Mackay, Whitsundays, Isaac events for 2021 including weekends

December is jam-packed with events right across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays. Check out what’s on in your patch.

The Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region is getting into the festive spirit with a stack of Christmas-themed fun coming up.

Bookmark this article, save it and send it to your friends and family for it will become your go-to guide for what’s on for the rest of the year.

There are plenty of events on the list, all in date order with still more to come.

If you know an event in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region that should be on the list, email [e-mail]

This list will be updated as more events are announced so make sure to keep check on what’s happening, right here.

DECEMBER

Self-guided activities

When: Any day or time

Where: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

What’s happening: Discover which birds live in the Botanic Gardens, head on an epic voyager’s hunt to learn about some of our local native plants that were collected 250 years ago and see if you can complete the Alphabet I Spy!

Self-guided activities are available all school holidays and can be printed from the Botanic Gardens website mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au or pick up copies from the brochure holders opposite the cafe.

Bocce with a buddy

When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Where: Botanic Gardens

Cost: $5 for hire of bocce set ($50 cash only refundable deposit)

Enjoy a game of bocce or croquet with a friend on our sand bocce court.

Bocce sets are available for hire from the Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre.

Butterfly Host Plant Trail

When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (when the Visitor Information Centre is open)

Where: Tropical Shade Garden

What’s happening: Follow the trail around the Tropical Shade Garden and discover some of the plants you can grow at home to attract butterflies to your garden.

Along the way, there is a kids fun facts trail to do.

Don’t forget to visit the Visitor Information Centre and have a look at some of the critters on display.

Sarina Sugar Shed

Special kids tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed

When: 10.30am every day of the school holidays

Cost: Adult entry at the children’s price of $13.20, bookings are essential.

Where: Field of Dreams Parklands, Railway Square, Sarina

What’s happening: During the 45-minute tour, the kids will discover the growing and harvesting of the sugar cane and complete a hunt for the critters that live in our sugar cane patch.

They’ll enter our miniature sugar mill to see how sugar cane is crushed, and sample deliciously sweet sugar cane juice straight from our miniature mill, ’Bill the Mill Junior’.

Special stickers help the kids to understand how the machines work to transform sugar cane juice into sugar – they can touch and feel the different stages of the production from the bagasse to the sugar, to tasting the molasses.

They’ll also receive a free information sheet at the end, which is great for school projects, and the quick, fun quiz will help to keep the young ones engaged.

Everyone gets a chance to taste our non-alcoholic ginger beer brewed on-site and freshly-spun fairy floss. Limited spaces are available.

Book online at sarinasugarshed.com.au

Bluewater Lagoon

When: Open 7 days from 9am to 5.45pm

Where: Bluewater Lagoon, River Street, Mackay

What’s happening: Splash around with the whole family at the Bluewater Lagoon.

Overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River in the heart of the Mackay City Centre, the facilities provide the ideal stinger-free environment for kids and adults alike.

Find out more here: mackay.qld.gov.au/bluewaterlagoon

Greenmount Homestead

Virtual homestead tours

Where: Access anytime online

What: Tour the stunning, heritage-listed gardens of Greenmount Homestead and view photos from the archives on an educational and fun 3D tour from the comfort of your own home.

This is a great way to learn more about Mackay’s most valued historical attraction.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3sDLQ95

Ken Burgess Orchid House

When: Monday to Friday 10am to 11am. Sunday 10am to 2pm

What: Kids and adults alike will love the beautiful and rare orchids on display at the Ken Burgess Orchid House.

Stroll through the display, which houses an astounding variety of orchids, all flowering at different times of the year.

Enjoy the natural surrounds of Queens Park while you explore the Ken Burgess Orchid House.

Make a day of it and bring along a picnic and let the kids enjoy the playground.

Sarina Youth Centre

The Sarina Youth Centre will host a range of school holiday fun activities for young people aged 10 to 21 years.

There is a limit of 10 people each day.

You must be registered to attend.

Please indicate the day and program by calling 4961 9278 or email [e-mail]

School Holiday Christmas Craft Workshops

When: 10am to 1pm, Thursday, December 16 and Tuesday, December 21

Where: Charlies Cafe, Porters Mitre 10 Mackay, Brisbane St, Mackay

What’s happening: Create some wonderful Christmas craft with all supplies included plus a kids lunch voucher.

How to book: Tickets cost $15. Book online via Eventbrite.

Bedtime Stories

When: Thursday, December 16, 5pm to 6pm

Where: Gordon White Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3peArN9

When: Thursday, January 20, 5pm to 6pm

Where: Gordon White Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3xF0rp4

When: Thursday, January 20, 5pm to 6pm

Where: Dudley Denny City Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/2ZEJgay

What’s happening: A fun evening for children aged from birth to eight years-of-age and their families.

