Hello!

Autumn School Holidays are here…This is actually my first time as a school mum and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. Over the last few years, I’ve watched colleagues as they have created complicated spreadsheets to track the whereabouts of their offspring and I was relieved that with the luxury of long day care, I didn’t have to deal with any of that. Well, now it’s my turn to start stressing.

So what I’ve done is created a list of highlights of school holiday fun per state. It certainly is NOT an exhaustive list – it’s rather activities that have caught my eye that I would love to take my kids to.

Let us know in the comments below if you have any favourites we should add in:

NSW

PAW Patrol SEA Patrol at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Get ready for an underwater mission with Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol SEA Patrol at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, turning little explorers into honorary members of the pup squad!

Embark on an underwater voyage guided by your own adventure map, and when you find the PAW Patrol pups throughout the attraction match them to your custom sticker sheet! Along the way you’ll discover some of the world’s most amazing underwater creatures, including Pig the Dugong and the cast from The Real Penguins of Sydney!

Where: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour
When: From 1st April – Sunday 29th April
Cost: Included in price of admission. Adults from $33.50 Children from $23.60
More info: www.sealifesydneyaquarium.com.au

Sherlock Gnomes at Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Become a detective at Wild Life Sydney Zoo these school holidays! Meet and greet your favourite characters, make your very own gnome hat at craft stations, and find out if you’ve developed the skills needed to ‘find your way gnome’ following an exclusive trail throughout the attractions!

Where: Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour
When: 14 April – 29 April
Cost: Included in price of admission. Adults from $33.60 Children from $23.60 For the month of April, kids go free to Wild Life Sydney Zoo (with a paying adult) when they present an Event Cinemas Sherlock Gnomes movie ticket upon purchase.
More Info: www.wildlifesydney.com.au

Jumanji takes over Wild Ropes at Taronga Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side this April school holidays, and challenge yourself to the Jumanji Wild Ropes at Taronga Zoo. Set above some of the zoo’s animal attractions, you’ll feel as though you’ve been dropped into the Jumanji game, right on Sydney’s harbour front. Wild Ropes is a high ropes course, set in the bushland surrounds of Taronga Zoo. The Jumanji take-over is something the whole family can enjoy, with a variety of ropes courses suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Where: Wild Ropes, Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
When: 11 April – 29 April, First session from 9:30am, last session of the day at 3:30pm
Cost: Children 3+ from $20 and adults from $37
More Info: wildropes.taronga.org.au

teamLab FUTURE PARK, Exclusive to the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

It is the last weeks to see teamLab’s Future Park, Sydney’s most popular exhibition for families, with over 100,000 visitors to date, closing 30 April 2018.
Kids can enjoy the exhibition during the April school holidays with the popular program Tinkertoreum, encouraging kids to engage with various challenges through play. Build your own car and test it out on our track or explore and interact with the architectural commission Four Periscopes. Visitors will be able to work together to explore the installation, learning about light, reflection and periscope building with this giant overhead visual maze. Make your own periscope to take home.

Future Park features eight installations that evolve in real time as they respond to human interactions with the art.

Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo
When: Until 30 April 2018
Cost: Adults $28 Concession $22 Children $17.30 Family Pass $74, Members and kids under 4 free.
More Info: www.maas.museum/event/future-park/


Glow in the Dark at Madame Tussauds Sydney

Did you want some glow with that? Madame Tussauds Sydney has partnered with N2 Extreme Gelato to light up your day! This Easter long weekend and every weekend over April, you can add-on an exclusive glow-in-the-dark N2 ice-cream with your ticket and enjoy the most Instagram-able treat around.

