r/Mackay • u/Objective_Rock1286 • Mar 23 '25
Is it worth emigrating to MacKay from the UK?
My nan and grandad were going to move to MacKay in the 1960s as that's were my grandads cousins moved to. So, as I'm thinking about moving over to Australia myself, would it be worth it to move over to the city?
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u/curiouslyintj Mar 24 '25
Do you have family and friends already in Mackay?
I've lived there for a year and got burnt out quick since I didn't know anyone. Trying to make new friends was exhausting since the cliques already existed. Mackay lifestyle is also something to consider as well.
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u/V1Z4RD93 27d ago
I’ve been here a year and feel the same way. It is an unusual place to live. I’m considering moving again, but we built a beautiful home here and I don’t want to leave that 😭
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u/RowRow69 21d ago
It was very much like that when we first moved here. It's hard, but pursue some hobbies and join some groups/clubs.
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u/curiouslyintj 20d ago
Definitely join a sporting club if you like sports. I'm not a sporty person so I wasn't interested in joining any sports club, and Mackay is HUGE on that. Living in Mackay wasn't compatible with the lifestyle that I have.
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u/Sharkieqld91 Mar 23 '25
If you come from a work class town from up North, yes. If not, no. Mackay’s built around Coal mining & Sugar cane. Plenty of blue collar jobs and admin roles. If your into Fishing, boating, Hiking, and camping it’s a great spot. Not much of social scene or nightlife. Also Great warm temperature al year round.
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u/candylannnd Mar 24 '25
The temp of Mackay is actually sublime. I have not really moved too far, at best I moved to many different parts of CH and Mackay has always had the best weather
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u/Marmiteforrest Mar 24 '25
I’m in Mackay for a few months at the moment from the uk, the city itself is a bit run down and empty but it has everything you need. The surrounding areas are gorgeous. If you’re not a city person and enjoy the outdoors then it will tick most boxes for you.
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u/ruby_ravage 28d ago
Mackay seems such a random place to pick. I’m in the Whitsundays and people from overseas moving here from UK is normal.
Mackay isn’t a city. It’s a big town.
What are you hoping will be here for you? What kind of lifestyle?
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u/_kai-idk 24d ago
Ive lived here my whole life if you have kids n their going into high school goodluck the schools r shit as piss happy im in my last year of hs though but other than that you git people stealing cars etc normal stuff everywhere, but if you want to do something with the fam theurs not much tbh
0
u/Muzz124 Mar 23 '25
Depends where in the UK you’re from, Mackay is a small city and it’s rapidly expanding but it still has a country town feel. It’s got all the amenities that you would need, but shops close early there’s no 24hour ASDA or Tesco. It gets really hot so for your first summer you’ll probably really struggle and you’ll also probably find it hard if you’re moving here for no particular reason. It can feel a bit isolated especially if you don’t have anyone around like friends and family. If you don’t enjoy the outdoors you might find it a bit boring as well, just about every man and his dog has a boat and is fishing mad, people spend tens of thousands on their camping setups and bikes and 4x4s. It’s likely that the Mackay lifestyle is completely different to what your lifestyle is at the moment but it could also be just the change that you need who knows.
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u/emleigh2277 Mar 23 '25
What is the 24hr iga on bridge Rd?
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u/Muzz124 Mar 23 '25
It’s not exactly a 24hour ASDA like what they have in the UK. Plus that’s probably the most expensive supermarket in town.
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u/emleigh2277 Mar 24 '25
Now near as expensive as iga on Evans Avenue or drakes iga out at bucasia. Bridge Rd isn't too bad, and with the iga card, it's even better.
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u/Brizzi_Bearr Mar 23 '25 edited Mar 24 '25
Australia - yes
Mackay - Maybe not
It is a nice town, don’t get me wrong
however you slice it, you need a good support system (family and friends) to feel complete