Get into some amazing school holiday activities on the South Coast of New South Wales this September. This spectacular coastline is a world away from the big cities and a special location that offers a whole range of spring school holiday activities.
Kids will love all the school holiday fun on offer and parents will love the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful part of Australia. With incredible white sand beaches (hello Jervis Bay!), expansive nature and the highest of mountains, there really are a heap of things to do in school holidays on the South Coast in September. We have you covered with kids school holiday activities from lighthouses to museums and even the best animal parks south of Sydney.
We know that you can’t get out and about every day, so we have included some spring school holiday ideas for staying at home as well. However with so many school holiday activities on the South Coast, 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 on the South Coast over the September school holidays to help make your life so much easier!
State schools finish on Friday 27 September and return to class on Monday 14 October 2024.
Spring school holidays in NSW are Saturday 28 September to Sunday 13 October.
Fun things to do for the South Coast school holidays
We have broken our list of South Coast school holiday activities into these sections to help you:
- Fun things to do for the South Coast school holidays
- 10 fun free school holiday activities for September
- 10 fun cheap school holiday activities
- 10 BIG days out on the South Coast these school holidays
- 15 things to do at home these school holidays
- Theatres with kids shows on the South Coast these school holidays
- South Coast 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 for September
Who doesn’t love a free day out with kids! Add these free activities to your list these holidays. We have collated all the best things to do on the South Coast with kids. And the best part? It wont cost you a thing!
Bateman’s Bay Cycleway
This flat cycleway is the perfect ride for all members of the family. Following the coast, this path shows off the beautiful scenery of the area, as well as boasting many coffee shops and restaurants along the way for you to stop at. Combining the visit with a local playground will be sure to tire out the kids!
Bruce Steer Pool
This sheltered and shallow swimming cove is perfect for a family day out. Just a short walk from the main street of Bermagui, this local gem offers shade, amenities and seating. Bring a picnic and spend a day enjoying the sparkling water and checking the rocks for crabs.
Corrigans Beach Reserve Park
A day at a playground is always a good day. Corrigans Beach Reserve Park is an epic playground beside a beach – literally the best of both worlds. It would be easy to spend a morning here playing and dipping your toes in the ocean, then having barbeque lunch. Families tip: Bring the bikes and scooters so they can burn off even more energy on the paths surrounding the park.
Visit the library
When everyone needs some down time, head to the library! There are a number of libraries to choose from on the South Coast, but all of them are guaranteed to keep the kids entertained. Rhyme Time, Story Time and Toddler Time are constantly on offer, but be sure to check out the school holiday program as well.
Australia Rock
Make sure you check out this unbelievable photo opportunity. When you look at Australia Rock from the right angle, the hole in the middle looks like Australia! Bring your snap happy kids and let them loose with the camera to get the perfect shot. Head up to Bar Rock lookout afterwards for another shot of the view.
Read about Australia Rock here.
Snorkelling Guerilla Bay
Guerilla Bay is the perfect place to snorkel as it offers two different snorkelling experiences. More experienced snorkellers can snorkel north of the spit, while those less experienced can snorkel to the south. No matter what you choose, you are sure to see some incredible underwater sights.
Visit the Moruya Market
Come along to this picturesque country market on the banks of the Deua River. Showcasing local artisans and creators, this market is the best of what Moruya and surrounds has to offer. Grab some fresh food delights and sit on the river and let the kids run free enjoying the country air.
Visit the website for more information.
Kiama Blowhole
The Kiama Blowhole is one of the largest in the world and is a spectacular sight for kids to see. Stand on the viewing deck and watch the water shoot around 20m into the air and maybe even get sprayed with water! For an additional thrill come down at night when the area is floodlit and the sea waves are crashing!
Blenheim Beach
Relax in the turquoise waters and on the white sand at Blenheim Beach. This stunning beach (and others!) can be accessed along the White Sands Walk which makes for a great day trip. Bring a picnic down and you might even be lucky enough to have the place to yourselves. Calm waters and clear water make for a safe swimming and snorkelling spot.
