School Holidays in Sydney: Summer 2025-26

Need some fresh ideas for the summer school holidays? As a Sydney mum and now grandma who’s spent years exploring this city with kids in tow, I’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of the long summer break. From beach activities to indoor escapes from the heat, here’s the best of what’s happening around Sydney these holidays.

The summer school holidays run Monday 22 Dec 2025 to Monday 26 January 2026

I’ve carefully selected activities that offer genuine value for families, avoiding tourist traps and focusing on experiences that both parents and kids will enjoy. From creative workshops to special holiday shows, there’s something for every interest and energy level. I’ve balanced beach trips and outdoor adventures with air-conditioned indoor options for those scorching Sydney days.

Sydney’s summer weather is perfect for beach days, harbour swims, and early morning national park walks before the heat sets in.

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Special Summer Experiences

Two big-ticket experiences are making their debut this summer, both at Sydney Olympic Park. If your kids are dinosaur obsessed or curious about ancient civilisations, these are worth the trip west.

DinoFest

Life-sized walking dinosaurs return to Sydney Olympic Park this summer with over 30 interactive prehistoric creatures. This outdoor experience proved so popular last year that it sold out completely, so this time around they’re running it for nearly a month.

The 90-minute experience includes a 45-minute Dinosaur Encounter where you’ll meet walking T-Rex, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus, plus baby dinosaurs that kids can actually pat. Between the main encounter and exploring the Dino Trail (featuring a towering Brachiosaurus), there’s a Dino Dig where kids can excavate fossils and handle real dinosaur bones.

Meet life-sized dinosaurs at DinoFest

The outdoor setting at Blaxland Riverside Park means kids can run around between activities. There’s a playground on-site and plenty of shaded picnic areas, making it easy to spend a full morning or afternoon here.

When: Daily 10 January – 1 February 2026 (closed 14, 20 and 26 January)Three 90-minute sessions: 10:30am, 1pm, and 3pm
Where: Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: $31 adults, $28 kids, FREE for under 2s. Family pass for 4: $107
Ages: Especially suited to children 9 and under
Book: dinofest.com – pre-booking essential as sessions are capped

Hot tip: Book early as sessions sell out.

Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City VR

This virtual reality experience lets you explore the ancient Inca citadel without the 13,000km flight to Peru. Using next-generation VR headsets, you’ll freely roam through historically accurate recreations of Machu Picchu, from agricultural terraces to the Temple of the Sun.

What makes this different from typical VR experiences is the free-roam technology – you’re not stuck in one spot pressing buttons. You can walk through temple corridors, explore Incan homes, and even soar with condors above the Andes. The recreations were built using LiDAR scans and photogrammetry of the actual site, including areas normally restricted to visitors.

Teri the robot (voiced by Terry Crews) guides you through the journey, offering insights into Incan culture and architecture. The experience is designed for groups of six, though multiple groups can travel through together.

When: From 12 December 2025 onwards, various sessions
Where: Fever Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Ages: 8+ Cost: From $34.50, with 10% early purchase discount available
Book: machupicchuexp.com/sydney

Special Holiday Wildlife Events

Sydney’s three major animal attractions all have special summer programs running throughout the holidays.

For a complete guide to Sydney’s wildlife experiences, check out our detailed article on Sydney’s zoos and wildlife parks.

Here’s what’s on at each venue.

Adventures at Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is offering an incredible spring program featuring new animal babies, special expTaronga’s full-day school holiday program takes kids aged 5-11 behind the scenes for exclusive animal experiences. Zoo Adventurers spend the day with keepers, explore the zoo before it opens to the public, and participate in animal-themed activities in the Education learning spaces.

The program includes visits to Backyard to Bush farm, keeper presentations throughout the zoo, and hands-on learning sessions. Kids must wear the provided Zoo Adventures t-shirt during the visit (this helps staff identify program participants in busy areas).

When: Special programs 17-19 December 2025, then 5-30 January 2026 (most weekdays available, some dates fully booked) Regular visits 9.30am-4:30pm
Where: Taronga Zoo Sydney, Mosman
Ages: 5-11 years
Note: This is a drop-off program. Kids should bring a small backpack with packed lunch, snacks, refillable water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and wet weather gear. Enclosed footwear required.

