General News
16 June, 2026
Davies Park on for Xmas in July
MAREEBA’s annual Christmas in July celebrations will go ahead as planned with around 250 caravans and motor homes expected to gather at Davies Park from July 27 to 30.
The celebrations will include live entertainment, markets, novelty events, and a Christmas Dinner under the stars.
Visitors and members of the public will be able to participate in an open day at Davies Park on Sunday, 28 July when motor home and van owners throw open the doors of their vans and vehicles to offer a glimpse of their nomadic lifestyle.
In previous years the event has included a jumping castle, face painting and a Christmas hat competition.
The event is hosted by the Far Northern Nomads chapter of the Caravan and Motor Home Club of Australia (CMCA) with the support of Mareeba Shire Council.
Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Shire’s Local Tourism Operators group Cr Lenore Wyatt said the popular annual event highlighted the social aspect that caravanning and motor home travel presented.
“More and more people each year are made to feel welcome as they take in the many and varied attractions and experiences we have right across our friendly Mareeba Shire,” she said.
Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Ltd CEO Michelle Weston said, “While occupancy across North Queensland remains slightly softer than the same time last year, we are hopeful this reflects a later start to the winter season rather than a change in travel intentions.”
“Traditionally, this time of year sees a significant influx of travellers from the southern states escaping the colder weather. While the cold snap has now arrived down south, we are yet to see that translate into the usual lift in North Queensland occupancy.”
Ms Weston added that anecdotally, her group was hearing that caravanners and motorhome travellers were adapting rather than cancelling their travel plans with many booking later, staying closer to home, taking shorter trips, or adjusting their route to suit their budget and comfort levels.
“What remains encouraging is that people are still interested in getting away, with caravanning offers the flexibility to adjust plans without missing out on the holiday experience altogether.
“North Queensland remains one of Australia’s premier winter destinations, offering warm weather, stunning landscapes and welcoming communities and we are hopeful more travellers will make their way north over the coming weeks and support the regional businesses that rely on the winter season.”
For more information on Christmas in July at Mareeba, you can contact Maureen on 0419029 369 or Mike Horton on 0457 152 825.