Cape St George Lighthouse
The ruins of this 1860 three story lighthouse stand on a spectacular cliff overlooking the coastline. Not just a lighthouse, this was the site of many other buildings including a shed, stables and a laundry. Large stones from the original buildings are scattered over the site making it an interesting and photogenic location.
Read more about the lighthouse history here.
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 school holiday ideas on the South Coast of NSW.
Eden Killer Whale Museum
Whaling was a big part of the history of the south coast. Here at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, kids can learn all about whaling and get up close to a killer whale skeleton. Guided tours operate during the school holidays so you can get the most out of the experience. Families tip: Make sure you take a look at the website before you go to read all about whales.
Merimbula Aquarium
The Merimbula Aquarium offers an insight into what life is like under the sea. The ‘Theatre of the Deep’ has 28 tanks with both local and tropical marine life. Kids will love feeding the fish and parents will love being able to grab and easy lunch of fish and chips at the aquarium restaurant afterwards.
Penwood Railroad
All aboard! Train rides are always a hit, and a miniature train ride can be even more so! Enjoy the fun of riding a miniature train in the countryside. These trains have been lovingly made to be a replica of a working steam train. Bring along a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
Nowra Aquatic Park
Enjoy a splashingly good day out at the Nowra Aquatic Park. Bigger kids can race down the ‘vortex’ or ‘rampage’ waterslides then play around in the Splash Play Park with everyone else. Parents, maybe you can treat the kids to an ice-cream or milkshake at the kiosk after, making you the parent of the year!
Find out more about the aquatic park.
Early Start Discovery Space
This is the ultimate hands-on children’s museum. Kids can enjoy everything from animal encounters to art time to jumping behind the wheel of an emergency services vehicle. Children will learn through play at this unique destination. Be sure to check out their event schedule as well as the daily activities.
Oaklands Barn
Enjoy a taste of farm life these holidays and visit Oaklands Barn, one of the earliest surviving properties on the Far South Coast. Kids can feed animals such as pigs and goats, as well as alpacas and camels! Also on offer are pony rides. Parents, take a break after and enjoy a coffee and some house-made treat in the café.
Granties Maze
More than just a maze, this fun park has something for everyone. The best thing about it – you only pay for the activities you do. There is no entry fee meaning that each family can choose their own adventure. Mini golf, archery, pony rides and water rides are all on offer.
Find out what’s on offer here.
Birdland Animal Park
‘Have the time of your wildlife’ at the Birdland Animal Park. Bring the kids and ride the train, or just walk through this waterfront animal park. Featuring more than just birds, the park has deer, wombats, snakes and much more. Enjoy a hands on animal experience or simply let the kids run off steam at the onsite playground.
Jervis Bay Maritime Museum
If the kids roll their eyes about a museum, tell them you have found one with a treasure hunt! The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum has a treasure hunt every day with a small prize at the end. They also host a range of workshops during the school holidays in addition to their regular activities.
Find out what workshops are on these school holidays.
Kiama Pilot’s Cottage Museum
Built in 1881, this historic cottage details much of the history of the Kiama region. The cottage was used as a home and office for pilots of the area for almost a century. Families tip: The cottage is located near the Kiama blowhole, so be sure to stop in while you are there.
10 BIG days out on the South Coast these school holidays
Go big or go home with these awesome activities on the South Coast. These are the activities for kids that build memories are they talk about for years to come!
Trees Adventure
Ready for some aerial fun? Then get climbing at Trees Adventure. With more than 70 challenges on offer, kids can get up to 15m off the ground and into the air! Be sure to check out their school holidays programs where parents can keep their feet ON the ground and let the kids have all the fun. Families tip: The park is inside the Shoalhaven Zoo, so why not make a day of it.
Jamberoo Action Park
Jamberoo is the ULTIMATE splash and water park. Choose to race your friends down the speed slides at Surf Hill, face the Perfect Storm or just relax and chill out on Rapid River. There are so many rides it will be hard to pick where to start! If you don’t want to get wet, enjoy a chairlift ride over the mountains or simply play a game of minigolf. It’s up to you at Jamberoo!
