Mackay Heritage Discovery Trails

WH Paxton & Co. Offices and Warehouse

 10 River Street, Mackay 

WH Paxton & Co. Offices and Warehouse is a rare surviving example of warehouses constructed on timber wharves over water. It is significant to the growth of Mackay as it was home to one of the largest mercantile firms responsible for the burgeoning shipping trade in the late 19th/early 20th century. Founder William Henry Paxton later became Mayor of Mackay in 1880, serving for three years. Within 10 years of its establishment, the company had become quite successful, trading in goods as diverse as plantation rice, flour, tea, tobacco, maize, coal, sugar and the sole Mackay agent for local Pleystowe Rum. 

Fun Fact: Rum thieves! Because of the rum trade, if you look closely at the warehouse floor - a neat line of golf-ball sized holes can be seen in the floor - made by locals who couldn't help but sneak their boats under the building, drill holes up through the floorboards with an old bit brace, siphon all the rum out of the barrels... and go away very happy!

These days Paxtons is a popular venue for weddings, hosts the Paxtons Night Markets and Paxton's Creative Space and Upstairs Gallery.

Directions: Cross River Street and head back towards Brisbane Street. Walk up the right hand side of the street to our next location (corner of Brisbane St. and Victoria St.)

Croker & Sons Office

 60 Victoria Street, Mackay 

This building was established by one of Mackay's most prominent businessmen of the 20th century, James How Croker. After completing his education, James Croker worked with a shipping firm in Brisbane, before accepting employment with W.H Paxton & Co in Mackay in 1881, at the age of twenty-two. Croker worked for W.H. Paxton for seven years and in 1888 established an agency business of his own, a large sugar sales business that would send sugar overseas on behalf of the plantations.

In 1891 James Croker devised a process where all the raw sugar produced in the district could be treated by the one company, Colonial Sugar Refinery (CSR). He then became an agent for the Adelaide Co. to covey sugar to the CSR refineries. Croker & Sons were also responsible for the establishment of Mackay's first ocean oil terminal. His association with the sugar industry led him to many friendships among some of the most prominent men in the country. James Croker was connected to the technical college, the district hospital, the Red Cross and he was instrumental in raising money which enabled the Church of England Committee to open the present Holy Trinity Church, which you will see later in the trail.

Directions: Cross Victoria Street and continue along Brisbane Street until you see the stately old Mackay Police Station.

Old Mackay Police Station

 12 Brisbane Street, Mackay  

The Old Mackay Police Station was originally built as the Mackay Court House in 1886 in the classical revival style of rendered brickwork scribed to resemble stonework. In 1940 following the construction of a larger Mackay Court House it was converted into a police station. Though replaced by the current police headquarters in 1996, it is still used for police purposes and whilst the fireplaces have long gone, the strongroom remains!

True Crime Story: Mass Murderer strikes while in lock-up! Sometimes the early days of Mackay were flavoured with lawlessness and horror. It is said that the local police and court house complex is still haunted to this day by one of Mackay's most notorious mass-murderers - Sow Too Low.  Click here  for the recounting of Sow Too Lows chilling tale. (Warning: This story contains violent themes appropriate for mature audiences only.)

Directions: Double back to the corner of Brisbane and Victoria Street. Turn left onto Victoria Street to our next location.

Mackay Court House

 12A Brisbane Street, Mackay 

The Mackay Court House, opened in 1939, was one of several major constructions undertaken during the depression to alleviate unemployment during the Premiership of William Forgan Smith, Member for Mackay. Built in the imposing Georgian Revival style by noted architect J.J. Clark, and replaced the 1886 Court House which you’ve just seen (Old Police Station). It was built to service a rapidly growing town in the interwar period in the 1930’s when Mackay was the fastest growing town in Queensland. 

Directions: Continue along Victoria Street then turn left onto Sydney Street. As you walk along admire Mackay's collection of Art Deco style buildings until you arrive at our next location.