Hot tip: Consider a Zoo Friends Annual Membership from $99 – it works out to just 65c per day and includes both Taronga zoos plus discounts on experiences and accommodation.

Sydney Zoo – Summer Program

Sydney Zoo stays open until 8pm during peak summer dates, letting you visit during cooler evening hours when animals are most active.

Sydney Zoo’s summer program includes late openings

• VIP Safari Tour (NEW): Go beneath the African Savannah boardwalk into restricted areas. These 45-minute keeper-led tours get you face-to-face with rhinos, lions, and cheetahs. Ages 4+, max 12 guests. Includes full day entry, souvenir lanyard, and 20% off food. Tickets on sale 12 December.
• Wild Australia Show (NEW): 15-minute reptile show featuring native Australian species. Conservation messages and practical tips. Shows at 5:30pm and 7pm.
• Breakfast on the Boulevard: Arrive at 8am to watch morning feeding routines with baboons and chimps. Hot breakfast available.
• Savannah Sunsets: From 4pm, explore the African Boardwalk with live African drumming, free kids’ face painting, and golden-hour animal viewing.
• Shark Explorers Kids Trail: Self-guided activity with free take-home sheet.

When: Daily 9am-5pm, extended to 8pm: 26 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 (daily), Weekends only until end of Jan
Where: Sydney Zoo, Eastern Creek
Cost: Approximately $45 adults, $25 kids. VIP Safari Tour extra
Book: Online to save and skip queues

Buy your pass now and skip the queue

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium – SpongeBob Underworld Adventure

SpongeBob Underworld Adventure, inspired by The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: The Search for SquarePants (in cinemas Boxing Day). Kids join SpongeBob, Patrick, and the gang on an epic quest through the ocean’s mysterious depths to face the ghostly Flying Dutchman.

The adventure includes seven swashbuckling challenges woven through SEA LIFE’s real marine environments:

• SpongeBob’s Puzzle Port: Solve a riddle to reveal SpongeBob’s best buddy
• Squidward’s Jellyfish Jam: Count the jellyfish drifting in their glowing underwater world
• Walk the Plank with Mr. Krabs: Prove your courage as a true pirate
• Strike a pose with Patrick: Photo opportunities throughout
• Spot sneaky Plankton: Find him hiding among the SEA LIFE creatures
• Find Gary the Snail: Hidden somewhere in the depths
• Discover your pirate name: Collect your Swashbuckler Certificate from the Flying Dutchman’s treasure chest

There’s also the chance to meet SpongeBob or Patrick in person during your visit.

The experience is included with regular aquarium admission, which also gets you access to the penguin colony and all the regular exhibits.

When: 18 December 2025 – 27 January 2026
Where: Darling Harbour
Ages: All ages
Cost: Check SEA LIFE website for combo passes with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo to save money

Cost: Single entry or multi passes available. Check for offers. Grab a combo pass that includes both SEA LIFE and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo – you’ll save a packet!

Museums and Galleries

For a bit of learning mixed with fun, these exhibitions and workshops will get the kids thinking without realizing they’re being educated. Three of Sydney’s major museums have packed summer programs, and one (Australian Museum) offers free general entry throughout the holidays. Here’s what’s on at each venue

The Australian Museum is offering FREE general entry throughout the summer holidays, which alone makes it worth a visit on a hot day. The building’s air-conditioned galleries provide relief from the heat while kids explore everything from dinosaurs to Australian wildlife.

Beyond the permanent collection, the museum is running a full schedule of workshops and activities throughout January:

Full-day programs (Ages 9-12):

• Scientist for a Day: Citizen Scientist (13 & 14 Jan, 9:30am): Behind-the-scenes museum tour, species identification training, meet research scientists
• Scientist for a Day: Malacologist (19 & 20 Jan, 9:30am): Explore the mollusc collection with museum malacologists

Workshops:

• Zine Making Workshop (Wed 7 Jan, 12:30pm): Teens create environmental publications (Ages 13-16)
• Nature Photography Workshop (Fri 16 Jan, 10:30am & 1pm): Photograph live animals including spiders and scorpions (Ages 5-12)
• STEM Together: Testing Tension (12 & 21 Jan, 10:30am & 2pm): Family STEM challenges exploring forces (Ages 5-12)

Film screenings:

• Reel Good Fridays (9 & 23 Jan): Three daily screenings of Australian films at 10:15am, 12:30pm, 3pm (Ages 5+)

RELICS LEGO Exhibition runs until 27 January. This interactive exhibition features 14 displays combining historical objects with LEGO minifigure civilisations, plus a build zone where visitors can create their own LEGO constructions.

