Fishing for ideas? Council’s School Holiday Guide’s a reel catch

Townsville families will be hooked planning their September school holiday adventures, with the latest digital School Holiday Guide now available online.

Packed with events, activities and workshops ranging from Martial Arts to Fishing Fun, the free guide is a one-stop resource for families looking to make the most of the school break from 19 September to 5 October 2026.

Mayor Nick Dametto said the guide was the perfect antidote to school holiday boredom, bringing together a wide range of activities on offer across Townsville.

“I’m sure there are plenty of kids looking forward to the school holidays, and the Tilapia Takedown is a great way for them to have some fun, learn new skills and help tackle an environmental pest at the same time,” Cr Dametto said.

“The fishing competition is just one of many activities happening these holidays. From sport and art to fishing and outdoor adventures, there’s something for every age and interest.

“For parents, the School Holiday Guide takes the guesswork out of keeping the kids entertained. At the same time, families will be supporting the local businesses and community groups that create these experiences for our city.”

A free activity offered in Council's September School Holiday Guide is the Townsville Tilapia Takedown, delivered by the Healthy Waters Partnership for the Dry Tropics, Townsville City Council and OzFish Unlimited at Anderson Gardens.

Kara-Mae Coulter-Atkins from the Healthy Waters Partnership for the Dry Tropics said an age-old boredom buster for the September School Holidays is flicking a line.

“Tilapia are an invasive pest that harm the health of our waterways across Townsville, which is why we're hosting the Tilapia Takedown - a free, family-friendly, targeted fishing competition,” Kara-Mae Said.

“On Wednesday 23 September, kids, parents and carers can bring their rods, reels, bait and tackle boxes down to Anderson Gardens to have fun and learn a thing or two.

“At Tilapia HQ we’ll count your fish and measure your longest tilapia ahead of the awards around 11:45am. You will be able to take some time to explore the information stalls, meet local experts, learn more about invasive species, and grab a tasty snag from the Lions BBQ.

“Every fish caught makes a difference. Tilapia removed during the Takedown will be collected by Townsville City Council and recycled through the Healthy Soils program, helping improve the health of both our waterways and local soils.”

Deputy Mayor Suzy Batkovic said Council’s libraries and galleries would once again feature a range of free and engaging activities throughout the holidays.

“We all remember School Holidays as some of the best times of our lives, and often because they were filled with activities and exploring, this guide continues to put all those activities in a central location,” Cr Batkovic said.

“The three Citylibraries branches in particular have a very exciting line-up, featuring Gone Buggo, workshops with author-educator Dr Sarah Pye, a Seriously Fun Science Show and more.”

Families can access and download the free September School Holiday Guide via Council’s website and start planning their school holiday fun today.