6 things to do these school holidays in Mackay

List

By Ariana Potamianakis

School’s out for the holidays. But there’s no need to be cramped up inside and stay glued to the screens—get out and explore with this list of things to do these school holidays in Mackay.

1. Zipline through the rainforest

Forest Flying Finch Hatton Gorge | school holiday activities Mackay — Photo by Forest Flying via FB

Write your own Jungle Book in the ancient rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge whilst suspended 25 metres above the ground.

At Forest Flying, you’ll go on a bushwalk first up, then get strapped in for an adventure. You control how fast you glide along the cables, but remember to take in the scenery and see if you can spot any fruit bats or eagles along the way! Each tour takes around two hours and riders need to be a minimum of 30kg - it's recommended to be at least 10 years of age also.

2. Get a taste of the tropics

Family eating fairy floss at Sarina Sugar Shed | school holiday activities Mackay — Photo by @sarinasugarshed

Got a sweet tooth? Visit the Sarina Sugar Shed to school up on how sugar goes from the canefields to you.

Learn how sugar is grown, processed, milled and distilled (then try not to get too hyped up in the fairy floss section afterwards) on one of four daily tours at 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm or 2pm. You’ll even get to taste-test the freshly extracted cane juice!

3. Walk off all that energy

Platypus Viewing Deck at Broken River | school holiday activities Mackay

Mackay is blessed with warm, sunny days so make the most of the perfect weather conditions with a hike through Eungella National Park.

Little legs can tackle the short and sweet Sky Window Circuit or opt for a spot of platypus viewing at the Broken River picnic area before crossing trickling creeks along the Rainforest Discovery Circuit. Slighter older broods can extend their journey along the 1.6km Granite Bend track, passing through tall groves of Livistona palms.

If the kids are still bouncing balls of energy, try these scenic drives and hikes to keep them on their toes.

4. Camp out

Craving an outdoorsy escape? Pack the sleeping bags and pitch a tent in Mackay’s most secret camping spots. While you're out exploring, use this handy local’s guide to Mackay’s great outdoors.

5. Head out to the reef

The Wild Cat Mackay catamaran moored off Middle Percy Island, while on a Snorkel and Islands Day Tour | school holiday activities Mackay

Want to get off the beaten track - and out to sea? Jump on a day tour with Wildcat Mackay and you'll see an untouched side to the Great Barrier Reef. Visit hidden islands, snorkel and swim, paddleboard, and soak up more views from the rooftop deck on the ride back to the mainland.

6. Splash in the lagoon

Bluewater Lagoon | school holiday activities Mackay — Photo by @visitmackay

Make the most of Mackay's very own Bluewater Lagoon. This place is a steal (it’s free) and has a waterfall connecting two massive pools and kids’ play area to burn off that school holiday energy. Relax and throw a snag on the BBQ. You’ve done well.

Looking for more school holidays activities in Mackay? Be sure to check out what's on - and mark your calendar for June when the annual Mackay Show comes to town for three days of action, sideshows, showbags and rides.