School holiday activities
There will be no excuse for the kids to be bored these school holidays with a range of family-friendly, fun-filled activities on offer across the Mackay region.
Gather yer scallywag shipmates for the return of the Discover Mackay Treasure Trail, check to see if the kids have outgrown their togs over winter with the re-opening of the Bluewater Lagoon and be inspired by First Nations artists as Artspace opens its doors again for school holiday activities.
Make sure you check out the exciting range of activities below and follow the Facebook pages of the facilities for more information and updates.
> ARTSPACE MACKAY
What Inspires You?
Art activities inspired by three First Nations artists
September 14 to September 27 (closed Mondays)
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Weekends 10am to 2pm
Artspace Workshop Room and ‘Embassy’ tent, Civic Precinct near Foodspace Café
‘Embassy’ tent hours: September 17 to 27, 10am to 2pm weekdays only
During the September school holiday weekdays, bring your family and friends to Artspace Mackay and the Civic Precinct for free, drop-in anytime art activities for kids and adults of all ages and abilities. Be inspired by the creative art-making processes of three First Nations artists - Uncle Peter Ah Mat, Aunty Lee George and Jess Rigby. Like Uncle Peter, you’ll use colour and storytelling symbols to create large-format drawings; like Aunty Lee, you’ll weave, twist and bind coloured raffia to make textured wearable items; and like Jess, you’ll use your senses to create imagery inspired by the sounds and smells around you. All instructions and materials provided, no bookings necessary, stay a few minutes or a few hours if you’re having fun. Parental supervision is essential and collaboration is recommended.
Weave your way through lunch
Tuesday, September 17 to Friday, September 20, noon to 1pm
‘Embassy’ tent, Civic Precinct near Foodspace Café
During the lunch hours in the first week of the September school holidays, Wulgurukaba artist from Yubenun Country, Magnetic Island, Aunty Lee George will be in Richard Bell’s ‘Embassy’ tent sharing her raffia weaving skills. This is a wonderful, free opportunity to be inspired by Aunty Lee’s creative art-making and weaving skills. Coloured raffia will be supplied and no bookings necessary, simply drop by, find a cushion and join in!
‘Embassy’ is an artwork tent installation by Richard Bell from proppaNOW’s exhibition ‘OCCURRENT AFFAIR’ on show at Artspace Mackay, and will be in the Civic Precinct near Foodspace during the school holiday period offering raffia activities for people of all ages and abilities. This program is also part of Artspace Mackay’s ‘What Inspires You?’ holiday art activity program inspired by three local First Nations Artists: Uncle Peter Ah Mat, Aunty Lee George and Jess Rigby.
> AQUATIC FACILITIES
Bluewater Lagoon
The Bluewater Lagoon is set to reopen on Saturday, September 14, just in time for the September school holidays. It will be open from 9am to 5.45pm every day during the warmer months of September to March (except Christmas Day).
Swim Centres
Other pools opening after winter maintenance periods include:
- Pioneer Swim Centre (North Mackay)
- Sarina Swim Centre will reopen on Saturday, September 21.
- Mirani Swim Centre will reopen on Monday, September 16.
Memorial Swim Centre (Mackay City) and Mackay ARC remain open to the public.
> LIBRARIES
Bookings for these activities, other than drop-in days, are required via Eventbrite for all attendees.
Terrariums and Kokedama for Teens
Monday, September 16, 2pm to 3pm – Sarina Library
Tuesday, September 17, 2pm to 3pm – Tommy Webster Memorial Hall
Wednesday, September 18, 10am to 11am – Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Thursday, September 19, 10am to 11am – Gordon White Library
Thursday, September 19, 2pm to 3pm – Dudley Denny City Library
Let’s play in the dirt and create your own little ecosystems. Bring any interesting little bits to add to your terrarium story and a plastic container to take home your Japanese Kokedama (garden art with a ball of soil and a decorative plant). This activity is specifically for young adults aged 12 to 18 years of age. Booking essential.
Reef Guardians: Adaptations for survival
Tuesday, September 17, 10.30am to 11.30am – Gordon White Library
From mobile homes to snot sleeping bags, reef creatures of all varieties have come up with unique ways to keep themselves safe. Join us as we explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and investigate how a hands-on, community-based approach can make a real difference to the health and resilience of the reef.These virtual sessions are designed specifically for school-aged children aged five to 12 years old and include a reef inspired craft activity. Bookings essential.
