Forget the flight - Spring school holidays are better in your own backyard

Us grown ups 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 spring school holidays without breaking the bank. We know of entire days entertained for as little as $25. In fact our site is covered in discounts and we’ve got everything kids want. Snorkels, segways, skywalks, Sea 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 spring school holidays in five special places across Oz:

Other states think Queenslanders have summer 365 days of the year, but locals know it gets nippy. With spring on our doorstep, it’s time to put the togs and thongs back on regular rotation and plan fun for the spring school holidays.

We’ve got the whole state sorted. Explore spring 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.

As the sun makes its welcomed return, 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 spring to snorkel up and visit a reef.

Catch the tail end of the whale-watching season and wave goodbye to Queensland’s giants of the sea. We might love the warm waters, but the humpbacks will migrate south—meaning we won’t have the chance to see them again until next year.

If you call WA home, you know it’s West Coast, Best Coast no matter what the season is. But spring? The fun turns up when the temperature does. 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.

It may sound like one of those concepts you make up to impress your kids (eg. Santa, the Easter Bunny, a magical princess day if you eat your breakfast), but Horizontal Falls are real!—and they must be experienced. Make your way to the Kimberleys to see the sheer force of nature that is the Horries, a rare natural wonder that will leave you breathless.

If your spring 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 spring. 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.

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.

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.

With so much to do in the city and on the harbour, us Sydneysiders often forget there are things happening out at sea. The spring school holidays are the last opportunity to spot whales as they migrate south for the sunny months. It’s a spectacle that both kids and adults will treasure.

After a chilly Victorian winter, the kids are restless come springtime. But 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 crew happy (maybe even grateful!).

Free range kids need open range activities. That’s where Werribee Zoo steps in. Here you can see animals roam freely in open plains and head out on an African-style safari. Zebras, rhinos, giraffes and more, just 30-minutes out of Melbourne.

Got a budding sports star in the family? Or your little one has two left feet, but an enthusiasm for sport that melts your heart. Either way, immerse the family in Australia's sporting history and culture at this engaging and interactive museum. Your lazy ones might get a hit of inspiration!

Soar to the sky with a visit to Melbourne Skydeck, where the kids and the big kids will be treated to sweeping views of the city from the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. You can even sign them up for a virtual reality experience to turn things up a notch.