These school holiday activities in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, are sure to keep the entire family entertained this spring With a range of September school holiday activities as long as your arm, you will wish you had booked a longer holiday!
We are all about maximising the school holiday fun so take a good look at all the things Port Macquarie has to offer. Spending your days exploring beaches, getting close to wildlife and of course, visiting playgrounds are just some of the things to do in school holidays in Port Macquarie. We have you covered with kids school holiday activities that are sure to leave them wanting more.
We know that you can’t get out and about every day, so we have included some school holiday ideas for staying at home as well. However with so many school holiday activities in Port Macquarie, we know that the kids (and you!) won’t be sitting around bored.
We have compiled the complete guide to the best school holiday activities in Port Macquarie over the spring school holidays to help make your life so much easier!
State schools finish on Friday 12 April and return to class on Monday 29 April 2024.
Easter school holidays in NSW are Saturday 13 April to Sunday 28 April.
Fun things to do for the Port Macquarie school holidays
We have broken our list of September Port Macquarie school holiday activities into sections to help you:
- Fun things to do for the Port Macquarie school holidays
- 10 fun free school holiday activities
- 10 fun cheap school holiday activities
- 10 BIG days out in Port Macquarie these school holidays
- 5 things to do at home these school holidays
- Theatres with kids shows on in Port Macquarie these school holidays
- Port Macquarie kids holiday ideas
- Even more NSW school holiday ideas:
As with everything at the moment, please check with the venue directly (either by their website or social media pages) to ensure they are open during the times you wish to attend. You should also check their current policy around advanced bookings, entry requirements and timings.
10 fun free school holiday activities
Who doesn’t love a free day out with kids! Finding free activities in Port Macquarie is easier than you think!
Start by checking the list of free activities in Port Macquarie below. You can also check social media platforms and community groups for local events and happenings. Visit the library to see what events or programs they have planned. Don’t forget to check local parks and recreation departments for free classes, concerts, or movie screenings. By using our article and with a little bit of research, you can easily find a wide range of free and exciting activities in your local town!
Add these free activities to your list these holidays.
Town Beach
No holiday in Port Macquarie is complete without a trip to the beach. Grab your bucket and spade and head to Town Beach, conveniently located near the centre of town. When you have had enough of the sand, head to the Town Beach playground or skate park located on the grassed area beside the beach. Or maybe grab a snack from the kiosk.
The Glasshouse
The Glasshouse is a hub for culture and art in Port Macquarie. The gallery has a number of ongoing free exhibits for families to visit all throughout the year and the theatre also offers a range of family friendly workshops and performances. Be sure to take a look at what’s happening. Families tip: There are also activities online for kids to do at home if you can’t make it.
Find out what’s on these school holidays.
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is the ideal place to begin your fascinating journey through Sea Acres National Park, near Port Macquarie. Walk the Rainforest Boardwalk, look through the exhibitions on display or maybe go on a bush tucker tour. Whatever you choose, it is really a beautiful escape.
Read up on this beautiful national park.
Visit a koala hospital
The koala hospital is a wonderful resource for teaching kids and families about koala conservation in the area. See koalas in their rehabilitation area and learn about threats to their survival. There is also a Koalaseum – a museum for Koalas which provides information and has interactive displays so kids can touch koala fur or look down a microscope at koala poos poo!
Visit the Tacking Point Lighthouse
Need some fresh air and exercise? Bring the kids to the historic Tacking Point Lighthouse. Built in 1879 on a rocky outcrop, this spot is perfect for some great photos of the coastline. The Lighthouse is on along The Coastal Walk, so if you need to burn off some energy why not walk a part of this beautiful walk.
Port Macquarie Library
Need a little break? Visit one of the libraries on the mid north coast. Maybe you can curl up with a book while the kids enjoy one of the school holiday programs or workshops on offer. StoryTime happens all year round and so come down and enjoy some quiet time.
Visit the library website here.
Go Cave Adventuring
Cave Beach is a great place to spend a day swimming and exploring the local network of caves. Time your visit for low tide when you can walk through the caves and splash in the water. Bring a picnic and spend the day making memories.
Hello Koalas sculpture Trail
The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is like a treasure hunt – but better! 78 individually designed one metre koala sculptures have been scattered across the Port Macquarie area and it’s up to you to find them! Download the map on the website to find them all, or simply see how many you can spot during your holiday.
Breakwall Walking Path
The Breakwall is a great place to watch sunrise, sunset or to catch a glimpse of some local dolphins. Colourful graffiti covers many of the rocks, sharing message from locals and visitors alike. Bring the bikes and scooters to enjoy the paths and skatepark at the end of the boardwalk and maybe even grab a snack at Little Shak with the locals.
Visit Roto House
Located in Macquarie Nature Reserve, the historic Roto House is a local icon. Built in 1891 you will feel like you have travelled back in time as soon as you step through the doors. After exploring the house, check out the reserve park for koalas and birds. Families tip: The koala hospital is in the same park so why not combine the two visits.
Find out about this historic home here.
Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries
Stop in at this unique farm for a free farm tour! See how strawberries and tomatoes are grown then pick your own! Tomatoes are grown hydroponically, which means you will be indoors so the weather is no deterrent! Stop in at aptly named ‘Café Red’ after for a delicious snack or to pick up a souvenir.
10 fun cheap school holiday activities
Good fun doesn’t have to be expensive. You just have to know where to find it – and we do! Take a look at these ideas.
Funland Arcade
When the weather is bad, take the kids to Funland Arcade – they will love you for it! Loaded with a huge array of arcade games old and new, ticket and prize machines and a whole lot more, it’s fun for the whole family. School holiday packages are on offer making it an affordable activity this break.
Visit the website to find out more.
Bago Maze (& winery!)
Get lost at this incredible maze, architecturally designed and made from a hedge of native Lilly Pillys. This magical maze is huge, with more than 2000m of paths, walkways and bridges. There is even a lookout to take it all in – or just to cheat and find who you are chasing! Families tip: The maze is located in Bago Winery and Vineyard, meaning parents can enjoy some local delicacies.
Port Macquarie Museum
Spend some time learning the history of Port Macquarie and its people. There are a large number of exhibits to spend time exploring, including a costume gallery and an arcade of shops from days gone by. Kids will love the kids activities and exhibits as well as the family ‘I Spy’ trail.
Centre of Gravity
This indoor rock climbing centre is a great place to bring the kids to tire them out. They will love the challenge of more than 70 (yes 70!) courses to choose from, or maybe they prefer the high ropes course. Older kids will love the 2 storey glow in the dark maze which include laser lights, fog and music. Fun!
Visit the website for more info.
Port Macquarie Observatory
Want to try something different these holidays? Bring the kids to the observatory for a night adventure. The Port Macquarie Observatory does a number of night shows where they do a presentation on different astronomical topics. The night ends with the opportunity to look through a telescope at the night sky. Families note: Please check the website for more information as not all session are suitable for younger children.
Mid North Coast Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum consists of 3 different venues, each with a different experience to offer. The Pilot Cottages depict what maritime life was like, The Pilot Boatshed showcases model ships and boat-building tools and the Hibbard Slipway and Boatyard is a working slipway where you can see historical boats nearby. Venues can be visited independently.
Crazy Maze Playcentre
This indoor playground is a delight for kids! There are slides, tunnels, ball pits, climbing nets, bridges and much more! Parents can relax in the café while the kids run wild. Families tip: Crazy Maze also has squash courts for hire for parents who want to play.
See what the kids can do here.
Go Tenpin Bowling
Test your skills these holidays with a game (or two!) of tenpin bowling. Wave bowling has you covered with 12 lanes of excitement and offer bumper lanes, ramps and lightweight balls, meaning that even the little kids can play. Families tip: Check out the website for all the rules and bowling lingo to refresh your memory before you go.
Get up on a SUP
Have you ever tried stand up paddle boarding? Port Macquarie SUP Fun is all about making the most of these beautiful waterways. You can rent a board or have a lesson (group or one-on-one) and maybe watch some dolphins on top of your own SUP. They also run events throughout the year.
Check out what’s on offer here.
Play Hydro Golf and Putt Putt
Do you love mini golf? Then you need to try Hydro Golf! Hydro Golf has a beautiful water setting where players try to hit a variety of floating targets. A new spin on mini golf, hydro golf is sure to be a hit, especially with the kids when the balls splash into the water! When you are done with Hydro Golf, play 27 holes of mini golf on this massive course.
10 BIG days out in Port Macquarie these school holidays
Big days out are sure to tire them out and leave them wanting more. Take a look at our ideas below.
Stoney Park
Stoney Park is a waterpark with an inflatable obstacle course that is sure to exhaust the kids. Run, jump and slide and swim in this man-made lake just outside Port Macquarie. Wakeboarding and water skiing is also available, so come along and choose your own adventure. Families tip: You are welcome to bring your own shade structure and BBQ lunch! Tables are available but can get snapped up quickly.
Montem Bike Tours
Hire a bike these holidays and explore this beautiful part of the world. On two wheels you can experience a whole other unrestricted perspective. Ride the country or the coastline and feel the wind on your face. Montem Bike Tours do bike hire, tours and even school holiday bike clinics to build your child’s confidence.
Billabong Zoo
Billabong Zoo is home to more than 200 animals, both Australian and exotic. Spend the day listening to zoo keeper talks, feeding the animals or have a personal encounter with animals like a cheetah or a snow leopard. The zoo also runs an important koala breeding program where kids can learn about the importance of koala conservation. Families tip: On school holidays there is an additional reptile show.
Port Macquarie Camels
Take a ride along Lighthouse Beach on a ‘ship of the desert’. Riding a camel is easy to do and really is something for the whole family to enjoy. The team of cameleers are knowledgeable and have endless patience for curious kids questions. This is a unique experience and will leave the kids with lasting memories.
Timbertown
Make sure you allow a day to visit Timbertown as there really is so much to do! Entry includes steam train journey and heritage rides and demonstrations, however you can also ride pedal boats on the lake, visit the miniature railroad, try your hand at whip cracking or spend some time in the farmyard with the friendly farm animals. Grab some lunch at the Whistle Stop café and then enjoy some time at the playground.
