The summer holidays are here, and Mackay is filled with things to see, do and explore. Whether you’re planning festive outings, outdoor adventures, or relaxed days close to home, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities across the region.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best school holiday activities across Mackay and surrounds.
ONGOING THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
Cool Down at Bluewater Lagoon
Daily, 9am–6pm (closed Christmas Day)
Mackay’s favourite warm-weather hangout is ready to help you beat the heat. Pack the towels, sunscreen, and inflatable flamingos for a full day of splash-friendly fun.
The BIG Summer Read! – Mackay Libraries
Keep young minds active with this statewide summer reading challenge — perfect for encouraging little bookworms. Sign up online or at your nearest library.
City Heart Christmas
Bright Lights Projections
Dec 5–24, 6:30pm–10pm | Wood Street
Visit Wood Street after dark to catch three glowing tropical-Christmas projection displays lighting up the City Heart.
Magical Christmas Window Competition
Dec 5–16 | Mackay City Heart
Take a self-guided trail through Mackay’s most festive shopfronts and vote for your favourite.
Santa’s Secret Present Search
Dec 5–16 | Mackay City Heart
Solve clues, hunt for presents hidden in local stores, and spot special yarn-bombed Christmas symbols along the way.
At the Botanic Gardens
Create a Christmas Card or Gift Tag
Dec 8–12 and Dec 15–16, 9am–3pm | Visitor Information Deck | FREE
Drop in with the kids to craft festive cards and tags inspired by the surrounding gardens.
Seeds & Sparkle – Christmas Decoration Craft (Kids 6–12)
Friday 12 Dec and Tuesday 16 Dec | Botanic Gardens Meeting Room | FREE
Nature-inspired Christmas decorations, made with seeds, sparkle, and imagination.
Twigs & Sparkle – Christmas Weaving for Kids
Tuesday 9 Dec and Monday 15 Dec | FREE
A hands-on weaving workshop where kids create magical Christmas keepsakes.
Sarina Sugar Shed
Just a short, easy drive south of Ooralea Waters, the Sarina Sugar Shed is running its ever-popular kids-only tours every day of the school holidays — and yes, adults get in at children’s prices.
Open: 7 days, 9am–4pm
Kids Tours: Daily at 10:30am (bookings essential)
Cost: $13.30 per person
Designed especially for junior explorers, this 45-minute interactive tour dives into the journey of sugar. Kids will hunt for critters in the cane patch, touch and feel each stage of the sugar-making process, and taste sugar cane juice straight from the mill.
There’s even a fun sticker trail to help them follow the machines through the production line, plus a take-home info sheet and quick quiz. The tour wraps up with a sample of the Sugar Shed’s non-alcoholic ginger beer and freshly spun fairy floss — a guaranteed holiday highlight.
Sarina Youth Centre – Free Drop-In Activities
The Sarina Youth Centre is keeping the festive fun going with a week of drop-in sessions for young people aged 10–21 years. All activities run from 11am–2pm, and no booking is required — just turn up and join in!
The program schedule includes:
Tuesday 16 Dec: Card making (delivered to Sarina Aged Care)
Wednesday 17 Dec: Cookie baking & decorating
Thursday 18 Dec: Christmas movie session
Monday 22 Dec: Create your own personalised ornaments
Tuesday 23 Dec: Christmas lunch & Secret Santa
It’s a great way for local teens and young adults to connect, get creative, and enjoy festive downtime in a safe, social space. Simply call 4961 9278 or text 0448 941 077 to secure your spot!
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re looking to swap screens for sunshine, Mackay is home to some of Queensland’s most spectacular natural landscapes — all just a scenic drive from Ooralea Waters
Eungella National Park – Rainforest Trails & Platypus Spotting
A must-do for nature lovers, Eungella National Park offers an easy day trip packed with wildlife, waterfalls and lush, cool rainforest. Head straight to Broken River, one of the world’s most reliable places to spot wild platypus — best viewed early morning or late afternoon from the dedicated viewing decks.
Keen hikers can continue deeper into the misty rainforest on one of the area’s short walks, or venture towards Finch Hatton Gorge for a refreshing swim beneath the waterfalls at Araluen Cascades or the Wheel of Fire.
Cape Hillsborough – Sunrise with Wallabies
One of Queensland’s most iconic natural experiences sits right on Mackay’s doorstep. Visit Cape Hillsborough Beach at sunrise to watch wallabies and kangaroos feeding along the shoreline — a magical moment that’s equally unforgettable for kids and grown-ups.
After sunrise, explore the walking trails weaving through the national park, enjoy a picnic by the beach, or keep the adventure going with rockpool exploring at low tide.
Theresa Creek Dam – Picnics, Swimming & Water Play
Just outside Clermont, Theresa Creek Dam is a peaceful escape perfect for families wanting a relaxed day outdoors. Pack the esky and enjoy lakeside picnics, swimming spots, birdwatching and loads of open space for the kids to run amuck.