'Black and White / Shades of Grey’ an exhibition by Art Whitsunday

The 'Black and White / Shades of Grey' Exhibition will give artists in Art Whitsunday the opportunity to explore their chosen medium and themes within the boundary of a monotone composition. Art Whitsunday has a diverse range of artists including painters, sculptors, paper-making artists, photographers and mixed media artists. The exhibition will be a challenge to the artists to limit their creativity to only black, whites and greys.

Featured photographic image is ‘ Hand’ by Ross Scanlon

The Lagoons Gallery and Cafe is open Wednesday to Friday - 10am to 3pm and weekends 9am to 4pm.

Cost: Free

Contact Maya Harrison at the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

“Forests… foliage, flowers, food”

The Botanic Gardens is a great place to discover and learn. Come for a special walk through the Tropical Shade Garden and other areas in the Botanic Gardens and seek out the secrets of the Forest. Find and inspect leaves, flowers and wildlife, and during the walk learn about Bush Tucker. Look for and match different shaped and coloured leaves and seeds. Find out how leaves and plants were used for all sorts of things from cooking to medicine and other useful items. The session also includes story reading and artistic activities.

There will be two sessions each day: 10am – 12 noon or 2am – 4pm
on Tuesday July 5, Wednesday July 6, and Thursday July 7. Still some spots left!

Each session is limited to 10 children aged 5 and older.         

Cost is $5.00

Bookings and payment prior to coming is ESSENTIAL

Contact Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

Free Guided Walks are fascinating… at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Scenic lagoons and glorious foliage make perfect backdrops during your informative stroll through the picturesque Botanic Gardens.  (Approx an hour in duration).

Join us 9.30am Fridays (April – October) at the Administration Building or let us know you wish to come along by contacting the Gardens and booking a date with us.

Are you needing refreshments later?

Try the tantalising new menu at the Lagoons Café and view the ever changing art exhibitions in the Lagoons Gallery. UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.

Lagoons Café opening hours: Wednesday-Friday 10am–3pm and Saturday-Sunday 9am-4pm. Phone 4952 4966 for bookings.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens: 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

Sunday in the Park

Come along with a friend and relax in the open air and listen to some soulful tunes in the beautiful Botanic Gardens, 2pm-4pm, Sunday July 17. Refreshments are available at the Lagoon’s café, now under new management.

This not-for-profit event, now in its fifth year, provides a platform for entertainers of all persuasions to appear live on stage in front of a receptive audience to gain public exposure, confidence and experience.

The group is led by Dave Wilson who supplies the sound gear. Each month is different as a variety of musicians add their own flavour to the mix. The afternoon is run by the blackboard system, three songs per person initially.

Cost: Free

For information or a newsletter contact Dave Wilson at: mky406@bigpond.com or the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au  

Bush Tucker and Biodiversity Guided Walk

Join the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens ‘Friends of the Gardens’ on a Bush Tucker and Biodiversity Guided Walk followed by a BBQ lunch on Saturday, July 9 from 10am–2pm.

At 10am we meet at the Administration Building of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens to enjoy a short leisurely stroll through the Orientation Garden and the Tropical Shade Garden to see the Gardens’ Biodiversity. Only 8 years old, the Botanic Gardens now boasts a rich collection of native and exotic plants; some rare or threatened in the wild, over 100 different species of birds, and a huge collection of vibrant and interesting creatures who now reside in the Gardens habitat.  Come along and find out how to fish for yabbies and witcherty grubs using plants, as Bush Tucker plants will also feature in this guided walk, led by Maya Harrison and Meryl Ritchie.  Join us afterwards at the Meeting Room for a BBQ. Bring along a plate of salad or a dessert.

RSVP ESSENTIAL to Gardens Administration on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Falun Gong: Meditation and Relaxation

Every Tuesday morning from 9am until 11am
Tropical Sun Garden Lawn (under the Mango Tree) or on the Lagoons Cafe deck
9 Lagoon Street, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Falun Gong offers you relaxation, meditation and inner peace and health through movement. You're invited to come along and experience a session in the beautiful surrounds of the Botanic Gardens.

Cost: Free

For more information, please contact Kim on 4942 9538 or email: kim62@tpg.com.au 

Mackay Bonsai Society Workshops

The Mackay Bonsai Society meet and share ideas - have you ever wanted to try the beautiful art of Bonsai? Come along for a look and listen - or if you are keen to learn more about this ancient art.

Cost: Free

Please call Peter Parrish for more information on 4952 1385 or the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

Australian Native Orchid Society (ANOS) Mackay Branch Workshops

Discover the beautiful world of orchids in all their glory! Drop in for a casual visit and ask our local enthusiasts about growing orchids, or perhaps spark a passion in your life for these collectable beauties.

Cost: Free

Please Contact Ron Bassan on 4942 5433 for more details.