Feeling at a loss for what to do over the school break with the kids? Never fear. There are plenty of activities and events in Newcastle and at home as well as road trips that are a stone's throw away.
Immerse yourself in everything that Newcastle has to offer these school holidays. With open doors across the city's main events, now is the perfect time to see the city from a tourist's point of view.
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Viator
Viator
From wildlife parks where you can pet marsupials and reptiles to aquariums where you can feed sharks – pick their favourite animal and pay them a visit during these holidays.
Birthday coming up? Perhaps they love plane spotting and you want to make their day? Helicopter rides can take you above the city and up and down the coast delivering spectacular views. They'll love you for this.
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Experience Oz
Experience Oz
There's no shortage of outdoor and on-the-water adventures in Newcastle. Pick from an active adventure such as kayaking to a more relaxed cruise around the local waterways.
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Viator
Sort out the itinerary for those days when you just want to stay inside but you still want to get out of the house (virtually).
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Classbento
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Classbento
Classbento
Order a kit, open it up and get crafting during the school holidays. The kiddos will love things like face painting and creative garden activities.
Classbento
Classbento
Applications for Junior MasterChef have closed for this year, but it's never too early to start practising for the future. These courses and kits will have kids and teens alike whipping up treats in no time.
Classbento
Classbento
Classbento
Set up the canvas away from the carpet and let their creativity sweep across it. Painting is a therapeutic and relaxing pastime that can provide your child with an outlet for creative expression.
Classbento
Classbento
Classbento
Leaving boredom at the door and getting out of the house is easier than ever with our A–Z guide on the top New South Wales family holidays.
Distance from Newcastle: 1 hour via car or 2 hours via public transport.
Known for its fine selection of wineries and breweries, the Hunter Valley also hosts a range of family-friendly activities. We recommend checking out the region from the sky in a hot air balloon or scenic helicopter flight and seeing the vineyards up close on horseback.
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RedBalloon
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Distance from Newcastle: 1 hour via car or around 2 hours via public transport.
With an abundance of parklands on offer, Port Stephens has many hiking trails, lookouts, beaches and dunes for you to explore. We recommend checking out the action on the sand dunes with sandboarding or riding 4x4s. For something totally different, you can take part in a shark feeding.
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Distance from Newcastle: 1.5 hours via car and 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport.
A short drive down south reveals Gosford and its many sights. Enjoy a day at the Australian Reptile Park or check out the beautiful Glenworth Valley on a horse. For a bit more of a thrill, swap your noble steed for an ATV ride.
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Wotif
Experience Oz
Need more ideas? Check out our 50 free activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays.
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term 1 school holidays | 15 April to 26 April 2024 |
| Term 2 school holidays | 3 8 July to 19 July 2024 |
| Term 3 school holidays | 30 September to 11 October 2024 |
| Term 4 school holidays | 23 December 2024 to 6 February 2025 |
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10% off activities with code FD300
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 10% off Newcastle activities
Available on select dates when you purchase 2 or more vouchers. Activities include skydives, helicopter flights, sightseeing cruises, kayak tours and more. T&Cs apply.
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Get 5% off activities with code
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
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Buy 2 or more and get 10% off with code
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Are all attractions in Newcastle open?
Yes, you can now visit Newcastle's main attractions. Sights such as Fort Scratchley, Newcastle Museum, Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Ocean Baths and Fighter World are open for business.
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