Reef Guardians: All about sea turtles
Wednesday, September 18, 10.30am to 11.30am – Dudley Denny City Library
Find out about the life cycle of a sea turtle, where they go to breed and feed and the dangers they are facing. Join us as we explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and investigate how a hands-on, community-based approach can make a real difference to the health and resilience of the reef. These virtual sessions are designed specifically for school-aged children aged five to 12 years old and include a reef inspired craft activity. Bookings essential.
Reef Guardians: Growing up on the reef
Thursday, September 19, 10.30am to 11.30am – Dudley Denny City Library
Discover the life cycles of a variety of reef animals including crabs, turtles, sharks and fish. Join us as we explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and investigate how a hands-on, community-based approach can make a real difference to the health and resilience of the reef. These virtual sessions are designed specifically for school aged children-aged five to 12 years old and include a reef inspired craft activity. Bookings essential.
Bedtime Stories
Thursday, September 19, 5pm to 6pm – Gordon White Library
Join us for an evening of family fun in your pyjamas for our bedtime stories, songs, rhymes and a special craft activity! This event is suitable for children aged two to ten years of age and their families. Don’t forget to wear your pyjamas! Bookings essential.
Movie Matinee
Friday, September 20, 2pm to 4pm – Gordon White Library
Join us for an afternoon movie and popcorn. Check out our Facebook page for clues as to what movie we will be watching...can you guess? This event is for kids aged five to 12 years old. Bookings essential.
First Aid for Kids
Monday, September 23, 9.30am to 10.30am – Sarina Library
Monday, September 23, 1pm to 2pm – Dudley Denny City Library
Tuesday, September 24, 9.30am to 10.30am – Mirani Library
Tuesday, September 24, 1pm to 2pm – Walkerston Library
Wednesday, September 25, 9.30am to 10.30am – Gordon White Library
This practical workshop covers the most common and important first aid skills every child should learn. Facilitated by the amazing trainers from First Aid for You, who are all qualified first aid instructors and super mums, this hands-on workshop is suitable for children aged five to 12 years. Bookings essential.
Games on the Lawn
Wednesday, September 18, 10am to 12pm – Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Wednesday, September 25, 10am to 12pm – Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Enjoy a morning of outdoor games from the Library of Things collection on the Tropical Sun Lawn at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Bring family or friends for a fun, relaxed morning of friendly competition with Croquet, Giant Jenga, Bocce Ball and more. Bookings are not required for this event, however, if you book a ticket, you will receive a reminder.
Drop-in Days: Imagine, connect, construct, create, build and design
Monday, September 16 to Friday, September 17
Mirani, Sarina and Walkerston libraries
Children aged five to 12 years are invited to drop in during the library open hours to explore and discover our educational construction sets.
Spring into adventure with Blossoming Pages reading list
Discover fresh, exciting reads for kids and teens that bloom with imagination and fun this spring. View the reading list.
Parker the Library Van
Keep an eye out for Parker the Library Van popping up around the region during the school holidays. Chat to Parker’s driver, Kai about what’s happening at your local library, sign up for FREE membership and even borrow some books! Plus, enter the library van competition for a chance to win fantastic prizes. Find out more – meet Parker the Library Van
> Mackay City and Waterfront
Visit the weekly markets at the Bluewater Quay where you will find kids activities every school holidays.
Mackay Farmers’ Market
Every Wednesday, 6.30am to 10.30am
Visit their Facebook page for more information
Mackay Riverside Market
Every Thursday, 3pm to 7pm
Visit their Facebook page for more information
> Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
All activities are free and require adult supervision. For bookings or questions, call 4952 7300.
BOOKED ACTIVITIES
Frog Hotel Workshop
Tuesday, September 17, 10am to 11am
Tropical Sun Lawn
Cost: $10 per child
Create five-star accommodation for the local tree frogs in your neighbourhood! Suitable for kids aged eight to 15 years. Bookings essential as places are limited. Call the gardens on 4952 7300 to reserve your spot.
