
Tasman turtle welcomes everyone to picnic day! Photo supplied
One of North Queensland’s most loved family events is ready to come out of its shell once again, with Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day returning to the TYTO Parklands on Saturday, 30 May 2026.
Drawing thousands of visitors each year, the event has cemented its place as a standout on the regional calendar, blending environmental awareness, live entertainment and hands-on family fun in a way that continues to resonate with the community.
Running from 9am to 2pm, Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day invites families to slow things down to turtle pace and reconnect with what matters, caring for Country, protecting local wildlife and passing those values on to future generations.
At its heart is a powerful message: the small choices we make today shape the world we leave behind.
That message is brought to life through the story of Hinchinbrook’s own marine turtles, with Green and Flatback turtles travelling thousands of kilometres each year to nest on local beaches, relying on clean oceans and protected coastlines to survive.
Mayor Ramon Jayo said the event continues to grow in both scale and significance.
“Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day reflects our community and the values we share,” Mayor Jayo said.
“We are fortunate to live in a region with significant natural assets, including beaches where Green and Flatback turtles nest each year.
“This event plays an important role in raising awareness and supporting the protection of these environments and species for future generations.”
The free family event will feature a packed program of entertainment, workshops and interactive activities designed to educate, inspire and entertain visitors of all ages.
Entertainment throughout Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day will include performances by Dancers Academy of Ingham, Bella Dance – Ready, Set, Dance, and local performers, while hands-on workshops and educational experiences from Roaming Wild, CircUp and Council’s Waste Team will encourage practical, everyday action in a fun and engaging way.
Families can also enjoy facepainting, cupcake decorating, craft activities, laser skirmish, rock wall climbing, bungee trampolines, Hinchinbrook Archery, Melville’s Entertainment Petting Zoo and F5F activities.
A variety of food stalls will also be available across the day, including Rotary, Lions Club, Crepe Creations, Cobby’s Kitchen, Frosty Whip, Tropical Snow Cones and Nomadic Fix coffee.
From wildlife encounters and community displays to live performances and family-friendly fun, Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day continues to showcase Hinchinbrook’s strong connection to its natural environment while proving sustainability does not have to be serious to make an impact.
More than just an event, Tasman Turtle’s Picnic Day has become a symbol of Hinchinbrook’s identity, proud, forward-looking and deeply connected to its natural environment.
So, pack a picnic rug, bring the family, and get ready for a shell-ebration that’s as meaningful as it is memorable.