FIRST CLASS 25 Exhibition tours

Book your preferred day for a guided or self-guided exhibition tour at MAC yapang.

Popular exhibition series FIRST CLASS returns in 2026 for its eighteenth year!

Schools and community groups are invited to book a free guided or self-guided exhibition tour and secure a preferred day and time.

FIRST CLASS 25

This highly anticipated exhibition has built a strong reputation as a place where ideas, beliefs and creativity intersect.

The students represent schools from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and the Hunter, and their work reflects the scope and depth of the NSW HSC Visual Arts syllabus.

Each year, participants create artworks that explore their world and position themselves within it.

WEEKLY DROP-IN GUIDED TOURS

Free, drop-in guided exhibition tours are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 11:00am for community members and small groups of fewer than 10 people.

No registration is required for drop-in tours. Visitors can arrive on the day and join one of our volunteer exhibition guides.

GUIDED GROUP EXHIBITION TOURS

Due to high demand, guided tours are subject to availability. Where possible, MAC yapang will provide tours led by Education staff and / or Volunteer Exhibition Guides.

To request a guided tour:

• Book a preferred day and time from the available options
• Select the guided ticket type for your group

Conditions:

• Maximum of 30 guests in the exhibition space per booking
• Allow approximately 45 minutes for the visit
• Bookings must be made at least 4 days in advance

SELF-GUIDED GROUP EXHIBITION TOURS

To request a self-guided visit:

• Book a preferred day and time from the available options
• Select the self-guided ticket type for your group

Conditions:

• Maximum of 30 guests in the exhibition space per booking
• Allow approximately 45 minutes for the visit
• Bookings must be made at least 2 days in advance

GROUP TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday:

9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm

Wednesday:

9:30am, 11:45am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm

Thursday:

9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm

ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR SCHOOL GROUPS

• Self-directed activity sheets are available for school groups
• School bags are not permitted in the exhibition space. Where possible, please leave on the bus or use MAC yapang cloaking facilities
• School groups are encouraged to bring their own lunches
• If purchasing food or drink, teachers are asked to manage student ordering to a maximum of 10 students at a time
• School visit Risk assessment
• Art Making Workshops: First Class 25 guided practical artmaking workshops for students are available on request. Fees may apply. Please email enquiries to jldavies@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

FOOD AND BEVERGAE

Light food and beverage options are available for purchase while visiting MAC yapang, with scattered seating throughout the public spaces. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and picnic in the MAC yapang Sculpture Park.

ACCESS AND PARKING

• Please follow directional signage and make use of overflow parking locations towards Booragul jetty.
• Note you may have to walk a short to medium distance, please plan and time your visit accordingly.
• Disabled car spaces and drop off zone for small to medium vehicles only are located next to MAC yapang via vehicle access road.
• Refer to the access map (below) or contact MAC yapang visitor services team for further information.

OTHER INFORMATION

• Bookings for group tours are available from Tuesday to Thursday at set times
• Free volunteer-guided tours for small community groups are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 11:00am.
• To assist with planning, please indicate at the time of booking if your group intends to purchase food or drinks onsite.
• First Class 25 is on display at the Museum of Art and Culture yapang from Saturday 21 February to Sunday 19 April 2026
• Do you have a question? Please email mac@lakemac.nsw.gov.au and a team member will respond shortly.