Where: Madame Tussauds Sydney, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour
When: Every Sunday in April: 8 April, 15 April, 22 April, 29 April
Cost: Pre-purchased tickets including entry to MTS + Ice-cream is: Adults: From $39.60 & Child: From $29.60
More Info: www.madametussauds.com.au

Rainforest Rangers at Illawarra Fly

Equipped with your very own Rainforest Ranger booklet and lanyard, follow an exciting trail of questions and learn all about the region’s diverse flora and fauna, as well as cool facts about Illawarra Fly’s Treetop Walk structure.
Daring explorers can also satisfy their need for speed by completing the attraction’s high flying Zipline Tour and enjoy 250m of flying fun!
Where: Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, 182 Knights Hill Road, Knights Hill
When: Saturday 14th April – Sunday 29th April
Cost: Included in price of Treetop Walk. Adults from $22.50. Children from $13.50. 
Zipline Tour (includes Treetop Walk): Adults from $60. Children from $36.
More Info: www.illawarrafly.com

Contemporary Kids at Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore artworks from the 21st Biennale of Sydney then head to the creative studios to get hands on with materials and add your mark to a large-scale installation that will grow over the course of the week. This program has been designed for children and their grown-ups to collaborate together, with access to the program valid for multiple visits during the week.

Where: MCA, 140 George Street, Sydney
When: Tue 17 – Sat 21 April
Cost: $18 Family Ticket // $14 Concession
More Info: www.mca.com.au

Embrace The Zen At Darling Quarter

Chakras will align at Darling Quarter Kids’ Yoga, a new FREE yoga program for young ones. With two sessions every Friday (10:30-11am, 11:30am-12:00pm) at the Village Green, Kids’ Yoga promises all the fun of Twister, just without the coloured dots! No prior experience is necessary, with qualified children’s yoga specialist Dee Dee Connor guiding kids through the invigorating, pre-school-tailored sessions. Parents and carers are encouraged to get in on the stretchy, bendy fun alongside their little ones.

Where: Village Green (North), Darling Quarter, 1-25 Harbour St, Sydney
When: Two sessions every Friday, 10:30am-11am, and 11:30am – 12pm
Cost: FREE Public Event
More Info: www.darlingquarter.com


 VIC

Embark on a Space Mission at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne

3, 2, 1 – LIFT OFF! Rocket into outer space and embark on a galactic school holiday adventure at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. To start the expedition, aspiring astronauts must first look the part! Collect a space mask upon entry before venturing off on a scavenger hunt in MINILAND Melbourne to help a fellow space cadet find the missing pieces of his spaceship. LEGO lovers can then build their very own LEGO spaceship in a creative workshop before defying gravity by learning how to fly on the popular Merlin’s Apprentice ride! The mission will then continue in a place out of this world – the Space Training Centre – where cosmic travellers will be tested on their knowledge of the solar system’s planets.

Where: Level 2, Chadstone, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
Cost: Tickets prices vary – see website for details
More Info: melbourne.legolanddiscoverycentre.com.au

 

PAW Patrol pups go on SEA Patrol at Sea Life Melbourne

The interactive experience will take families on a ‘pawsome’ underwater quest throughout the aquarium to help find the missing PAW Patrol pups and save the day. No job is too big, no pup is too small!
The adventure starts upon entry where all children will receive a PAW Patrol pup pack including wearable puppy ears, a treasure hunt map and a PAW Patrol sticker sheet.
The race is then on to follow the map (and the paw prints!) and find all of the PAW Patrol SEA Patrol pups who are hiding throughout Sea Life Melbourne.
As honorary members of the rescue squad, children can also pose with the PAW Patrol pups at the photo wall to capture a memento of the school holiday escapade.
Join the PAW Patrol SEA Patrol rescue squad now! For more information or to purchase tickets for Sea Life Melbourne’s new school holiday experience, please visit: https://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/

Where: Corner of King Street and Flinders Street, Melbourne
When: 30 March – 30 April
Cost: Book online now – $45 per person for the Melbourne Big Ticket. Ticket includes entry to both Sea Life Melbourne and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne
More Info: www.melbourneaquarium.com.au

Mickey Mouse Races into The Langham, Melbourne

Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy, Pluto and Goofy are the inspiration for the next children’s high tea at Aria at The Langham, Melbourne. Mickey and the Roadster Racers High Tea will be on offer on weekdays from now until Friday 20 April. Families are encouraged to race in for what promises to be a fun-filled outing complete with Daisy Duck macarons, Mickey Mouse glove biscuits, Pluto paw print cupcakes, race flag frittatas, Mickey Mouse pizzas, miniature hot dogs as well as classic cucumber ribbon sandwiches and much more. Adults have their choice of enjoying the nostalgia of the Mickey and the Roadster Racers High Tea or choosing to indulge in Aria’s renowned Wedgwood high tea.

