional Council 07 4961 9444
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Employment and Work Experience
- Fair Work Ombudsman www.fairwork.gov.au
- Australian Internships www.internships.com.au
- Indeed www.indeed.com
- GCA Graduate Careers www.graduatecareers.com.au
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Diplomatic Missions In Australia
List of Diplomatic Missions http://dfat.gov.au
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Government Departments and Agencies
- National Innovation and Science Agenda www.innovation.gov.au
- Australian Human Rights Commission www.humanrights.gov.au
- Residential Tenancies Authority www.rta.qld.gov.au 1300 366 311
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Legal Aid
Legal Aid Queensland www.legalaid.qld.gov.au 1300 651 188
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Lost Credit Cards
- Mastercard www.mastercard.com.au 1800 120 113
- VISA www.visa.com.au 1800-125-440
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Translating and Interpreting
Translating and Interpreting Service www.naati.com.au
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Transport
- Translink https://translink.com.au/mackay
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Utility Services
- LPG Gas www.elgas.com.au 131 161
- Energex www.energex.com.au 13 12 53
- Origin Energy www.originenergy.com.au 13 24 61
- Mackay Regional Council www.mackay.qld.gov.au 1300 622 529
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Volunteering
Volunteering Queensland www.volunteeringqld.org.au
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Worship
- Anglican Church anglicanchurchsq.org.au
- www.buddhistcouncilofqueensland.org/directory
- Catholic Church brisbanecatholic.org.au
- Mosques www.muslimdirectory.com.au/directory/mosques
- Sikh Temple www.brisbanesikhtemple.org.au
- Seventh Day Adventists brisbanecentral.adventist.org.au/
- Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.au
- Synagogue www.brisbanehebrewcongregation.com
- Other religions directory brisbane-australia.com/brisbane-religion.html
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Assistance, Health and Welfare
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Student Services Directory
There are no Education providers yet in mackay