When: Open daily throughout holidays 10am-5pm
Where: Australian Museum, College Street Sydney
Cost: FREE general entry, workshops require booking (members receive 20% discount on paid activities)

Hot tip: Book workshops early as they fill quickly. The RELICS exhibition is expected to sell out on peak days, so book your session in advance.

The Beach – Australian National Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum’s summer theme celebrates Australian beach culture through four different experiences, all running daily throughout the holidays.

The Beach is the main attraction – an intergenerational immersive playscape that combines digital storytelling, exhibition, play, and performance. It’s designed as a space to pause and reflect on how the beach connects us and shapes Australian identity.

Beyond the main installation, there are three additional experiences:

• Boatbuilding Bay lets kids channel their inner shipwright by building miniature boats from LEGO bricks. You can copy designs from the museum’s collection or create your own vessel. Model makers demonstrate their craft throughout the day and share insights into boatbuilding techniques.
• Beach Flicks presents free daily film screenings in The Theatre, celebrating how Australian filmmakers have captured beach life on screen. From surf carnivals to family holidays, the films explore the beach as a way of life.
• Beach Bods Life Drawing brings a fresh twist to traditional life drawing. Gladdy Drawing Club leads these free sessions where participants sketch posed beachgoers, channelling the iconic compositions of Max Dupain and Anne Zahalka. All skill levels welcome.

When: Daily throughout school holidays
Where: 58 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Cost: From $32 for adults and $24 for kids. Many activities free with museum entry
Bookings: Required for special workshops – book early to avoid disappointment

Museums of History NSW

If you’re looking for activities spread across multiple days, Museums of History NSW has programs running at six different heritage properties. Most drop-in activities are free, with some paid workshops requiring booking.

Hyde Park Barracks Start with the kids trail and audio tour, then dive into craft activities from 5-9 January (10am-3pm): make your own convict love token or construct a paper replica of the Barracks. The museum is open daily 10am-6pm.

Museum of Sydney Kids trail related to the Unearthed exhibition, plus Story Time sessions 12-16 January at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm celebrating Country through storytelling. The museum is open from 10am-5pm daily.

Elizabeth Farm Play 19th-century quoits in the garden, make a mini greenhouse, or try doing laundry by hand. From 19-27 January, create peg dolls or paper replicas of Elizabeth Farm. The property also features Tony Albert’s installation Healing land, remembering Country with a participatory ‘memory exchange’ activity. Elizabeth Farm is open daily 10am-4pm.

Vaucluse House Garden games, peg doll making, paper house replicas, and old-fashioned laundry activities will be offered from 28 to 30 January, 10am-3pm.

Three paid workshops require booking:

• Natural Dyeing Workshop (Tue 20 Jan, 10:30am-12pm): Create tie-dyed items using natural dyes and foraged materials at Elizabeth Farm
• Cyanotypes Workshop (Wed 28 Jan, 10:30am-12:30pm): Explore early photography processes at Vaucluse House
• Bee Magic (Thu 30 Jan, 10:30am-12pm): Hands-on workshop about bees at Vaucluse House

Justice & Police Museum Kids trail through the original Water Police Station and courts. Earn your own police badge, dress up, and perform mock trials with your family. The museum is open daily 10am-5pm.

Rouse Hill Estate Basket-weaving workshops, LEGO building, and meeting farm animals. The estate is open Every Sunday, 10am-4pm.

Cost: Most drop-in activities free, workshops from $15-20
Bookings: Essential for paid workshops via Museums of History NSW website
Hot tip: Museum members get 20% off workshops and early booking access

Active fun

Got energetic kids? Here are some special holiday activities that will keep them moving and having fun:

Family Fun Challenge by AmazingCo.

Turn Sydney into your playground with AmazingCo’s family mystery picnics. Follow clues, solve puzzles, and discover hidden gems around the city while enjoying quality family time. Perfect for kids who love solving mysteries!

