If you are looking for a budget-friendly overnight stay in North Mackay and don’t mind the hum of a classic Queensland pub downstairs, the Kooyong Hotel might fit the bill. This small, 14-room property combines a lively beer garden and bar with basic accommodation, offering a trade-off between low prices and variable guest experiences according to platforms like Expedia. This review digs into the menu, room rates, guest reviews, and photos so you can decide if the Kooyong is right for your trip.
Last checked: 2026-09-04
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Property type: Pub with hotel rooms · Location: North Mackay, Queensland, Australia · Key feature: Spacious beer garden · Affiliated search term: Kooyong Liquorland
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-04.
Sources reviewed: official property website, OTA aggregators (Booking.com, GuestReservations), review platforms (TripAdvisor, Expedia, Trip.com, Hotel.com.au), third-party listing (The Pass app), price aggregator (KAYAK).
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify prices beyond OTA snippets. All ratings and prices are as reported by the cited platforms at the time of research.
Snapshot: Kooyong Hotel at a Glance
- Pub with hotel rooms (Official site)
- 1 Harbour Road, North Mackay, QLD 4740, Australia (Official site)
- Approximately 14 rooms (TripAdvisor)
- 6.8/10 based on 203 reviews (Expedia)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property type | Pub with hotel rooms (Official site) |
| Location | North Mackay, Queensland, Australia (Official site) |
| Key feature | Spacious beer garden (Official site) |
| TripAdvisor rating | Budget-friendly small hotel (no numeric score available in sources) |
| Distance to Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre | 1.8 miles (2.9 km) (Google Maps) |
| Distance to BB Print Stadium Mackay | 2.6 miles (4.2 km) (Google Maps) |
| Room features | Air-conditioning, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, desk, ground-floor units available (Official site) |
| Parking | Free on-site parking (Official site) |
| Check-in / Check-out | From 2:00 pm / Before 10:00 am (KAYAK) |
| Address | 1 Harbour Road, North Mackay, QLD 4740, Australia |
|---|---|
| Guest rating (Expedia) | 6.8/10 from 203 reviews |
| Guest rating (Trip.com) | 6.4/10 from 26 verified reviews |
| Guest rating (Hotel.com.au) | 6.8/10 from 73 verified reviews |
| Number of rooms | ~14 |
| Check-in / Check-out | 2:00 pm / 10:00 am |
| Parking | Free on-site |
| Family rooms available | Yes |
| Ground-floor units | Yes |
Kooyong Hotel menu
The official Kooyong Hotel website describes the venue as a premier pub with a beer garden, promoting live sport and music on multiple TVs and “all your favourite drinks chilled on ice.” However, the site does not publish a detailed food menu or individual prices. TripAdvisor’s hotel overview states that guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and lounge, suggesting pub-style food and drink offerings. Without a current menu online, it’s best to assume classic pub classics (burgers, steaks, counter meals) and contact the hotel directly for the latest selection.
Food and drink offerings
The property’s marketing highlights the bar and beer garden as central to the experience. While accommodation aggregators like KAYAK note that cooked meals are not included in the room rate, the presence of an on-site restaurant (per TripAdvisor) means food is available for purchase. Guests who prefer self-catering will find in-room amenities such as a microwave, toaster, and refrigerator.
Specialties and pub classics
No specific dish or price was available from the sources reviewed. The beverage range is described as offering “all your favourite drinks” on ice. For menu details, call the hotel or check third-party delivery apps like The Pass app, which may list available items.
Kooyong Hotel reviews
Guest opinions across major platforms paint a consistent picture: the Kooyong is a budget option with mixed reviews. Expedia reports an overall rating of 6.8/10 from 203 reviews, with most ratings clustering in the “okay” and “good” categories. Trip.com gives a slightly lower 6.4/10 from 26 verified reviews. Hotel.com.au also lands at 6.8/10 from 73 reviews, but with a notable breakdown: staff score 8.8, value for money 7.7, while cleanliness and comfort sit closer to 6.5.
What guests praise
Positive feedback centres on the low price relative to Mackay standards. Many reviewers appreciate the free on-site parking, the spacious beer garden, and the convenience of ground-floor rooms. Family rooms with air-conditioning and private bathrooms are another plus. The staff friendliness stands out in the Hotel.com.au data.
Common complaints
Criticism targets noise from the pub, basic room fit-out, and variable cleanliness. One older TripAdvisor review called it “very cheap … and for a reason,” citing cleanliness issues. Expedia’s histogram shows a minority of reviews rate the property “poor” or “terrible,” indicating that expectations need to be managed.
The bottom line: The Kooyong delivers on price but splits opinion on quality. It suits travellers who prioritise budget over polish.