Check out Timbertown online here.
Go Surfing
With beaches like this, it is the perfect opportunity to get on a surfboard. Take a surf lesson and give your kids the confidence to get out on the water. A surf lesson includes ocean awareness and safety skills – essential skills for a surfer! Take a group lesson, one-on-one or go for a multi-day course.
Find out how to get on a board here.
Go Horse Riding
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy horse riding at Cassegrain Winery. Ride through the beautiful grounds of this winery and surrounding bush trails, no matter your ability. Cassegrain also has a great school holiday program where kids can spend a day learning about horses and improving their riding skills. They also get in and help out grooming the horses and doing yard duties.
Find out more about horse riding at Cassegrain.
Go on a dolphin cruise
You can’t go past seeing dolphins to make some amazing memories these holidays. The kids will love jumping on a boat and doing a little animal spotting while parents will love spending time relaxing on the Hastings River. Cruise Port Macquarie also offers unforgettable sunset cruises where you can witness the changing colours of sunset. Don’t forget the camera!
Visit Lake Cathie
Get out of town for a day and head south. This beachside location is perfect for a picnic lunch and there are barbeques and picnic table available. Close by is a skate park and playground to keep the kids busy. Take the short walk (approximately 15 mins) to the lookout to round off a great day. Families tip: Lake Cathie is home to the ‘Big Bowl’ (lawn bowling ball) if you are after a unique holiday photo!
Find out what you can do here.
Jumbos Playland
Jumbos is packed with fun activities that kids will love and is the largest indoor play centre on the mid north coast. Kids can enjoy jumping on the bouncy slide, winding through a maze or enjoying the fantastic school holiday programs on offer. Parents will love the café with ‘real’ coffee!
Click here to see what’s happening.
5 things to do at home these school holidays
Staying at in doesn’t have to be boring. Make some time and memories at home these school holidays.
Make an A-Z scrapbook
Using magazines see if you can find a picture of something that begins with each letter of the alphabet. To make it more difficult, try to choose a theme ‘animals’ or ‘places’ beginning with every letter of the alphabet. If you get stuck you could draw some of the things in.
Have a living room disco
Crank the music and get dancing! Pick your favourite tunes and dance around the living room. Close the curtains for a darker, more ‘disco’ atmosphere.
Listen to audio books
There is nothing better than curling up with a good book, so we know the kids will be enthralled by a good audio book. Why not pull the mattresses off the beds and make a cosy corner to listen in.
Write a letter to a friend
Get out the paper and pens (no devices, that’s cheating!) and handwrite a letter. If the kids are too little, draw a picture instead. Then next time you are out, get them to post it in a postbox.
Do chalk drawing
Take out the coloured chalk and get drawing on the driveway. This is also a great way to meet your neighbours and for the kids to make new friends.
Here are 10 more things you can do at home these school holidays:
- Have a movie marathon
- Bake and cook new recipes together
- Create an indoor fort or blanket fort
- Start a garden or indoor herb garden
- Try a new hobby or craft, like painting or knitting
- Play board or card games
- Have a pajama day and spend the whole day in your pajamas
- Do a workout or yoga routine together
- Have a indoor picnic with a homemade meal
- Write and perform a play or put on a show for each other.
Theatres with kids shows on in Port Macquarie these school holidays
Nothing beats a good kids show for entertainment. Take a look at our suggestions to add to your school holiday list.
Glasshouse
This cultural hub has a range of performances all year round, from theatre to comedy and music. With a large tiered theatre and performance space there is always something to bring the kids to see.
Majestic Cinema
Taking the kids to the movies is always a popular choice! The Majestic Cinema has 5 screens showing the latest movies, so you are sure to find something that they love. The cinema also has a number of community events throughout the year as well so make sure you check out what’s on.
Visit the website for movie times.
The Players Theatre
This local theatre is passionate about live performance and is THE place for amateur theatre in the region. Kids will love the colour and excitement of a live show, so be sure to take a look at what’s on these September holidays.
Click here to find out more about this theatre.
Port Macquarie kids holiday ideas
Port Macquarie is an excellent destination to take toddlers, kids, and teens for the school holidays due to its diverse range of attractions and activities. Toddlers will love the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where they can get up close and personal with these adorable marsupials. Kids and teenagers will enjoy the numerous beaches, where they can try their hand at surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
The region also has several wildlife parks and reserves, where families can observe native animals in their natural habitats. Families can also explore the region’s rich history by visiting the local museums and heritage sites. Moreover, Port Macquarie offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options for all age groups. Overall, Port Macquarie is an ideal destination for families with children of all ages, as it provides a perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation.
If you’re looking for more things to do in New South Wales, click here.
Soooo…. what do you think? Plenty of Port Macquarie days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays! These Port Macquarie holiday ideas are updated every term, so remember to bookmark this page.
Let us know if we missed your favourite or if you would like us to add your venue or event!
This was so helpful we are going to be busy thank you for this. We are going on holiday to port in the school hols so this will be great. THANK YOU