Mackay Town Hall (former)

 63 Sydney Street, Mackay 

The Mackay Town Hall was constructed in 1912 for the Mackay Municipal Council and replaced an earlier timber structure. This town hall served as the centre of local government for over 60 years until the construction of the Mackay Civic Centre in 1975.

It is particularly special as one of a few buildings in Mackay to survive the devastating unnamed cyclone of 1918 that claimed 30 lives and destroyed over 1,000 buildings. It gave rise to the famous photo showing many of Mackay's woman and children taking shelter on the balcony of the second floor. Scroll through the photos to see the famous image and watch an extract of short feature film "After the Storm" to hear more about the 1918 cyclone. Today, this state heritage listed building is home to the  Mackay Family History Society , who house an impressive archive of genealogical records and publications.

Directions: Continue walking along Sydney Street. At the next intersection cross Gordon Street and then Sydney Street to reach the corner diagonally opposite. Then walk along Gordon Street to our next location.

Holy Trinity Church Complex

 39 Gordon Street, Mackay 

The Holy Trinity Church Complex is a local landmark, made up of three grand state heritage listed buildings including a parish hall and rectory in a blend of Romanesque, Spanish Mission and Mediterranean architectural styles. Built for the Anglican Church community in 1926, this complex demonstrates the resilience of the people and spirit of Mackay.

Third times a charm: - This was the third church built for the Anglican community where the first two collapsed. The second church was a wooden building that was decimated in the 1918 cyclone. Many of the memorials within the Church are relics salvaged from the first two structures.

The Parish Hall was opened in 1937 and has been a centre of activity since it's opening. The Mackay Daily Mercury reported on the 6th September 1937 at the laying of the foundation stone:

'the hope was that the hall would be the centre of culture for the city - physical culture, arts, drama and music - as well as providing rooms for smaller meetings for social, religious, and industrial purposes. The hall would be used a great deal for Church purposes and also for other social occasions that were well run and for the benefit of the people.'

Be sure to step inside the Church to quietly admire it's beauty. Of particular interest is the Warriors' chapel with three stained glass windows of St George, St Michael and St Alban.

Directions: Continue walking along Gordon Street. At the next intersection cross Gordon Street and then Wood Street to reach the corner opposite. Walk along Wood Street and look across the street to view our next location.

Mackay Masonic Temple

 57 Wood Street, Mackay 

Freemasonry, follows a centuries-old tradition that started with the guilds of stonemasons in medieval times and evolved into an influential organisation that welcomed a broader membership in the 1700's in England. Today, Freemasonry focuses on giving men support to navigate changing times and become the best they can be.

In Australia, Robert Menzies, Donald Bradman, Charles Kingsford Smith and Weary Dunlop are just a few names of notable Freemasons.

Built in 1924, at a time when Mackay was the fastest growing town in Queensland, the temple demonstrates important characteristics of a substantial Masonic Temple; including the front facade with Doric order columns, the lower level function area and upper level lodge room.

Fun fact: - You may notice a symbol on the front fascade of the Temple called the "Square and Compass." Both the square and compass were architectural tools used by Stonemasons.

Directions: Continue walking along Wood Street until you reach "The Dispensary".

Aroney's Building

 84 Wood Street, Mackay 

Built in 1937, this building is another great example of Art Deco architecture and tells the story of a prominent Greek family's establishment into Mackay. Originally built for Mr. Anargiros Aroney and his new bride, he ran the downstairs tenancy as a café called the 'Rose-Marie Cafe'. In recent decades the building passed to another Greek family who were the longest continuous occupiers of the building, pharmacist Peter Dimitrios and his wife Mary Dimitrios, daughter of Anargiros Aroney. They occupied the tenancy until 2012, when it passed to the Connor's family.

The building has been extensively renovated and won a local Heritage Award in 2015 in the refurbishment category. The building is now an entertainment venue and in-keeping with its past as a pharmacy is called 'The Dispensary'. They also have a more detailed history of the building along with their food menu available on 'The Dispensary' website which can be found  here .

