South Mackay
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for South Mackay, QLD 4740.
About South Mackay
Welcome to South Mackay
South Mackay sits right on the doorstep of Mackay's CBD, wrapped around by East Mackay, West Mackay, North Mackay, Mackay itself and Mount Pleasant. It's one of those in-between suburbs that trades on convenience above all else — an easy walk or bike ride into the city centre, but with its own quieter residential streets away from the main commercial strips.
With a population of just under 7,000 and a median age of 39, South Mackay tends to attract a mix of established homeowners, professionals wanting proximity to work, and investors drawn to its rental returns. It suits people who want city-fringe living without paying for a waterfront postcode, and who don't mind a suburb that's more about function and location than lifestyle polish.
Lifestyle & dining
Living in South Mackay means the Mackay CBD's cafes, pubs and restaurants are only minutes away, so residents get city-fringe convenience without actually living amid the commercial bustle. The nearby river precinct and city centre pick up most of the dining and entertainment options, while South Mackay itself stays largely residential, giving it a calmer, more settled feel than its neighbour across the river.
It's a suburb that works well for people who want to walk or cycle into town for dinner or drinks but come home to a quieter street. East Mackay and West Mackay, both within easy reach, add further options for shopping and eating out without needing to jump in the car.
Getting around
South Mackay's biggest drawcard is its location: the suburb borders the Mackay CBD, so commuting into the centre of town is typically a short drive, cycle or even a walk depending on where you're based locally. Its position between North Mackay, West Mackay, East Mackay and Mount Pleasant also means getting to surrounding suburbs is straightforward, with no long cross-town trips required.
For those working elsewhere in the region, the Bruce Highway and Mackay's broader road network are readily accessible from here, making South Mackay a practical base for tradespeople, shift workers and anyone needing to move around the wider Mackay area regularly.
Schools & families
Families in South Mackay have solid access to secondary education, with Mackay State High School and St Patrick's College - Mercy Campus both serving the area. Their proximity means older students can often walk or cycle to school, which is a genuine drawcard for parents weighing up the suburb against other city-fringe options.
The suburb's median age of 39 suggests a fairly balanced population rather than one skewed heavily towards young families, but its housing mix and location still make it a workable choice for households at various life stages, particularly those wanting to stay close to schooling options without a long daily run.
Housing & architecture
Houses dominate the South Mackay market, making up around 75% of current listings, with apartments and units accounting for about 21%, and townhouses and land parcels making up the remainder at roughly 2% each. This mix reflects a suburb that's still largely built around traditional Queensland housing stock, with a smaller but meaningful slice of higher-density living for those after lower-maintenance options.
The blend gives buyers some genuine choice — a classic house on a suburban block for those wanting space, or a unit for downsizers, investors or first-home buyers wanting a foothold close to the city without the upkeep of a larger property.
The property market
South Mackay's median house price currently sits at $599,000, having climbed 12.2% recently — a notable run that reflects strong buyer interest in a suburb this close to the Mackay CBD. Units and apartments offer a more accessible entry point, with a median of $439,000, appealing to investors and buyers priced out of the detached housing market.
Rents across the suburb sit at a median of $650 per week, a figure that speaks to solid demand from tenants wanting the same city-fringe convenience that owner-occupiers are chasing. Between the price growth, the rental returns and the location, South Mackay has become a suburb that investors and owner-occupiers alike are watching closely, particularly compared with pricier options in East Mackay or Mount Pleasant.
Market snapshot
South Mackay property market
Median sale price
$599k
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$650
per week
Gross rental yield
5.6%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$460k
Median
$599k
Premium
$752k
Days on market
10
Auction clearance
0%
Sold this year
99
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth +13.4% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in South Mackay by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for South Mackay, QLD 4740.
Population
6,918
residents (2021)
Median age
39
years
Household income
$1,477
median, per week
Median rent
$290
per week
Median mortgage
$1,500
per month
Mortgage / income
23%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in South Mackay
Government school catchment
Independent & Catholic schools
Recent results
Recently sold in South Mackay
$705k
132 Goldsmith Street
Sold ~July 2026
$538k
2/16 Graffunder Street
Sold ~July 2026
$800k
98 Scott Street
Sold ~July 2026
$560k
1/8 Steen Street
Sold ~July 2026
$395k
6/8 Kenilworth Street
Sold ~July 2026
$643k
2/30 Pratt Street
Sold ~July 2026
$680k
28 Hart Street
Sold ~July 2026
$549k
32 William Street
Sold ~June 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in South Mackay
Compare the area
Price map around South Mackay
Every listing for sale near South Mackay, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Nearby suburbs
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Common questions
South Mackay suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in South Mackay?
The median house price in South Mackay, QLD is $599k for a 3-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 12.2%.
How much is rent in South Mackay?
The median weekly rent in South Mackay is around $650 per week.
Is South Mackay a good place to live?
South Mackay is a coastal suburb of Mackay in the Mackay Region, Queensland, Australia. South Mackay is an established residential suburb in QLD, with a population of around 6,918 and 2 schools in the area.
What is the population of South Mackay?
South Mackay has a population of 6,918 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 39.
What schools are in South Mackay?
There are 2 schools in or near South Mackay, including Mackay State High School and St Patrick's College - Mercy Campus.
How long do homes take to sell in South Mackay?
Properties in South Mackay take around 10 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 0%.
How much do you need to buy in South Mackay?
Entry-level properties in South Mackay start around $460k, while premium homes reach $752k.
What suburbs are near South Mackay?
Suburbs near South Mackay include East Mackay, Mackay, West Mackay, North Mackay and Mount Pleasant.
Fresh to market
New this week in South Mackay
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Independent Schools
Set sail for Allandale
Low-Maintenance Living Meets Investment Potential
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Properties in South Mackay
RARE MEDIUM-DENSITY OPPORTUNITY, ON BIG CORNER BLOCK, WITH CHARACTER & CHARM IN SOUTH MACKAY
CBD Fringe Convenience
Low-Maintenance Living Meets Investment Potential