By Sebastian Conidi
Since 2015, cane farmer Caroline Lee and her family have been spreading festive cheer with their much-loved hay-bale displays at the corner of Telford Road and Gregory Cannon Valley Road. What began with a simple snowman has grown into a yearly tradition eagerly anticipated by the community. This Christmas, the family has unveiled a colourful new display featuring characters from the beloved TV show Bluey alongside Santa. Created by Caroline, her husband Michael and in-laws Laurie and Carmel, the display draws cars daily and brings smiles to all ages, spreading Christmas spirit across the Whitsundays.
Since 2015, cane farmer Caroline Lee, with the support of her family, has been putting up fun hay-bale displays on the corner of Telford Rd and Gregory Cannon Valley Rd during the festive season to ignite Christmas joy. Initially beginning with a snowman, and followed by Santa's train the, ritual has continued every year thanks to its great popularity. "People would always ask: what are you doing next year?" said Caroline.
This year sees an exciting new display of characters from the popular Australian kids show 'Bluey' along with Santa. "Bluey is just so popular, he's everywhere," shared Caroline when asked where the inspiration came from.
The driving force behind the project involves a group effort with Caroline supported by her husband Michael and his parents Laurie and Carmel. "It's between 4 of us, it's not just 1!" she joked. "I'd be lost without them!"
The family work together to craft the beautiful displays that have cars pulling over and people piling out, eager to capture special festive photos.
The display has gone through various iterations over the years including a locust, a tinnie and a doctor and nurse during Covid. Displays also come up at different times of the year such as an Easter Bunny for Easter and Anzacs for Anzac Day.
"It puts a smile on the kids faces!" expressed Caroline.
"Everyday you look down there and there's cars pulling in all the time!"
The Bluey display has clearly spread lots of happiness and will continue to do so through the festive season. A big thanks to Caroline and her family.
Everyone is invited to come and get their festive photos at the Bluey display on the corner of Telford Road and Gregory Cannon Valley Road. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