This is a great place along the trail to refresh by grabbing something to drink or a bite to eat. There are plenty of dining options available in this section of Wood Street.

Directions: Continue down Wood Street until you reach the roundabout and our next location.

The Australian Hotel

 52 Wood Street, Mackay 

An impressive example of Cruise Liner Art Deco style buildings built during the interwar period, the Australian Hotel was one of the many hotels within Mackay that U.S. soldiers called home while on rest and recovery leave during World War 2. During this time, it played host to over 41,300 soldiers and was even visited by the then First Lady of the U.S., Eleanor Roosevelt!

These soldiers fought along side Australian Forces on the front lines against the Imperial Japanese Army in Papua New Guinea. They were transported between Mackay and the battlefield daily on a B-17 bomber which had been converted into a passenger transport plane. The transport lacked even the most basic features. Soldiers sat within the bomb bay area of the plane, often huddled together on the floor, with just a piece of rope to hold if there was turbulence!

Australia's worst Plane Crash!: - Before the first light of dawn on the 14th June 1943 disaster struck, when a passenger transport plane crashed in Bakers Creek shortly after take-off, at what is now the site of the Borthwick's Abattoir. All but one, of the 35 passengers and 6 crew, perished in what was one of Australia's deadliest aviation accidents.

Several scenarios have been put forward as to the cause of the accident including foggy weather, engine failure and an overloading of the plane. However, despite a long investigation, the cause remains a mystery. A memorial commemorating the lives lost within the plane crash was opened in Bakers Creek in 1992. It features a propeller from a Douglas C-47 donated by the Royal Australian Air Force. If you're driving between Mackay and Sarina along the Bruce Highway at another time, check out the memorial at the  Bakers Creek Community Hall .

Directions: Look across Wood Street to view the former Queensland National Bank Building.

Queensland National Bank (former)

 27 Wood Street, Mackay 

An Architects Delight:- The former Queensland National Bank dominates this intersection. Prominent builder, Wiliam Guthrie arrived from Bundaberg in January 1922 to construct this impressive example of classical revival architecture, the design of architect Frederick Herbert Faircloth. The two had previously collaborated on the construction of the Bundaberg Branch of the Queensland National Bank, and were to continue their work with another three buildings in Mackay - Mercury House, the Masonic Temple you just visited and Armati's (Victoria Street) before Faircloths death in 1925.

The Queensland National Bank opened in September 1923 has a delightful colonnaded facade, rendered arches, grand order columns and pilasters, and an ornate cornice and parapet. The manager's residence, which occupied the upper floor, was reached by a sweeping thirty-foot staircase with cedar balustrade: the rear portion of the residence has an elegant cantilevered balcony. 

Directions: Continue along Victoria Street until you see the Captain John Mackay Clock. If you would like to follow a condensed version of the trail you can take a shortcut at this point by crossing Victoria Street and continuing from stop 15.

Captain John Mackay Clock

 Victoria Street, Mackay 

This four faced electric clock was erected on the the 27th July 1957, commemorating Captain John Mackay, founder of our region.

An explorer, sailor and harbormaster, he was born in 1839 in Iverness, Scotland. While in the gold fields near Armidale, he was chosen by a group of miners to lead an expedition to North Queensland in search of northern pastoral opportunities. Mackay was chosen to lead this expedition as he had previous land surveying experience.

In May 1860, after travelling overland from northern New South Wales, Mackay led a group of people into the region via Bells Creek and Pioneer River. He later formed the station of Greenmount in 1861 with 1200 head of cattle.

John Mackay petitioned the Crown Lands Office in 1874 seeking recognition of his find, including his sketch of the bar and mouth of the Pioneer River. Mackay’s petition resulted in the river being named the ‘Mackay River’, after John's father George. However, at the time another 'Mackay River' existed further north (now the Tully River), so to avoid geographical confusion the Mackay River was renamed the Pioneer River as we now know it, after the HMS Pioneer. As a consolation, the Government gave the name ‘Mackay’ to the town and surrounds in compensation to John. Captain John Mackay was honoured by King George V in 1911, receiving the imperial service order.

