RESTA

29/05/2026

Why does a Black-headed python have a black head?

Native to the dry regions of Northern Australia, these snakes are terrestrial (ground-dwelling) and will burrow for shelter. So when they need to warm up, instead of exposing their entire body to bask in the sun which makes them vulnerable to predators, such as dingoes and birds of prey, they can just poke their head out which acts like a solar panel!

The black colour absorbs sunlight rapidly, allowing the snake to warm it's brain and sensory organs while the rest of it's body is safely hidden 🖤

19/05/2026

29/04/2026

🚨 IT’S HERE… YOUR 2026 ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP! 🚨

Get ready Mackay… because this year’s show is absolutely PACKED with non-stop entertainment for all ages! 🙌

We’re bringing the laughs, the thrills, the animals and the WOW moments — all included with your entry! 👇

✨ Melvilles Animal Farm and Amusements – including the famous Duck Races (as seen at the Ekka!) 🐥

😂Eljay Freestyle Entertainment – with the hilarious Randy Ryder bringing the laughs!

🌀 Helly Hoops – roving the grounds with high-energy hula hoop fun!

🎪 Brophy's Circus – daily arena shows PLUS the incredible Wheel of Death!

🐍 RESTA Reptiles – get up close with snakes, lizards and even a CROCODILE!

🎣 Berkley Supertank – watch live fishing demos and pick up expert tips!

🎆 Nightly Fireworks – lighting up the sky both nights!

…and that’s just the beginning! 🤯

🎟️ TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Buy presale & SAVE 💰
Skip the queues and walk straight in!

👉 Available online at https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/da56eb0e-2d20-45a5-8252-cdda451d79dc + at the Mackay Show Office

25/04/2026

Hi everyone,
To show you all that what you see at events is only a small bit of what our business entails, here are some photos of the new crocodile enclosures that David has just built, along with a new set up for feeder fish.
The feeder fish are for the crocs and turtles to give them enrichment and so they are happy and healthy.

15/04/2026

Our new crocodile enclosures are well underway

27/03/2026

Introducing the Cunningham's spiny-tailed skink (Egernia cunninghami) 🦎

These skinks have a distinctive keel on each scale to give that spiny appearance, especially their tail which can feel sharp to touch. They are native to south-eastern Australia and are usually found around large rock outcrops living in family groups as they are highly social and monogamous, which is rare among reptiles!

Cunningham's skinks are also viviparous, which means they give birth to live young. Which only 20% of Australian skink species do including the Blue-tongue and Shingleback.
Fascinating little creatures! 💚

25/03/2026

🐍🦎 A Wild Visit to Studio 9! 🦎🐍
Studio 9 had an amazing visit from RESTA, where the children experienced a variety of reptiles up close and personal! From slithering snakes to fascinating lizards, it was an exciting hands-on adventure that sparked lots of curiosity and wonder.
David shared his incredible knowledge about reptiles, teaching us all about their habitats, behaviours, and unique features. The children were completely engaged, asking questions and soaking up all the interesting facts!
There were plenty of smiles (and a few brave moments!) as the children had the opportunity to gently touch and interact with the reptiles and crocodile. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow and their excitement shine through.
What a fantastic learning experience—bringing nature right into our classroom! 🌿✨

21/03/2026

23/01/2026

Have you ever seen a snake drink water?
Our Olive python 'Shrek' is demonstrating how they use their mouth (not their tongue) like a sponge or straw, creating suction with jaw movements to draw water in which their muscles then push the water into their throat.
How cool is that!

05/01/2026

Introducing our venomous Collett's snake (Pseudechis colletti) 🧡
Members of the black snake family, their venom is cytotoxic and has haemolytic activity, neurotoxins may also be found as well. However, no deaths have been recorded as they are considered a shy and rare species to encounter in the wild. Ranking them as the 19th most venomous snake in the world.
Their distribution is limited to central and western Queensland, primarily in dry-barren areas or plains.

Quite a spectacular species to have in our collection!