Are direct flights from Sydney to Mackay always the best option?

Direct flights usually offer convenience and save travel time, which can be a significant advantage. However, flights with layovers can sometimes be more budget-friendly. It's often worth comparing both direct and connecting flight options to see which best fits your priorities for cost and travel duration.

Can flexible travel dates help on Sydney to Mackay flights?

Yes, being flexible with your travel dates can often lead to finding more affordable flights. Prices for airfare can vary significantly depending on the day of the week or specific dates. Adjusting your departure or return by a few days may unlock better deals.

What extra costs should I check before booking Sydney to Mackay flights?

Before booking, always check for potential extra costs such as baggage fees, seat selection charges, and in-flight services. Some airlines may also charge for printing boarding passes at the airport. Factoring these into your total budget helps avoid surprises.

Flights From Sydney

To Mackay

Cheap Flights from Sydney to Mackay

Browse current best options from Sydney. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

Sydney

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Mackay

Prices updated 2 days ago

405 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Jul 26, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Sydney to Mackay

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Sydney to Mackay

2026-08-24 – 2026-08-31
SYD - Mackay
76% AI deal score
A$573
A$376
Round trip
2026-08-24 – 2026-09-07
SYD - Mackay
73% AI deal score
A$508
A$376
Round trip
2026-08-27 – 2026-09-07
SYD - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$515
A$376
Round trip
2026-08-27 – 2026-08-31
SYD - Mackay
77% AI deal score
A$600
A$376
Round trip
2026-08-24 – 2026-09-14
SYD - Mackay
68% AI deal score
A$491
A$386
Round trip
2026-08-27 – 2026-09-14
SYD - Mackay
72% AI deal score
A$493
A$388
Round trip
2026-08-28 – 2026-08-31
SYD - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$600
A$399
Round trip
2026-08-22 – 2026-08-24
SYD - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$604
A$402
Round trip
2026-09-09 – 2026-09-15
SYD - Mackay
72% AI deal score
A$565
A$402
Round trip
2026-09-06 – 2026-09-15
SYD - Mackay
71% AI deal score
A$534
A$402
Round trip

Sydney to Mackay: Overview

Insights for flights from Sydney to Mackay

A typical journey from Sydney to Mackay, including connections, takes about 5h 20m. This duration reflects itineraries that often involve multiple stops, as most flights on this route are not direct. Travelers should account for this total travel time when planning their trip.

For those seeking cheap flights from Sydney to Mackay, prices typically range from $322–$489, with a median of $411. Right now, current fares are above the typical level. Approximately 29% of recent fares have been classified as a good price, indicating that competitive offers are available, and new deals appear almost daily.

The cheapest time to fly from Sydney to Mackay is during August, with a median fare of $89. September also offers competitive prices, with a median of $94. Additionally, July presents another affordable option, with a median fare of $132.

When flying from Sydney to Mackay, most itineraries connect at least once. In fact, 0% of recent fares were non-stop. For connecting flights, the typical number of stopovers is 2, which contributes to the overall journey time.

How much is a round trip from Sydney to Mackay

Regular price: A$414 - A$547

Prices for flights from Sydney to Mackay are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Sydney to Mackay is between AUD 414 and AUD 547. The current lowest deal is AUD 369 with Jetstar, for travel from Oct 7-Oct 26.

now A$369

Low A$414

High A$547

The cheapest time to fly from Sydney to Mackay

The cheapest month to fly from Sydney to Mackay is September, with a median price of $94. The most expensive month to fly is August, with a median price of $423. Prices are generally lower from January to September.

September

Cheapest

Flights from A$94

August

Most Expensive

Flights from A$423

Jan

Mar

Jul

Aug

Sep

Dec

Direct flights from Sydney to Mackay

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Jetstar

Last-minute flights going from Sydney to Mackay

Sat, Aug 1

⌛ Last-Minute

SYD - Mackay

Sydney (SYD) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$926

A$465

One-way

Sat, Aug 1

⌛ Last-Minute

SYD - Mackay

Sydney (SYD) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$954

A$465

One-way

Sat, Aug 1

⌛ Last-Minute

SYD - Mackay

Sydney (SYD) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$946

A$465

One-way

Sun, Aug 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SYD - Mackay

Sydney (SYD) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$889

A$465

One-way

Sun, Aug 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SYD - Mackay

Sydney (SYD) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$865

A$465

One-way

Sun, Aug 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SYD - Mackay

Sydney (SYD) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$897

A$465

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Sydney to Mackay

1 night

Aug 1 - Aug 2

A$954 → A$465

51%

2 nights

Aug 1 - Aug 3

A$946 → A$465

51%

3 nights

Aug 1 - Aug 4

A$926 → A$465

50%

1 night

Aug 2 - Aug 3

A$897 → A$465

48%

Popular Airports to fly from Sydney to Mackay

Sydney - Mackay route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are above the typical level

Recent fares from Sydney to Mackay are priced above the typical level of $411.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in September for the best prices

Historically, September is the cheapest month to fly, with a median price of $94.

⏱️ Flight duration

Connecting flights take 5h 20m

The typical flight duration for connecting flights from Sydney to Mackay is 5h 20m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Frequent deals are available

Deals on flights from Sydney to Mackay are frequent, appearing within a 30-day window.

🏆 Airline highlight

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines offers direct flights

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines has 92 direct deals, making it a key carrier on this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Consider connecting flights for this route

Connecting flights are dominant for this route, with a median of 2 stopovers.

Sydney main airports to depart from

Sydney (SYD)

Cheapest

Fly from Sydney Airport for direct routes to Mackay, offering a convenient departure point.

📍 ~9 km from city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~A$381

Mackay main airports to arrive at

Mackay (MKY)

Cheapest

Mackay Airport is a convenient arrival point for flights from Sydney to Mackay.

📍 ~3 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~A$381

Airports nearby Mackay used as alternative

Whitsunday Coast (PPP)

Cheapest

Whitsunday Coast (PPP) is a practical mainland alternative, easily accessible via the Bruce Highway.

📍 ~135 km from Mackay (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours drive)

💸 Flights from ~A$230

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Mackay

76% AI deal score

$1,446

$734

Save $712

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Mackay

To find more affordable flights, consider being flexible with your travel dates and times. Comparing prices from various airlines and booking sites can also help you discover better deals. Looking into flights with layovers may sometimes present lower fares than direct routes.

Booking flights in advance, often several weeks or months before your intended travel date, can sometimes result in lower prices. Prices may fluctuate, so monitoring fares over time can help you identify a good booking window. Weekday bookings might also offer different pricing compared to weekends.

While Sydney and Mackay airports are typically the primary options, checking other airports in the region could occasionally reveal alternative routes or prices. However, remember to factor in the additional travel time and cost to reach these alternative airports. Sometimes, the convenience of direct routes outweighs minor savings.

Sydney to Mackay: Overview

Insights for flights from Sydney to Mackay

How much is a round trip from Sydney to Mackay

Regular price: A$414 - A$547

Prices for flights from Sydney to Mackay are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Sydney to Mackay is between AUD 414 and AUD 547. The current lowest deal is AUD 369 with Jetstar, for travel from Oct 7-Oct 26.

now A$369

Low A$414

High A$547

The cheapest time to fly from Sydney to Mackay

September

Cheapest

Flights from A$94

August

Most Expensive

Flights from A$423

Jan

Mar

Jul

Aug

Sep

Dec