AmazingCo Family Adventure Days

Transform your school holidays with these unique family quests, each combining activities, food, and exploration:

• Marrickville: Build robots from recycled materials and follow a scavenger hunt trail (ages 4-10, 3 hours)
• Arcadia: Meet farm animals, collect eggs, and enjoy lunch at a farmgate cafe (ages 3-10, 3 hours)
• Cockatoo Island: Take a ferry ride for a spooky ghost-themed quest with harbor views (ages 5-10, 4-5 hours)

Tip: All adventures include a rain check guarantee and optional at-home activities to extend the fun.

Cost: Varies by adventure
Bookings: Essential via AmazingCo website

AmazingCo. also offers family mystery picnics and family date nights.

Waterworld Central

Australia’s largest mobile inflatable waterpark returns to Moore Park for the summer holidays. Instead of battling crowds at the beach, spend the day racing down massive inflatable slides, floating in themed pools, and staying cool without a grain of sand in sight.

The setup includes the new Wave Slide for surf enthusiasts, the Mega Jaws Slide (plunge through a shark’s mouth), and gentler options like the Snow World Pool and Gorilla Pool for younger kids or those wanting to float rather than race. The 80-metre water tubing ride and multilane Epic Racer slide are highlights for competitive families.

All sessions run for two hours, with options to upgrade to an all-day super pass if you want more time. The Entertainment Quarter location means easy access by light rail, plus two hours free parking if you’re driving.

When: 9 January – 1 February 2026, daily 10am-4pm
Where: The Showring, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
Cost: 2-hour pass $40 (ages 5+), Toddler pass $40 (under 5 with one adult included), All-day super pass $60. Spectators free
Ages: All ages. Under 5s need adult supervision in pools. Thrill slides require 5+ years AND 120cm+ height
Book: waterworldcentral.com.au – pre-booking recommended as sessions sell out

Museum of Illusions – Brand New Opening

Perfect timing for the school holidays – Sydney’s newest interactive museum opens on 22 December, bringing mind-bending optical illusions right to the heart of the city. This is the Australian debut of the world’s largest chain of illusion museums, with over 80 interactive exhibits designed to challenge how you see reality.

Spanning 900 square metres on George Street, the museum features gravity-defying rooms, 3D illusions, holograms and perspective zones that will have kids (and adults) questioning everything they thought they knew about perception. It’s not just about taking incredible photos – each exhibit demonstrates the fascinating science behind how our brains process what we see.

Hot tip: This is expected to be hugely popular during the holidays as it’s brand new. Book early to secure your preferred time slot, and allow 60-90 minutes for your visit.

Sydney-specific installations include the Reversed Room (inspired by classic Australian pubs), the Building Illusion (drawing on Sydney’s heritage architecture), and Following Eyes (featuring a sunscreen-covered beachgoer that captures our coastal lifestyle perfectly).

When: Opens 26 December 2025, daily throughout holidays
Where: 413 George Street, Sydney
Ages: All ages
Cost: $30 adults, $24 kids, $124 Family of 2 adults, and 2 kids.
Book: Essential, especially during busy holiday period

Holiday Pony Camps at Centennial Equestrian

Give your young horse enthusiasts an unforgettable holiday experience at Centennial Equestrian’s comprehensive pony camps. Each full day includes two riding lessons, horse care activities, and supervised games.

Program includes:

• Professional riding instruction
• Hands-on horse care education
• Fun and games with other horse lovers
• Supervised lunch break

Where: Centennial Equestrian Centre
Ages: 5+ years
Cost: From $370 per day, multi-day packages available.

Pickleball at South Eveleigh

The fastest-growing sport in America has arrived at South Eveleigh for the summer. Innovation Plaza transforms into a pickleball hub with beginner lessons and open court time. If you’ve been curious about this tennis-meets-badminton hybrid, here’s your chance to try it without joining a club.

Instructor-led beginner sessions run twice weekly (Wednesdays 3:30-7:30pm, Saturdays 7:30am-12:30pm) with 45-minute lessons capped at four players. Outside lesson times, courts are open for free play—just turn up and grab a court if one’s available.

The sport’s gentle on joints but still gives you a workout, making it suitable for families where parents and kids (5+) can play together at similar skill levels.