Let's settle this: Mackay is quite often pronounced Mac-KAY, but decedents of Captain John Mackay confirmed with the Mackay City Library in 2007 that his last name and consequently our city is pronounced Mack-EYE! Who better to qualify how to pronounce their own last name!

Directions: Continue along Victoria Street until you are opposite the magnificent black and red Dalrymple Building.

1916 Victoria Street Inferno

 94 Victoria Street, Mackay 

A devastating fire destroyed the whole city block in this area in 1916, in what was called the most disastrous fire to ever occur within Mackay. The fire started in a music store and spread rapidly to the rest of the buildings in Victoria Street. The fire was so intense, building windows were cracked and the only way to use the footpath was to run at a rapid rate due to the intense heat. It took nearly an hour and a half for the fire to be brought under control, by this time all buildings affected were completely destroyed.

The current building is named after David Hay Dalrymple, the first Mayor of Mackay, built in the years after the devastating fire, reopening just prior to the 1918 cyclone. A combination of the Victoria Street Inferno and the 1918 Cyclone led to large scale rebuilding of this area in the next few decades into the beautiful Art Deco Architectural style buildings you see in abundance in this area today.

If you'd like to know more about Mackay's Art Deco buildings,  click here  for our "Art Deco in Mackay" guide.

Directions: Continue along Victoria Street until you reach the intersection with Sydney Street and look across Victoria Street to our next location.

Palace Hotel

 84 Victoria St, Mackay 

The first hotel on this site dates back to 1884 and was a two-storey timber building known as the Bobby Burns, but has been known as the Palace Hotel since 1905.

The Elephant in the Room: On the night of the 18th June 1956, bar patrons of the Palace Hotel questioned how much they had to drink when a seven-foot-high, two tonne, baby elephant named Joedee appeared inside the bar!

Joedee’s visit to the bar was a result of a wily bet between Palace Hotel publican Mr. Griffin and one of Wirth’s Circus Elephant trainers Mr. Hoofman. Mr. Hoofman bet Griffin that if he could produce an elephant in the public bar by 6.30pm he would be entitled to have a beer on the house.' Mr. Griffin cheerfully agreed saying it could not be done - "How could an elephant ever fit through the doors!" Little did the bartender know that Hoofman was an elephant trainer with the circus visiting town. Neither was it specified if the elephant needed to be fully grown or if Jodie the baby elephant would meet the requirements! None the less Mr Hoofman won the bet and didn't go thirsty.

Directions: Cross Victoria Street and walk back towards Wood Street to our next destination on the corner.

T & G Building/ Maltese Corner

 116 Victoria Street, Mackay 

This distinctive building, is a local heritage icon, known for its architectural design pedigree. The T&G Building was designed by Edwin Roy Orchard, one of Australia’s most notable Art Deco Architects, who also designed several other buildings in Mackay.

Known as Maltese Corner: Maltese migration swelled in Mackay in the post-war era, attracted by the abundant agricultural opportunities. This corner was a social and cultural meeting spot for many Maltese men, gathering on Tuesdays and Thursdays to talk and await the opening of the banks.

Fun Fact: from 1937 to 1985 the ground floor of the building was a tiny Woolworth's supermarket! See photos of the Woolworth's staff c.a. 1940-1950.

Today the ground floor shop is home to i.d. dezine, a local designer boutique featuring Australian and international brands and most recently, their very own premium classics collection. Check out there website  here .

Directions: Turn right at the intersection and walk down Wood Street until you are opposite our next location.