Where: The Langham, Melbourne, One Southgate Avenue, Southbank
When: Until 20 April. High tea is available from 10am until 11.30am and from 12.30pm until 2pm
Cost: $39.00 per child includes high tea as well as raspberry cordial and a hot chocolate, while $49.00 per child includes a take home Mickey cash register. $59.00 per adult is inclusive of espresso coffee, leaf tea and a glass of premium sparkling wine
More Info: Bookings can be made by calling 1800 641 107

Eureka Skydeck 88

Soak up a spectacular aerial view of Melbourne with a visit to Eureka Skydeck 88: the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Admire the watery expanse of Port Phillip Bay and the rolling Dandenong Ranges in the distance. Even the other skyscrapers of Melbourne’s business district will seem miniature from this incredible vantage point. Thrill-seekers can upgrade to experience ‘The Edge’— a moving, glass-bottomed cube that lets you hover over the city streets 88 floors below.

Where: 7 Riverside Quay. South Bank, Melbourne
When: Open everyday from 10am
Cost: Adults $20, children $11.50
More Info: www.eurekaskydeck.com.au

MARVEL Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

Fresh from New York, Seoul, Paris and Las Vegas, the MARVEL Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. exhibition is an immersive deep-dive into this cinematic universe. Kids aged five and up will enjoy exploring its history, science, engineering, genetics and technology, and their favourite superheroes’ profiles. Movie props on show include Thor’s mighty hammer, Iron Man’s Hulkbuster suit and Captain America’s shield.

Where: Federation Square, Cnr Flinders and Swanston streets, Melbourne
When: Until 30 June 2018
Cost: $23-$35
More Info: avengersstation.marvel.com.au

Brickman Awesome Exhibition

The exhibition features 39 models and is made up of more than 2 million Lego bricks, taking over 5,000 hours to build. Exhibits include a full-scale Lego model of the new, eighth generation Toyota Camry, the only life-sized Harley Davidson ever made and a Japanese bullet train. Don’t miss the tallest Lego model in the Southern Hemisphere – a 7.5m tall NASA SLS rocket built from more than 450,000 bricks.

Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
When: Until 29 April
Cost: General admission from $25
More Info: Book Here


WA

Perth Video Game Console Museum

Step into The Nostalgia Box to see the history of home video game consoles and play some classic games. The collection includes the first video console made for home use, the Magnavox Odyssey from 1972, and subsequent early consoles from Atari and Nintendo, in addition to newer models such as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Fun for all ages, whether you are reliving your youth or introducing the kids to the games.

Where: Shop 3, 16 Aberdeen Street, Perth
When: Open daily from 10:30am – 5pm
Cost: Adults $16.50, children $11
More Info: thenostalgiabox.com.au

Kids Big Carnival

Get ready because The Kids Big Carnival is coming to the Wanneroo Showgrounds under a massive big top! A massive fun filled event with unlimited kids rides and non stop kids entertainment all day. There will be plenty to do and see with a variety of rides suitable for ages 2 -14 years. Take a ride on the Traffic Jam, go for a flight in the Mini Twister Helicopters, or even see the event from the air on the Samba balloon. Plus meet Poppy and Branch from Trolls.

Where: Wanneroo Showgrounds, Ariti Ave Wanner
When: 20 – 22 April 2018 ; Morning Session: 8:45am – 12:30pm ; Afternoon Session: 1:15pm – 5pm
Cost: Kids ( 2 – 13 years ) $27 per session + booking fee ; Adults ( 13+ ) $17 per session + booking fee
More Info: www.kidsbigcarnival.com.au

Kids Woylie Walk

Kids – have you ever wanted to see Whiteman Park at night, when all the animals come out? If the answer is yes, then join us for a special ‘edition’ of the Nocturnal Woylie Walk these school holidays! This is a fantastic experience where you can watch woylies and quenda feed thanks to our special night lighting and marvel in this night-time experience! Suitable for children aged 4 years old and up.

