Discover what’s on in and around the Blue Mountains these school holidays with our Blue Mountains Winter School Holidays Activities Guide. It’s packed with fabulous family fun this July. You won’t want to miss any of the action!
School holidays run from Monday 8 July to Monday 22 July 2024 so let’s get planning to make these a super fun and memorable break for the whole family.
The Blue Mountains Winter School Holidays Guide is full of the best things to do with kids this July!
- Reach new heights with High and Wild – Adults abseil at kids’ prices any day of the week school holidays special.
- Ready, set, go! LMAP Holiday Club is four fun mornings of Olympic themed games, craft and bible discovery.
- Get creative at Penrith Regional Gallery with Art Workshops for ages 3 – 12
- Be illuminated at the Lithgow Glow Worm Tunnel
- Ride the historic Steam Tram at the Blue Mountains Steam Fest!
- Immerse yourself in Winter at the Bathurst Winter Festival
- Learn performing arts skills and build your confidence with Q Theatre Drama Workshops
- Get ‘Lost in the Mountains’ with Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
- Create a whole new world with Blue Mountains Library School Holiday Art & Craft Workshops.
- Blue Mountains snow fun – When it snows in the Blue Mountains this Winter, here’s where to play!
- Fun, FREE craft, drama and music with Belong Blue Mountains
- Get the buzz on bees in Blackheath with the National Parks and Wildlife Service
High and Wild Australian Adventures
ADULTS ABSEIL AT KIDS’ PRICES THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!
During the July school holidays, adults can abseil at the kids’ price of $125. That’s a $50 saving per adult. No code is required – simply go to the Spectacular Half Day Abseiling page of our website and book.
Experience a spectacular Half Day Abseiling Tour with High and Wild Australian Adventures this July school holidays! Suitable for anyone aged 8 years+ at all levels of ability, these are simply the best action packed adventures you can have in the Blue Mountains.
High and Wild Australian Adventures has been known and trusted as the leading Blue Mountains adventure tour provider since 1989. This scenic and exciting adventure is certainly one for your child to remember!
Their guides are all outdoor enthusiasts and teach your children everything they need to know, so no prior experience is necessary. All equipment is provided and a gourmet lunch is provided in the Full Day Adventures!
WHEN: Saturday 6 July to Sunday 21 July, 2024.
WHERE: Meet at 207 Katoomba Street, Katoomba (inside the Blue Mountains YHA. View map). Activity takes place at a variety of outdoor locations around Katoomba.
COST: $125 for adults (normally $175) AND children (8 – 17 years).
HOW TO BOOK: Online. For enquiries contact High and Wild on 02 4782 6224 or info@highandwild.com.au
WEBSITE
SOCIALS: Facebook Instagram #highnwild
LMAP Holiday Club
FOUR MORNINGS OF OLYMPIC THEMED FUN, GAMES AND THE BIBLE!
READY… SET… GO! Race in for four mornings of fun and games, activities and exciting engagement with God’s story from the bible!
There is also a complimentary cafe for parents/carers during the mornings.
WHEN: 9am – 12:30pm – Tuesday 16 July to Friday 19 July, 2024 (four mornings)
WHERE: Lower Mountains Anglican Parish, Corner of Wascoe St & Raymond St, Glenbrook. Next to Dolly’s Donuts (View map).
SUITABLE FOR: Open to kids from Kindy to Year 6
COST: $10 per day or $35 for four days
HOW TO BOOK: Register online by Friday 12 July. Ph. (02) 4739 1316 e: admin@lmap.org.au
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
Penrith Regional Gallery
ART WORKSHOPS FOR 3 – 12 YEARS
Join us at the Gallery these Winter school holidays for our exciting program of workshops and to explore our exhibitions. From plaster sculptures, to colourful felt artworks and collaged lanterns, each workshop is led by an experienced artist educator and has been developed to connect with the artworks in our current exhibitions. Don’t forget to stop by for our free drop-in artmaking in the Loungeroom Gallery during your visit!
Image credit: Jacquie Manning.
WHEN: Tuesday 9 July – Wednesday 17 July, 2024
WHERE: Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest, 86 River Road,
Emu Plains, NSW, 2750 (View Map).
SUITED FOR: Ages 3 – 12 years.
COST: $25 (1-hour workshops), $40 (2-hour workshops).
HOW TO BOOK: Book via the Gallery’s website here or call (02) 4735 1100.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram, #PenrithRegionalGallery
Lithgow Glow Worm Tunnel
SEE GLOW WORMS ANY TIME OF THE DAY!
The Lithgow Glow Worm Tunnel is extraordinary! It is a one of a kind experience for the whole family and the kids will love it! Situated on Wiradjuri Country in Wollemi National Park in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, this former railway tunnel is now a haven for spectacular bioluminescent glow worms. So we hope you are inspired to take a road trip to Lithgow with the whole family to witness the magical glow of this extraordinary tunnel and to enjoy the ancient beauty of Wollemi National Park.
