I have put together a list of links of school holiday programs across Australia that may help you keep you kids occupied for a few hours or days in the holidays.

School Holiday Activities in Perth WA

South Australia – Family School Holiday Activities

Sydney – Kids in the Park

Victoria –  School holiday Activities

Lap it up on Phillip Island Victoria -  Click on first link

Queensland - School Holiday Activities

YMCA School Holiday Programs 

Home Activities  Many activities to do at home

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 My Family loves travelling to Australia’s beautiful and unique destinations. These adventures have been my inspiration to create this website and share our holiday experiences with you.

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com

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Hiking or Walking – Wherever you are there will always somewhere to explore by walking.  There are organised walking tracks in National Parks, State forests and in towns, ask at the campground where you are staying for information. Of course you can use the local area map given to you when you booked in select where you are going to walk from that map.

Cycling – If you have your bikes with you there will be plenty of options for cycling around the area. If you don’t have bikes you may be able to hire them. Ask the campground staff or ask at the tourist information office.

Fishing – Can be fun for the whole family, get everyone involved and give it a go. Fishing can be done at the beach, off a jetty, from a boat, or from the banks of a lake or river. Charter fishing tours are available in many places.

Watching the Night Sky – There is nothing like looking up at the stars at night and checking out the thousands of stars and looking for that shooting star. Learn a bit about the different constellations before you go so you can spot the ‘Southern Cross’ and others in the Milky Way.

Make a Diary or Scrapbook – Making a book or a page to remember your holiday is a great keepsake. If it is a short holiday it can be just a few pages added to by everyone or for a long holiday an individual book made by each person. You can write about each day, collect articles like leaves, feathers, park or attraction brochures, postcards and photos can be added later.

Go Swimming & Water Sports – There is always opportunities to go swimming if the weather is suitable of course. The beach, swimming pools, lakes and rivers, natural thermal springs and pools are beautiful if you are lucky enough to find one. There are many other water sports like surfing, scuba diving, sailing, canoeing etc.

Play Games – Take travel and card games with you, Uno is a popular game for all ages. Ball games are excellent to play anywhere, a great way for getting to meet other campers and travellers, especially great for kids to get to play with other kids. Many games can be invented wihin your surroundings look around and create a new game for everyone to join in. A scavenger hunt is an excellent game for everone.

Campfire – If you can have a campfire it is always great entertainment, for cooking on first, then watching the mesmerising flames flicker.  Maybe cooking some marshmallows and if your lucky someone maybe able to play a few tunes of a guitar or some other instrument.

Local History, Art, Restaurants & Coffee Shops – Every region of Australia has it’s own unique history and art, take the time to find out the local history and visit local artists studios. Restaurants and coffee shops are in most towns, ranging from the family friendly takeaways to the boutique.

Visit Attractions – There are many types of attractions all over Australia to suit everybody including adventure parks, wildlife parks, charter tours and cruises.

My top ten things may be different to what you  would choose, do you have any other ideas that you enjoy when you go camping to add to this list.

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My Family loves travelling to Australia’s beautiful and unique destinations. These adventures have been my inspiration to create this website and share our holiday experiences with you.

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com

1. Research your Chosen Destination  – Learn about your destination and the surrounding area before you go. Check the weather conditions so you know what clothing will be suitable, what activities can be done for free or pay, how busy will it be, it it school holiday time.
2. Choose a Campground – This depends on what type of camping you are interested in, can be anything from free bush camping to a RV on a powered site. Do some research online or ring the tourist information office for the area
3. Use a Checklist – Using a checklist will ensure you don’t forget those important must have items and will be a reminder to take everything else that you require
4. Wear Layers of Clothes – Generally wearing layers of clothes is the best depending on the weather conditions. The mornings are usually cool to have several layers on and them pull them off as the day warms and put them back on as it cools down in the evening. Remember to take extra clothes for kids as they are experts at getting wet and dirty.
5. Who is Sleeping Where – Depending on the age of your kids, will they be in the main tent or are they old enough to sleep in their own tent.
6. What if it Rains – Take some indoor games, books, puzzles suitable to be played in the tent or camper
7. Try a Practice Campout in the Backyard – If this is your first time camping setup the tent in the backyard and test all your equipment and make sure you know how everything works and packs up. Sleep out in the tent overnight for fun, the kids will think it’s great and everyone will get a feel for what it will be like camping
8. Survey your Campsite Area – When you arrive look around, look for the best campsite if you have a choice. Check for any safety hazards like traffic, waterways, broken glass, ants nests etc
9. Supervise your Kids – Depending on their age, explain what is expected of them and where the safety hazards are and to stay away. Keep them occupied when possible,
10. Relax When Possible – Most of all enjoy your time away, be casual don’t worry if  meals are later than usual, or kids get dirty that’s what they do best, go for short walks find somewhere for the kids to play and read a book or magazine.

