Holiday Events Guide – Community Starts at Home

Article by Rev Peter Landry, College Chaplain

As we come to the end of a term focused on community, I would like to thank you for all the conversations, questions, shared experiences, and words of encouragement that have shaped your child's journey this term. Community is built through connection, and some of the most meaningful connections begin at home.

The school holidays often provide opportunities to spend time together, create new memories, and enjoy a change of pace from the usual routines of the term. Of course, holidays can also bring their own challenges, from balancing work commitments and arranging childcare to repeatedly asking the question, "What should we do today?"

To make things a little easier, we've put together a list of fun and engaging activities happening around Melbourne over the school holidays. We hope that it helps lighten the mental load and provides your family with opportunities to discover something enjoyable, whether that's a day out, a new experience, or simply some inspiration for grandparents, family friends, or anyone helping to care for your child during the break.

Have a blessed break and see you next term.

Public Transport is ½ price around Victoria for the remainder of 2026.

ARTS, CREATIVITY & CULTURE

Lightscape - Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Dates: 12 June – 2 August (daily during school holidays)

Costs: Child $28–$36 - Adult $36–$46 - Family from $120

Website: www.rbg.vic.gov.au/lightscape

Melbourne's immersive light experience returns with brand-new installations by Australian and First Peoples artists. Wander 2.1km of glowing pathways through the Gardens after dark. Book well in advance.

The open walking format suits many neurodiverse children; self-paced, outdoors, visually rich but not overwhelmingly loud.

NGV Kids - National Gallery of Victoria

Dates: Throughout holidays

Website: www.ngv.vic.gov.au for session times

Ages: 5–12 (some teen programs)

Cost: $15–$30 per session

Hands-on art-making workshops tied to current exhibitions. Sessions run 1–2 hours.

✦ Sensory - Friendly

Relaxed Sessions offer quieter, slower-paced gallery experiences for neurodiverse visitors. Check the website for scheduled dates.

ArtPlay - Birrarung Marr

Dates: School holiday workshop

Website: www.artplay.com.au

Ages: 3–12

Cost: Low-cost or free

✦ Sensory - Friendly

Creative workshops tailored to be inclusive and sensory-aware, including programs specifically designed for children with autism and other sensory needs.

ACMI - Australian Centre for the Moving Image

Dates: Open daily - Holiday workshops throughout

Ages: All ages

Website: www.acmi.net.au

Cost: Free (permanent collection)

Interactive exhibits exploring film, TV, video games, and digital culture. Holiday workshops span visual arts, craft, and design for ages 6–14.

Abbotsford Convent - Creative Workshops

Ages: Depends on selected workshop

Website: www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au

Cost: Depends on selected workshop

Mixed media, painting, and textile workshops in a beautiful heritage setting.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & DISCOVERY

Scienceworks

Dates: Open daily - Special holiday programs

Ages: All ages Cost Free for under 16s

Website: www.museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks

Cost: Free for under 16s – Additional fee for the planetarium

Hands-on STEM exhibits including the Lightning Room, ScienceStage shows, and rotating exhibitions. Holiday programs include curriculum-linked workshops.

✦ Sensory - Friendly

Sensory-friendly sessions with reduced noise and lighting. Quiet spaces available throughout. Check the website for scheduled low-sensory times.

Melbourne Museum

Dates: Open daily - Museum Sleepovers 8, 9 & 11 July

Ages: All ages

Website: www.museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum

Cost: Free for under 16s - Sleepover ticketed

Dinosaurs, the Living Rainforest, the Children's Gallery, and a Rome exhibition these holidays. Museum Sleepovers offer exclusive after-hours access, sleeping among the dinosaurs, and a hot breakfast.

✦ Sensory - Friendly

Sensory-friendly sessions with reduced noise and lighting. Autism-friendly resources including visual guides and social stories available on the website.

Nature, Animals & The Outdoors

Sea LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Dates: Open daily

Ages: All ages

Website: www.visitsealife.com/Melbourne

Cost: Family tickets from $60 online

Sharks, stingrays, penguins, and hundreds of marine species. Quiet areas with dimmed lighting available; early entry recommended for a calmer experience.

