🌿 A ripper spot for a shady arvo with the ankle-biters, right by the beach, mate!

Iluka Park East Mackay - Beachside Playground & Walking Trails - Main park image showing the beautiful facilities and surroundings

Iluka Park in East Mackay offers families a beachside playground, walking and cycling trails, and a basketball court, making it a versatile spot for outdoor fun. The fenced playground is great for under 5s, with swings and a roundabout, while the easy beach access adds to the appeal. However, the park suffers from maintenance issues and litter, so keep an eye out. Ideal for families wanting a relaxed day near the water with some play options, but bring your own gear and keep a lookout for cleanliness.

📍 Park Information

📍 Address	6 Binnington Esplanade, East Mackay QLD 4740, Australia
⭐ Rating	3.9/5 (24 reviews)
🏙️ City	East Mackay
🗺️ Coordinates	Google Map Link
🏗️ Facilities	playground basketball court walking run path beach access public toilets bbq picnic shelter

🕐 Opening Hours

Day	Hours
Wednesday	Open 24 hours
Thursday	Open 24 hours
Friday	Open 24 hours
Saturday	Open 24 hours
Sunday	Open 24 hours
Monday	Open 24 hours
Tuesday	Open 24 hours

⭐ What Makes This Park Special

Family Playground Fun ✅

Iluka Park’s playground is a decent spot for the little tackers, especially under 5s, with a fenced area featuring a couple of swings and a small roundabout. While it’s not packed with fancy gear like slides or climbing frames, it’s a safe place for toddlers to have a go. The playground is shaded, which is ace for keeping the young ones cool on those hot Mackay arvos. Just be aware the play area can have leaf debris and green ants due to the surrounding trees, so a quick check before play is a smart move.

Beautiful Views That'll Take Your Breath Away 🌅

One of Iluka Park’s best features is its prime spot right on the beach at East Mackay. You can stroll along the walking and cycling trails that wind through the park and easily access the sandy shore for a splash or a chill by the water. The beachside location offers a lovely backdrop for a family day out, with plenty of shady spots under trees to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. It’s a top choice for those who want a mix of play and nature without leaving town.

Get Active with Basketball & Trails 🏀🚶‍♂️

For the older kids and adults, Iluka Park includes a basketball court where you can shoot some hoops or have a casual game with mates. Plus, the walking and cycling paths provide a great way to get moving while taking in the beach views. These trails are perfect for a family stroll or a quick run, making it a versatile spot for all ages to enjoy a bit of exercise in a relaxed setting.

Facilities to Keep You Comfortable 🚻🍖

The park is equipped with public toilets that even have showers, which is handy after a beach splash or a sweaty game of basketball. There’s also a BBQ and picnic shelter, making it easy to pack a snag or two and enjoy a feed outdoors. Parking is implied but not specifically mentioned, so it’s best to arrive early to nab a spot. Overall, the amenities support a full day out, though the park could use a bit more council TLC to keep things tidy and inviting.

Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting ⚠️

Multiple reviews mention Iluka Park suffers from neglect, with litter like syringes, drug paraphernalia, and rubbish scattered around, which can be a worry for families. The grass and gardens are often overgrown, and some equipment is under maintenance or limited in variety. There have also been reports of uncomfortable encounters with suspicious individuals. Best to visit during busy daylight hours, keep a close eye on the kids, and bring your own wipes or hand sanitiser. Council attention is needed to lift the park’s vibe and safety.

💬 What Visitors Are Saying

Great area with a playground, walking track and basketball court right on the beach… but sometimes neglected by council
Great shady park for under 5's
Large Park at end of Gordon St. Good size playground (although lots of leaf debris scattered around its fenced in play areas)
The restrooms have showers, a fence playground with bbq and the beach.
Took my toddler there today… Sadly there is trash scattered around, bottles, cans, empty condom packets.
Horrible park!! Full of used syringes and bags of drugs. Overgrown weeds and grass. Beach was littered with syringes also.
Very run down. Only 2 swings and 1 small roundabout. Needs more activity rides.
I walked thru the park to the beach ⛱️
Also had some creepy lad the other week fully decked out on the park bench was very uncomfortable with how he was acting.
Walking/cycling trails with really good access to the beach at East Mackay.