Where: Woodland Reserve, Car park 5a
When: 18 April 2018 ; 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cost: Adult $18.00, Child (4-16yrs) $14.00, Family Pass (2A&2C) $55.00
More Info: www.whitemanpark.com.au

Shark Sleepover

Experience the excitement of sleeping under the sea! Discover more about our amazing marine animals with a night of exclusive tours, fun marine themed activities designed to educate and enthral, and a sleep over in Australia’s largest single aquarium surrounded by sharks, stingrays and hundreds of stunning fish! Suitable for kids aged 7 – 12 years

Where: The Aquarium Of Western Australia, Perth
When: 13 April 2018
Cost: Child – $125 ; Adult – $145
More Info: www.aqwa.com.au/


SA

SA Museum Dinosaur rEvolution

Our school holiday must-see! Dinosaurs have arrived at the Museum! DINOSAUR rEVOLUTION, a new touring exhibition from Gondwana Studios, explores the thrilling world of dinosaurs and their descendants. Expect lots of dinosaur skeletons and bones, enjoy triggering three animatronic dinosaurs by walking near them and take time out in the kids’ play space.

Where: North Terrace, Adelaide
When: 10am – 5pm daily Until 6 May 2018
Cost: Adult $15 ; Children aged 3-15* $5
More Info: www.samuseum.sa.gov.au

Grug and the Rainbow By The Windmill Theatre Co.

Grug began his life as the top of a Burrawang tree that fell to the ground. Fascinated by the world around him and full of determination, Grug embarks on an epic journey to reach the rainbow that always seems just beyond his grasp. Featuring exquisite puppetry, plenty of surprises and more of the gentle storytelling that has delighted audiences around the world, this show has been especially created for our littlest theatregoers

Where: Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, Festival Drive
When: 10 – 21 April
Cost: Tickets from $25
More Info: windmill.org.au

Wonderful Wizard of Oz Sand Sculptures By Sandstorm Events

Enter through the Yellow Brick Road and see the Land of Oz come to life in sand – 9 Australian and international sculptors will intricately carve over 300 tonnes of sand into amazing sculptures bringing this wonderful story to life. Take the sand pathways with Dorothy as she and Toto leave Kansas and find themselves in Oz. As they try to find their way home they befriend the Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow – battle the Wicked Witch of the West, meet Glinda the Good Witch of the North and more.
Onsite activities include – sculptors talk’s, sand art and bottles, family game zone, giant sand pit, activity sheet and interactive photography.

Where: Port Noarlunga Esplanade (Off Clarke Street), Esplanade, Port Noarlunga
When: 14 – 29 April 2018
Cost: Adults – $12, Child (3-15 years) – $6
More Info: www.sandsculpting.com.au

Apple Festival

This festival celebrates all things apple – including the biggest apple ever! Have fun with apple art, science and craft. Apple games abound, take up the William Tell challenge, worm in the apple and our own apple piñata.
Enjoy our delicious apple pie, cakes and slices, apple cider or juice, freshly brewed coffee and tea.
We acknowledge our local pioneering apple producers – witness our antique apple corer peeler in action.
Vintage wares and bric-a-brac are on sale, discover some interesting apple facts and beware an apple a day does not keep Dr. Marvel away.
Visit 13 rooms in the Museum, outdoor pavilions, police cell and working blacksmith.

Where: Tea Tree Gully Heritage Museum, 3 Perseverance Rd, Tea Tree Gully
When: 15 April 2018, 11am – 4pm
Cost: Adults – $5, Children are free
More Info: www.ttgmuseum.on.net


QLD

Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Set on over three hectares the manicured, magnificent Gardens are positioned high in the mountains, an idyllic 45 minutes from the local airport, providing stunning views of the area. The privately owned gardens include a panorama of waterfalls, lakes, ponds and colourful plantings. The interactive Bird Encounter in the Bird Aviary brings kids up close and personal with colourful birds of the world, from Finches to Macaws while the miniature animal enclosure is a favourite with all ages. Enjoy chicken, ducks, geese, guinea fowl and pat the animals Ginger & Frosty the alpacas and cuddle Bah Bah the sheep and Snowflake the billy goat.

