When it comes to finding the best school holiday activities in Warrnambool and Port Fairy this summer, look no further. These beautiful coastal towns are incredible places to bring a family and spend some quality time together. We have compiled all the best school holiday ideas for December & January 2024 the top attractions in Warrnambool and Port Fairy for you these summer holidays.
This region does a great job of showing off their surrounds in a range of summer school holiday activities in Warrnambool and Port Fairy. As locals we embrace our region and with so many things to do in school holidays in Warrnambool and Port Fairy, we really are spoilt for choice.
Kids Warrnambool school holiday activities this summer don’t have to be a chore, even if you stay at home (check out our stay at home ideas included below). No matter the weather, you will find something to entertain children of all ages with these school holiday activities in Warrnambool and Port Fairy. Take a look at our list of school holiday fun activities then get out there and enjoy!
We have compiled the complete guide to the best school holiday activities in Warrnambool and Port Fairy over the December & January school holidays to help make your life so much easier! With new events added to this article all the time, bookmark this page so you can find it again later!
Easter school holiday dates:
State schools finish on Thursday 28 March and return to class on Monday 15 April 2024.
Easter school holidays in Victoria are Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024.
Fun things to do for the Warrnambool and Port Fairy school holidays
We have broken our list of Warrnambool and Port Fairy school holiday activities into sections to help you:
- Fun things to do for the Warrnambool and Port Fairy school holidays
- 10 fun free school holiday activities
- 10 fun cheap school holiday activities
- 10 BIG days out around Warrnambool & Port Fairy these school holidays
- 15 things to do at home these school holidays
- Theatres with kids shows on in Warrnambool and Port Fairy these school holidays
- Warrnambool and Port Fairy kids holiday ideas
- Even more VIC school holiday ideas:
- Easter school holiday dates:
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
Sometimes the school holidays can seem like they go forever, so it is great to have a heap of free fun things to do in Warrnambool and Port Fairy to fill in some time. Take a look at our list, because we know the kids will love everything on it.
Visit the 12 Apostles
The 12 Apostles are a part of the bigger Great Ocean Road drive and are the top attraction in Warrnambool and Port Fairy. Get in the car and drive the road to witness the spectacular cliffs and the apostles themselves. While not all are still standing, those that are, are definitely an impressive sight that is will be sure to leave lasting memories. We visited teh 12 Apostles as part of our day trip from Melbourne.
Insiders tip: There are some fantastic photo opportunities so make sure you don’t forget the camera.
Warrnambool botanical gardens
Take some time to visit these beautiful gardens in the heart of Warrnambool. Kids will love watching the ducks and birdlife on the pond and finding the old cannon in the gardens. Take a look at the website before you go to see some great arial drone footage. This is a great spot to spend some time outdoors without leaving the city.
Click here to see the gardens.
Whale watching at Logans Beach
What better school holiday activity than whale watching. Logans Beach is just outside town and is where Southern Right whales choose to calve. Head down to the beach and if you are lucky, you can do some whale watching from the viewing platform. The beach itself is beautiful so bring down a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
Giant Yambuk slide
What could be more exciting than a slide that goes for 33m! Situated just outside Port Fairy this giant metal slide is on the banks of Lake Yambuk and is a perfect spot for a family day out. Kids will love going (continuously) on the slide and parents will love relaxing by the lake and maybe enjoying a spot of fishing. Stop by in the small town of Yambuk for an ice-cream on the way home.
Take a look at a video of the slide here.
Hopkins Falls
Hopkins Falls is a great place to have a barbeque and spend a sometime enjoying being outside. The falls are around 90m wide and plunge 12m down the rocks. The falls are not far from the road so it an easy walk to the two viewing platforms for younger children.
Port Fairy lighthouse
The Port Fairy Lighthouse is located on Griffiths Island, a small but important island just off Port Fairy. The island was originally a whaling station but now is home to thousands of mutton birds and wildlife. The lighthouse is a great spot to watch the sunset, so grab some fish and chips and enjoy the view.
Lake Pertobe adventure playground
This playground is a must-do for your school holidays list and is one of the top things to do in Warrnambool. This adventure playground is eight hectares of fun with giant slides, flying foxes and a maze. Located nearby is a skate park and mini golf course and there are sheltered picnic and barbeque facilities on site.
Check out the playground here.
Visit the foreshore promenade
Warrnambool has a great foreshore precinct that is perfect for walking and exploring. The promenade goes along the water giving you access to the beach, the breakwater and Lake Pertrobe Adventure Playground. Parts of the foreshore are great for biking and scootering so considering bringing them along.
Budj Bim National Park
Just outside Port Fairy is the Budj Bim National Park, home to incredible landscapes and wildlife. Our pick is to visit Natural Bridge cavern, a lava tunnel that you can explore if you bring along a torch. Other walks include walking the volcano crater rim, exploring other lava canals and tunnels and finding Lake Surprise. Find out more by visiting the website before you go.
