School Holiday Survival Guide

Ahoy there, parents and guardians!

We’re heading into the final stretch of the school holidays, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve been navigating these waters with a mix of excitement, exhaustion, and just a splash of chaos. As I sail through a good week—feeling well enough to get out and about before my next chemotherapy treatment—I’ve been making the most of it with my little one, who’s nearly a year and a half now. Let me tell you, keeping up with a toddler during school holidays is its own kind of endurance test!

We decided to jump aboard Mackay Regional Council’s Treasure Trail this year after only managing to visit a few locations last year. I was determined to redeem myself, and I’m proud to say we conquered most of it over the weekend, with just one stop left to check off Monday morning (thanks to a Sunday closure). Hats off to the crew who blitzed through it in under five hours—that’s some seriously impressive charting and time management! If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time to register and embark on your own adventure. Who knows? You might even win a treasure trove of prizes! Check out page 26 for all the details and some of the fantastic photos families have shared.

And here’s a pro tip (without giving away too much): you’ll be heading up the Valley on this adventure, so why not make a pit stop at one of the cafes, pubs, or galleries along the way? Show some love to our Valley neighbours and let them know Mackay’s got their back.

If you need more inspiration for how to survive the final week of holidays, our event guide on page 22 has you covered. Plus, there’s a special school holiday feature on page 24 and all the info you need about the fun day at the Dunes on page 25.

Happy sailing, me hearties—may you find adventure, relaxation, and just enough caffeine to see you through!

Amanda

‍