Where: 233 Maleny-Stanley River Road, Maleny
When: Open daily from 9am – 4.30pm
Cost: Adults $16, children under 16 free
More Info: www.malenybotanicgardens.com.au

Queensland Maritime Museum, South Brisbane

Explore historic vessels of all shapes and sizes at the Maritime Museum. It is located on the banks of the Brisbane River at South Bank. You can take a complimentary audio guided tour to make the most of your visit. Kids will love the big exhibits such as the warship Diamantina. It is open daily from 9.30am – 4.30pm. Children cost $7.00

Where: Cnr Stanley & Sidon Streets, South Brisbane
When: Mon-Sun 9.30am to 4.30pm
Cost: Adult $16, Child $7, Family $38
More Info: maritimemuseum.com.au

Kids Dig It! Egyptian Family fun

You don’t have to travel to Egypt for authentic Egyptian family fun….just come to Caboolture’s award winning Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology. All day activities include Egyptian games and jewellery, dress-up like an Egyptian Pharaoh or Queen, make a Sistrum or Canopic Jar (or find out what these are during an Egyptian Mumification!). And of course we have the well-loved archaeological digs and archery!

Where: Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, 1/63 The Abbey Place, Caboolture
When: From 9 April – 13 April, Doors open at 9.30am
Cost: Adult $12, Child $7
More Info: abbeymuseum.com.au


TAS

Port Arthur Ghost Tour

Brave an after-hours visit to one of Australia’s most haunted locations on this spine-chilling 1.5-hour walking tour. Enjoy a lantern-lit tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site and uncover the harrowing history of the UNESCO-listed convict site. Hear terrifying tales of ghosts and paranormal activity that date back to the 19th-century and listen out for ghostly footsteps as you tiptoe around the former penal colony. Those brave enough to finish the tour are presented with a ‘Certificate of Bravery and Courage’!

Where: Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Port Arthur
When: Tours depart every evening. Current tour departure times are 6:30pm and 8:30pm.
Cost: Adults $26.50, children 7-17 $15
More Info: portarthur.org.au


NT

Wave Lagoon, Darwin

One of Darwin’s coolest attractions is the Wave Lagoon: a palm-fringed swimming pool that turns into a tube-riding, boogie-boarding bucket of fun when the waves roll in every 20 minutes. The fully patrolled Wave Lagoon is two metres at its deepest point and slopes to a shallow area of still water, perfect for families. Bring your book: there are plenty of banana lounges, beach umbrellas and shady patches of lawn.

Where: Darwin Waterfront Precinct
When: Open daily, 10am – 6pm
Cost: 15yrs and over $7, under 15yrs $5
More Info: www.waterfront.nt.gov.au

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  • I would love to visit the birds in maleny.

    Reply

  • hoping everyone had fun at these activities.

    Reply

  • Most of these trips are way to costly to do regularly over the holiday period. Why not offer some back to nature trips – Borenore Caves near Orange, Barrington Tops National Park, Warrumbungles National Park and Siding Springs Observatory. Apart from fuel to get you there, the rest is a very cheap day out.

    Reply

  • Think it could have done with cheaper ideas for all states. My younger kids are easy to please, but I struggle to come up with ideas for my 12 and 13 year old.

    Reply

  • I think they could have put in a few more ideas for Tassie – Port Arthur is pretty far away from both of our major cities…

    Reply

  • Some wonderful ideas there, thank you.

    Reply

  • School holiday activity ideas are always welcome. Thanks.

    Reply

  • Thanks for the school holidays activity ideas

    Reply

  • Not much in WA. What a pity.


    • What fabulous activities in WA. We’ve added a few more of our favourites.



      • I love the lists from all over the country – an opportunity to maybe plan a trip and discover some new favourite places, enjoy activities and even find new ones to add to lists! :)

    Reply

  • Thanks for the list – love these super helpful lists.

    Reply

  • Some nice ideas. Many are too pricey for me though.

    Reply

  • Anything for SA?


    • Wow, there is so much to do in SA! We’ve added some of our favourites.

    Reply

  • Some great ideas here – thank you!

    Reply

  • Thank you for this article. All ideas are welcome during school holidays.

    Reply

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