Get ready to glide and glow in Bendigo these winter school holidays. Photos: Supplied.
The winter 2024 school holidays are almost upon us and there’s such a variety of activities to choose from to keep everyone active all over Australia.
Venture interstate or take part in individual activity programs operating in every state, but whatever you decide to do, stay energetic – and keep boredom at bay, especially for the young ones! Here are some special, fun ideas for a holiday to ensure everyone remains happy.
Some winter fun is happening in Bendigo as Electric Wonderland returns to the city with its stunning light installations that celebrate the Lunar Year of the Dragon, gastronomy, laser lights and interactive pathways.
For the first year, Stars on Ice – an outdoor, pop-up mobile ice-skating rink – will take over Hargreaves Mall, right in the middle of the venue. Get ready to glide and glow in Bendigo from Friday, 28 June, to Sunday, 14 July.
At the same time, the city’s majestic Rosalind Park will host what has become a Bendigo winter tradition throughout the park: Electric Wonderland. Featuring light installations, thousands of fairy lights and a 40-metre replica of Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral, Electric Wonderland will be an unforgettable experience for all the family. No wonder the tourism marketing manager of Bendigo Tourism, Glenn Harvey, is singing its praises.
”Over several years, Electric Wonderland has developed into a must-see attraction and has become a beacon for winter fun during the school holidays,” he said.
“It’s wonderful to see it reimagined each year and I can’t wait to see how organisers present another fantastic show for our community.”
Layer up and start planning your adventure for the Bathurst Winter Festival.
Get ready to embrace the chill and ignite your spirit at the Bathurst Winter Festival – a celebration of all things winter – from Saturday, 6 July, to Sunday, 21 July.
With free entry, the festival boasts an epic array of free and affordable activities and attractions, from sipping hot cocoa or mulled wine to gliding across the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink or browsing the markets. It’s a winter wonderland like no other!
As darkness falls, prepare to be transported to a world of pure enchantment and delight as the festival transforms with mesmerising light displays and interactive installations.
Unmissable moments include the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink, Ferris wheel, two-storey carousel and carnival rides, and the iconic illuminations. Explore the feature festival events, including opening night, kids’ days, accessibility day, brew and bite, and the winter wind-down, with delicious food and drink, live music, thrilling entertainment and plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
In Melbourne, the fun begins when school is out. There’s a packed list of ideas for families and children of all ages to make the most of the holidays in July.
Check out the holiday workshops and programs at the National Gallery of Victoria, where two superb galleries are just a short walk apart, both with free entry to the permanent collections.
ACMI is the national museum of screen culture, where you can navigate the world of film, TV, art and video games daily, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. This is where kids can see what happens behind the cameras, add wacky sounds to movies, and even make their own photographic flip book.
See different species of animals at Melbourne Zoo.
Why not zip up high above the city at the Melbourne Skydeck for thrilling views, then sit back in a high-tech pod for an immersive 6D experience in the Voyager Theatre?
Winter is the perfect time to put on your favourite outfit and head to the theatre, and matinees of big-ticket shows such as Wicked the Musical will whisk the whole family away into a world where you learn about the importance of upholding one’s morals.
For a magical world, Lightscape is an installation of colour and light that illuminates the Royal Botanic Gardens after dark, and children (as well as grown-ups) will love wandering along the sparkling trails.
Make the most of the cold weather and get into the winter spirit by taking the youngsters for a twirl around the ice rink at O’Brien’s Icehouse, with lessons available, or take them to see Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Wonder at the Rod Laver Arena.
Alternatively, let your imagination run wild as you explore the new trail of dinosaurs at Melbourne Zoo – for a limited time only. Observe animatronic dinosaurs and embark on an adventure into The Lost Wild tunnels and unearth hidden fossils. Check out all the play spaces around the zoo for extra playtime. Admission for children is free on weekends.
