Holiday Fun Isn’t Over Yet

How to Make the Most of the Final Week of School Holidays

Students across the Burdekin Shire are set to enjoy one final week of school holiday freedom and fun before classes resume on Tuesday, the 27th of January! Although the past month’s wet weather may have put a dampen on some school holiday plans, there’s still plenty to get up to in and around the region, rain, hail or shine.

Library Fun That Never Gets Old
Kicking things off strong, the region’s local libraries are absolute holiday heroes once again. Every school holidays, children can pick up Wink (for younger kids) or Blink (for older school-aged kids) - two free activity booklets packed with puzzles, games and creative challenges to enjoy at home. They’re available from the first weekend of the holidays at both Burdekin Library Ayr and the Home Hill Branch Library.

On top of that, the Burdekin Library has rolled out a jam-packed program of FREE school holiday activities for children aged four and up.

• Thursday the 15th of January: 10am Laser Cut Bag Tag Workshop at the Ayr Library.
• Monday the 19th of January: 2pm Movie Time at the Ayr Library.
• Tuesday the 20th of January: 10am Beaded Jewellery Workshop and 3pm Circuit Lunchbox Name Sticker Workshop, both at the Ayr Library.
• Wednesday the 21st of January: 10:30am Mini STEM Workshop at the Ayr Library.

Bookings are essential and can be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.

Outdoor Adventures for All Ages
If the sun’s out, then there’s no excuse why you and your families shouldn’t pop on out to enjoy the great outdoors these summer holidays!

Plantation Park is always a crowd favourite, offering shady picnic spots, BBQ facilities, access to the Juru Walk and the impressive Plantation Nature Play area with all-abilities swings, climbing features and fossil digging. Keep an eye out for the iconic 60-metre carpet snake sculpture, Gubulla Munda!

Coutts Park in Ayr and Arch Dunn Memorial Park in Home Hill are ideal for relaxed afternoons, with playgrounds, picnic shelters, barbecues and plenty of space to run free. Over at Alva Beach Park, the recently upgraded playground adds a musical twist with instrument-inspired installations alongside slides, swings and a half basketball court.

For something a little different, take the family on a creative wander along the Burdekin Art Trail. Stretching across five towns, the trail showcases vibrant murals, sculptures and installations that bring the region’s culture and history to life, perfect for a relaxed couple of hours exploring together.

Nature, Wildlife and Hidden Gems
Looking to mix fun with a bit of learning? The Ayr Nature Display is a must-visit. Home to one of Australia’s finest preserved collections of butterflies, beetles, shells, fossils and more, it’s a fascinating experience for curious kids (and adults too).

Bird lovers will adore a trip to Horseshoe Lagoon Conservation Park, around 30 minutes north of Ayr. With a permanent freshwater lagoon, abundant birdlife and a sheltered bird hide, it’s a peaceful way to reconnect with nature and spot something new.

Get Moving Together
Why not turn the holidays into a fun family challenge? Plantation parkrun runs every Saturday at 7am and is completely free. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or cheer from the sidelines - it’s all about participation.

For a school holiday adventure with a serious “wow” factor, Mt Inkerman is a must-visit. Just a 10-minute drive south of Home Hill, this iconic landmark rises dramatically from the surrounding landscape and offers breathtaking panoramic views across the region.

Make This Summer One to Remember
With calendars filling fast for 2026, these school holidays are the perfect chance to slow down, reconnect and enjoy everything the community has to offer. From library programs and shady park picnics to art trails, wildlife and beachside play, there’s something for every family and plenty of opportunities to make memories that last long after the school bell rings again!

‍

Home Hill's Arch Dunn Memorial Park in Home Hill features a playground, picnic tables and barbecue area! Photo source: Visit Burdekin
The Ayr Nature Display has been a cherished part of the community since 1966. Photo source: Visit Burdekin
Plantation Park's Gubulla Munda sculpture is always a family fav! Photo source: Townsville NQ
Take the family for a picnic at Horseshoe Lagoon. Photo source: Townsville NQ
Mt Inkerman offers breathtaking panoramic views of the region. Photo source: Townsville NQ

‍