The Daily Mercury Building

 36 Wood Street, Mackay 

Established in 1866, the Daily Mercury is an integral part of the history of the Mackay region. The Daily Mercury was the settlement’s first newspaper of the six newspapers that subsequently served Mackay during its first century. The Daily Mercury Building was constructed as a purpose-built newspaper office in 1922 by local builder, William Guthrie to a design by architect, Frederic Herbert Faircloth. The building has a special association with The Daily Mercury who used the building for over 60 years.

The Daily Mercury Building is also significant for its association with the community of Mackay and surrounding area and those who have been, and continue to be, part of the Daily Mercury, including the editors, reporters and administration staff, past and present.

This building is now home to a trendy tattoo and barber shop, which was creatively restored in 2019 with many 1920's architectural features being accentuated with a modern twist. The original 'print floor' has been restored, accentuated and polished and the original wooden reception desk was restored and repurposed.

Directions: Continue along Wood Street until you reach the balconies of the McGuire's Hotel.

McGuire's Hotel

 17 Wood Street, Mackay 

This impressive two-storey Spanish Mission style building was the ‘Ritz of the North’ at the time of its construction. McGuire's Hotel was completed in 1938, replacing the wooden Belmore Arms Hotel.

It was the site of many interesting happenings. A zoo operated at the rear of the hotel called Belmore Zoological Gardens – entry cost sixpence and included visiting a whole menagerie including crocodiles, kangaroos, koalas, monkeys, snakes, lizards a large variety of birds and even an American Alligator! It was popular throughout Australia.

The zoo’s peak in popularity came during World War II when Mackay was a major Rest and Recreation centre for American Soldiers. Woman of the American Red Cross stayed in McGuire’s Hotel. After the Red Cross ladies saw the zoo and having a first glimpse of unique Australian wildlife, visiting the native animals quickly became a must do activity for the soldiers. Scroll through the photos to listen to Jean Turvey, from Mackay Family History Society who talks about the wonders of the zoo and its proprietor Barney McGuire Jnr.

Directions: Continue walking along Wood Street to reach our next location.

Pioneer Shire Council Building (former)

 1 Wood Street, Mackay 

The former Pioneer Shire Council Building was designed by Harold Vivian Marsh Brown in 1935 and occupied by the Pioneer Shire Council until 1994 when the Shire Council amalgamated with the Mackay City Council.

Fun Fact: The Council building was never in the shire it served. The Pioneer shire began on the northern side of the Pioneer River and so the building and all council business was actually conducted in the Mackay City Council area.

Pioneering Councillor: Edward "Ned" Hannan was a rare public figure, serving in both the Pioneer Shire Council and the Mirani Shire Council at the same time between 1905 to 1914, then again from 1920 to 1927! Ned came from one of the oldest Irish immigrant families in Australia. He was known as the last of the pioneers and practised what he preached in Council chambers. When proprietor of the Mirani Hotel in the early 1900's he was a leader in opening up the land and encouraging new settlers into the region and it was known that nothing would keep him from a Council meeting.

Directions: Continue along Wood Street until you reach our next location at the corner of River Street and Wood Street.

The Post and Telegraph Office (former)

 35 River Street, Mackay 

This two-storey former post and telegraph office has dominated River street since 1883 and is the city centres' second oldest surviving building. It was remodelled on a large scale in 1938 from a classical masonry style to an Art Deco style.

Fun Fact: At one time the sickle and hammer flag of the U.S.S.R. flew alongside the British and Australian flags once a year in celebration of Russia's National Day!

Directions: Cross Wood Street and walk along River Street to the next intersection. Cross River Street at the lights to reach our next location.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church

 12 River Street, Mackay 

This beautiful church is a perfect example of 1960's Spanish Mission style architecture, the fourth Catholic Church to be built on this site, replacing the previous Church to house a growing congregation.

Spiritual Pioneer: Reverend Father Pierre-Marie Bucas (pronouced bew-kar) ministered Mackay's first Catholic parish from 1869 to 1880 and was responsible for setting up formal education for the growing town's children. One of the schools he established was set up on the site of the present St Patrick's College behind you.