WHEN: Any time of the day
WHERE: At the end of Glowworm Tunnel Road, Newnes Plateau NSW 2790 (View map).
SUITABLE FOR: Anyone with a moderate level of fitness (not accessible for wheelchairs or prams)
COST: There is no cost to walk through the tunnel
WEBSITE
Blue Mountains Steam FunFest
RIDE THE HISTORIC STEAM TRAM & STEAM TRAIN AT THIS SPECIAL EVENT!
Come along and experience a day full of Steam Fun this Blue Mountains Winter school holidays! The Valley Heights Rail Museum, together with the Campbelltown Steam Museum and the Model T Ford Club, presents the second Blue Mountains Steam FunFest.
Tickets include:
- Museum Admission.
- Rides on both the 130 year old Sydney Steam Tram and the 125 year old Steam Train.
- View the display of various steam powered machinery provided by the Campbelltown Steam & Machinery Museum.
- Display of prized cars by the Model T Ford Club. Some of these cars are just as old as the steam exhibits that will feature in this first time event.
WHEN: Friday 12 July – Sunday 14 July 2024.
WHERE: Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Heights, NSW 2777 (View map).
SUITED FOR: All welcome
COST: Adults: $25; Concession: $17
Children (aged 4 – 17 incl.): $17; Children (1 – 3): FREE entry
HOW TO BOOK: Online. Pre-booked tickets only. Secure your preferred Ride times at the time of booking.
WEBSITE
Bathurst Winter Festival
ILLUMINATIONS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, MARKETS, ICE SKATING
Get ready to embrace the chill and ignite your spirit at the Bathurst Winter Festival – a celebration of all things winter, bringing locals and visitors together to revel in the icy cool vibes of the season.
With Bathurst’s historic buildings and charming streets as a backdrop, the festival boasts an epic array of activities and attractions that are sure to give you chills in all the right ways. From sipping hot cocoa and jamming to live music in the Winter Playground, to carving up the McDonalds Bathurst Ice Rink or browsing the bustling markets, this gathering is a winter wonderland like no other.
As darkness falls, the festival transforms into a surreal wonderland of light displays and interactive installations. Prepare to be transported to a world of pure enchantment and delight.
So, layer up, round up your squad and head to the Bathurst Winter Festival for an unforgettable two-week adventure in the heart of winter’s embrace this July!
The best part? Festival entry is FREE!
Unmissable Moments:
- McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink | Every day, 9am – 9pm
- Ferris Wheel, Two-storey carousel & carnival rides | Every day, 9am – 9pm
- Illuminations | Every night sundown – 10pm
WHEN: Saturday 6 July – Sunday 21 July, 2024 from 9 am – 9 pm daily, with the last ice skating session starting at 8pm.
WHERE: 158 Russell Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 (View map).
SUITED FOR: Everyone of all ages. Accessibility information can be found here.
COST: Entry to the Festival is FREE. Ice skating, show rides, market stall produce, food, drinks, etc are all at your own cost.
HOW TO BOOK: No need to book for the festival.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram @BathurstWinterFestival
Q Theatre
DRAMA WORKSHOPS FOR AGES 5 – 18
Explore creative avenues, learn new performance skills and build your confidence with Q Theatre’s interactive drama workshops at The Joan these school holidays.
Our all-day themed workshop packages for ages 5 – 8 and 9 – 12 return due to popular demand! Featuring three immersive sessions each, these workshops will allow you to discover the magic of captivating storytelling, costume and props through a range of imaginative drama games and hands-on activities.
Become a triple threat with our musical theatre workshops featuring acting, singing and movement. Teens aged 13 – 18 can dive deeper into the world of musical theatre with our all-day workshop. During this session you will work towards a showing on our Q Theatre stage.
Plus, for young people who want to change the world, there is a special workshop that will teach you to harness the transformative power of theatre and amplify your voice through interactive drama, improvisation and creative writing.
Image Credit: Photo by Eddy Summers
WHEN: Monday 8 July – Thursday 11 July, 2024.
WHERE: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith, NSW,
2750 (View Map).
SUITED FOR: Ages 5 – 18
COST: $40 – $115
HOW TO BOOK: Book via Q Theatre’s website here or call Box Office on (02) 4723
7600.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram, #QTheatre #TheJoan
‘Lost in the Mountains’ with Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
TEST YOUR NAVIGATION & SURVIVAL SKILLS AND BUILD A MINIATURE RAFT
Can you navigate your way out of the tangled vines of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden jungle? This Winter program will have you testing your survival skills to help if you get lost in the mountains. Learn how to use a compass, and decipher a treasure map to find key survival materials. We’ll simulate being lost in the wilderness to prompt insightful discussions on preparedness and resilience and test your design skills and build a miniature raft and see if it can stay afloat.
