Autumn Holiday Escapades in Melbourne

Sure, spring and summer often top the popularity lists – but we’re going to go out on a limb here and say… We. Love. Autumn. There’s the crisp mornings. The mild days that end with golden sunsets. Colourful autumn leaves. Easter. Chocolate. Comedy. School holidays, and of course – Melbourne city adventures with the kids. You know the drill, friends. Read on for a roundup of ‘to-dos’ in Melbourne this autumn school holidays.

Are you havin’ a laugh?

Who said the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is just for big kids? This year’s festival is chock-a-block with shows and events for the young and young at heart – and it’s all happening over the School Holidays (LOL-idays?). Expect plenty of magic, acrobatics, silliness and the odd fart joke from the shows built for kids at this year’s comedy festival.
Head to the MICF-2019 website for full details.

Reading at The Dock of the Bay

This award winning, state-of-the-art library has stolen a piece of Melbourne’s heart. If you haven’t been, we highly recommend a visit. In addition to an amazing café and interactive children’s library, the upstairs levels also boast two table tennis tables, comics, a playstation, music equipment, DVDs and arts books. There are also creative editing suites, recording studios, performance spaces and a gallery – not to mention an outdoor park if the little ones need to run off some energy. Phew! Head to the Library at the Dock’s website for full details.

All the leaves are…red, yellow and gold

Autumn is the time for vivid and spectacular golden gardens and crunching russet leaves – and given Melbourne’s abundance of European deciduous trees, you can be sure that this pretty city will put on a show before the leaves drop off in winter. This change of season is the perfect time to explore Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens – a beautiful (and free!) way to while-away a few hours. Head to the Royal Botanic Garden Melbourne website for full details.

Holidays on Ice

What better way to embrace the change of seasons than with a sashay and swirl on the ice? O’Brien Icehouse is a short glide from the ferry terminal (right by District Docklands), and they are hosting a special school holiday program over the break. From all-day public skating on the two Olympic size ice rinks, to free lessons for beginners and free face painting on weekends, O’Brien Icehouse has got you covered for a fun-tastic day out. Head to the O’Brien Icehouse website for full details.

Docklands = Fun Central

We know we go on about this, but Docklands really is fun central. There’s so much to do that we bet you couldn’t knock it over in one day. In fact, we double dare you to try. Here is a quick round-up of some of our favourites.

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 If you haven’t checked out ArtVo yet, you are missing out. Experience art and capture some snaps in a whole new way.

Reach for the sky with a flight on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel – they’re also getting Choc-o-licious this Easter (have we piqued your interest yet?).

Enjoy a round of fun-filled arcade games at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq – there’s bowling, dodgem cars, games and treats galore.

Join the fairies for storytelling and toy making workshops when they return to The Lost Forests at The District Docklands this School Holidays.

 Sneak in a cheeky movie (and lots of movie snacks) at the brand new, state-of-the-art HOYTS District Docklands.

 Can’t get enough of the water? Want to get a feel for being a Skipper? Good news. You can hire GoBoat and take an adventure on the Yarra.

And last but not least…
As always, The District Docklands are set to deliver the holiday goods again. Visit the Wonder Park immersive zone, where you can knock down the chimpanzombies, design your own mini roller coaster and participate in some fun art and craft workshops from 11am – 4pm daily.

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Looking to spend a sweet sweet day on the other side of the bay?
You’re in luck! It’s a well-known fact that Portarlington has some of the best sweet treats around. You can read all about it in our guide to Sweet Times in Portarlington.