“But it is very cheap for Mackay standards – and for a reason.”
– Unnamed TripAdvisor reviewer (February 2013)
Kooyong Hotel photos
Visuals of the property are available across the official site and major OTAs. The Kooyong Hotel website features images of the main bar area with multiple TVs, the spacious beer garden, and exterior shots of the pub front. Room interiors shown on aggregators depict compact, clean spaces with basic furniture, air-conditioning units, and flat-screen TVs.
Beer garden images
The beer garden is the centrepiece of the property’s marketing photos – outdoor seating under shade, with a relaxed atmosphere. These images align with the venue’s description as a place to “enjoy a night with live sport and music.”
Room interiors
OTA photo sets show rooms with tiled or laminate floors, a desk, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom. Ground-floor units appear in several listings. The overall aesthetic is functional rather than stylish.
Exterior and bar area
The pub exterior on Harbour Road is unassuming, typical of a suburban Queensland pub. The bar area is shown with stools, screens, and a selection of drinks on display.
For a full gallery, visit the Kooyong Hotel official site or check the photos section on Expedia or Booking.com.
Kooyong Hotel prices
Room rates at the Kooyong are consistently among the lowest in Mackay. TripAdvisor’s aggregated partner data shows a range of roughly AU$57–AU$87 for a standard room. KAYAK data indicates an average of about US$60 for weeknights, with recent deals around US$56 and pricier options near US$64. Expedia listed an example nightly price of AU$84 (including taxes and fees) at the time of research.
Room rate range
The typical nightly rate sits between AU$57 and AU$87. This varies by season and booking platform, but the overall positioning is firmly budget. Many OTAs offer free cancellation, adding flexibility.
Value comparison
Compared to other budget hotels in Mackay, the Kooyong is often the cheapest option. However, multiple reviewers note that the low price comes with trade-offs – noise, cleanliness, and limited amenities. The value proposition works best for travellers who need a bed and parking and plan to spend most of their time out.
What this means: At AU$57–AU$87 per night, the Kooyong is a clear price leader. If your main concern is cost, it’s hard to beat.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very low nightly rates (AU$57–AU$87)
- Free on-site parking
- Spacious beer garden and bar with live sport
- Family rooms available with air-conditioning
- Ground-floor units for easy access
Cons
- Mixed guest reviews – cleanliness and noise cited
- Cooked meals not included in room rate
- Basic room amenities; no frills
- Small property (14 rooms) – limited availability
- No detailed menu published online
Pricing band
Range: AU$57 – AU$87 per night for a standard room (per TripAdvisor and OTA data). Deals can dip lower; prices fluctuate by season and booking window. Free cancellation options are common across major OTAs.
Location & getting there
Kooyong Hotel sits at 1 Harbour Road in North Mackay, about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) from the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre and 2.6 miles (4.2 km) from BB Print Stadium Mackay. Free on-site parking is confirmed by multiple sources, including the property’s own listings. The hotel is a short drive from central Mackay and the airport (approximately 10–15 minutes by car). (Google Maps)
Alternatives in North Mackay
If the Kooyong doesn’t suit, nearby options include The Met Hotel and other budget hotels in Mackay. Related searches also mention these as natural competitors. Each varies in price and atmosphere, so it pays to compare on the same OTA platforms.
Our pick: Who should book Kooyong Hotel
Recommended for: Budget-conscious travellers, solo adventurers, pub atmosphere lovers, and groups needing family rooms on a tight budget. The Kooyong works best when you plan to spend little time in the room and value location and price over luxury. If you need a quiet, polished stay, this may not be the right choice.
To book, compare prices on Booking.com or Expedia for the best rate.
tripadvisor.com, kooyongclassic.com.au, ar.tripadvisor.com, portphillipestate.com.au
Frequently asked questions
Is there free parking at Kooyong Hotel?
Yes, free on-site parking is confirmed by Expedia and other OTA listings.
Does Kooyong Hotel have family rooms?
Yes, Hotel.com.au notes that family rooms with air-conditioning and private bathrooms are available.
What entertainment is available at the pub?
The bar features live sport and music on multiple TVs, with all your favourite drinks on ice, according to the official site.
What are the check-in/check-out times?
Check-in is from 2:00 pm and check-out is before 10:00 am, as per KAYAK’s property information.
Can I book a ground-floor unit?
Yes, ground-floor units are available, as stated on Hotel.com.au and other aggregators.
Are meals included in the room rate?
No, cooked meals are not included. KAYAK notes that guests typically rely on in-room kitchen amenities (microwave, toaster, fridge) or purchase food from the pub restaurant.