Friends events

Please note that event dates may change and we ask that you visit this site regularly to view any updates or changes.

Regular events

Photo Walkabout

Photo Walkabout in the Botanic Gardens

Date and location changes monthly.
Contact the Botanic Gardens Visitor Information for this month’s event details

Photo Walkabout workshops are free community workshops run monthly. New participants are always welcome to come and explore the Botanic Gardens and take photos with others that are keen to learn about photography. This group is for beginners to advanced amateurs wanting to learn more. The best way to learn is in a fun and active, practical environment.

To find out more about the next Photo Walkabout, please contact the Botanic Gardens

This event is hosted by the Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and supported by Mackay Camera Group.

Heritage Gardeners

Third Wednesday of every month from 9am to 12pm
Meet at Heritage Gardens

The ‘Heritage Gardeners’ are a group within the Friends Association who like to get their hands dirty!

They meet Monthly in the in the Heritage Gardens to help develop and nurture the collection. Planting, pruning, or weeding there is always work to be done and the Heritage Gardeners welcome any extra hands.

Volunteers require a current Council Volunteer induction and must wear closed in shoes and sun smart hat.

To find out more, please contact the Botanic Gardens

Nursery Volunteers

Every Wednesday from 8.30am to noon
Meet at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Nursery

Join the Friends in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Nursery every Wednesday to assist with a range of nursery activities including

  • Seed collection and sorting
  • Propagation of local native plants
  • Nursery maintenance tasks
  • Weed control

Before entering the nursery facility, a current Council Volunteer induction is required.

Closed in shoes must always be worn while on site.

To find out more, please contact the Botanic Gardens

Annual events

Every year, Garden Friends are on hand to assist and promote the Botanic Gardens and Friends Association both in the Botanic Gardens and at other community events around Mackay.

  • Daisy Day – Each year in May the Friends plant hundreds of Xerochrysum bracteatum, Golden Everlasting Daisy, on the Lagoons edge below the cafĂ© deck creating a colourful display.  The eye-catching bright yellow, papery flower displays last several months and attract bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators to our Gardens. Date changes every year, contact the Botanic Gardens for further information.
  • Botanic Gardens Open Day – Held on the Last weekend in May, we join 130+ Botanic Gardens across Australia and New Zealand in celebrating ‘Botanic Gardens Open Day’. Botanic Gardens play a vital role in plant education, preservation, and conservation. The Friends engage with the community through hosting interactive displays, leading guided walks, staffing visitor info centre and much more.
  • Volunteer Expo – Hosted annually by Mackay Regional Council, the Volunteer Expo connects prospective volunteers with volunteer-run organisations within our region. This is a great community event allowing the Friends to showcase the amazing work they do for our community and inviting residents from all walks of life to discover what volunteering opportunities are available as a Friend of the Gardens.