Children building snowmen at Snowtime in the Gardens event in The Hunter Valley Gardens
Winter School Holidays
From skiing in the Snowy Mountains to whale watching on the coast, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep the family entertained during the winter school holidays. Visit one of the many zoos and museums, go bushwalking in the national parks or take a family road trip in NSW.
Skiing with the family
The 2020 ski season got off to a late start, but Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass will be open by late June – just in time for the winter school holidays. You’ll find the longest runs in Australia, easy slopes for beginners and plenty of fun for the whole family.
Whale watching
Every year between May and November, more than 30,000 whales make their way along the NSW coast. There are coastal vantage points all along the Humpback Highway, or you can hop aboard a cruise to get even closer to these giants of the deep.
Jervis Bay on the South Coast is a top whale watching spot and you can often spot whales swimming with their newborn calves. In Newcastle, join CoastXP for an exciting tour on a small adventure boat. Or paddle out amongst whales and dolphins with Go Sea Kayak in Byron Bay.
Bushwalking and camping
Make the most of crisp, sunny days and explore the great outdoors in NSW. Take the family bushwalking in national parks or explore on two wheels along mountain biking trails. Winter is also the perfect time for a stargazing adventure in the Warrumbungles. Then pitch a tent and enjoy nights around the campfire.
Zoos and museums
Zoos and wildlife parks are great for young explorers. See alligators, snakes and lizards at the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast, meet koalas at Symbio Wildlife Park in the Illawarra, or take a drive through the habitat of big cats at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.
Keep little brains active outside of school hours at a museum. Cricket fans will love the Bradman Museum in Bowral and budding scientists will be amazed at Science Space in Wollongong. Other family favourites include Temora Aviation Museum and the Australian Fossil Museum in Bathurst.