An all fun, no fuss school holidays guide

Us grownups stick together and we know the drill (ie. mum dates without the oysters until the storm has passed). Kids? They’re a little less forgiving. And the demand for non-stop excitement during the school holidays keeps getting laid on thick.

Thankfully, there are ways to build an exciting calendar of activities for the Autumn school holidays without breaking the bank. In fact our site is covered in deals and we’ve got everything kids want. Snorkels, segways, skywalks, Scenic World—you name it.

With us on your team, your own backyard will bring endless school bags of fun. And without the hell of a long haul flight. Let’s be real, even the short ones are a challenge.

Here are a few things to do during the Autumn school holidays in five special places across Oz:

While Queensland may show off their gorgeous summer days, when Autumn rolls around, it may bring more breezy days. The perfect time to get out and explore the awesome experiences the state has to offer from snorkelling, scenic hikes, stunning tours and some fun attractions – there's no shortage up here.

We’ve got the whole state sorted. Explore Autumn school holiday things to do in Brisbane, Cairns, the Goldy, the Whitsundays and the Sunny Coast.

Heart-pounding excitement is in the Queensland DNA thanks to the Gold Coast theme parks. From roller coasters to cultural experiences, shows and animals, there's non-stop fun for everyone when theme parks are on your doorstep. Not to mention plenty of water rides to cool your tribe off when the days really heat up. And you can score $10 off gate price.

As the sun continues to shine, book a reef tour to witness the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. You and the kids can explore the underwater worlds they usually only see in cartoons. Think vibrant fish, turtles and endless coral beds. There’s no time like Autumn to snorkel up and visit a reef.

The summer sun can be harsh, making Autumn a great time for scenic trail tours in Queensland’s gorgeous national parks. An awesome family adventure, to be immersed in Oz’s best nature scenes. From Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest to Cape Tribulation – we've got tours to offer hassle-free ways to experience them.

If you call WA home, you know it’s West Coast, Best Coast no matter what the season is. School holidays can look like days at vineyards, learn-to-surf trips and days spent on Rotto. Or big adventures the whole family will remember forever.

Browse WA experiences here.

For something so small and slippery, pearls are surprisingly fascinating. Learn about the pearling process and even discover how to harvest one of the little suckers to treasure as your own. Oysters get even better after you sign up for this.

You can truly experience what the city of Perth has to offer with their array of awesome activities. From the Aquarium of Western Australia, behind-the-scenes Optus Stadium tours, Fremantle Ocean Jetboat and Dolphin Watching Cruise, there’s so much fun in store for you. Did we mention all of the above are under $100?

If your Autumn involves kids, it might not involve much serenity. But this is a chance to grab a few minutes of peace no matter who you’re hanging out with. Take a camel ride along the stunning Cable Beach in Broome, and watch the sun drop over the Indian Ocean. Total bliss (even though the transport’s a little bumpy).

In the NT, there’s no time like Autumn. The sturt roses are in bloom, the weather is just right, and the desert is alive with the sound of insects, birds and nature. If this is your backyard for the school holidays, the opportunities are endless. Whether you want to save on grand adventures or keep things low key, we have your back.

Browse NT experiences here.

The calm waters of Nitmiluk Gorge might inspire calm kids (a mum can only hope). But at the very least it will get them outside and off the telly. Sign up for canoe hire or opt for a river cruise if you’re feeling low on energy. Either way you can soak up the scenery with your fam and feel the joy of floating on a gorge.

The ancient beauty of Kakadu National Park is enough to impress even the grumpiest of teens. Take a guided tour that reveals the rich Aboriginal history and remarkable landscapes. Learning about a lunch of insects, they may finally appreciate your cooking.

A perfect activity for the family to enjoy with an interactive 1.5 hour workshop to learn about the indigenous art of local Anangu artists. Learn about the importance of storytelling through art with local elders, and how they depicted the Creation time (Tjukurpa) stories. Plus, you can take a very special unique souvenir home with your very own work of art.

Experience the iconic Uluru from a unique perspective; on a guided Segway tour. Mum and dad get to admire an ancient desert landscape, the kids get to squeal along on a new mode of transport. Double win!

There’s nothing dull about staying in Sydney for the school holidays. In fact, it’s the place much of the country dreams about. But with all those options, the kids get high expectations. Thankfully we can dish up discounts on some of the city’s best things to do.

There’s so much to do in our city and harbour, but what about our gorgeous Blue Mountains? The Autumn school holidays is an awesome time to visit the region to soak up a different version of Sydney. One without the hustle and bustle. Plus, we’ve got a treasure here. The world’s steepest train through the iconic bushlands of the Blue Mountains.

Swing through the treetops at Illawarra for a thrilling and educational adventure, surrounded by the beauty of native forests. Do the 1.5km walk that’s suitable for all ages and will take you 45m above the forest floor. Or send them on the zipline to give them a squeal.

Do your beloved tiny tots have a fear of heights? Help them along with it by doing the Sydney Tower Skywalk. It gives unparalleled views of the city from above and iIncludes access to the Observation Deck and a 4D cinema experience (meaning you’ll really kill some time). Just check the details on age limits and height under the FAQs here, over 10 is usually fine if walking with an adult.

After a scorching Victorian summer, we’re relieved with the arrival of Autumn. And thankfully there’s plenty to do. Whether you want to stay close to the city or explore a bit more of the state, there are wallet-friendly experiences to keep the whole fam happy.

An hour from the heart of Melbourne, you can experience the magic of the Puffing Billy steam train in the green lush of Dandenong Ranges. The vintage carriage will track along scenic routs, with timeless charm. And it’s an exciting adventure for the family with the unique experience of being able to stick your legs out of the carriage, safely. A must-do activity!

Delivering thrills since early 1900s, we’ve got plans sorted with an unlimited ride ticket to Melbourne’s very own Luna Park. It’s the perfect activity to add to the school holiday agenda with various rides for everyone’s tastes. Plus, if you hop on the ferris wheel, expect the sights of St Kilda Beach and Phillip Bay.

A new attraction to Melbourne, and it’s an exciting one. Bringing the iconic game to life, this is a fun-filled visit in the heart of the CBD. From a laser maze security system, challenges, 4D cinema to bank cubicles where you use your hands to grab as much flying money as you can – this is games night on another level!