DROP-IN ACTIVITIES: NO BOOKING NEEDED
Outdoor Games with the Libraries team
Wednesday, September 18, 10am to noon
Wednesday, September 25, 10am to noon
Tropical Sun Lawn
Try your hand at a range of large outdoor games with the Libraries team while enjoying the spring weather in the shade of the leafy trees out on the Tropical Sun Lawn. Loads of fun for kids of all ages and their families. No bookings required.
What lives in the Lagoons – Aquatic plants and creatures discovery
Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28, 10am to 3pm
Botanic Gardens Meeting Room
Join the Garden Friends getting up close with magnifying glasses in exploring the watery depths to see what’s been found without getting wet! Dragonfly nymphs, small fish, diving beetles, water scorpions and more! Find out about the water plants that provide shelter and food for these aquatic creatures. Free family-friendly activity hosted by the Garden Friends. No bookings required.
SELF GUIDED ACTIVITIES: NO BOOKING NEEDED
Creatures of the gardens fun facts trail
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm
Sunday, 10am to 2pm
Pick up a booklet from the Visitor Information Centre and follow the trail to discover some of the creatures in the Botanic Gardens. Free family friendly activity.
Other activities available at the Visitor Information Centre:
- Butterfly Bingo
- Creative colouring station
- Tibbles Hunt in the Tropical Shade Garden
Any day or time
More self-guided print your own activity sheets can be found on our website.
REGULAR EVENTS
Free Guided Walks
Fridays, 10am to 11am (until the end of October)
Meet at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre
Discover the botanic gardens with your guide on a free guided walk. Find what’s flowering, some of our rare and special plants and perhaps some wildlife spotting. Group bookings are welcome and available upon request.
Bocce in the Gardens
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (except public holidays)
Malta Garden’s Bocce Court
$5 for hire of bocce set
Did you know that bocce is one of the most popular and oldest games throughout European countries? Test your skills at our bocce court in the Malta Garden. Bocce sets are available to hire ($5 per set) from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre. Bookings are not required.
> MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL
Discover Mackay Treasure Trail
September 14 to 29 (school holiday period)
Ahoy me hearties! Back by popular demand, the Discover Mackay Treasure Trail will have you rounding up yer scallywag shipmates and talking like a pirate. Arrrr!
There will be 11 mystery locations to discover around the region by solving clues on council’s website. Thousands of dollars in prizes are up for grabs with randomly drawn major prizes for three teams who finish the trail, plus a small gift pack for the first 40 to finish, a best dressed team prize and more!
Register now and get ready to explore.
> MECC
Brats Carnival
Sunday, September 22, 10am
Plenary Halls
A wild circus with pumping music, ridiculous acts of amazement and eye-popping party tricks, as part of DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season. A high-energy super fun show for all ages – from tots to teenagers and their mums and dads - brought to you by the finest team of circus artists and mischief makers. Book tickets
> Sarina Sugar Shed
Special kids tours of the Sarina Sugar Shed
10.30am every day of the school holidays (45 min tour)
Cost: Adults at children’s prices $15 (bookings essential)
This fun, interactive session focuses on the kids, with the added bonus of adults being welcome at kids' prices!
Discover the growing and harvesting of the sugar cane and complete a hunt for the critters that live in our Sugar Cane Patch.
Enter our miniature sugar mill to see how sugar cane is crushed and sample deliciously sweet sugar cane juice straight from our miniature mill - 'Bill the Mill’ Junior. Our stickers help the kids understand the machines that work in the process from turning juice into sugar. Touch and feel the different stages of the production from the bagasse to the sugar, taste the molasses!
Receive a free info sheet (great for school projects) and a quick fun quiz to help keep the young ones engaged - they are guaranteed to learn something!
Finally, everyone gets a chance to taste our non-alcoholic ginger beer brewed onsite and freshly spun fairy floss for big and little kids!
More info:
Adult tickets for the kids’ tours does NOT include the full tasting experience. This can be purchased separately as a tasting session if desired.
Except for assistance dogs, animals are not permitted on the tour.
All tours are conducted in our working miniature mill at the Sarina Sugar Shed. Our machinery replicates the process of a full-scale mill. We do not offer tours to the full-scale Plane Creek Mill situated next door to us.
For more information or to book a tour online visit sarinasugarshed.com.au.
Contact: Mackay Regional Council
Phone: 1300 MACKAY (622 529)
Email: council@mackay.qld.gov.au