Winter delivers in spades for the school holidays, with plenty to do in doors and outdoors to get out of the house with the kids. Whether you’re planning a Sydney staycation or a Melbourne getaway, the July school holidays are packed with iconic events, wildlife encounters and films for the whole family.
Go Wild at Taronga Zoo
Families looking for a memorable school holiday day out will find it at Taronga Zoo Sydney, where a packed winter program brings together wildlife encounters, live presentations and hands-on activities designed to inspire all ages.
Guests can take on the SURVIVAL SECRETS animal trail, following a kids’ map to discover how five incredible species use clever adaptations to survive, going in the draw to win a family overnight stay at Zoofari Lodge at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, thanks to GIO.
Say hello to Koala Joeys and New Capybaras
Guests can spot a trio of Koala joeys beginning to emerge from their mother’s pouch within the treetops of Koala Country, Nura Diya Australia. While two new female Capybaras Iapa and Zoe are already delighting families in their habitat beside the Forest Adventure Playground. For those wanting a closer look, a suite of unique Animal Encounters offer a chance to connect even further.
Meet Aussie Wildlife Up Close
The Aussie Animals Alive Show runs twice daily at 11:45am and 2:30pm, offering an up-close introduction to some of Australia’s most iconic species, brought to life by Taronga’s expert presenters. Families can also step into the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre to see conservation in action and encounter more than 42 fascinating species that hop, slither and crawl.
Take to the Skies and Sea
A visit to Taronga is not complete without its two signature presentations. The Free Flight Birds presentation, supported by La Trobe Financial, offered twice daily at 12pm and 3pm, while the Seals for the Wild presentation, powered by Red Energy, takes place at 11am, 1pm and 2pm during the NSW school holidays.
More Adventures for the Whole Family
Overnight Stays: Roar and Snore camping or a stay at the Wildlife Retreat
Wild Ropes Treetops Adventure: A high ropes course open daily from 10am to 4pm, with prices from $27
Keeper for a Day: Behind the scenes keeper experiences for ages 8 to 17 from $170
Zoo Adventures Holiday Program: A full day program for ages 5 to 11 from $75
To learn more and book tickets visit: https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo
Race Into the Action at Hyper Karting
When Sydney’s winter school holidays roll around, finding an activity that keeps both kids and teens entertained can be a challenge. Hyper Karting at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park is one of those rare attractions that delivers excitement for the whole family. Home to Australia’s longest indoor electric go-kart track, Hyper Karting offers high-speed racing action in a weather-proof environment, making it the perfect choice for chilly or rainy winter days. With sleek electric karts, live lap timing and a professionally designed track packed with twists, turns and overtaking opportunities, every race feels like a real motorsport experience.
What makes Hyper Karting especially appealing during the school holidays is that there are experiences tailored to different age groups, from younger children through to competitive teens and adults. The venue’s energetic atmosphere, complete with music, lighting effects and arcade games, means the fun continues long after the chequered flag drops. Located within the Entertainment Quarter, it’s also easy to turn a karting session into a full day out with dining, entertainment and family-friendly attractions all nearby. For families looking to add a dose of adrenaline to their winter holiday plans, Hyper Karting is one of Sydney’s standout experience that caters to all ages and heights with 4 different tracks:
Mini Track: Recommended ages 3+
Junior Track: Recommended ages 7+, Height Requirement +120 cm
Intermediate Track: Recommended ages 10+, Height Requirement +140 cm
Adult Track: Required age 15+, Height Requirement +140 cm
These will be open from 9:00 am during every day of the school holidays!
To book now visit: https://hyperkarting.com.au/
A stellar movie line-up at HOYTS for the whole family – rain, hail or shine
These July winter school holidays, Hoyts Cinemas offers the ultimate movie experience for the whole family. With the latest blockbuster releases, comfortable reclining seats, crystal-clear screens, and immersive surround sound, every visit feels like a special occasion. Families can enjoy a wide range of films suitable for all ages, along with delicious snacks and treats that make movie day even more memorable. Whether it’s escaping the winter chill, spending quality time together, or creating lasting holiday memories, Hoyts delivers entertainment, comfort, and excitement for moviegoers of every generation.
