Discover the top school holidays activities and attractions

It’s time to start planning your next school holiday getaway! You may think of it as a daunting task; however we’ve helped you out by putting together a list of the top school holiday activities and attractions around Australia.

School Holidays in Queensland

With lush tropical rainforests, miles of endless beaches and some of the best things to do with kids in the country, Queensland is the ideal family holiday destination.

Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is one of the major departure points for the Great Barrier Reef and is a bucket-list item that you’ll want to check off. Hop on a day cruise and go snorkelling, scuba diving or view the colourful sea life on a semi-submersible tour.
Cairns accommodation: Mantra Trilogy

Kid snorkelling  the Great Barrier Reef

Credit: AdventureMumma/Tourism and Events Queensland

Australia Zoo
Located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo (home of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin) is one of the best things to do in Queensland. Become a zoo keeper for a day with the Khaki Explorer program where kids will explore the zoo and get up close to some incredible animals, or explore Bindi Irwin’s three-storey treehouse with views over the zoo.
Sunshine Coast accommodation:  Mantra Mooloolaba Beach.

Gold Coast Theme Parks
The theme parks are one of the most popular things to do on the Gold Coast, whether you’re a big or little kid. Experience the illuminated Sea Jellies at Sea World, ride the thrilling DC Rivals Hypercoaster at Movie World or splash around at Wet ‘n’ Wild.
Gold Coast accommodation:  Mantra Sun City

School Holidays in New South Wales

Whether you’re looking for a Sydney city break or a quiet beach escape, New South Wales offers so much to explore during the school holidays.

Taronga Zoo Sydney
From giraffe to gorillas, you can visit with over 4,000 animals at Taronga Zoo Sydney! Uncover the prehistoric past with a Fossil Dig for dinosaur bones, take a cable car ride for views of Sydney Harbour or navigate suspension bridges high in the treetops.
Sydney accommodation:  Mantra 2 Bond Street

Taronga Zoo  Sydney

Australian Reptile Park
Explore your senses on a Kids 2 Keeper tour at Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast of NSW. Hands-on and educational, your little ones will learn all about wildlife from the friendly zoo keepers. Be amazed by the mighty anaconda, visit a barn owl or take a photo with an alligator.
Central Coast accommodation:  Mantra Ettalong Beach

Tropical Fruit World
Taste your way around Tropical Fruit World! Hop on a tractor train for a Plantation Safari, embark on a Wildlife Boat Cruise or sample unique fruits from around the world at the farm.
Kingscliff accommodation:  Mantra on Salt Beach

School Holidays in the Australian Capital Territory

The nation’s capital of Canberra is the ultimate playground for families. In addition to its historical monuments, beautiful parks and world-class events, there are plenty more family-friendly attractions to check out on your next school holiday adventure.

National Zoo & Aquarium
The National Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium in Australasia, making it an extremely unique experience. Visit playful cheetah cubs, step into the den of the stunning white lions or discover the Barrier Reef and River Systems of the World at the aquarium.
Canberra accommodation:  Mantra MacArthur Hotel

White lion

Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre
Expand your imagination with spectacular science shows, exciting exhibits and a Mini Q zone for the little ones at Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre.
Canberra accommodation:  Mantra on Northbourne

School Holidays in Victoria

From the iconic Melbourne sights like the MCG and Luna Park to the incredibly scenic Great Ocean Road, Victoria is brimming with things to see and do over the school holidays.

12 Apostles and Great Ocean Road
Drive along the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, to the limestone rocks that make up the 12 Apostles. Visit at sunrise or sunset for a spectacular sight, some amazing photos and a very memorable holiday experience.
Lorne accommodation:  Mantra Lorne

12 Apostles at  sunset

Melbourne Zoo
A zoo in the heart of the city? You’ll find it in Melbourne…we’re not monkeying around! Hop on the tram in the city centre and you’ll find yourself on the doorstep of the Melbourne Zoo in approximately 20 minutes. Check out the zoo’s ‘Growing Wild’ exhibit, catering to children aged 3 to 8 years, who can climb, crawl and creep like animals and insects found in the Australian wilderness.
Melbourne accommodation:  Mantra on Little Bourke

Melbourne Museum
With story time sessions, playdates and The Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery encouraging discovery and imaginative play, the Melbourne Museum is one of the top Melbourne attractions for families.
Melbourne accommodation:  Mantra on the Park

School Holidays in Tasmania

Stunning landscapes and historic landmarks, Tasmania is a land of wonders, waiting to be discovered by the whole family.

Port Arthur
Grab a ‘Hidden Stories’ activity book and start exploring Port Arthur’s rich past with your children. This World Heritage Listed Historic Site is great for all ages, with guided tours of the buildings, ruins and gardens as well as a ghost tour for those who are willing!
Hobart accommodation:  Mantra Collins Hotel

Penitentary -  Port Arthur Historic Site

Credit: Alastair Bett

Tasmania Zoo
Step back in time into the Jurassic Era and enter the ‘Jurassic Swamp’ at Tasmania Zoo with over 40 life-size dinosaurs. This family-owned zoo also provides animal encounters with meerkat, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils and more.
Launceston accommodation:  Mantra Charles Hotel

School Holidays in Western Australia

With 12,000 kilometres of stunning coastline, a booming metropolis and a vast outback, Western Australia has so much to offer. Discover the best of the west these school holidays with your family.

Camel Rides on Cable Beach, Broome
Children will love riding on the back of a camel along picturesque Cable Beach in Broome. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or a ride into the sunset, this relaxing experience will create memories of a lifetime.
Broome accommodation:  Mantra Frangipani

Camel rides on  Cable Beach, Broome

Credit: Greg Snell

Rottnest Island
Pack a picnic and take the short ferry ride over to Rottnest Island, just off of the coast of Perth, for a fun-filled day with the family. With beautiful beaches, snorkelling bays and walking tracks, you’ll all fall in love with this laid-back island paradise. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with a friendly quokka!
Perth accommodation:  Mantra on Murray

Perth Zoo
One of the top things to do in Perth, the Perth Zoo is the best place for kids to learn, have fun and visit some very lovable animals. The ‘Zoo Crew’ is an educational adventure day for monkeys (children) aged 8 to 14 years to learn about how to care for animals. Besides feeding, cuddling and caring for animals, you can also visit with the dinosaurs at Zoorassic Park!
Perth accommodation:  Mantra on Hay

School Holidays in the Northern Territory

From exploring the sacred land of the outback to family friendly city activities, the Northern Territory will provide endless adventures for the whole family.

Kakadu National Park
Be amazed at the ancient land that makes up Kakadu National Park. Choose your own adventure, from scenic helicopter tours to rugged 4WD tours to waterfall walking tours, you’ll need days to discover all the amazing wonders of this park.
Darwin accommodation:  Mantra Pandanas

Scenic Flight  over Jim Jim Falls

Credit: Tourism NT

Darwin Crocodiles
Looking for a thrilling family activity? Be lowered into the saltwater crocodile enclosure at Crocosaurus Cove, feed a croc at Crocodylus Park or take a cruise along the Adelaide River to see the big beasts in the wild. For the faint-hearted, visit the 5.7 metre stuffed and mounted ‘Sweetheart’ at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Darwin accommodation:  Mantra on the Esplanade.

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