Easter School Holidays in Mackay Isaac

Here’s how to keep the kids busy these school holidays (and actually enjoy them yourself)

Easter in Mackay Isaac just hits different.
Warm days, plenty happening, and a good excuse to get everyone out of the house.

Whether you’ve got little ones hyped for an Easter hunt, teens that need entertaining, or you’re just chasing a few easy wins to fill the holidays — here’s what’s on across the region.

Oh Deere Farm Stay – Easter Extravaganza

If you’re chasing a proper day out, this is the one to lock in early.

Oh Deere Farm Stay is putting on a full Easter Saturday experience in Calen, north of Mackay, with all the Easter activities sorted so you can just turn up and enjoy it. There are Easter hunts for different age groups, including an accessibility run, plus a visit from the Easter Bunny mid-morning. Live music runs throughout the day, with plenty of food, drinks and entertainment to keep everyone happy.

There’s also a bit of extra incentive if you’re thinking about coming back, with discounted camping and tours available to book on the day.

It’s the kind of event where the kids can run around, you can relax a bit, and no one’s asking what’s next every five minutes.

Hot tip: Get there early to register for the Easter hunt (8:45–9:15am only)

Get Creative with Bottletops & Brushes

For those days when you need something simple and a little more low-key, Bottletops & Brushes are running a great mix of sessions across the holidays.

You’ll find them out at Oh Deere Farm Stay as part of their Easter Extravaganza, as well as hosting paint sessions in their Mackay studio and at other local venues. There are options for the whole family to get involved, along with kids-only sessions and a few that cater to teens and adults.

Later in the holidays, they’ll also be popping up at Sydney Street Markets with short, affordable kids sessions that are easy to fit into your day. It’s a great way to slow things down for a bit and let the kids get creative.

Easter fun while you’re out and about

If you’re heading out for errands or a bit of shopping, don’t miss the Easter activities happening at our major shopping centres.

Mount Pleasant Centre and Caneland Central both have holiday activations running, which means you can turn a quick trip into something a bit more entertaining for the kids. It’s an easy way to break up the day without needing a big plan.

A little Easter magic in the Isaac Region

If you’re out in the Isaac region, there’s something a little more local happening in Dysart that’s well worth a look.

The Dysart State School Easter Bonnet Parade brings together Prep to Year 2 students for a colourful morning at the Dysart Shopping Centre, where the kids get to show off their handmade Easter creations. It’s simple, community-focused and full of that classic Easter charm, with families gathering to cheer the kids on as they take part.

With support from Isaac Regional Council, there’s also a few extra touches on the day, including participation prizes and a visit from Councillor Vern Russell, who’ll be presenting crayons and colouring sheets to the students.

Event details:
Date: Thursday 2 April 2026
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Location: Dysart Shopping Centre

Easter at Theresa Creek Dam

Across the Easter long weekend, there are plenty of ways to settle in and enjoy a few days out west.

At Theresa Creek Dam, Easter is all about relaxed camping and family fun.

Live music kicks things off on Saturday night, with Ollie Moy performing from 7pm to 9:30pm — the perfect way to settle in for the weekend.

On Sunday afternoon (2pm–4pm), the focus shifts to the kids, with activities including egg and spoon races, three-legged races, colouring in and biscuit decorating — plus a red claw race if they can catch them. There’s also a prize for the best decorated camp, so it’s worth getting creative with your setup.

There’s even a special Easter visitor popping in for the kids later in the afternoon.

Wet your line along the coast

For a fantastic Easter weekend full of fishing, fun and great times, don’t miss the Clairview Easter Fishing Competition hosted by Barracrab Caravan Park. It includes an Easter egg hunt, prizes for the best decorated campsite, live music, and so much more. Try your luck across 9 fishing comp categories, including longest mud crab and longest barra.

Find out more >>

Camping, and cook offs & country vibes

There’s a packed calendar of events at Cape Palmerston Holiday Park across the Easter weekend. Catch all the action at the annual Camp Over Cook Off, soak up the live music, cast a line for the fishing comp, enjoy an Easter egg hunt for the kids, and so much more.

Slower days at the library

Not every day needs to be big. If you’re looking for something quieter, the Mackay Regional Council libraries are running Easter-themed activities across the holidays, including creative sessions like rock painting.

It’s a good option when you want to slow things down a bit, get the kids off screens and into something hands-on without too much fuss.

Turn it into a mini getaway

If you feel like stretching things out a bit, the school holidays are a good excuse to book a trip away without going far.

There are a few offers around at the moment, including a 15% off Easter and school holiday deal at Rydges Mackay Suites for selected travel dates.

Don’t forget the simple stuff

In between events, some of the best days are the easy ones. A morning at the beach, a walk through the rainforest, a picnic by the water or just letting the kids burn energy outdoors.

You don’t need to fill every day. A couple of planned activities and a few slower moments in between usually lands just right.

Final tip

Pick one or two things to lock in, then leave the rest open. The best school holiday days usually happen when you’ve got a loose plan and the flexibility to just roll with it — that’s usually when the best memories are made anyway.