Finding School Holiday Fun in Mackay is now easy.
The PakMag team have searched high and low and found everything parents and kids need to know! Check out all the incredible things happening below.
If you do any of the activities, don’t forget to #pakmagshare if you post anything on social media so we can see how much of a great time you had!
Explore Local National Parks
We’re privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the country, so why not make the most of it? Mackay and the Whitsundays are surrounded by lush, wild, and unique national parks that showcase the diversity of our region. Here’s just a handful to choose from: Cape Hillsborough, Eungella, Cape Palmerston, Conway, and don’t forget about the Whitsunday Islands. So grab the kids, grab the gear, head out, and experience our backyard.
www.parks.des.qld.gov.au
Caneland Central
Tie-dye workshops & shoot & score: Let the kids unleash their creativity and design their own unique hat, then once the dazzling tie-dye creation is done, it’s time to hit the court for some basketball fun: 30-minute sessions: 9.30am, 10.15 am, 11am, 11.45 am, 1pm & 1.45pm daily. Book here
Springtastic Ballon Fun! Pop on by and soak in the awesomeness of our fantastic and very creative spring balloon display at your leisure! Our balloon twister will be there to provide some extra fun on the days and times here and there is also have some exciting activities for you to do whilst you wander through the gardens.
Mount Pleasant Centre
Wednesday 20 September: Roving Fairy 10am – 12pm
Thursday 21 September: Face painting 10am – 1pm
Friday 22 September: Balloon twisting 10am – 1pm
Artspace Mackay
Artspace Mackay is offering a free drop-in activity for all ages and abilities. September 16 to October 1, Weekdays 10am to 5pm, weekends 10am to 3pm, let your little ones decorate a Mandap with colour and crepe paper.
The Foodspace Cafe next door will also be opening for the first two weekends of the holiday with lawn games and charcuterie boards in addition to their normal menu.
Sarina Sugar Shed
Sarina Sugar Shed offers an award-winning insight into sugar production. From paddock to plate; the tour will teach you and your little ones just what happens when cane is planted, how it is used, and what it makes. You’ll get the opportunity to observe, touch, feel, and taste the different stages of sugar production, their non-alcoholic ginger beer brewed onsite, the freshly spun fairy floss, and freshly squeezed cane juice. There’s plenty of goodies for the adults to try too. Cost: $13.80 for kids, $27.50 for adults, kids under 5 are free. Bookings essential.
Mackay Library
Join the libraries these school holidays for some fun FREE entertainment. Our school holiday program has events for children aged five to 12 years of age. These holidays offer;
-Spring sand and scratch art: Monday September 18 and Tuesday, September 19
-Reef Guardians: Virtual exploration and craft: Tuesday, September 19 and Wednesday, September 19, 10am to 11am
-Puppets and pyjamas bedtime stories: Thursday, September 21, 5pm to 6pm
– Larrikin Puppets Kids Comedy Puppet Show: Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29
-Puppetry Performance Workshop with Larrikin Puppets: Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Explore the Botanic Gardens with a range of self-guided and booked activities for children and their families. The café is also open Wednesday to Friday, 9am to 2pm and Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 3pm, excluding public holidays. Enjoy activities such as;
-Tibbles Hunt in the Tropical Shade Garden: Monday to Friday during school holidays, 9am to 4pm
-Strolling Story Trail – One Remarkable Reef: Monday, September 18 to Friday, September 22, 9am to 4.30pm
-Creatures of the Gardens: Monday to Friday during school holidays, 10am to 11am
-Creative container plants:Wednesday, September 20 and 27, 10am to 11.30am
Big4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort
Break up that school holiday monotony and escape to paradise! Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort is a family owned and run caravan park in Airlie Beach. Nestled on seven acres of shady, tropical greenery, there’s plenty of family fun to be had – including a playground, jumping pillow, quad bikes for hire, a pool, and a brand-new ninja challenge course. Get in and book fast as many families will be looking for a winter getaway!
Sarina Youth Centre:
A variety of school holiday activities are on offer for youth aged ten to 21 years. You must register for a spot and please indicate what day/program you would like to attend. Contact Sarina Youth Centre on 4961 9277 or email sarinayouthcentre@mackay.qld.gov.au.
(All events run 10am to 2pm)
Monday, September 18: Cupcake baking
Tuesday, September 19: Talk like a pirate day!
Wednesday, September 20: 3D Printing Session 1 – basics of 3D printing
Thursday, September 21: 3D Printing Session 2 – printing your design
Friday, September 22: Chair yoga, 11am to 12pm. Limited spaces available.
Monday, September 25: Cooking
Tuesday, September 26: Trivia competition
Wednesday, September 27: Minute to win it – 60 seconds challenge
Thursday, September 28: Movie day
Friday, September 29: Board games – verse your friends
Mirani Swim Centre
Re-opens Saturday, September 16
School holiday operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
From Monday, October 2: Monday to Friday, 6am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Ken Burgess Orchid House
Monday to Friday, 10am to 11am and 2pm to 3pm, Sunday, 10am to 2pm (Closed public holidays)
Kids and adults alike will love the beautiful and rare orchids on display at the Ken Burgess Display House within the beautiful Queens Park. Stroll through the display which houses an astounding variety of orchids, all flowering at different times of the year.
Mackay’s Orchid Extravaganza – Saturday, September 16, 8am to 3pm
Don’t miss the Orchid Extravaganza held at Queens Park! There will be a colourful and diverse range of orchids on display in the Ken Burgess Orchid House as well as orchid sales, demonstrations, plant and accessory sales and raffles. Food stalls will also be available for those who want to grab a bite to eat or a hot/cold drink at the event. Follow the Facebook event for more details and updates. FREE ENTRY!
Kidz Life
Create a world of fun for the kids at Kidz Life play Centre. There’s ball pits, tunnels, a super slide, air-con, cafe and free wifi. Come and play or book a party for your kid’s next birthday. Visit their facebook for more details, prices and to book. Monday – Saturday, 9.00am
Junior Sports Mackay
Sign your kids up today for a fun and active afternoon sports with three sports to choose from. Netball and indoor soccer on Wednesday afternoons and cricket on Friday afternoons. Each session will begin with warming up and will move onto drills and skills before starting the game. They have qualified coaches on hand to help develop your child’s skills as well as umpires to officiate the game in accordance to their skills. You can nominate a whole team or as an individual player.
A 225 Harbour Rd, Mackay Harbour 4740
P (07) 4957 2672
Mackay Waterfront:
River Wharves Activities, Wednesday, September 27:
Story Time presented by Let the Children Play at the Pavilion stagE – 9.30am to 10.15am
Mackay Libraries exploration stations and First 5 Forever van – 9.30am to 11.30am:
