Easter and the school holidays are just around the corner... NSW parents looking for inspiration to keep the kids occupied need search no further! In conjunction with Destination NSW, we’ve put together some great ideas for places to go and things to do around the state this April:
Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Royal Easter Show, April 12-23, Sydney Olympic Park:
Showbags, baby animals, woodchopping and SpongeBob SquarePants all await at this year’s Royal Easter Show. More than 850,000 people visit Australia’s largest ticketed event every year to enjoy a unique celebration of the Australian way of life, including Little Hands on the Land - a kid-sized working farm with a chook shed, fruit orchard and tractor pull. This year, Nickelodeon presents daily circus parades all the way from Bikini Bottom to the streets of the showgrounds, with SpongeBob and his friends along for the ride.
Byron Bay Bluesfest, April 18-22:
Headlining the 30th anniversary of Byron Bay Bluesfest, music legends Iggy Pop, Paul Kelly, Jack Johnson and Ben Harper are just some of more than 200 performances over five huge days. They will be joined by up and coming local acts including Tash Sultana and Ocean Alley with tickets still available for single day, three and five day passes and for camping spots. There is plenty to keep everyone entertained with food and craft stalls, massage tents and the Boomerang indigenous festival of music, dance, theatre and visual arts.
Easter in the Garden, April 22, Australian Botanic Gardens Mt Annan:
Bring the kids to snap a selfie with the Easter Bunny at theAustralian Botanic Gardens on Easter Monday, where the bunny himself has set up a whole trail of activities, including arts and crafts, food stalls, animals, live music, Easter bonnet making and a parade. There’s also something for Mum and Dad with a market full of handmade products, where they can browse, shop and snack.
Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory:
Easter and chocolate go hand in hand, so where better to visit than a factory dedicated to the stuff? Join the hundreds of chocoholics who flock to the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory over the Easter weekend where the kids are well taken care of with treasure hunts, rides and games. Why not stock up on some high quality organic Belgian chocolate to see you through the rest of the holidays?
Griffith Easter Party, April 19-22:
Spend the Easter Long Weekend in the land of oranges, wine and pizza at the annual Griffith Easter Party. Get the whole family involved - starting on Good Friday with a fun run along the shores of Lake Wyangan - and the Annual Action Day at the Pioneer Museum, featuring vintage cars, sheep shearing, blacksmithing, horse and carriage rides and more. On Saturday, join the Children’s Brunch and Easter egg hunt in CWA Park before finishing off the weekend with a visit to the region’s cellar doors, which will be hosting wine tasting events, special releases, food and live music.
Snorkelling with fur seals around Montague Island, Narooma.
Snorkelling and Diving off Montague Island:
Discover one of the best wildlife experiences in Australia, when you swim, snorkel or dive with hundreds of fur seals in crystal-clear waters around Montague Island. Located about 10 km off the coast of Narooma on the Sapphire Coast, the island waters are still warm enough in April for a family excursion.
Easter School Holidays Adventure Festival, April 13-27, Thredbo:
Find the golden bunny in Thredbo’s annual Easter egg hunt and you’ll be hopping home with a cool $5000. The Golden Easter Egg Hunt by Lindt is open to kids and adults alike, with one grand prize and five golden eggs worth $1000, each to be found on Friday Flat on April 21. There’s also a kids’ egg hunt on Easter Sunday and activities like the Amazing Race, mountain biking, hikes, disc golf, face painting, crafts, tree planting and more over the whole school holidays.
Giant Easter Egg Hunt, Hunter Valley Gardens, April 20-21:
The sprawling grounds of the Hunter Valley Gardens become an Easter playground with thousands of brightly coloured eggs hidden among the plants and every child gets a chocolate gift at the end of the hunt. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to help with the search and there are activities and entertainment throughout the weekend, such as riding the carousel, super slide and Ferris Wheel.
Lightning Ridge Easter Festival, April 19-21:
Experience Easter in the outback at the Lightning Ridge Easter Festival. The weekend kicks off in the black opal capital of the world, with a rodeo on Good Friday, followed by opal digs, horse races, market stalls, carnival rides, a float parade, live music and the Miner of the Year challenge. The festival also showcases the region’s Aboriginal heritage with a Welcome to Country ceremony, cultural performances and art on display.
Splash Water Park, Nelson Bay:
April is the last month to bounce around at Splash Water Park in Nelson Bay - the floating waterpark sits just offshore from Nelson Bay Beach and is suitable for anyone over the age of six. The course includes a five-metre rock climbing tower that you can jump off, trampolines, monkey bars, balance beams, slides, rope swings and wobbling lily pads.
Mother and daughter enjoying a day of fruit picking at Pine Crest Orchard, Bilpin.
Apple Picking in the Hawkesbury:
An apple a day keeps the doctor away…so why not take the kids apple picking in the Hawkesbury region, on the outskirts of Sydney. This area grows some of the best produce in the State and many orchards are open for you to pick your own. April is right in the middle of apple season, so it’s the perfect time to grab a basket and stock up on the freshest fruit. Try Pine Crest, Bilpin Springs or Shields orchards, then stop in for a tasting at the Hillbilly Cider Shed.
Burrawang Easter Market, April 20:
One of the longest running markets in the Southern Highlands, the Burrawang Easter Market takes over the streets of tiny village of Burrawang with more than 160 stalls selling local produce, homewares, jewellery, art and crafts. There’s also rides for the kids, face painting, animals and a huge barbeque. When you’ve finished shopping, drop into the Burrawang Pub for a refreshing drink.
Images supplied by Destination NSW, check out visitnsw.com for more inspiration.
