Families across the New England have no shortage of options these winter school holidays, with ranger-guided national park adventures, free library programs, outdoor festivals and everything in between on offer right across the region.
Whether you’re based in Armidale, Tamworth, Glen Innes or anywhere in between, there’s something for every age and budget, including plenty of activities that won’t cost a cent.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is running a school holiday program through its Discovery rangers, with guided experiences designed to get kids outdoors and curious about nature, history and Aboriginal culture.
Warrumbungle National Park is a standout destination this July. Junior Rangers can join a bushwalk and interactive activities on Monday, 7 July, Thursday, 10 July, Monday, 14 July and Thursday, 17 July, tracking animals, listening for birdsong and making a nature-inspired keepsake to take home.
Families with children aged five and over can explore the ancient volcanic geology of Burbie Canyon on the Walk on the Wild Side tour, running every Wednesday throughout July, from Wednesday, 2 July through to Wednesday, 30 July.
And once the sun goes down, Warrumbungle transforms into one of the best stargazing spots in the country. As Australia’s first accredited Dark Sky Park, the national park hosts evening stargazing sessions on selected dates throughout July, including Thursday, 3 July, Sunday, 6 July, Wednesday, 8 July, Thursday, 10 July, Monday, 13 July, Wednesday, 15 July, Thursday, 17 July and Thursday, 24 July. Rangers will use powerful telescopes to reveal constellations, planets and galaxies, with hands-on activities whether the sky is clear or cloudy.
Over in the Pilliga, two special tours offer a different kind of adventure. On Tuesday, 15 July, families with a 2WD high-clearance vehicle can join a guided car convoy through the Pilliga Forest, stopping to discover hidden bush sculptures, explore the Sandstone Caves and learn about the local forest ecosystem. On Thursday, 10 July and Thursday, 24 July, a Gamilaraay cultural guide leads a walk around the sacred Sandstone Caves, sharing stories and knowledge passed down through generations.
Bookings for all national parks tours are essential and can be made at nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours-country-nsw
Armidale kicks off the holidays with a great line-up. The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) is running art activities, including Soft Toy Taxidermy and the UNE Discovery Science based art program.
Meanwhile the Armidale and Guyra Libraries both have their own holiday programs running throughout the break. With activities ranging from Animation to Lego through to Clothing Upcycling and Virtual Reality sessions there’s something for all ages and interests. Check out their full program on the library website.
Tamworth families are well catered for with the Marsupial Park, the Regional Playground, the art gallery and library holiday activities, most of which are free or very low cost.
The Capitol Theatre is also running a Family Magic show on July 12 and a showing of Grimm on July 14. While the Youthie has Pizza Making classes, a Basketball competition and a Youth Council Fun Day, all catering to the teenagers in your life.
A full program for Tamworth Regional Council activities can be found on their website.
Moree offers a combination of the Artesian Aquatic Centre’s heated pools and holiday activities through Moree Plains programs, making it a particularly appealing winter destination.
Some of the highlights include the Big Bang Science Program at the Moree Community Library on July 7, Boomerang and Rain Stick decorating in Mungindi on July 8, and Cupcake and Cookie Decorating at Pallamallawa on July 9, and Ashley Hall on July 16. Bookings can be made through the Moree Community Library by calling 02 6757 3374.
Glen Innes has fossicking, the Australian Standing Stones, parks and cafes, and on Thursday, 16 July, the Emmaville community is hosting a free school holiday movie afternoon.
Tenterfield is always a fantastic day trip, particularly with the Railway Museum, the historic Saddler’s shop, Jubilee Park and the town’s cafes all on offer at very low cost. Or for locals, the Library is running a Crafty Tales Corner where you can make everything from a birdhouse to a robot. For dates and bookings, please contact the library directly on 02 6736 6060.
Walch will embrace the cold with WinterFest on Saturday, 11 July is shaping up as one of the standout events of the holidays, with free entry to the festival itself and a range of activities to enjoy.
With so much on offer across the region these July holidays, there’s every reason to get out and explore your own backyard.
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