Best School Holiday Escapes

by Ivana Katz (subscribe)

I find that by the end of each school term Master 11 and I are both tired and in need of a break from the routine and our constantly-on-the-go reality that the school term brings. Get up, make breakfast, prepare lunch, drive to school, work, pick up from school, chauffeur junior to sporting activities, come home cook dinner, work, housework, fall asleep, get up make breakfast... you get the picture.

So each holiday I plan exciting adventures we can embark on locally and away. If you are staying in (or visiting) Sydney, here is a list of fun things you can do with your children during the holidays. But if you'd like to escape for a few days, I have found the following locations lots of fun.

Central Coast
Only 90 minutes drive north of Sydney, Central Coast is filled with plenty of things to see and do for families with children of all ages. A place to relax, recharge and explore, you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun. Things to put on your to-do list:
Daily Pelican Feeding at the Entrance
Vera's Water Garden at the Entrance
Fishing in Tuggerah Lakes
Exploring National Parks
Boogie boarding and surfing at one of many beaches including Umina Beach, Avoca Beach, Macmasters Beach, Toowoon Bay, Copacabana Beach, Canton Beach, Soldiers Beach
Ride a Segway at Mount Penang Gardens
Hire a paddle boat, kayak or stand up board from Aqua Fun
Have a picnic at one of many great BBQ and Picnic Spots including Long Jetty Foreshore Reserve, Lions Park, Rotary Park, Memorial Park, Picnic Point, Swadling Park

Highly recommended family friendly accommodation: Oaks Waterfront Resort at the Entrance
More information about fun things to do on Central Coast .








Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay is located approximately 3 hours north of Sydney and is a beautiful coastal town which offers relaxed atmosphere, but many fun adventures. Add the following to your list of things to do, if visiting Nelson Bay
- Ride a toboggan at Toboggan Hill Park
- Try camel riding with Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides at Anna Bay
- Go parasailing with Port Stephens Parasailing
- Handfeed sharks and stingrays at Australian Shark & Ray Centre
- Go-kart racing
- Visit Fighter World Museum
- Go swimming or surfing at one of the great beaches including Box Wreck, Zenith Beach, Bagnalls Beach, Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach or Samurai Beach
- Try snorkelling, diving at Fly Point
- Catch some fish at Soldiers Point Marina, Sunset Beach, Taylors Beach, Wanda Beach
- Go sandboarding with Port Stephens 4WD Tours or sand Dune Safaris
- Enjoy a dolphin or whale watch cruise with Moonshadow or Imagine cruises

Highly recommended family friendly accommodation: The Landmark Nelson Bay.







Jervis Bay

Located approximately 2.5 hours south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is absolutely stunning. With beaches that have the whitest sand in the world (according to Guiness Book of Records) and crystal clear blue water, this is the ideal spot for a relaxing get-away. You will find unspoiled coastal villages with local produce markets, art galleries and boutique stores. Things to do include:
- Dolphin Watch Cruises
- Visit Lady Denman Maritime Museum at Huskisson
- Hire a kayak from Jervis Bay Kayaks
- Go camping at Green Patch
- Watch a movie at an old fashion cinema at Huskisson Pictures
- Spend a day relaxing at one of the stunning beaches including Hyams Beach, Huskisson beach, Callala Beach, Murrays Beach, Nelsons Beach, Myola Beach
- Let the children play at White Sands Park or Huskission Beach Playground

Highly recommended family friendly accommodation: Sanddancers Bed & Breakfast.







Canberra

Situated 3 hours south west of Sydney, Canberra is a great holiday spot if you want plenty to see and do. With lots of first class museums and galleries, you will be on the go most of the time and will no doubt leave with plenty of amazing memories. Places to visit include:
- Australian War Memorial
- National Museum of Australia
- Expand your mind and perception at Questacon Science Museum
- Watch Australian Olympic heroes train at the Australian Institute of Sport
- Take a step back in time at the National Dinosaur Museum
- Spend a day at Cockington Green Gardens with its stunning miniature replica buildings
- Watch coins being made at the Mint
- Enjoy stunning views from Black Mountain Tower
- Explore the solar system at Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
- Go bike riding at Stromlo Forest Park

Highly recommended family friendly accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel

Find out more about things to do in Canberra .







If you are wondering where to go during the next school holidays, you can't go wrong with any of these destinations. Whether you stay for 2 nights or 2 weeks, you will no doubt find plenty of great adventures to enjoy with your children. Just make sure you don't forget the camera.

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Why? Keep Children Amused During School Holidays

When: All year round and especially school holidays