From educational tours to inflatable fun, here are some of the best kept secrets for school holiday fun to keep children – big and small – entertained these autumn school holidays.

From educational tours to inflatable fun and country experiences, here are some great options for school holiday fun to keep children – big and small – entertained these autumn school holidays.

A virtual reality visit to the Kimberly wilderness

Revealing the history, geology, culture and wonder of the remarkable Kimberley region, the National Museum of Australia (NMA) is offering The Great Kimberly Wilderness virtual reality experience over the school holidays. 

“Get ready to be transported to one of the world’s most breathtaking and pristine landscapes in the Great Kimberly Wilderness,” says head of commercial at the NMA, Jacqui Smith. 

“Guided by scientists and traditional owners, this journey crosses stunning coastlines and majestic gorges, venturing deep into these timeless lands.”

Narrated by Luke Hemsworth, the 35-minute virtual reality experience explores the striped sandstone domes of the UNESCO-listed Purnululu National Park and travels back more than 350 million years to the Devonian Reef, uncovering ancient geology that has shaped life as we know it. 

Nearly two billion years in the making, Jacqui says students will see the historic, cultural and environmental significance of the Kimberley region. 

“Throughout the film, students will explore themes of First Nations cultural connections to country, geological and environmental landmarks conserved within the UNESCO-Listed Purnululu National Park and remnants of the dinosaurs at Gantheaume Point 130 million years ago.”

Suitable for all ages, Jacqui says the headset is recommended for users eight years of age or older. 

“There’s a special school holiday schedule to make it easy for families to attend, with sessions hourly from 9.15am to 4.15pm,” she says.

Booking before the activity is recommended at nma.gov.au/kimberley.  

National Museum of Australia. Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula. Call 1800 026132 or visit nma.gov.au/kimberley

Farm stay with a difference – in a luxury silo!

The Matthews family are the proud owners behind the Top Paddock Silo Stay – two silos that have been renovated into a three-bedroom house. 

“Our vision is to run a regenerative farm that looks after the land,” says silo stay co-owner Kylie Matthews. 

After moving on to the 485-hectare property in 2012, the notion of creating a farm stay was inspired by a trip to NZ. 

In 2022, the idea came to fruition, with Kylie’s husband spending every free moment building their holistic dream. 

After a successful opening in March, 2024, Kylie says they are excited to share their dream with the public. 

“We provide a unique farm stay with all the luxuries such as air-conditioning, a spa, two queen beds and three single beds,” she says.

According to Kylie, demonstrating the importance of caring for the land has always been a priority, using biodynamics and implementing a revegetation program. 

“We’re trying to bridge the gap between the city and the country,” she says.

“We even offer farm tours for our visitors to experience life on the farm.”

The Top Paddock Silo Stay is pet friendly and Kylie says it is always best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

“Forbes has a lot to do, and we love encouraging our visitors to see the region.”  

Top Paddock Silo Stay, 138 Cooyong Lane, Forbes NSW. Call 0428 922499 or visit toppaddocksilostay.com.au

History of Australia through correctional eyes

Opened in 2005, the Cooma Correctional Museum offers the history of Australia through correctional eyes, says statewide museum manager Andrew Weglarz.

“We show the history of corrections in Australia starting from the First Fleet, up until today,” he says.

“On November 1 2023, we celebrated our 150th anniversary, we’re the oldest working jail in Australia.”

Andrew says people should think of them as a big-city museum in a rural setting.

“We have a working gallows, people can use a real trap-door, but we also have fire trucks and tractors from history,” he says.

Andrew says they have serving, minimum-security prisoners working as guides.

“We have done risk assessments with them, and they are coming to the end of serving their time,” he says.

“In 1957, a minister put all offenders who identified as homosexual into Cooma Jail, until reforms in 1984, so we have that history, too.

“We also have a show of Aboriginal history.”

He says the museum has been named the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award Winner for 2024, and has previously received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, alongside some fantastic reviews.

Andrew has been doing this work for eight years, having previously worked as a senior prison officer in the UK and in Canberra.

“My passion is the privilege I have been given to tell Australia’s history,” he says.

“I also set up displays in the reception areas of some other correctional facilities, too.” 

Cooma Correctional Museum, 2 Vagg Street, Cooma. Open every day, 8.30am-3.15pm. Call 6452 5974 or visit correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au

A day of inflatable fun for everyone

Tuff Nutterz was started in 2019 with the idea of creating an environment where families could have fun and come together, says general manager Juan Gomez.

“It’s a day filled with excitement for children, their parents and even grandparents,” he says.