The session features nursery rhymes, stories, songs and a craft activity.

Don’t forget to wear your pyjamas.

Proserpine Chat and Patch Quilting Groups

When: 10am to 2pm and from 7-9pm every Tuesday, plus a community program making quilts for the hospital and nursing home from 9am to 2pm on the last Saturday of each month.

Where: Proserpine Community Centre, 36 Gardenia St, Proserpine

What’s happening: New members are welcome to join the Proserpine Community Chat and Patch Quilting Club. Experienced quilters also welcome.

Become A Reef Life Saver

When: Multiple dates from Tuesday, December 21 2021 to Friday, January 7 2022

Where: Airlie Beach Swim Centre, 2583 Shute Harbour Rd, Jubilee Pocket

What’s happening: Learn to snorkel comfortably with an eye on the reef, and learn the ecosystem of a reef fish.

Buddy safety and conservation education are included in these family-friendly sessions, held in a heated pool with snorkel equipment and learning materials provided.

How to book: $79 per person. Suitable for ages 8+. Book online or phone [phone].

The Colouring Club

When: 9am to noon, Tuesday, December 21

When: Everything you need to colour in is supplied including beautiful pictures and a wide variety of pencils. Or feel free to take your own supplies.

Costs $5 per person which includes tea, coffee and friendly conversation.

Hoy

When: 9.30am to noon, Thursday December 23

Where: Magpies Sporting Club, Glenella Rd, Glenella

Cost: Costs $1 per board to play.

There is also a cent sale at half time for $1 sheet and raffles for one ticket for $5 or for $10 to win fruit and vegetable trays and shopping vouchers.

Take your own tokens such as glass beads to play with if possible.

All funds go to Glenella State Primary School.

How to book: For more information, phone [phone].

Business Networking Lunch

When: 11.45am to 1.30pm, Thursday, December 23

Where: Shamrock Hotel, Nebo Rd, Mackay

What’s happening: A group of 28 motivated business owners regularly meet to network and help grow each other’s businesses.

See the Facebook event for more information.

B Social Festival

When: 12pm-10pm, Wednesday, December 23

Where: Mackay Showgrounds

What’s happening: B Social is making its debut in Mackay with none other than a heated line up for your social tastebuds including Masked Wolf, The Jungle Giants, Sneaky Sound System, Choomba, Tigerlily, Jordan Burns, Taleena, Latifa Tee, Silky Fuzz and more.

How to book: 18+ event. Tickets from $99. Book online via festicket.com

Christmas Day Banquet on the Beach

When: 12pm – 4pm, Saturday, December 25

Where: Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, 116 Pringle Road, Woodwark.

What’s happening: Enjoy all the Christmas lunch classics with absolute beachfront dining and without the clean-up afterwards.

Treat the family to a banquet of seafood, roasted goodies, sides and desserts, themed cocktails, plus a special visit from Santa with presents for the kids.

How to book: Book online or phone [phone].

Christmas Day at the Tavern

When: 11.30am, Saturday December 25

Where: Mount Pleasant Tavern

What’s happening: Sit back, relax and leave the cooking to the tavern on Christmas Day with a delicious seafood buffet lunch with dessert bar.

How to book: Costs $125 for adults, $99 for seniors and children aged 13-17, or $59 for children 3-12. Drink packages are $30 for standard or $50 for premium.

For more information, phone [phone].

Ibis Mackay Christmas Lunch

When: Noon to 3pm, Saturday, December 25

Where: Ibis Mackay, Mackay Airport

What’s happening: Ibis Mackay is hosting a Christmas Day buffet lunch with family roasts, ham, local Moreton Bay bugs, Christmas pudding and much more.

A special date with Santa has already been locked in for the day with gifts for the whole family.

How to book: Costs $99 for adults, $45 for children aged 5-12. Book online via mackaytickets.com.au

Christmas Day Lunch at Moss

When: 11.30am to 2.30pm, Saturday, December 25

Where: Moss on Wood, Wood St, Mackay

What’s happening: Spoil your loved ones for Christmas Day at Moss on Wood’s Christmas Day lunch buffet.

It includes a seafood selection with prawns and oysters, cold section with meats and salads, carvery station with glazed ham, turkey, roast beef and pork and desserts including plum pudding and pavlova.

How to book: Costs $120 per person, or $50 per child aged 3-12. Phone [phone] or book online via mackaytickets.com.au

It’s a Wrap – Boxing Day at the Seabreeze

When: Noon to 6pm, Sunday, December 26

Where: Seabreeze Hotel, 72 Pacific Esplanade, Slade Point

What’s happening: Get over all the wrap and crap from your Christmas with five hours of live music from artists including Gypsy Soldiers, Nortica, Evan Daly and more.