Melbourne Zoo - Parkville

Dates: Open daily - Wild Encounters and holiday programs

Ages: All ages

Website: www.zoo.org.au/Melbourne

Cost: free for under 16s during school holidays

One of Melbourne's great family destinations — and free for under 16s. Dinos at the Zoo (until 12 July) features animatronic roaring dinosaurs, a fossil dig, and Dinos After Dark night events.

Sovereign Hill - Winter Wonderlights, Ballarat

Dates: 26 June – 19 July 2026

Website: www.sovereignhill.com.au

Christmas in July with glowing lights, faux snow, and Saint Nicholas. Combines the living gold-rush history experience with spectacular evening entertainment.

SPORT & ACTIVE ADVENTURES

AFL - Free Entry for Kids Under 14

Dates: Rounds 16–19: 25 June – 19 July 2026

Ages: 14 and under FREE (T&Cs apply)

Website: www.afl.com.au

Kids 14 and under get free entry to AFL home games across Rounds 16–19. Check the website for Melbourne teams match dates.

Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final

Date: 04 July.

Time: 7.30pm (Gates open at 5.30pm)

Venue: John Cain Arena

Website: www.netball.com.au/supernetball/grand-final

The Super Netball Grand Final comes to Melbourne during the school holidays, an excellent opportunity to experience elite women's sport live.

SuperPark - Highpoint

Dates:27 June – 12 July 2026

Cost: Various passes available

Website: www.superpark.com.au

Indoor adventure play centre with 15+ activities. Great for active, all-weather family days - particularly primary-aged children.

READING, WRITING & THE MIND

State Library Victoria - Winter Holiday Programs

Dates: 29 June – 10 July 2026 - Bookings open 15 June

Website: www.slv.vic.gov.au

Cost: Free

Reading activities, creative sessions, and workshops in one of Melbourne's most beautiful buildings.

Young Writers Studio - Creative Writing Workshops

Ages: 7–10 (ancient relics & adventure) - 10–14 (big dreams & performance)

Website: www.whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au

Full-day creative writing workshops for students who love stories, language, and imaginative writing. Book early.

Council Library Holiday Programs

Every Melbourne council library runs free holiday reading and activity programs. Check your local council website; Moonee Valley, Hume, Brimbank, and Melton libraries. Storytime sessions are particularly popular with Prep–Year 2 families.

PERFORMANCE & IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

Bluey's Big Play - The Stage Show

Dates: 1–12 July 2026 (Melbourne season)

Website: Click here

Cost: Ticketed - book in advance

Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad come to life on stage. Expect full houses - book well ahead.

Old Melbourne Gaol - Billie B Brown Experience

Dates: School holidays.

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.au

Cost: National Trust members free/discounted

One of Australia's most beloved children's book characters brought to life inside the historic bluestone Gaol walls.

Firelight Festival - Docklands

Dates: 3-5 July (in the evening)

Website: www.firelight.melbourne.vic.gov.au

Melbourne's winter fire festival returns - fire performances, light installations, and family-friendly programming.

✦ Sensory Inclusive Programs

The following programs are specifically designed for children and young people with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences. Many are NDIS-compatible - check with individual providers.

Diverse Pathways — Holiday Activity Programs

Ages: 4–18

Website: www.diversepathways.com.au

Cost: NDIS-compatible

Full-day and multi-day programs for children and teens with autism: 3D animation, creative arts, cooking, messy play, sensory-friendly games, and social skill-building.

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym

Website: https://werockthespectrumprestonvic.com.au/

Indoor gym with specialised sensory equipment in a safe, inclusive environment for children of all abilities.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre - Sensory Friendly Mornings

Website: legodiscoverycentre.com.au

Quiet spaces, reduced noise and lighting, and trained staff. Ideal for LEGO-loving children who benefit from a calmer environment.

Sensory-Friendly Cinema Screenings

Providers: Village Cinemas - Hoyts - Event Cinemas

Lower sound, slightly raised lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere where children are free to move. Check individual cinema websites for 'Sensory Friendly' or 'Relaxed Screening' session times.

From the Principal's Desk

College Principal - Emily FitzSimons

Term 2 Closing Message