"First Light" Photographic Exhibition

When: Until this Sunday 2 May, 2010
Where: Lagoon’s Gallery and Café
Cost: FREE

A Photographic Exhibition by an emerging local landscape Photographic Artist, David Phillips.   Showcasing the many moods of the landscape that surrounds us from first light until the twilight subsides upon tranquil waters.The exhibition will launch a collection of limited edition prints, combining the techniques of Digital, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and the unique beauty of Colourised Infrared (IR) photography. 

The Lagoons Gallery and Cafe is open Wednesday to Friday - 10am to 3pm, Weekends 9am to 4pm.

"Through My Eyes" - An Exhibition by Susan Riley Gee

When: Wednesday May 5 - Sunday May 30, 2010
Where: Lagoon’s Gallery and Café
Cost: FREE

"There's a spot that makes you stop! Make a sketch, take a photo, or pencil it in your brain; brush or knife; paper or canvas, and pallet of paint, let the artworks begin" Susan Riley Gee

An exhibtion of mixed media works

The Lagoons Gallery and Cafe is open Wednesday to Friday - 10am to 3pm, Weekends 9am to 4pm.

Garden Friends planting bee

When:Saturday May 8, 2010 from 9:00am to 12noon
Where: Meet at the Heritage Garden Gazebo, 300 metres north of Gardens Administration
Cost: FREE

Postponed due to Cyclone Ului - The Garden Friends will now be planting the new Natural Heritage Garden with “ flora for fauna” plants near the Forest Arbour at their next Planting Bee on Saturday May 8.

This is a great opportunity to come along and learn more about the types of plants from our bioregion that will be planted to attract wildlife to the Botanic Gardens  - and your garden too!  Planting Bees also offers all budding green thumbs a chance to get their hands dirty and help the Gardens extend their plant collection.

All Planting Bees commence at 9am sharp; with a “planting induction” and participants are asked to remember to slip, slop, slap and wear closed in footwear. For this planting bee, participants are asked to meet at the Heritage Garden gazebo. Morning tea provided!
 
Please contact the Botanic Gardens 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au to RSVP your attendance.

Sunday in the Park

When: Sunday May 16, 2010  2pm - 4pm. 
Where: Tropical Sun Lawn, adjacent to the main entrance, 9 Lagoon Street
Cost: FREE

Third Sunday of every month…Bring a chair or a picnic blanket, then settle back, and enjoy the sounds of local musicians at this free concert.
Phone 4942 4477 to register your participation, or please contact the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

International Plant Conservation Day

When: Free Guided Walks daily... 9.30am… all week…17 - 21 May
Where: Start at the Gardens Shop & Administration, 9 Lagoon Street
Cost: FREE
 
Plants are the backbone of all life on Earth: they regulate our climate, purify our water, help create rich soils and protect those soils from erosion.  Plants, in their amazing diversity, are also an essential resource for human survival and well-being: they provide food, medicine, shelter, and clothing, and are a source of unending beauty. Can you imagine what the world would be like without plants?  Unfortunately, the plants that are vital to people and the planet are facing serious threats in here around the world. There are many ways you can help conserve plants for the planet – right in your own backyard!  
 
The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens will be hosting a variety of information displays of plants, which are threatened in the wild from our local bioregion, which are currently being conserved at our Gardens. Guided walks to view these plants will be available every day at 9.30am from May 17th – May 21st to help raise awareness and celebrate International Plant Conservation Day on May 18th. Find out how you can make a difference.

Museums Alight! 2010

When: Tuesday May 18,  9.30am
Where: Start at the Gardens Shop & Administration, 9 Lagoon Street
Cost: FREE

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is a "Living Museum". It has a large collection of native plants from the local bioregion.  The Gardens also contains historic features and links to Mackay’s early settlement times. Visitors can view the remains of the original water pumping station and the nearby replica of the Richmond Mill chimney. Our Heritage Gardens showcase examples of the early homestead gardens of Mackay. 

Local historian, Berenice Wright will lead a free guided walk to view and discuss these historic aspects. Meet at the Gardens Shop & Administration on Tuesday May 18th at 9.30 am sharp.

Did you know?

We now have Free Guided Walks  -  Every Friday at 9.30am
 
Free Guided Walks are now available at the picturesque Botanic Gardens every Friday. The scenic lagoons and glorious foliage make perfect backdrops during your informative stroll (approx an hour in duration). Join us 9.30 am Fridays (April – October) at  the Gardens Shop & Administration. Themes and tours change with each of your guides and you'll learn something knew each time. Please call ahead and book a spot.
 
Needing refreshments later? Try the new menu at the Lagoons Café and view the ever changing art exhibitions in the Lagoons Gallery.   Lagoons Café opening hours Wed-Fri 10am – 3pm> Sat-Sun 9am - 4pm ph 4952 4966 for reservations (recommended for lunchtime and weekends).