Hit the beach in Port Fairy
Port Fairy has some beautiful and family friendly beaches that are well worth a trip. If it isn’t swimming weather, bring along the frisbee or beach cricket set to enjoy the great outdoors. You can also try your hand at a spot of fishing. Beaches are easily accessible and are great spots for a family picnic.
10 fun cheap school holiday activities
School holidays don’t have to break the bank to leave a lasting impression. If you know where to look (and we do!) you will find some great activities. Plus, we have included some indoor activities in Warrnambool and Port Fairy for when the weather isn’t so great.
Play mini golf
Challenge the family these summer holidays to a game of mini golf! This 18 hole course is located near Lake Pertrobe and is the perfect way to spend an afternoon outdoors. Can you hit a hole in one? Once the kids have finished playing, let the enjoy the jumping pillow to really wear them out.
Lake Petrobe motor boats
Give the kids a thrill these holiday and take them boating on Lake Pertrobe. These colourful motor boats can take up to 4 people and are a perfect way to spend some time enjoying the water in a safe environment. Children need to be 12 years to drive a boat, however younger children are welcome to help steer with supervision.
Go tenpin bowling
The Bowl is where the locals go to enjoy a game or two of tenpin bowling. Bowling is a great activity for all age groups and The Bowl offers bumper rails and ball ramps so even the little kids can play. On the weekends kids can enjoy disco bowling with the jukebox music going! This is a great activity for a rainy day.
Warrnambool art gallery
Get some culture into your holiday at the Warrnambool Art Gallery. This art gallery is over 100 years old and houses an amazing collection of art and hosts great workshops and conversations with artists. The Warrnambool Art Gallery runs a kids club during the holidays, so be sure to check out what’s on before you go.
Aqua zone
Build your child’s confidence in the water these school holidays and spend some time at Aqua Zone. Aqua Zone is an aquatic and fitness centre, boasting 4 multi-depth pools, so you are sure find a pool that makes everyone comfortable. They have both indoor and outdoor heated pools, so the weather is no excuse not to come along and have some fun.
Try stand up paddle boarding
If you have ever wanted to try this sport, now is the time. Go Surf Port Fairy offers affordable board hire and they have all the local knowledge to get you started. There is plenty of flat water for beginners and you can paddle up to 100m off the beach as you gain confidence. Little kids are welcome to sit on the board with mum or dad.
Kids Play Palace
How much do we love having a coffee or a meal while the kids are entertained? LOTS!! That’s why we love Kids Play Palace! You can keep the kids happy in their dedicated indoor kids Play Palace when you dine at Elements Restaurant & Bar Warrnambool. Suitable for children age 2-13 years, the Play Palace is a wonderland for inquisitive kids who love to climb, slide, tunnel & roll.
Warrnambool BMX track
Grab a bike and head to one of Victoria’s best bmx parks. This track is loved by locals and boasts 400m of hills, jumps and turns. There is a grassy area to sit and watch all the action if that is more your thing. Situated close by is the Warrnambool skate park, so bring the boards as well.
Fletcher Jones market
This iconic market is a must see when you are in Warrnambool. Located in the grounds of the old Fletcher Jones clothing factory, it is now a unique market selling furniture, antiques, retro and vintage items and much more. Kids will love running around in the massive heritage listed gardens while you browse through this yesteryear market. Being open every day means that you can slide this activity anywhere into your holiday plans.
Read more about the market here.
10 BIG days out around Warrnambool & Port Fairy these school holidays
Every holiday needs some big days out. Take a look at our list of top places to visit in Warrnambool that will leave the kids with some something to brag about.
Deep Blue Hot Springs
Deep Blue Hot Springs offers an invigorating and relaxing experience for families. With its array of open-air rock pools, sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls you can soak in the therapeutic waters, naturally rich in minerals and heat. Their theme is ‘eat, stay, pamper’ and they allow kids from 5+ to experience their hot springs sanctuary. If you are up for their ‘salt therapy’ treatment, kids need to be over 16. We’ve not yet visited their springs, but we have it on our list!
Find out more about the Deep Blue Hot Springs here.
Flagstaff Hill memorial village
This living museum shows off the extraordinary maritime history of this beautiful area. During the day kids will enjoying taking a walk on the historic cobblestone streets, seeing the 80 pound cannon, going on a scavenger hunt and feeding the animals. As a special treat, bring the bigger kids to the night time sound and light show, which is projected onto a massive wall, followed up by a lantern walk through the village streets.
Otway Fly treetop adventures
If adrenaline is your thing, then head along to Otway Fly and choose your adventure. The zipline adventure lets you fly through the treetops over the beautiful Otway Ranges. Stop at each ‘cloudstation’ 30m above the ground along the way before continuing on.
If that is a little much, the Treetop Walk is 600m platform in the treetops where you can admire the forest standing on your own two feet. There are also a number of enchanted forest adventures to explore, which you can check out on the website before you go.
