→ Mackay
Service area — Sugar city, river city — Mackay is the heart of the region and home to more than 120,000 people.Funeral services in Mackay
Mackay sits where the Pioneer River meets the Coral Sea, a city built on sugar, mining and the sea. For generations, Mackay families have farewelled loved ones here, and Mackay Gentle Way Funerals is proud to carry that tradition forward with honest pricing, water cremation and unhurried care from our North Mackay funeral home.
A Mackay funeral home for Mackay families
We are a locally owned funeral home based on Evans Avenue, minutes from the CBD. Whether your loved one passed at Mackay Base Hospital, the Mater, in aged care or at home in West Mackay, East Mackay or the inner suburbs, we come to you promptly — day or night — and bring them into our care with dignity.
How a funeral in Mackay comes together
It starts with one phone call to (07) 4881 0491, answered 24/7 by our own local team. We bring your loved one into our care, then meet with you at our funeral home or at yours, at a time that suits you, to talk through wishes and budget without pressure. We register the death (in Queensland this must happen within 14 days), arrange the permits and death certificate, book the venue, celebrant and flowers, and look after every detail on the day, so you can focus on saying goodbye.
Mackay cemeteries & memorial places
We arrange burials at Mount Bassett Cemetery near the harbour, which has lawn and monumental sections and columbarium walls, and in existing family plots at the heritage-listed Mackay Cemetery on Cemetery Road, West Mackay. For water cremation families, ashes can be scattered at the Bluewater Quay, Town Beach, along the Pioneer River or at a place that mattered — we will help you understand permits and options.
Churches, chapels & venues across the city
Mackay has deep faith roots. We regularly work with St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Holy Trinity Anglican, the Uniting and Baptist churches, and Mackay Islamic and Greek Orthodox communities. Prefer somewhere less formal? The Botanic Gardens, the MECC, surf clubs and community halls all make warm settings for a celebration of life.
Serving a diverse community
Mackay is home to South Sea Islander, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Maltese, Italian, Filipino and many other communities. We honour cultural and religious customs — from sorry business to rosaries to specific handling requirements — and take the time to understand what matters to your family.
Funeral costs in Mackay, itemised upfront
Our Simple Farewell direct water cremation is $2,640, our Gentle Funeral Service is $5,500 and a burial service is $5,800, all inc GST, with council cemetery fees passed on at exact cost. Before you decide anything, we will give you a full, itemised quote with no obligation, so you know exactly what is included. No hidden extras, no pressure, and payment plans are available (interest applies) for Mackay families who need them.
Call in to Evans Avenue, or call us any hour
You are welcome to walk in to our funeral home at 1C/17 Evans Avenue, North Mackay, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, with no appointment needed. Outside office hours, our phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by our local team, never a call centre. If you are thinking ahead, a pre-planning chat is free and there is no obligation.
Funerals beyond Mackay: Sarina, Airlie Beach, Bowen and the islands
Closer to home we care for families in Sarina, Walkerston, Mirani, Marian, Bucasia and Eimeo. Our Proserpine office looks after families across the Whitsundays, from Airlie Beach and Cannonvale to Bowen and the islands, with the same published prices and no travel surcharge anywhere in the Whitsunday region.
Nearby: we also care for families in the CBD, West Mackay and East Mackay and surrounding districts.
Frequently asked in Mackay
How quickly can you reach us in Mackay?
Usually within the hour. We are based in North Mackay, so most transfers across the city take place well within 60 minutes of your call, at any time of day or night.
Which cemeteries do you use in Mackay?
Mount Bassett Cemetery is Mackay’s council cemetery with a lawn section. The heritage-listed Mackay Cemetery in West Mackay takes burials only in existing family plots, and we also arrange burials at Walkerston, Sarina, Marian and Mirani West cemeteries.
Can we hold the service somewhere other than a chapel?
Yes. Many Mackay families choose churches, surf clubs, the Botanic Gardens, a private property or the beach. We handle venue bookings, permits and all logistics.
How much does a funeral cost in Mackay?
Our Simple Farewell direct water cremation is $2,640 inc GST, our Gentle Funeral Service is $5,500 inc GST and a burial service is $5,800 inc GST, with council cemetery fees passed on at exact cost. The only surcharge is an after-hours transfer fee of $400 + GST, and we will always give you a full, itemised quote with no obligation.
Can I call in to your Mackay office without an appointment?
Yes. You are welcome to walk in to our funeral home at 1C/17 Evans Avenue, North Mackay, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Outside office hours, our local team answers the phone 24/7 on (07) 4881 0491.
Can ashes be scattered in Mackay?
Yes. Families often choose the Bluewater Quay, Town Beach, the Pioneer River or a place that mattered to them, and we will help you understand permits and options. In the Whitsundays we can also arrange scattering at sea from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour.
Is a pre-planning chat really free?
Yes. Recording your wishes with us is free and there is no obligation. If you would like to, you can also pre-pay at today’s price.
Here for you, whenever you need us
Compassionate, affordable care with transparent pricing. Reach out any hour of the day or night.