With the spring school holidays around the corner, there are plenty of activities and experiences across NSW for the whole family to enjoy. We’ve rounded up the best things to do during the September school holidays right across the sate.
Horse Riding on the Central Coast
Tucked in the hinterland of the Central Coast is Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures: Australia’s largest horse-riding centre. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden a horse — try a guided trail ride for beginners or book a pony ride for the children.
If you’re not into horses, there’s also abseiling, quad biking, laser skirmish and kayaking available at Glenworth Valley.
See Scenic World in the Blue Mountains
For nature-loving thrill seekers, Scenic World offers adventures such as cable car rides and rainforest walks in the majestic Jamison Valley. The Scenic Railway — the world’s steepest incline passenger train — commands awesome views as it emerges through a cliff-side tunnel into the valley.
See Native Wildlife in Western Sydney
Animal experiences are some of our favourite things to do during the September school holidays.
For an animal-loving child or a kid who’d love to be a zookeeper, there’s no better experience than the Mini Zookeeper for a Day program at Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney. The program teaches children what it takes to become a zookeeper and provides an opportunity to get hands-on experience feeding and caring for a range of different animals.
Read more: Best animal encounters in NSW
Hit The Surf in Byron Bay
Byron’s picturesque beaches and surf breaks attract families and surfers all year round. Popular spots include the patrolled Main Beach, as well as Clarkes and Wategos beaches. Little Wategos is Australia’s easternmost beach, accessible on foot, and The Pass is an Instagram-worthy surf beach with a famous right-hand point break. Let’s Go Surfing Byron Bay hosts surf lessons throughout Byron.
Read more: The ultimate guide to things to do in Byron Bay with kids
An inland beach, Canola and Countryside
Wagga Wagga is just a short flight or road trip from Sydney and it’s got lots to explore for the whole family. Enjoy a scenic walk or a picnic at Wagga Beach on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, right in the centre of town. Take the kids horse riding at Belisi Wellbeing & Equestrian Centre or drive The Canola Trail: a tourist loop between Temora, Coolamon and Junee that takes in the spectacular sight of golden fields of flowering canola.
Read more: Great Outdoors bucket-list trips in Central NSW
Take an Outback Road Trip
A road trip is one of the most popular things to do during the September school holidays, and the NSW outback is perfect at this time of year.
Be inspired by the unique land formations of outback NSW on a family road trip. Discover rare and luminous opals, fabulous underground art caves and natural heated springs in the majestic surrounds of historic Lightning Ridge. In Mungo National Park, uncover a starkly beautiful panorama of ancient dry lake basins and sand formations.
Read more: Head underground in outback NSW
See Wildlife on Montague Island
Take the family to the ocean-bound wilderness of Montague Island. You’ll find wildlife encounters and fascinating maritime history. Get up close and personal with fur seals and little penguins or explore historic Montague Lighthouse and stay overnight. Situated off the far South Coast of New South Wales, Montague Island Nature Reserve is instantly recognisable with its iconic lighthouse rising up over an undulating green landscape.
Read more: Top 7 activity ideas for teens on NSW South Coast
Shoalhaven Beaches
Last but not least, the beaches in the Shoalhaven region are among the safest and most beautiful in the country. The calm turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Check out Hyams Beach, famed for its dazzling stretch of fine white sand. After a stroll along the beach, stop at the Hyams Beach Store and Cafe for local fish and chips.
Read more
Top 10 NSW experiences picked by a Masterchef
Great Outdoors bucket-list trips in Central NSW
Top school holiday destinations in NSW
Janeece Keller is the founder and editor of Family Travel. She mostly travels with her husband and two young kids. She has a large blended family that lives in Australia and Europe. She has visited 52 countries and lived on 3 continents. From camping to luxury resorts Janeece tries to make sure her family has diverse holiday experiences each year. She is an avid hiker and ocean swimmer who loves good food, margaritas and heading off the beaten path.