Mackay has a reputation as the culinary hub of Queensland, and the coffee culture isn’t half bad either! A combination of Melbourne-inspired trendy espresso bars, delicious breakfast spots and traditional family run cafes means there is always somewhere to go for coffee lovers and tourists looking for a light bite and a comfy chair.
Woodman’s Axe is a high end espresso bar, serving specialty grade coffee roasted in Melbourne. Staying true to the Melbourne vibe, Woodman’s Axe brings a touch of modern city pizazz, combined with an eclectic hipster decor, to Mackay. Although the main focus is on coffee, they do also serve great breakfast, light bites and pastries. Open Monday to Friday from 6am to 3pm, and Saturday 6am to 1pm. Closed on Sunday.
Oscars is an immensely friendly and welcoming independent corner cafe with a mouthwatering secret weapon. Delicious poffertjes (sugar-dusted Dutch pancakes) draw in the crowds for a messy yet scrumptious morning treat. In truth, their whole breakfast and brunch menu is worth the trip, so don’t plan on a big lunch after a visit! Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm, Saturday 7am to 3pm and Sunday 7:30am to 3pm.
A breakfast menu to die for, and lunch options to match, this excellent little cafe will fill hungry bellies and help you discover abilities to find space for dessert that you never knew you had. As befits Mackay’s central role in the sugar cane industry, the stars of the show here are the decadent pastries, doughnuts and puddings which you’ll be hard-pressed to turn down. Open Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 3:30pm, and Saturday 6:30am to 2:30pm. Closed on Sunday.
K&Co have been a favourite for caffeine addicts in Mackay for a while, and they have shown no signs of letting standards slip since their recent move to a new location. Exceptional service, great food and some of the best coffee in town, this cafe is definitely one to add to your list of places to visit in Mackay. Open Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 4pm and weekends 7am to 2:30pm.
Across the Pioneer river in North Mackay, Curb is, as its name suggests, a curbside cafe much loved by workers and cyclists. They have an amazing selection of sweet treats, top notch breakfast and lunch menus, and great coffee. Their healthy, vegan and paleo options are particularly well done, and everything is available to take away. Open Monday to Friday from 6am to 2pm, Saturday 7am to 2:30pm and Sunday 7am to 1:30pm.
The Grazing Goat took over from Mackay’s Paleo Cafe, and although the menu now has a few more non-veggie options, the emphasis is still very much on clean eating and guilt-free gorging! The cafe itself is beautifully decorated with sunflowers, and some delightful outdoor seating - a real ray of sunshine for a long brunch or a quick coffee. Open from 6:30am to 3pm Monday to Saturday and 7am to 2pm Sunday.