Insiders Tip: Allow an hour for a peaceful stroll along the walkway. A buggy service is available between the Treetop Walk and the Visitor Centre.
Lockology escape room
If you have kids who love puzzles, then bring them here. This is a live action experience where you are locked in a room and need to solve clues and puzzles to get out. It is a great family bonding experience as you really need to work together to escape.
Insiders tip: This is an activity for kids 12+.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
If you love the outdoors and wildlife, then make sure you spend a day at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Tower Hill is a dormant volcano and is home to emus, kangaroos, koalas and so much more. Stop off first at the visitors centre to learn about the area then go for a bushwalk or just enjoy a picnic or barbeque. Families tip: There are no drinking water taps or bins on site, so come prepared.
The Great Ocean Road
It would be crazy to visit the area and not drive the Great Ocean Road. This iconic road stretches along the coast and encompasses some amazing cliffs, national parks and untamed wild beauty. Stop off at hidden beaches along the way and see the Twelve Apostles.
Get guided Great Ocean Road tour tickets here.
Port Fairy surf school
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 full wetsuit hire. Take a group lesson, one-on-one or go for a multi-day course.
Visit the website for more information.
Meet the maremmas
Just off Warrnambool is Middle Island, home to a colony of Little Penguins. To keep the penguins safe from foxes they are guarded by maremmas dogs who stay on the island with the penguins. A tour to meet the maremmas teaches all about the penguins and why it is so important to protect them.
Insiders tip: The use of maremmas on the island inspired the movie Oddball, a great family movie to watch before you go.
Visit Cheese World
If you and your family love cheese, then add Cheese World to your list of things to do. Sample some of the regions finest dairy products and take a look at the exhibition from farmers and cheese makers. Stay for lunch and let the kids enjoy a world class milkshake while you sample a platter of gourmet food.
Insiders tip: Cheese World is located on the way to the Great Ocean Road, so is the perfect place to stop for lunch.
The Warrnambool to Port Fairy rail trail
Once an old rail line, this trail is now perfect for biking and walking between these two beautiful towns. Pick a section of the trail that works for your family, or do the entire 37km on a family bike ride. You will enjoy beautiful country views and fresh air as you cycle this relatively flat trail, suitable for all ages and abilities.
Go horse riding
Sadly our horse riding option has closed. We are happy to take suggestions for another location. Please message us.
Take a look at the website for more information.
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.
Start a garden
Start getting the kids excited about gardening and the environment by planting some seeds. Take a look at what is good to plant this season, grab some seeds and get planting!
Go on a treasure hunt
Kids just love a good treasure hunt, and it doesn’t have to be hard. Hide a treasure somewhere in the garden and then create a simple map for them to follow.
Put on a show
Most kids just LOVE performing, so why not put on a show. Put a sheet up in front of a makeshift stage and encourage the kids to do a bit of singing and dancing. Why not invite the neighbours and put on a performance.
Potato stamps
This is great for kids of all ages. Cut potatoes in half, carve out numbers or letters into each half then dip in paint. Great for fun and learning.
Make a book out of your favourite movie
Rather than sitting in front of the tv, encourage the kids to make a book about their favourite movie instead. They can draw pictures or cut images out of a magazine or newspaper, then tell you the story in their own words.
If your kids are still complaining they are bored – check out another 10 suggestions for things to do at home with them:
- Draw, colour, or do a craft project.
- Read a book or listen to an audio book.
- Play with toys or make a fort.
- Write a story or make a comic strip.
- Do a puzzle or play a board game.
- Bake or cook a simple dish with adult supervision.
- Have a dance party or put on a play.
- Build with Legos or blocks.
- Do a science experiment or make a homemade slime.
- Play outside with balls, frisbees, or other outdoor toys, weather permitting.
Theatres with kids shows on in Warrnambool and Port Fairy these school holidays
Nothing beats a good kids show for entertainment. Take a look at our suggestions to add to your school holiday list.
Capitol Cinemas
Nothing beats a day at the movies, plan a trip to Capital Cinemas one day and give the kids a treat. Offering the latest movies around, including some in 3D, it is a perfect rainy indoor activity in Warrnambool.
Lighthouse Theatre
Located in the Warrnambool CBD, this is the premier venue for performing arts and culture. Lighthouse Theatre hosts a range of family shows and performances, including music, dance, comedy and much more.
Warrnambool and Port Fairy kids holiday ideas
If you’re looking for more things to do in Victoria, click here.
Soooo…. what do you think? Plenty of Warrnambool and Port Fairy days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays? These Warrnambool and Port Fairy 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!
Even more VIC school holiday ideas:
If you are heading off on a Victorian road trip these school holidays check out our other articles:
Sadly Rundells Horseriding is permanently closed. We loved taking our kids for a ride on the school holidays. It will be greatly missed.
Warrnambool’s indoor karting is also permanently closed