Community Activities

The Tanks Arts Centre precinct welcomes community groups to host their workshop, activity or exhibition as part of the diverse program on offer. Some workshops and activities are held on a weekly basis and others may be a short course or a weekend intensive only.

LITTLE TACCAS

You're never too young to develop a green thumb! The Little Taccas program offers young children an appreciation for nature. Aimed at children 5 and under, this fortnightly program features nature-based activities in the Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct, including art and craft, storytelling, sing-alongs and garden discovery walks.

WHEN: Each fortnight on Thursdays:  15 & 29 August  | 12 & 26 September
TIME: 10.00am - noon 
VENUE: The Deck, near Tank 3
COST: Free
INFO & BOOKINGS: Via an online form

HISTORY TOURS OF THE BOTANIC GARDENS AND TANKS ARTS CENTRE PRECINCT

Come along and learn about the history behind the Tanks Arts Centre and Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct. Tours start every Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10am with our volunteer guides.

WHEN: Every Tuesday and Thursday mornings
TIME: 10am - 11am
VENUE: Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
COST: Free
INFO: Phone (07) 4032 6650.

BOTANICAL DRAWING WORKSHOPS WITH JULIE MCENERNY

A relaxed and enjoyable day drawing botanical studies using watercolor pencils.

WHEN: Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September
TIME: 9:30am - 3:30pm 
VENUE: Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
COST: $85 (includes materials)
REQUIREMENTS: Basic drawing skills. 
INFO & BOOKINGS: Julie McEnerny 0407 556 189 art@juliemcenerny.com.au

IS TOASTMASTERS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Do you want to become a confident communicator, strong leader and, if you want to, public speaker? If so, Toastmasters is the place for you. You’ll find a supportive learn-by-doing environment that allows you to achieve your goals at your own pace.

WHEN: Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
TIME: 6:45am - 8:30am
VENUE: Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
COST: $10 per meeting. First meeting is free.
INFO: Katrin Costa 0408 954 980

DRAWING AND PAINTING WORKSHOPS: TEXTURAL PATTERNS IN NATURE WITH SONIA LA SPINA

Depict and replicate patterns from nature, using charcoal and mixed media. The Artist will instruct on various mark making techniques and pre-format in producing a mixed media painting on canvas.

WHEN: Saturday 7 September
TIME: 10:30am - 1:30pm 
VENUE: Tank 4
COST: $60 (one workshop). 10% off for first workshop - introductory offer. Students to bring along canvas (60 x 90cm or lager), drawing cartridge paper - A1 size for first workshop, and a mixture of paint brushes and paints (if in possession of). $140 for 4 workshops. Children are welcome to attend - $20 per child.
INFO & BOOKINGS: Sonia La Spina 0459 030 095 creative.interiors.cairns@gmail.com

HEAVENLY CACAO WORKSHOP

Cairns Chocolate School are holding Chocolate making workshops for beginners monthly. Learn how to make chocolate and confections from scratch using Australian cocoa and equipment you already have in your own kitchen.

WHEN: Saturdays 17 August & 21 September
TIME: 10:00am -11:30pm 
VENUE: Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre 
COST: $79 per person (discounts apply for 2 or more adult bookings)
INFO & BOOKINGS: www.heavenlycacao.com.au/classes

SALTWATER CREEK BASKETRY WORKSHOPS

Botanic Gardens Basketry

Join Saltwater Creek Basketry Group for a fun morning of basketry and other weaving craft using natural products from the Botanic Gardens. Suitable for all skill levels, free entry. Book early as spaces are limited!

WHEN: Saturdays 31 August & 28 September
TIME: 9:30am -12:30pm 
VENUE: Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
COST: By donation
INFO & BOOKINGS: Pam Kusabs (07) 4032 5039

QI GONG

'Qi Gong (pronounced chee gong) is a wonderful way to release physical tension and let go of emotional & mental stress. You will learn gentle exercises and breathing techniques to enhance the flow of positive Qi (life force energy) throughout your entire body and energy system. Qi Gong brings about a deep sense of relaxation, balances emotional energy, improves physical vitality, and activates more of the body's self-healing potential. What a great way to unwind & start the weekend!

WHEN: Fridays 16 & 23 August | 6, 13, 20 & 27 September
TIME: 5:30pm - 6:30pm 
VENUE: Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
COST: $15 per class
INFO & BOOKINGS: Kerrie Womersley PH: 0448 832 966 or www.findyourselfnow.com/qigong

DIY RESIN HOMEWARES WORKSHOP

DIY Workshop 1

Join this exciting hands-on and creative Resin workshops where you will be guided through the process to create your very own resin homewares set. Add glossy and vibrant resin designs to create a personalised 6 piece homewares set, which includes a set of 4 coasters, a cheeseboard paddle, and an oval tray all made from acacia wood. Enjoy the contrast of wood grain and resin magic!

WHEN: Saturday 21 September
TIME: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
VENUE: Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
COST: $230 per person (spaces are limited)
INFO & BOOKINGS: https://www.prettyburd.com.au/pages/book-now

DIY RESIN ART WORKSHOP

DIY Workshop 2

Be guided through the process in a hands-on workshop and create your very own resin artwork. You will be provided with a 50cm round panel, resin, dyes, pigments, pearlescent powders and all the necessary equipment required to create artworks with resin.

Please note: We do not recommend this workshop to pregnant women as chemicals in the form of resins are used.

WHEN: Sunday 22 September
TIME: 10am – 1pm
VENUE: Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
COST: $230 per person (spaces are limited)
INFO & BOOKINGS: https://www.prettyburd.com.au/pages/book-now