When: 6 January – 1 February 2026
Beginner lessons: Wednesdays 3:30-7:30pm, Saturdays 7:30am-12:30pm (45 minutes)
Free play: Daily 7:30am-7:30pm (first-come, first-served)
Where: Innovation Plaza, South Eveleigh (near BrewDog)
Cost: Lessons $10 per person (max 4 players). Free play sessions are free
Ages: 5+ for lessons. Kids under 12 must have parent/guardian present (supervising adult doesn’t need to book unless they want to play) l Book: Essential for lessons – book now

Urban Grow at The Coal Loader

The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability is offering free hands-on workshops where kids can discover the magic of gardening and learn about local wildlife.

When: various dates across January
Where: The Coal Loader, 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton
Cost: Free – Bookings: Essential
Ages: 5-10 years

Hot tip: Book early as free workshops fill up quickly. Wear clothes that can get dirty!

Spotlight Prowl for families

Dusk is a wonderful time to spot animals in Centennial Parklands. Join experienced Rangers for a fascinating spotlight walk to see how the Park transforms after dark, spotting brushtail possums, microbats, tawny frogmouths, and one of Sydney’s largest colonies of grey-headed flying-foxes.

Embark on an enlightening spotlight walk guided by expert Rangers. This adventure gives you a rare glimpse into the nighttime world of these fascinating creatures, showing a different, more mysterious side of the park as darkness descends.

When: Fridays 9, 16 & 23 January, Wednesday 21 January, 7:40pm-9:10pm
Where: Robertson Road Gates, Centennial Park
Cost: $24.50 per ticket ages 5+ (children must be supervised by an adult)

Performance & Theatre for kids

Summer brings an excellent mix of outdoor theatre and indoor performances across Sydney. Here’s what’s showing during the holidays.

Sydney Opera House – Kids Summer Season

The Opera House has packed six weeks of performances into the summer holidays, from international premieres to free play spaces.

TOO~B by HOSSEI

An immersive installation combining sculpture, costume and sound, rooted in the artist’s Persian, Turkish and Russian heritage. Kids can explore this surreal, sensory space throughout the day.

When: 5-23 January
Where: Sydney Opera House Centre for Creativity
Ages: 0-12 years l Cost: Free l Book: sydneyoperahouse.com

Where is the Green Sheep?

Mem Fox and Judy Horacek’s classic brought to life through puppetry and animation. Follow Red Sheep, Bath Sheep, and Bed Sheep on the search for that elusive Green Sheep.

When: 10-21 December
Where: Sydney Opera House
Ages: 1+ Cost: [Check website for pricing] l Book: sydneyoperahouse.com

Pirates Love Underpants

When: 4-12 January
Where: Sydney Opera House
Ages: 2+ I Cost: [Check website for pricing] l Book: sydneyoperahouse.com

Rothar

An Australian premiere from Ireland’s leading children’s theatre company. Two boys and their bikes transform a small bike shop into a world of imagination through physical comedy and beautiful design. Created during COVID-19, it’s a celebration of finding joy in everyday objects.

When: 14-18 January
Where: Sydney Opera House
Ages: 4+ l Cost: [Check website for pricing] l Book: sydneyoperahouse.com

Hot tip: Book early for popular shows, especially Pirates Love Underpants and Where is the Green Sheep?

Wind in the Willows

Australia’s longest-running outdoor children’s theatre production returns to the Royal Botanic Garden for its 21st Sydney season. This interactive show follows Ratty, Mole, Badger, and Mr Toad through different locations in the Gardens, with young audience members transformed into ‘rabbits’ and encouraged to join the adventure.

The performance moves between two locations, starting near the Main Pond and finishing near Gates L & M. It’s picnic seating, so bring blankets, snacks, and be prepared for audience participation.

When: 19 December 2025 – 25 January 2026
Where: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, near Main Pond
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Ages: All ages l Cost: $25-$30, Group of 4: $90-$110 l Book: shakespeareaustralia.com.au

Note: Wet weather: Cancellation notifications sent 1-2 hours before showtime

Bondi Pavilion Summer Shows

Bondi Pavilion is hosting two spectacular shows this summer featuring physical theatre and puppetry.

WAVERIDER by Legs On The Wall

This outdoor acrobatic performance brings surf culture to life on the steps of Bondi Pavilion. Expect jaw-dropping aerials and physical theatre that captures the exhilaration of the ocean.