“The event features Australia’s biggest inflatable obstacle course – 300 metres long – and two other inflatable games, which are sure to provide an exhilarating experience for all ages.”

Juan says Tuff Nutterz is one of Canberra’s top-voted school holiday activities, and visits the ACT twice a year in April and September.

“We are very happy and lucky to be able to provide such an enjoyable family event,” he says.

“Tickets start at $25, with session times at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, and group discounts are available.

“We will have coffee, ice cream and yummy food available at our events, and you may bring your own food and drinks, too. Socks with grip soles are highly recommended.

“What I love about Tuff Nutterz is it’s a whole day out for the families, and away from screens, so everyone is able to share their experience together.” 

Tuff Nutterz, corner of King Edward Terrace and Parkes Place Lawns, Parkes, 9am to 4.45pm, April 25-April 27. Visit tuffnutterz.com

Starting a love of musical theatre in young people

Established to teach excellence in musical theatre and to encourage young people to experience and form a love of live theatre, Pied Piper Productions director Nina Stevenson says they produce musical theatre shows that appeal to the whole family. 

“We provide a professional and caring environment where those who have never performed can learn the skills and discipline needed to work in theatre,” she says. 

“Six to 14-year-olds with little to no experience can be part of the junior workshops and those with some experience, aged 10 to 18 and over, can work alongside more experienced members of the group to hone their skills in the senior workshops.”

Priced for people to afford the family friendly musicals, Nina says the productions are all around 80 minutes duration. 

“It’s short enough for even the youngest audience members to stay entranced by the music, songs and costumes,” she says. 

Nina recommends families have a look into High School Musical 2 Jr, which will be performed during the April school holidays. 

“We will have daytime and evening performances available to cater to all sorts of availability,” she says. 

Tutored by highly experienced professionals, Nina says their students become well-trained musical theatre performers, some of whom go on to audition successfully for other theatrical groups. 

Pied Piper Productions audition forms and bookings to pied-piper.com.au or call 6295 9172.

Zoo and aquarium promises adventure and fun

Adventure awaits at the National Zoo and Aquarium over the school holidays. 

The Centre of Adventure education manager, Jessica Cartwright, says the National Zoo and Aquarium offers opportunities to “lose yourself in [their] enormous playground ‘Adventureland’”, while also learning about the zoo and its occupants in exciting new ways.

“Discover the zoo in a new way with our kids’ Discovery Trail by meeting up with roving dinosaurs and our prehistoric team in the Extinction Trail,” she says.  

“Our keeper talks run daily and are a fantastic way to learn more about our animals and get answers to the questions you’ve been itching to ask.”

With trails such as the Kids Discovery Trail, the Extinction Trail and Adventureland alongside seeing all the animals in the zoo and aquarium, Jessica says there are plenty of activities to keep kids and adults alike entertained for a whole day, or even two.

“Our memberships offer phenomenal value for our locals to visit the zoo on [their] own time,” she says. 

Jessica also recommends families check out their school holiday program Zoocation, which will run each and every day during the holidays.

“Zoocation is a program where young ones will spend the day learning, discovering, creating and being outdoors!” she says.

“They’ll meet some fantastic animals, create pieces of art and discover the world around them. 

“And, of course, every day ends at Adventureland!”

National Zoo and Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Canberra. Visit nationalzoo.com.au or call 6287 8400.

A coastal dip into maritime history and more

Opening in 1988 with two buildings and a ferry on display, the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and Gallery has since become a significant arts and culture hub for the Shoalhaven, says curator Jody White. 

“With a world-renowned collection of maritime artefacts and historic vessels, as well as temporary galleries showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year, the museum provides a ‘sense of place’ for the local community and offers historical and contemporary insight to our visitors.”

Recently winning gold in the Top Town Tourism Awards, Jody says the town of Huskisson offers stunning natural views and good food all just a quick drive from the sparkling coast. 

“As a volunteer-based organisation and community hub, the museum provides an opportunity for visitors to explore their interests, discover something new and be inspired by their experience,” says Jody. 

“They can also explore our 1.4km mangrove boardwalk, which makes it easier to get up close to the mangroves, birds and sea creatures living in this beautiful patch of marine sanctuary.”

According to Jody, the rotating exhibit schedule means there’s always something new to see at the museum and, open every day of the year except Christmas. 

Doubling as a community hub, the museum also hosts a twilight market on the first Saturday of the month until April, featuring live music, a bar, local-made gifts and produce.

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, 11 Dent Street, Huskisson, NSW. Call 4441 5675 or visit jervisbaymaritimemuseum.asn.au