The September school holidays are on our doorstep, and if the kids are already saying “I’m bored”… don’t panic. The Central Queensland Highlands has more than enough to keep them (and you) busy. From fishing and red claw to inflatables, science experiments and fossicking – here’s your holiday survival guide.
get outdoors
✅ Fisheries Queensland SIPS 25 Fishing Comp
Queensland’s fishing showdown – celebrating 25 years of the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. Cast a line between 20 Sept–6 Oct, and you could reel in your share of $27,000 in prizes. Grab a permit, download the app, and let the bragging begin!
✅ BIG4 Lake Maraboon Red Claw Comp
Got what it takes to catch a cracker? There’s $5,000 in prizes on the line, with daily weigh-ins and a winners’ party to wrap it all up. Runs until 30 Sept – you’ve got to be a park guest to play.
✅ Springsure Federation Woolshed Koala Trail (pictured)
Grab a map from the Woolshed and meander through Rich Memorial Park on a koala-spotting adventure. Keep your eyes open – these cheeky koalas are statues! Pick up fun nuggets of local history along the way, and finish with your very own Koala Trail certificate.
✅ Aquatic Centres Reopening
The pools in Emerald, Blackwater, Capella, Rolleston, Springsure, and Sapphire are back from their winter snooze! Pack the togs, towel, and snacks – splashes guaranteed!
holiday programs
✅ STEM Adventures – Outback Exploratorium
Noisy, messy, and full-on fun! Kids will explore steam, solar power, and machines with hands-on experiments that get them fizzing with excitement. $35pp per session.
✅ CHRC Libraries
Crafts, movies, robotics, board games… and maybe even a bit of sneaky reading! Fun for all ages, running 20 Sept–3 Oct at Blackwater, Capella, Emerald, Dingo, Duaringa, Rolleston, Gemfields, Tieri, and Springsure. Free, but registration is required.
✅ CHRC Youth Development – Design Your Own Jeans
Teens 12–17 can get creative and design their very own pair of jeans. Walk away with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. 22-26 Sept at Blackwater, Capella, Emerald, Dingo, Duaringa, Rolleston, Gemfields, Tieri, and Springsure. Spaces are limited.
✅ That’ll Do Creative Art Workshops (pictured)
Turn your gemstone finds into sparkly resin creations! Workshops run Thurs–Sun in Rubyvale, starting at $40pp if you bring your own sparkles, or $60pp using supplies provided.
✅ Open Your Art – with Miss Amie Doll’s Tea Party
Adopt a doll, design her outfit, and finish with a high tea celebration full of giggles and games. 1 Oct $55pp at the Emerald Community Arts Centre (behind the Town Library).
indoor escapes
✅ Hive Inflatables (pictured)
Jump, climb, and slide your way around giant inflatables at the Emerald Town Hall on 30 Sept! With sessions for kids 18 months–12 years and a soft play corner for building and creating, it’s guaranteed fun.
Bookings are essential – parent/guardian supervision required for younger kids.
✅ Movies in Emerald & Blackwater
Popcorn, air-con, and a flick — what’s not to love? Catch the latest blockbusters at Emerald Cinema Complex (including special screenings of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle) and the Blackwater International Coal Centre.
Year-round favourites
Because it wouldn’t be a trip to the Central Queensland Highlands without these classics:
✨ Fossicking for treasure in the Sapphire Gemfields
✨ Hiking ancient landscapes at Carnarvon Gorge
✨ Bushwalking and swims at Blackdown Tableland National Park
Photo Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
AND MORE!
Check out What’s On Central Queensland Highlands for events such as Shrek the Musical (19-20 Sept), 2025 Australasian Team Roping Assoc National Finals (1-5 Oct), and local markets.
Follow the Central Queensland Highlands Facebook and Instagram pages for more school holiday tips.