When: 8 January 2026 to 18 January 2026 at 3:45pm to 7:00pm
Where: Bondi Pavilion
Cost: Free l Book: Check Bondi Pavilion website for times

Deep Sea Divers by Erth

Extraordinary marine puppets from Erth take over Bondi Pavilion and the beachside promenade for a day of spectacular roving performances. Watch magnificent deep sea creatures and divers animate the shoreline with colour, movement and marine magic.

Free roving performances: Open to everyone – simply turn up and watch the puppets pass by along the promenade.

Hands-on workshop (40 minutes): Join a workshop where all ages explore the art of puppetry, learning choreography and interactive performance techniques. Working as a group, you’ll create a shimmering school of fish and other sea creatures, take them for a swim along Bondi Beach, then join the professional puppets in a performance along the promenade.

When: 24 January 2026 Performance Times: 3.20pm, 4.50pm, 5.50pm
Workshop Times 3.00pm, 4.30pm,5.30pmm check Bondi Pavilion website]
Where: Bondi Pavilion
Cost: Performances free, 40 minute workshop registration required.

Free things to do

School holidays don’t have to break the bank! Along with the featured activities below, check your local library and shopping centre programs—they often host free workshops, storytelling sessions, and craft activities during the school breaks.

Many local councils also run free events that don’t make it into citywide guides, so it’s worth checking their websites or Facebook pages. To get you started here are some of our favorite free activities happening around Sydney these holidays:

Kids Gardening Classes at Chiswick

Get your kids’ hands dirty at these free gardening workshops where they’ll plant, dig, and harvest produce from Chiswick’s working garden. Resident gardener Pete Hatfield shows children how the restaurant grows food for its menu, all while teaching them about caring for the earth.

The hour-long sessions take place in the restaurant’s garden, surrounded by bugs, butterflies, and seasonal blooms. Kids learn practical skills like planting and harvesting while discovering where restaurant food actually comes from.

After the class, families can head into the restaurant for lunch where kids eat free with any adult main purchased (one complimentary kids’ meal per adult main, 12 years and under only).

When: Wednesday 14 and 21 January 2026, 11am-12pm
Where: Chiswick Woollahra, 65 Ocean Street, Woollahra
Cost: Free classes, bookings essential l Ages: 12 years and under
Book: chiswickwoollahra.com.au/kids-gardening-class

Hot tip: Only book spaces for children attending the class, not supervising adults. The kids-eat-free lunch offer is only valid for those who attended the gardening class.

Darling Harbour Playground

Kids of all ages will enjoy a visit to Darling Harbour’s epic playground. With a massive climbing frame, a 21-metre flying fox and a bunch of swings suitable for all ages. If you have not visited for a while you will find a lot of new installations to explore.

There are cafes and family-friendly food options surrounding the playground, making it easy to spend several hours here.

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.

Day Trips for the School Holidays

Sometimes you need to get out of the city, and these day trips are worth the drive or train ride. We have a bunch of fun day trips you can do on the train, but here are a couple of our favourite ideas.

Summer in the Blue Mountains

The mountains are a great day out for active kids. You can take the train or drive. Either way, there is plenty to do when you get there from easy bushwalks to family-friendly picnic spots.

The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus is a great way to explore the mountains without worrying about parking! We have written a detailed guide to the bus here.

If you decide to spend the night, take the Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk. Another unique experience is a nighttime visit to Scenic World.

You can even see how many of these lookouts you can squeeze into one day.

Bundeena

A train ride to Cronulla, a quick jaunt across Port Hacking on the little green and yellow ferry and a short stroll from the wharf and you will arrive at the Jibbon Aboriginal Carvings at Bundeena.

This is a fun day out for school age kids with some easy bushwalking. If you fancy a longer bushwalk, check out our guide to the walks in the Royal National Park.

Australian Reptile Park

Is your child crazy for reptiles? Head to the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast this school holidays! Learn all about the incredible ‘superpowers’ that these animals have.

Where: Somersby, Central Coast (30 minutes’ drive from Wahroonga)
Cost: $48 adults, $30 kids, $135 families (2 adults, 2 kids)

School Holiday Dates in New South Wales

Below is a list of the holiday dates for this year and next so you can start planning. Please note many schools have school development days on the first day of each term. Private schools may have a week longer than these public school dates.