02 Apr VIC April School Holidays
Cooler days, colourful landscapes and family fun across Victoria
Autumn is one of Victoria’s best seasons for families — think crisp mornings, golden leaves and perfect weather for exploring both city attractions and regional highlights. From Melbourne’s cultural hotspots to iconic outdoor adventures, here are fresh ideas for the April school holidays.
🐰 Easter Events & Festivals (VIC-wide)
- Easter egg hunts and community festivals
• Markets, food trucks and family entertainment
• Events across Melbourne and regional towns
🎪 Melbourne International Comedy Festival (Family Shows)
- Kid-friendly and teen-friendly comedy shows
• Great option for older primary + teens
👉 Check age suitability before booking
🎭 Arts Centre Melbourne – Kids & Family Shows
- Theatre, music and creative performances
• Holiday programs and workshops
🧠 Museums Victoria School Holiday Programs
Includes:
• Melbourne Museum
• Scienceworks
• Immigration Museum
🎭 ACMI Holiday
🎨 NGV Kids & Family Activities
- Creative workshops and exhibitions
• Free drop-in activities often available
💻 Code Camp & Holiday Workshops (VIC locations)
- Coding, animation and robotics
• Multiple suburban locations
🌿 Outdoor & Adventure Activities
What it is: Australia’s most iconic steam train experience through lush forest and mountain scenery. Kids can sit on the open carriage sills (legs in!) and enjoy the breeze.
Best for: All ages (toddlers to teens).
Accessibility:
- Carriages with wheelchair spaces available on selected services (booking recommended).
- Sensory-friendly: open-air carriages provide airflow and lower noise impact than enclosed trains.
Great option for autistic children who enjoy movement and predictable routines. Autumn bonus: Stunning forest colours through the Dandenongs
What it is: Hedge mazes, tube slides, treetop zipline courses, puzzles, and gardens.
Best for: Ages 3+ (mazes and slides). Zipline: 8+.
Accessibility:
- Some areas have stairs/steep pathways.
- Zipline course not wheelchair accessible.
- Mazes can be overwhelming for sensory-sensitive kids; quieter in mornings.
Cooler weather makes mazes and climbing much more enjoyable
⭐ Great Ocean Road (Lorne, Apollo Bay, Anglesea)
What it is: A collection of beaches, rockpools, forest walks and summer coastal towns.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Anglesea and Lorne both offer wheelchair beach mats during summer lifeguard hours.
- Excellent sensory experience for children who love water/sand/space; can be overwhelming when crowded.
Less crowded than summer — ideal for day trips
🌳 Nature & Free Play
What it is: Hands-on farm experience with animals, gardens, and gentle outdoor play.
Best for: Toddlers to Tweens.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible paths and toilets.
- Calm, predictable environment ideal for neurodiverse children.
⭐ Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
What it is: Beautiful gardens with lakes, lawns, play areas, and children’s discovery activities.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Excellent wheelchair access; mobility-friendly shuttle at Cranbourne.
- Quiet sensory-friendly spaces abound.
⭐ Kids Baking Classes at the Paddock
Great for leaf-peeping and picnics
☔ Rainy Day & Indoor Activities
What it is: Hands-on science exhibits, planetarium, robotics, engineering displays.
Best for: Ages 3+ to teens.
Accessibility:
- Fully wheelchair accessible.
- Sensory-friendly times occasionally offered.
- Planetarium can be overwhelming for some children.
What it is: Dinosaurs, First Peoples’ exhibition, Bugs Alive, IMAX next door.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Fully wheelchair accessible.
- Quiet spaces available; excellent for autistic children needing structured environments.
What it is: A trick-art gallery where kids step inside 3D fantasy scenes and interact with murals.
Best for: Ages 5+ and photo-loving teens.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Medium sensory load (visual stimulation but low noise).
What it is: Indoor ice skating rink with public sessions and family lessons.
Best for: Ages 4+ (rent small skates).
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-friendly ice sessions sometimes available.
- Sensory note: cold can be calming for some autistic children, but loud music may overwhelm.
🍂 Unique Autumn Experiences
⭐ Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Easter on Churchill Island. Earlier sunset times = easier for younger kids
⭐ Melbourne Zoo / Werribee Open Range Zoo
Animals more active in cooler weather
Autumn colours + food stops make this a great family outing
Notes & Things to Check
Opening hours & seasonal changes
Most attractions operate year-round. However:
• Water parks (Adventure Park, Funfields) are closed or limited outside summer
• Outdoor attractions may reduce hours
• Holiday programs run on set dates
👉 Always check before visiting.
Weather & conditions
- Cool mornings, mild days, colder evenings
• Ideal for outdoor exploring without summer heat
• Rain more likely — especially in regional areas
👉 Pack layers and include indoor backup plans
Booking & demand
- Easter period is busy
• Popular attractions (Puffing Billy, Penguin Parade) book out
• Timed entry common at museums and events
Distance & travel
- Melbourne attractions close together
• Regional trips (Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, Phillip Island) require planning
💡 Tips for Parents
- Autumn is peak exploring season in Victoria
• Mix city days + one or two regional adventures
• Plan around weather changes
• Book major attractions early
“Events and programs are correct at time of publishing. Check links for updated times and bookings.”
