School Holiday Getaways throughout NSW

School holidays are imminent and as usual I am foaming at the mouth to get away from the big city and into the countryside.

We’re not going anywhere new these holidays, just heading to our fave destinations of Jervis Bay and Orange.

But I’m constantly planning and plotting. For trips in our home state, I start off with Visit NSW, the state’s own tourism website which has a mass of information.

Visit NSW has put together this post, showcasing some new places in NSW, as well as some firm family favourites, for SKFT blog readers..

I’m sure there’s a trip here to suit every family; which would you choose?

BLUE MOUNTAINS

Scenic World –  Read my detailed posts about Scenic World here.

Hydro Majestic – Older kids will love the mystic high tea at the stunning Hydro Majestic, where they can have their tea-leaves read in a fun way that re-creates the mischievousness of the original Hydro Majestic experience.

 

CENTRAL COAST

TreeTop Crazy Rider – New on the Central Coast is the world’s longest and Australia’s first rollercoaster zip line. Suitable for kids from 7 years old, the 1km Xtreme will take the whole family on the ride of their life.

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

Southern Highlander – Kids who love trains will love the Southern Highlander journey from Central Station to Bowral on Saturday 4 July. This journey includes two experiences – the classic diesel and the Legend of Steam loco 3642. Just on board and experience this journey and while you’re at the Southern Highlands.

HUNTER

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters – Irukandji is a marine adventure centre suitable for kids of all ages. This fully interactive hands-on-experience can include feeding sharks, swimming with stingrays and nursing baby rays. 

OUTBACK NSW

Toorale National Park – Experience NSW’s newest National Park, Toorale National Park near Bourke. Experience dramatic sunsets and starry nights under floodplain landscape and enjoy riverside camping, freshwater fishing and birdwatching.

NORTH COAST

The Farm – Newly opened at Byron Bay, The Farm will be running Children at The Farm activities this school holidays. Also at The Farm is Three Blue Ducks new restaurant, a playground, foraging trail, produce store and lots of picnic spots.

 

SOUTH COAST

South Coast Passage – This exciting new tour in the Shoalhaven departs Greenwell Point in a rigid inflatable boat and then explores the remote beauty of the Beecroft Peninsula and this unspoilt coastline. Explore remote sea caves, seal colonies and towering sea cliffs. You’ll likely encounter dolphins, seals, whales and seabirds. 

CENTRAL NSW

Winter Festival – From the 4-12 July, Bathurst will come alive with the Illuminate Bathurst Winter Festival. Kids will enjoy the ice-staking rink and winter illumination show, while parents can enjoy the region’s best food, wine and entertainment.

SNOWY MOUNTAINS

Mini Shred – This year, Winter Olympic Gold and Silver medallist Torah Bright has partnered with Thredbo to encourage more kids to get involved in snow sports. Bright will run a Mini Shred event for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities on July 5 along with a host of other snow professionals. Focusing on learning new manoeuvres – riding, jumping, sliding a box or whatever the participants want. Kids will also enjoy a BBQ lunch and have the chance to win prizes throughout the day.

NEW ENGLAND, NORTH WEST & INLAND

Hats off to Country – Tamworth’s mid-year Country Music Festival is over four days and nights with more than 100 country music stars that will entertain audiences young and old.

MURRAY

Great Aussie Holiday Park free activities – Families this school holidays can take advantage of a free archery lesson, hand feeding farm animals, a complimentary bag of marshmallows to toast on the campfire as well as much more at Great Aussie Holiday Park on the edge of Lake Hume near Albury.

Yindyamurra Sculpture Walk – Discover the Indigenous history of the Murray River with this new sculpture walk created by the local Aboriginal elder and youth. A great cycling or walking trail, it incorporates interpretation, storytelling and sculptures along the trail.

Sunset on the Murray River at Great Aussie Holiday Park

Thank you Visit NSW.

Now then, from this list, I’d choose… a stay at Byron Bay with a visit to The Farm.  It’s been a LONG time since I was at Byron Bay.

Where would you choose to go in this wide and wonderful state of NSW?

Happy holiday planning