Autumn school holidays activities in NSW

Autumn is the perfect time for the family to get outdoors and make the most of NSW. Swim at beautiful beaches, hike in national parks, cycle through the bush or see native animals up close. If you prefer to stay indoors, you’ll find plenty of museums, galleries and observatories to explore. 

Highlights

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Camping & outdoors

There's nothing like pitching a tent with the kids. You can find places to camp by the beach, in national parks or choose a family-friendly holiday park and enjoy all the fun activities. Camp among the kangaroos at Pebbly Beach on the South Coast or hear the lions roar from your bed at Billabong Camp inside Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

Beaches & water sports

Autumn is the perfect time to hit the beach, with the water still warm from the summer sun. Go snorkelling at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve near Tweed Heads, or learn to surf at Yamba.  Take the kids on dolphin-watching cruises in Port Stephens or get in the water and swim with wild dolphins in Jervis Bay. 

Family enjoying a day at Shoal Bay in Port Stephens, North Coast

Shoal Bay, Port Stephens

Have an adventure

For an adventure high in the trees, kids as young as seven can soar on the world's longest roller coaster zip line, just 80-min drive from Sydney on the Central Coast. Or try Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the South Coast. Kids of all ages will love the waterslides at Jamberoo Action Park.

Man enjoying the scenery and action at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, Knights Hill in the Illawarra region of NSW

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures in Knights Hill, Illawarra

An unforgettable destination for a family holiday is the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage wilderness near Sydney. In Katoomba, just two hours by train or car from Sydney, your family will enjoy breathtaking views from Echo Point Lookout over the Three Sisters and you can enjoy stunning views by aerial cable car with Scenic World.

Visitors enjoying a ride over the Jamison Valley in the Scenic Skyway cable car in Katoomba

Scenic World, Katoomba

Museums & galleries

When planning your holiday, check the events calendar for all the local activities in the area. Many museums put on exhibitions and workshops for kids during school holidays. Sports fans will love the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral. See a huge T-Rex skeleton and unique opalised fossils at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst.

There are also plenty of great regional galleries across NSW to explore. Other family favourites around NSW include the Temora Aviation MuseumScience Space in Wollongong and the Killer Whale Museum in Eden.

 

Find more kid-friendly things to do in NSW

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School holiday dates - 2023/2024

HOLIDAY START DATE END DATE
Summer Wed 21 December 2022 Thur 26 January 2023
Autumn Mon 10 April 2023 Fri 21 April 2023
Winter Mon 3 July 2023 Fri 14 July 2023
Spring Mon 25 September 2023 Fri 6 October 2023
Summer Wed 20 December 2023 Thur 29 January 2024