Toy Story 5 – releasing 18 June (today)
Minions & Monsters – releasing 25 June
Supergirl– releasing 25 June
Moana – releasing 8 July
To learn more and book tickets visit: https://www.hoyts.com.au/
Family Favourite Chargrill Charlie’s Launches Mouthwatering Wrap Range
Its famous chicken into a brand-new high-protein wrap range – and it might just become the whole family’s school holiday lunch obsession.
School holidays can offer a break for everyone, especially for parents who are tired of cooking. The new range offers convenient, high-protein meals that actualy taste good, and so easy grab and go.
The new range delivers BIG flavour and seriously stacked protein numbers, including:
- Fully Loaded Wrap – 65g protein
- Pulled Chicken Wrap – 46g protein
- Crunchy Caesar Wrap – 41g protein
- Love Me Tender Wrap – 34g protein
- Chicken Schnitzel Wrap – 30g protein
- Chicken Tenders Wrap – 20g protein
From crispy schnitzel and smoky bacon to hot chips, tabouli and pulled chicken, the range takes Chargrill Charlie’s iconic flavours and rolls them into deliciousness and convenience.
To order now visit: https://order.chargrillcharlies.com/
Yo-Chi Colour Our Cup Returns as a Global Competition with $60K in Prizes to be Won
Yo-Chi is inviting Australians to pick up their pencils, paints and markers, with the return of Colour Our Cup, the much-loved colouring competition giving one creative entrant the chance to have their artwork printed on Yo-Chi cups across the country. The competition offers a shared $60,000 prize pool and has expanded internationally to Singapore.
In its biggest year yet, Colour Our Cup will award $10,000 to winners across VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, WA and Singapore, along with one national winner whose design will be launched as a limited-edition Yo-Chi cup in all 74 venues nationwide.
And this year, the entries won’t just be judged – they’ll be exhibited. One Yo-Chi venue in each state will be transformed into a dedicated community gallery space, where locals can view shortlisted entries and cast their vote in person or online.
The competition will be supported by Australian artist Carla Drawz, known for her bold, joyful illustrations and a devoted following built on making art feel accessible to everyone. Carla has created the official Colour Our Cup colouring-in design and will help judge the national winner.
Carla Drawz said: “I’m so honoured to be part of Colour Our Cup this year, it’s such a colossal competition! I love that everyone has the same starting place, but each artwork will be totally unique. I can’t wait to see the colour, imagination and personality people bring to their creations. But it’ll be difficult trying to choose a winner, I saw the effort that went into last year’s entries and I was impressed to say the least. It’s going to be unreal!
From Thursday 25 June, Aussies will be able to collect a Colour Our Cup colouring sheet from their local Yo-Chi venue, complete their design in-store or at home, and return their entry before the competition closes on Tuesday 14 July. Winners will be selected from Monday 20 July.
Australians can find their nearest Yo-Chi venue and full competition details at: www.yochi.com.au
Dive Into Adventure at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Perfect for unpredictable winter weather, this indoor attraction is a school holiday lifesaver. Home to thousands of marine animals, it offers immersive underwater experiences that captivate kids and adults alike.
What makes it special:
- Sharks, rays and playful penguins
- Interactive exhibits and themed activities
- Fully indoors—rain, hail or shine
It’s designed for families, combining entertainment with learning about ocean life.
To learn more and book tickets visit: https://www.visitsealife.com/melbourne
Get Creative at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne
If your kids love LEGO, this is a must-visit destination in Melbourne. This colourful indoor attraction is packed with creative play zones and interactive experiences designed especially for younger children.
Inside you’ll find:
- Multiple LEGO play zones
- A 4D cinema experience
- Rides and interactive builds
- Mini Melbourne made entirely from LEGO
It’s one of Melbourne’s most engaging indoor attractions—and ideal for kids with big imaginations.
To learn more and book tickets visit: https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/melbourne
Planning to visit both SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND? The Melbourne Big Ticket can save money and time: To learn more and book tickets visit: https://www.visitsealife.com/melbourne/tickets-passes/tickets/combination-tickets/
Leave a Reply