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Here are a few suggestions that may suit your family

For a Relaxing Holiday

Go camping in a tent or RV, for a long weekend close by or travel further and explore your state or go interstate.

Stay in a cabin at a Caravan Park or Holiday Park. Make sure it’s a family friendly park with many activities to keep you all busy. Some Parks have kids clubs and scheduled activities for the whole family.

The beach is always a winner, especially if you don’t live near the beach. That makes it all the more special. All ages can enjoy the waves, the sand, reading a book, checking out the rock pools and the view. Accommodation may have to be booked well ahead as the beach is a very popular destination.

Animals are always popular there are many, zoos, wildlife parks, aquariums etc all over Australia.

Try an Adventure Holiday

If you don’t normally go camping consider hiring a campervan or camper trailer. Have an adventure and discover new places, travel your state or territory or go interstate.

Go on an organised tour that includes the adventure activities you are interested in eg. rock climbing, scuba diving, cycling, hiking, rafting etc.

Experience the City or Country Holiday

If you live in the country you may choose to stay in a motel in your nearest city within walking distance of the cities attractions. Be amazed by the shopping, cafes, theatres etc and the fast pace.

If you live in the city stay in a country town or in farm stay accommodation, Enjoy the fresh air and country landscapes and everything else country living has to offer.

Have a Blast at Fun and Theme Parks

Everyone loves fun and theme parks, they are very family friendly. The most popular are at the Gold coast QLD these are Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n'Wild Water World and Dreamworld. My family visited these parks in 2002, they are an incredible experience, so much to see, enjoy. Totally Family Friendly – Something For Everyone!

The above photo is of my kids at Movie World in 2002.

Lane Cove River Tourist Park – Kids Under 11 free on tent sites and caravan sites

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If a Holiday Park or Campground is genuinely family friendly they will promote it in their brochures or website info. A few other signs to look for are these things listed, If you find three or more then it most likely will be suitable for family camping and set up for fun.

• Most parks have a playground, which  can be anything from a basic swing set to an adventure playground. A family friendly Park will have with a playground with a good variety of activities with safety in mind.
• Larger Parks usually have a pool, with a shallow end for little kids or a separate small shallow pool. Usually parents are to supervise their own children.
• Look at the Park or Campgrounds promotional brochures and website. Check  all the photos, they will show all the main points about the Park and also read the text info. From that you will get a good idea of what the Park is like. It’s worth checking if the photos are recent and not taken 2 or 3 years ago, as sometimes Parks change hands and standards are not kept the same, on the other the hand the Park could have improved.
• Ask if the Park has a large mown area for kids and adults to play and run about freely. Some parks may have a mini golf course or a half size tennis court for a small fee, a deposit on equipment usually applies.
• Does the Park have amenities for families like a ‘family change room’, ‘baby change room’, a indoor family activity/games room that may have a large TV, table tennis and room to play other games.
• Are organised activities available, like craft, night walks around the park, cooking, sport lessons etc.  Check if they are free or to be paid for.
• Is there a family friendly dining room available that welcomes kids at the Park or is there a family restaurant nearby within walking distance?
• Are the amenities in a Central location so it’s only a short walk away from your campsite?
• If the Park has DVD’s to hire are they family friendly titles.
• It’s a help if a Park has been recommended to you recently then you can ask them any questions that are important to you.
• The park may have special prices for families to stay especially for several days or weeks, ask if they don’t offer. The Park Office may also have special family prices on attractions in the area.
• Kids (and adults)  love having a campfire at night so check if they have firepits and wood available.

A big plus with family friendly Parks is that there is lots of company for your kids and parents get to meet some other parents too.

Occasionally long term friendships are created when camping, this happened with my family when we camped at Ayers Rock Campground in 2000. The kids started playing cricket together then the parents met, we come from Victoria and the family we met was from Sydney. We just happened to be going the same way, so we travelled for another 10 days together and went to Kings Canyon, Palm Valley and Alice Springs and parted at Three Ways Roadhouse. Ever since then we have met every year and had some amazing travels together including The Kimberley, Fraser Island several times, Eastern Central Australia in 2008 and more.

Have you made any long term friendships when you have been camping or can you recommend a family friendly Campground or Holiday Park?

The above photo was taken at the ‘Bungle Bungles’ campground in 2003

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Taking young children camping is a challenge but there is no reason why it can’t be successful and great fun. Everybody needs to get away from the usual routine of work and home life.

Camping is the cheapest way to get a break and it does not have to be far from home. If the campground is only an hour or 2 away from home you are much more likely to go more often. Also you can easily go home early if necessary.

Do a bit of research on the campground that you are going too, if it is close to where you live go for a drive and look for yourself. If it’s not close ring the park, tourist info or look online and also check the weather forecast for the area before you go. Book your campsite, some parks can get very busy.

