School Holidays Sorted: Fun for Families in Mackay Isaac Region
School’s out, and that means little feet will be itching for adventure. If you’re heading our way over the school holidays and are on the hunt for things to keep the kids entertained (and burn off some of that holiday energy), you’ve come to the right place. From creative workshops to outdoor trails and hands-on fun, there’s plenty happening across the region.
Here’s your go-to list for these September/October school holidays.
Strolling Stories at the Botanic Gardens
Take story time outdoors with Strolling Stories at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. This year’s feature book Birds Don’t Have Birthdays is brought to life along a 350-metre trail just past the Malta Garden. Kids can follow Berky the Brush Turkey through 14 colourful story panels while enjoying a walk in the fresh air.
Image courtesy of Mackay Regional Council
Library School Holiday Fun
Mackay Regional Council libraries are buzzing these school holidays with free and low-cost activities. Expect craft sessions, storytelling, and creative workshops designed for kids of all ages. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours indoors (and sneak in some quiet reading time with your favourite book in hand).
Creative + Active Programs
Mackay Regional Council’s School Holiday Fun program has something for everyone — art, nature, sport, and hands-on sessions spread across the region. Whether you’re after a structured workshop or a drop-in craft table, there’s no shortage of options.
3D Printing Workshops + Isaac Region Library Fun
Looking for something a little different (and free)? Isaac Regional Council is rolling out all-day 3D printing workshops across the region these school holidays. Perfect for curious kids who love to tinker, these sessions introduce the wonders of STEM in a fun and creative way.
But that’s not all — Isaac’s libraries have a full program of activities running right through September. Depending on where you are, families can join in:
- Moranbah – robotics, sensory slime, and a special 3D Printing Course for 13+ years.
- Clermont – school holiday craft, after-school activities, and 3D printing at the Council Office.
- Dysart – LEGO building afternoons, messy craft sessions, and a 3D Printing Course at the Council Office.
- Glenden – community craft, LEGO building, and holiday games for all ages.
- Middlemount – slime time, nature craft, and a 3D Printing Course for 13+ years.
- Nebo – creative craft, after-school activities, slime making, and LEGO building.
With everything from robotics to gooey slime, there’s something for every kind of kid — and it’s all affordable or free.
See Isaac Regional Council library programs
Shopping Centre Events
No matter the weather, the region’s shopping centres are keeping kids entertained these holidays:
Caneland Central has a line-up of kids’ entertainment — from interactive workshops to themed activities and a special visit from our four-legged friends Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol. Keep an eye on their events page to see what’s happening this week.
Mount Pleasant Centre is hosting Little Sprouts, a program of fun, free sessions aimed at preschoolers and little adventurers.
Paint + Create with Bottletops & Brushes
For families who love a bit of creativity, Bottletops & Brushes have two special workshops this holiday season:
Enchanted Easels – A Costumed Paint Party: Dress up, paint, enjoy cake and drinks, and let imaginations run wild.
Grandma & Me – Paint & Sip: A relaxed session where kids and grandparents (or any special adult) paint together and take home their creations.
Day-Trippers + Campers – Oh Deere Farm Stay
If you’re chasing a day out with a difference, head just north of Mackay to Oh Deere Farm Stay — home to Australia’s only sugarcane maze. Kids can weave their way through towering green walls, squealing with excitement as they crack the puzzle together.
Beyond the maze, there’s plenty more: hands-on farm tours, learning where food comes from, kayaking on the dam, fishing, and wide-open spaces perfect for burning off energy. Families can come for the day or stay overnight under the big skies — making it a truly affordable and memorable school holiday adventure.
Action on the Water – WakeHouse Australia
If your kids are more into action than art, WakeHouse Australia promises an epic day out on the water:
Grom Squad: A beginner-friendly program for ages 7–12 with expert instructors helping kids learn to kneeboard and wakeboard in a safe, fun environment.
WakeHouse Week Pass: Mackay’s coolest place for teenagers this school holidays. The pass gives teens one 90-minute wakeboarding session every day for seven days with all safety gear and beginner boards included — plus coaching to get them carving like pros. All for just $199.
Outdoors + Explore
Alongside all the great events, our region’s natural playground is perfect for holiday adventures. From spotting platypus at Eungella National Park to a sunrise with the wallabies at Cape Hillsborough or drive west to Nebo for a good old country style meal, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. You can also hit the Finch Hatton pump track and then cool off with a dip at Finch Hatton Gorge or Cattle Creek now that the warmer weather is here.
Heading north next?
Our friends Wings Saling Charters Whitsunday up in Visit Whitsundays have a family-friendly Sail, SUP + Snorkel tour around the Whitsunday Islands. Spend the day on the water with stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling in clear blue bays, and exploring secluded beaches — all in one incredible trip.
Handy Tips for Parents
Book early: spots for workshops and events can go fast.
Mix it up: one day indoors, one day outdoors keeps kids happy (and parents sane).
Pack the essentials: water, snacks, sunscreen, hat… and a change of clothes never hurts.
Over to You
This is just a taste of what’s happening across the Mackay region these school holidays. If your family gets out and about, share the fun with us — tag #visitmackayisaac so we follow your adventure.
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