WHEN: Wednesday 10 July and Tuesday 16 July 2024, from 10:30am – 12pm
WHERE: Meet at the Waratah Centre, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah, New South Wales 2758 (view map).
SUITED FOR: Children aged 5 – 12 years
COST: $18.50 per child | $16.50 for Foundation and Friends members
HOW TO BOOK: Online. For enquiries contact programs.info@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook Instagram
Blue Mountains Library
Winter School Holiday Workshops
ART AND CRAFT WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS AGED 5 TO 18
Blue Mountains City Library is excited to offer workshops for kids during the July school holidays! Your kids can try their hand at still life, creating beaded bugs and using your imagination with local artist and illustrator Bill Hope to draw the best adventure ever! View the workshops here.
WHEN & WHERE: Katoomba, Springwood and Blaxland Libraries
SUITED FOR: Students from Kindergarten to 18 years
COST: $6 per session or free
HOW TO BOOK: Online Tickets for July school holiday workshops go on sale from 9am, Friday 21 June 2024.
CONTACT: bmlibrary@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter
Snow Play In The Blue Mountains
DISCOVER THE BEST SPOTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY SNOW PLAY THIS WINTER
A Blue Mountains Winter School Holiday is not complete without snow play! Sadly the past couple of years have not presented any snow but there’s a feeling that this year might give us the excitement of snow in the upper Blue Mountains and Oberon regions. When it snows, the Blue Mountains transform into a white wonderland and kids are always keen to experience this amazing occurrence.
Find out some of the places to enjoy snow play this Winter and read our essential safety tips. View Oberon’s live weather cams here and here!
WHEN: Check the forecast at the Bureau of Meteorology for predicted snow for the Blue Mountains (Katoomba), Lithgow and Oberon during the July Winter School Holidays.
WHERE: Upper Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon regions.
SUITED FOR: All families (please ensure that you read the safety information and tips for your adventure).
COST: Most parks and recreational areas for snow play are free to enter.
WEBSITE
Belong Blue Mountains
FREE CRAFT, DRAMA AND MUSIC WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS THIS WINTER!
Belong Blue Mountains have some fantastic free activities for children to enjoy. So if you want to get a head start on filling your holiday activities calendar, get in touch now so you don’t miss out. Places are limited.
YARN UP & CRAFT WITH UNCLE ED
Meet Uncle Ed, a proud Tharawal man, have a yarn and find out how the blue whale became his totem. Learn fun facts about the craft animals he makes and then paint one to take home. Morning tea and craft materials are provided.
WHEN: Wednesday 10 July | 10:30am-12noon
WHERE: Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Lawson View map.
SUITED FOR: For 6-12 year olds
HOW TO BOOK: Call 4759 2592 to book
CHILDREN’S DRAMA WORKSHOP
Join Sharon for a morning of drama skills, including improvisation and performance. Work together in a group to create and present a short skit for your families at the end of the workshop.
WHEN: Monday 15 July | 10am-12noon
WHERE: Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Lawson View map.
SUITED FOR: For 6-12 year olds
HOW TO BOOK: Call 4759 2592 to book
MAKING MUSIC WORKSHOP WITH LAURA KING
Join Laura for a musical workshop exploring music, rhythm, movement, and making your own musical instrument.
WHEN: Wednesday 17 July | 11am-12.30pm
WHERE: Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Blaxland
SUITED FOR: For 6-10 year olds
HOW TO BOOK: Call 4739 1164 to book
Bush Alive: The Buzz on Bees
EXPLORE THE WORLD OF AUSTRALIA’S FRIENDLY NATIVE BEES AND TAKE HOME YOUR OWN MINI BEE HOTEL
Join a NSW National Parks guide for a fun, hands-on session and explore the world of Australia’s friendly native bees.
We’ll take a short walk outside to see what evidence of bees we can find. Discover where these little pollinators live, what they eat and why they’re so important.
You’ll even get the chance to build your own mini Bee Hotel. Take it home and find out what types of native bees are living in your garden.
WHEN: Monday 8 July and Monday 17 July 2024, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
WHERE: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath, 270 Govett’s Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785 (View Map).
SUITED FOR: Recommended for children 7 to 11 years. This tour is wheelchair accessible on request. For more information, please call 02 4784 7301 or email bluemtns.education@environment.nsw.gov.au.
COST: Child (7-11 years) $20 per person. Accompanying adults are free of charge.
HOW TO BOOK: Bookings required. Book your place here.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook Instagram YouTube
We hope that this edition of the Blue Mountains Winter School Holidays Activities Guide has helped to inspire you and your family to plan and enjoy some exciting local activities these holidays. We wish you a fun filled break creating many wonderful memories together. Please leave your comments below and let us know how you enjoyed these activities!