How to book: Free all ages event. Bistro bookings essential. Phone [phone].

Hoy

When: 9.30am to noon, Thursday, December 30

Where: Magpies Sporting Club, Glenella Rd, Glenella

What’s happening: Costs $1 per board to play.

There is also a cent sale at half time for $1 sheet and raffles for one ticket for $5 or for $10 to win fruit and vegetable trays and shopping vouchers.

Take your own tokens such as glass beads to play with if possible.

All funds go to Glenella State Primary School.

How to book: For more information, phone [phone].

NYE at Harrup Park

When: 7.30pm til late, Friday, December 31

Where: Harrup Park

What’s happening: Join in the celebration as French Press and Nortica put on a show to send you into the New Year. There will be live music from 7.30pm in the Garden Bar.

New Year’s Eve 2021

When: Noon to 2am, Friday, December 31

Where: Magpies Sporting Club, Glenella Rd, Glenella

What’s happening: Live music from Anette Worthington, Centro Restaurant open from noon for meals with table service, and a midnight toast.

How to book: For more information, phone [phone].

Suburban’s $1000 Karaoke Contest

When: 7-11pm, Saturday, December 31

Where: Souths Suburbans Bowls Club, 39 Wardrop St, Mackay

What’s happening: Singers compete in weekly karaoke competitions for their chance to win a spot at the grand final and take home $1000 cash and a trophy.

December 18 is grand final.

New Year’s Eve River Party

When: 6-9pm, Friday, December 31

Where: Bluewater Quay, Mackay

What’s happening: Time to wave goodbye to the year that was with free, family fun featuring the Looney Tunes and local musicians Tiffany Grace and Kate Lockyer.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the many food vendors on site while the kids enjoy amusement rides, fireworks and free face painting.

NYE Toga Party

When: Starts 6pm, Friday, December 31

Where: Souths Leagues Club, Milton St, Mackay

What’s happening: Live music from 7pm, food and drink specials all night, kids superhero party from 6pm (they are welcome to stay until midnight).

Go dressed in your best toga costume with prizes to be won including a caravan and cash.

How to book: For more information, phone [phone] or email [e-mail]

Yo, ‘90s New Years Eve Party at the Bowlsie

When: Starts 6pm, Friday, December 31

Where: Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club, Rural View

What’s happening: The Feels and DJ Funky will be playing your favourite ‘90s bangers plus more all night long so you can get “jiggy with it” until the new year.

Wear your rad threads for your chance to win best dressed.

Entertainment for the whole family including amusement rides, water slides, jumping castles, arcade games and a throwback photo booth.

How to book: Unlimited ride armbands cost $27.46, VIP package including five drink tickets and delicious canapes costs $106.59. Book via Eventbrite.com. For more information, phone [phone]

New Year’s Eve featuring Killer Queen and David Bowie

When: Starts 5pm, Friday, December 31

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

What’s happening: Two of Australia’s premier international tribute artists come together for the ultimate new years eve event. John Blunt as Freddie Mercury and Wayne Vitale as David Bowie portray these larger than life music giants in an unforgettable night of hits.

How to book: Limited general admission tickets available for $79 per person. Book online.

JANUARY 2022

Reef Rocks 

When: From Monday January 3

Where: Throughout the Mackay region

What’s happening: The sneaky library team has been out and about hiding Reef Rocks.

We challenge you to find these hidden gems and return them to your local library in exchange for a free book.

You can then re-hide your Reef Rock for the next rock hunter to discover.

This initiative is suitable for children from five to 12 years.

Hoy

When: 9.30am to noon, Thursday January 6

Where: Magpies Sporting Club, Glenella Rd, Glenella

What’s happening: Costs $1 per board to play.

There is also a cent sale at half time for $1 sheet and raffles for one ticket for $5 or for $10 to win fruit and vegetable trays and shopping vouchers.

Take your own tokens such as glass beads to play with if possible.

All funds go to Glenella State Primary School.

How to book: For more information, phone [phone].

The Whitsundays MotoStars National - Round One

When: 7am Friday, January 7 2022 to 10pm Sunday, January 9 2022

Where: Whitsunday Moto Sport Club, Lascelles Ave Gunyarra

What’s happening: Round one of the MotoStars Nationals features the Australian Junior Road Racing Championship and the Australian Supermoto Championship.

The event will run over three days- Friday being an optional MotoStars training day, before switching gears to racing on Saturday and Sunday.

How to book: Find tickets and more details online.

Hogwarts mega LEGO project

When: Monday January 10, to Friday January 14, during opening hours

Where: Dudley Denny City Library & Gordon White Library

What’s happening: Drop into the Mackay libraries to contribute to the mega LEGO structure.

