Mackay S ugar, mining, and tourism are the major income earners and attractions of the Mackay region.
Sugar is crushed in local mills and exported through the city to the refinery in Brisbane.
Grain and seeds are also part of the agricultural economy of this region. C oal mined from the Bowen Basin south-west of Mackay is shipped through the ports of Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay, after rail transport. Most is exported to Japan. Petroleum is imported through the Mackay Harbour facility. Click for Large Map T ourism is a major strength of the region, which is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, an internationally appreciated group of islands and resorts which includes South Molle, Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream and Lindeman.