Local fame and suburb name: - Did you know that the local Northern Beaches suburb of Bucasia was named after Father Bucas? He was responsible for establishing an orphanage in that area when it was named "Merara".

Directions: Turn right and walk along River Street towards the bridge until you reach the giant red YUWI artwork.

Yuwi Artwork

 River Street Park, Mackay 

The YUWI artwork acknowledges and celebrates Yuwi Country, home of the First Nations People known as the Yuwibara people. Yuwi Country is defined by its natural boundaries from Cape Palmerston in the South to the O'Connell river in the north, and the foothills of the Sarina, Clark, Eton and Eungella Ranges to the east.

The two metre high letters were created so as to be narrow from the front with depth of field visible from the side. There is a poetry in this akin to the reputation of Aboriginal people, and their ability to melt into the bush, to be seen and unseen. The text is foregrounded with a bronze ring (or wreath) inlaid into the ground as a symbol of a sacred land.

On the 25th February 2020, the geographical area of the Yuwi country and the Yuwibara First Nation People have been given native title determination in the Federal Court of Australia, recognising their physical, spiritual and emotional connection to the lands and waters of this region.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand today, the Yuwibara people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and to the young emerging leaders. We also extend our acknowledgement to all Aboriginal members of the Birri Gubba Nation.

Directions: Walk along the Pioneer Promenade towards Sydney Street, taking in the beautiful views of the blue water Pioneer River. Cross River Street to reach our final location on this heritage trail!

Mackay Customs House (former)

 31 River Street, Mackay 

Customs duties have been carried out on the site of this building since 1863, when the Mackay river was declared a Port of Entry, until 2003. This beautiful building is a rare mixture of Edwardian and Federation architectural styles, built in 1902. It bears the Queensland State Coat of Arms, although the Commonwealth assumed responsibility for Customs on the Declaration of Federation on January 1, 1901.

Wining and dining the Navy:  The 1890's set a tradition in Mackay of providing great entertainment and diversion for visiting Navy vessels. Mackay's harbour master, Ern MacCarthy played host to the HMS Lizard, a six-gun warship anchored at Flat Top Island in 1892. 17 Mackay local sportsman, joined the crew in a camping trip to Louisa Creek and spent an exciting expedition shooting ducks and wildfowl in the lagoons. Mr MacCarthy's normal custom duties included supervision of shipping, inspection of visiting vessels and leading investigations into the many maritime accidents, wrecks and missing persons at sea searches.

Smugglers undone! The 1940's had other excitements with a thwarted international black market smuggling ring taken down by local customs officers. The River Mitta was the first ship to sail directly from Japan to Mackay and a tip off and subsequent raid uncovered packets of cleverly hidden pearl necklaces in the engine room, in dining room decorations, in tapestries and other unlikely places. Once found the ship was turned inside out and other contraband including tobacco, cigarettes and even a movie projector which were all intended for sale in Sydney, was confiscated.

This is the final location along the City Centre Waterfront Trail. If you are parked near the beginning of the trail, cross River street and Sydney Street using the pedestrian crossings and walk through the Blue Water Quay to return to your vehicle.

Thank-you for taking time to appreciate and immerse yourself in the cultural and historic heritage of our city centre! If you would like more information on heritage within Mackay, visit Mackay Regional Council's Heritage Planning page  here .

The Memorial Swimming Centre has been listed below, it is outside of the walking trail for most, so you are welcome to read the information below without walking to the site if you prefer.

Memorial Swimming Centre

 2 Milton Street, Mackay 

The Memorial Swimming Centre opened in December 1963 as a 'living memorial', a war memorial which combines remembrance with community amenity. The Memorial Swimming Centre honours all those from the Mackay district who lost their lives fighting in World War I or World War II.

Set into the front wall of the entrance of the swimming centre is a war memorial mural, made of Italian glass mosaic tiles, as pictured.

The swim centre has strong and ongoing community association and demonstrates continued remembrance and community enjoyment.