The Department of Tourism and Culture is excited to offer a bonanza of exciting and fun-filled programs these school holidays.

From exploring the Top End’s national parks, to George Brown Darwin Botanic Garden’s (GBDBG) Healthy Holiday Fun Day, and the Territory Wildlife Park’s ever popular Keeper Kids Program, these school holidays are sure to keep the little ones entertained.

The Department of Tourism and Culture’s George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Director Bryan Harty said the gardens were always a great choice for entertainment.

”The Healthy Holiday Fun Day on Thursday 5 October will be the perfect day for the whole family to enjoy one of Darwin’s most beautiful settings, with the holiday program themed on water activities and magic.

“We’ve got a jam packed day of fun suitable for all ages, including a magic workshop and kid’s magic show, with fantastic prizes to win if the kids perform their own magic tricks. Kids can stay cool with our water slides, water dunk, water warrior course and water tag games, being entertained with bush animal encounters, get creative with face painting and balloon making, and stay active with touch football, to name but a few.”

The GBDBG Healthy Holiday Fun Day is a free event and runs from 9am-1pm. A number of food options are available including the famous Eva’s Café, however BYO picnics are also welcome. For more information visit the GBDBG’s Facebook page.

The Territory Wildlife Park is again hosting its Keeper Kids Program, with the program running from Monday 2 to Friday 6 October, from 9am-3:30pm.

Territory Wildlife Park Director Shael Martin said the Keeper Kids Program is a specially designed hands-on day for children aged 8-12 years of age who have an interest in working with native animals when they grow up.

“A love of nature goes hand-in-hand with life in the Territory, and our Keeper Kids Program is hosted by our very own team of dedicated guides and keepers who teach our kids the daily routines and responsibilities of a Territory Wildlife Keeper, in a fun and interactive environment.”

The program includes guided activities, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea as well as a special hat, water bottle and certificate of achievement. To book visit www.territorywildlifepark.com.

The Territory Wildlife Park is also running a number of free activities including a treasure hunt to find Ollie the Owl, a colouring competition, and water play every day from 10am – 1pm.

Parents and children are also encouraged to take advantage of some of the Territory’s spectacular national parks, with all swimming holes across Litchfield National Park, Berry Springs Nature Park, Howard Springs Nature Park, Manton Dam, Katherine Hot Springs and Leliyn (Edith Falls) are very much open for fun.

Department of Tourism and Culture Director Northern Australian Parks, Neva McCartney said the October school holidays were a chance to take advantage of the national parks across the Top End before the wet sets in.

“The humidity is rising and there is no better time to spend a day or two or three exploring our national parks, and cooling down in any one of the incredible water and swimming holes right in our own backyard.

“All our key swimming holes remain open for in-water activities, while Manton Dam is open for skiing and boating. Have fun but remember to always BE CROCWISE, and drive to the conditions” Ms McCartney said.

If venturing further than city limits isn’t ideal, the Palmerston Water Park and Leanyer Recreation Park are always the perfect answer, with both hosting a number of exciting food trucks and vans throughout the holidays. Visit the Leanyer or Palmerston parks website to line your visit up with your favourite cuisine.

Don’t forget the Darwin Waterfront also has a range of October School Holiday programs available.

Media contact
Department of Tourism and Culture | Media Manager 0476 844 832