Mogo Wildlife Park
Just outside Bateman’s Bay is Mogo Wildlife Park, where animals come first. Mogo houses some incredible exotic animals, including an African Lion and Serval (which can leap 3m into the air!), a Sumatran Tiger and Southern White Rhino (the heaviest land animals in the world!). Enjoy a zookeeper talk or animal encounter before enjoying a coffee with a view of meerkats and gibbons.
Skip the queue and get your tickets here.
Jervis Bay Dolphin Watching
Home to over 100 Bottlenose dolphins, the beautiful waters of Jervis Bay make for an idyllic day trip. This pristine and healthy eco system are the perfect place to see dolphins in their natural habitat. For an even more unique experience, try ‘boomnetting’ – an experience a bit like a cruising spa bath!
Take a look at the website here.
Valhalla Horse Riding
Take the kids horse riding and enjoy the peace of the bush these holidays. Valhalla has horses (and ponies!) to suit all ages and abilities. In addition, kids can enjoy archery or canoeing at this unique venue set in native bushland beside a creek.
Shoalhaven Zoo
The Shoalhaven Zoo boasts incredible animals in a spectacular location. Set amongst rock formations and on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, kids can experience animal encounters, listen to zookeeper talks or just follow along on the well-marked trails through the park. For those who are super brave, lion feeding is on offer or for those a little less brave, maybe a monkey or meerkat!
Visit the website for more information.
Potoroo Place
Have you ever seen a potoroo? Well you can here! Potoroo Place is a native animal education sanctuary, where the wellbeing of animals comes first. Animals are free to roam the sanctuary and kids can have a go at feeding kangaroos, emus or ducks. A potoroo experience is sure to be a great story for the kids to bring back to school.
Magic Mountain
A day at Magic Mountain is a day filled with riding a rollercoaster, driving grand prix cars, riding a 900m toboggan, getting wet at the splash pool and so much more. For the less thrill seeking, there is mini golf, a jumping castle and pirates playground. Phew! So much in just one day is sure to wear them out.
Kosciuszko National Park
A trip to the south coast wouldn’t be complete without exploring the rooftop of Australia. Kosciuszko National Park offers something for everyone, with unique landscape, walking tracks and pristine nature. Start with a visit to the education centre where kids can enjoy hands on and interactive displays to help them learn about this incredible national park before heading off on a hike.
Go mountain biking in the snowy mountains
Go exploring on two wheels! The Snowy Mountains offer a heap of mountain bike and cycling trails for all abilities. This is the perfect way to spend time together out and about in nature. See lakes, forests and rock formations all while tiring out the kids!
15 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 is a list of 10 things kids can do at home when they are bored:
- Try a new hobby, such as drawing, painting, or knitting
- Have a movie or game marathon
- Read a book or start a book club with friends
- Write and perform a play or put on a show
- Bake or cook a new recipe
- Do a workout or yoga routine
- Create an indoor obstacle course or scavenger hunt
- Have a craft day and make homemade gifts or decorations
- Play board or card games
- Have a virtual hangout with friends or family members.
Theatres with kids shows on the South Coast these school holidays
If you are looking for something a little different, take a look at these venues who all offer family friendly shows and programs over the school holidays.
You can find the latest movies out these school holidays here.
The Picture Show Man
This twin cinema in Merimbula is the perfect spot to head with the kids when you (or they) need some downtime. Check out what’s showing these school holidays.
Perry Street Cinema
This independent family owned cinema aims to have the best on show for families every school holidays.
South Coast kids holiday ideas
If you’re looking for more things to do in New South Wales, click here.
Soooo…. what do you think? Plenty of South Coast days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays? These South Coast holiday ideas are updated every term, so remember to bookmark this page.
Even more NSW school holiday ideas:
If you are heading north these school holidays check out our other articles:
- Newcastle & Central Coast School holiday activities
- Port Macquarie school holiday activities
- Coffs Harbour School holiday activities
- Byron Bay school holiday activities
- Sydney school holiday activities
- Wollongong school holiday activities
If you are heading south these school holidays, these holiday ideas might help:
And if you are heading to our nations capital, we have listed he best school holiday activities in Canberra too!
Let us know if we missed your favourite or if you would like us to add your venue or event!