A few questions to think about are – Find out how hot or cold the weather will be? Is it likely to rain? Does the campground have a store? Is the playground appropriate for your age kids? Is there laundry facilities? Is there any shade? Find out what tourist attractions, nature walks etc are in the area

Use a checklist and have everything on that list you plan to take – Include tent, bedding, cooking equipment, table, chairs, esky or fridge, clothes, baby or toddler extras, kids toys, personal items and much more.

Wear layers of clothes, most likely it will be cooler in the mornings and warm up in the afternoon then cool down again. Kids tend to be messy so always pack a few extra clothes and pack a full set of clothes separate for going home in or going out for a meal etc.

Decide where everyone is sleeping, do you need 2 tents; older kids may like their own tent. Younger kids will usually be in the main tent. If anyone has to go to the toilet at night, a pop up shower/toilet room nearby are great with a Portapotti inside.

If you have planned a camping trip for several weeks or more and you are moving from town to town you can stay at a motel or cabin for a break from camping and use their amenities. There is nothing like sleeping in a real bed.

Always be prepared for a rainy day, if you are tenting or in a camper trailer have a tarp you can setup for shelter. Take games, books etc to keep everyone amused. The tarp can also be used on a sunny day for shade.

If you are going camping for the first time set everything up in your backyard several times so you know how everything is assembled and works.

When you are finding a campground be aware of any hazards for your kids like busy roads and water courses or a pool. Always have someone watching young kids.

Take it easy, every hour does not have to a planned activity, have some time out and read a book, go for a walk, it doesn’t matter if meals are a later than usual and make them easy to prepare and cook.

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Camping a few hours drive from home is quite possible for most people even if you live in the city. To find a suitable campground look in the phonebook, search online or ask family & friends. There will be somewhere for you to camp, look for a National Park, State Forest or towns with Holiday parks or campgrounds.

When you find some areas to camp that aren’t faraway you could go for a drive and check them out and see what suits your family before you actually go camping. Remember to check the facilities, look where you would be camping, do you need a powered site or unpowered site. You can make a reservation if you find somewhere you are happy with.

Whether you go camping close to home for a weekend or you go touring for weeks, plan first, use a checklist, check your equipment and have a great time.

HAPPY CAMPING!!

The Stay Quiet Game
The object of the game is to see who can go without talking, singing or humming for the longest amount of time. You do need at least 2 kids to play, as one child may not find competition with adults to be any fun.

Another way to play is too set a length of time (eg. 30 min or select a destination if its not too far away) and everyone that stays quiet can get an ice cream etc at the next stop.

The License Plate Game
Check the license plates of other vehicles passing and add up how many license plates are from the different states. The person with greatest number of different states wins. Select a length of time or destination for when the game finishes.

Older kids can list the states in alphabetical order, they can draw a map of Australia and put the total in each state or territory. Some vehicles have custom or special number licence plates, extra points can be added for these.

The rules can be changed to make many more games, your kids can make some up themselves, if you have a draw, a bonus round can be made. Have fun!!

What travel games do you play?

We usually cook some of the same meals on our camping trips as we have at home. The meals are basic enough that they can be jazzed-up to make them a little different if we want too.

If we are away for a 2 or 3 days, we work out how many breakfasts, lunch and dinners we will be away for, then plan what we will have for each meal so then we can plan what we need to take and how much. Then we take extra tin & packet food as spares.

If we are away longer we do the same planning but it maybe for a week, then stock up supplies wherever we can. Some butchers will vacuum seal or Kryovac your meat so that it is sealed packages and won’t ooze and the meat will keep for about a month as long as it is keep refrigerated, it’s well worth doing.

1. Pancake mix, butter and syrup or honey are a camping favourite, can be for breakfast or sweets. Very easy to prepare and cook over a fire or on a gas cooker.

2. Hamburgers are easy, cook burgers on campfire or gas cooker, toast the buns a little add an egg, cheese, lettuce, sauce etc. steak sandwiches are great too.

3. Eggs, sausages, bacon on toast seem better when they’re cooked over a fire or a gas stove, can be used for any meal. Potatoes can be baked in foil and cooked in the coals of the camp fire.

4. Pasta dishes great for lunches and a quick dinner, It is quick and easy to prepare.

5. Snack food bars are very handy and they travel well, so they make great snacks if you are going for a walk or drive anytime.

6. At night time if you have a campfire marshmallows are great fun to cook on a stick.

7. Cereal and milk are an easy breakfast, also cooking toast on the coals of the campfire is great, tastes so much different to pop up toast at home. Hot milo, coffee etc. is very warming on a cool morning.

8. Take milk, water, juice (the small juice boxes are convenient when camping & travelling) or cordial, soft drink as refreshments for adults & kids.

9. Chips, crackers and dip are good for a pre dinner sit down and relax, Beer & wine also recommended.

10. Take the basics foods like cheese, butter, veges, fruit, bread, onions, variety of sauces, eggs etc. and add them to your other meals when required.

Do you have any other camping cooking or food suggestions?