This event is for young adults aged 12 to 24 and will operate during usual opening hours.

No booking is required for this event.

This activity is not suitable for children under eight due to choking hazards from small pieces.

Beautiful Bugs

When: 10am-12pm,Tuesday January 11

Where: Dudley Denny City Library

What’s happening: Join our own in-house entomologist for an introduction to insect preservation. You are welcome to bring your own (deceased) bugs. This event is for young adults aged 12 to 18 years. More info here: https://bit.ly/3lfrHW7

Magformers

When: Tuesday January 11, to Thursday January 13

Where: Sarina Library

When: Tuesday January 18, to Thursday January 20

Where: Walkerston Library

What’s happening: Click. Connect. Create. Magformers are educational construction toys that allow you to build your own magnetic 3D structures.

Bamboo Construction

When: Tuesday January 11, to Thursday January 13

Where: Walkerston Library

When: Tuesday January 18, to Thursday January 20

Where: Mirani Library

What’s happening: Children explore ideas and find new ways of thinking, creating and building with our bamboo construction sets.

LEGO

When: Tuesday January 11, to Thursday January 13

Where: Mirani Library

When: Tuesday January 18, to Thursday January 20

Where: Sarina Library

What’s happening: Drop into the library for some LEGO fun during library opening hours.

No Scrubs: 90s and Early 00s Party

When: Starts 10pm, Saturday January 15 2022

Where: Magnums Hotel, 366 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach

What’s happening: Calling all Barbie girls, teenage dirtbags and all stars: this party will be larger than life.

Lose yourself on the dancefloor to all the best tunes, anthems, and bangers from 1990 - 2009.

How to book: 18+ event. Tickets from $12.25 are available online.

Ukulele for kids

When: 10am-10.45am, Monday January 17

Where: Sarina Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3D5ptOY

When: 11am-11.45am, Monday January 17

Where: Sarina Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3I6SA8w

When: 10.30am-11.15am, Wednesday January 19

Where: Gordon White Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3ljfkZ0

When: 11.30am-12.15pm, Wednesday January 19

Where: Gordon White Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3rme1fY

When: 10.30am-11.15am, Thursday January 20

Where: Dudley Denny City Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3FZPzVu

When: 11.30am-12.15pm, Thursday January 20

Where: Dudley Denny City Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3xzOroy

What’s happening: This program is the perfect opportunity for children and their parents to come along and have a go at playing the ukulele and learn some basic musical skills in a fun environment. Specifically designed for children aged eight to 12 years and their parent/guardian.

Bullet journals for 2022

Get organised for 2022 with quirky bullet journals that keep you on track with a creative flare.

This event is for young adults aged 12 to 25 years.

When: 2pm-4pm, Monday January 17

Where: Sarina Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3o3jfeb

When: 10am-12pm, Tuesday January 18

Where: Mirani Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3rqKlhL

When: 2pm-4pm, Tuesday January 18

Where: Walkerston Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3rlJkY7

When: 10am-12pm, Wednesday January 19

Where: Dudley Denny City Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3rlJrmv

When: 10am-12pm, Thursday January 20

Where: Gordon White Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3pdMXwp

Under the Sea puppet show

When: 10am-11am, Tuesday January 18

Where: Walkerston Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3xCA6I1

When: 2pm-3pm, Tuesday January 18

Where: Mirani Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/31cQ2EE

When: 2pm-3pm, Thursday January 20

Where: Dudley Denny City Library

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3D10BYF

To celebrate the launch of Strolling Stories, “One Remarkable Reef” at the Bucasia Esplanade, our friend Ros from Wild Puppets will be presenting an Under the Sea puppet show for children aged five to 12 years of age.

Roving Puppets

When: 3pm-3.30pm, Thursday January 20

Where: Dudley Denny City Library

Say hello to Ros and her puppets after the show.

No bookings required.

Movie Matinee

Moon Bound (PG)

When: 2pm-4pm, Friday January 21

Where: Gordon White Library

When siblings Peter and Anne move to a new home, Anne’s imaginary stories of talking June Bugs and adventures to the moon begin to bother Peter.

However, Peter soon realises his little sister’s enchanting tales are far more real than he could ever imagine.

Join us for an afternoon movie and popcorn.

This event is for children aged five to 12 years.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/31cManB

Dream Machine

When: January 26 – 30

Where: Great Barrier Reef – various locations

What’s happening: A four-day destination event set across three spectacular locations

Organisers have carefully curated a deluxe itinerary that involves island-hopping magical Daydream Island, Paradise Cove and a surprise tropical location, with all ferry transfers included.

How to book: Book online via the festival website.