Spring School Holidays: The Great Aussie Wallet Workout (and How to Survive It!)

Spring School Holidays

Spring break is here, and while it’s a time for the kiddos to unwind, it can feel like our wallets are doing the backstroke! Don’t worry, fellow Aussie parents, we’ve all been there. Between the “I’m bored” chorus and the constant snack attacks, it seems like our cash disappears faster than a snag at a Barbie.

But hold your horses! With a little planning and some top-notch Aussie ingenuity, we can turn this break into a memorable (and budget-friendly) adventure for the whole family!

Let’s Tackle Those Travel Costs:

Road Trip Romps

Pack a picnic lunch and hit the road for a free day at the beach or a scenic national park. Fresh air fun that’s easy on the wallet!

Staycation Shenanigans

Explore your own backyard! Check out local museums, libraries, or zoos with free or discounted entry days. You might be surprised by what hidden gems you find.

Travel Like a True Aussie

Avoid peak school holiday times for cheaper flights and accommodation. Bonus points for packing light to save on baggage fees!

Score Some Sweet Deals

Want to save on hotels, flights, or car rentals? Check out the discount coupons.

Family Trip

Next Up: Entertainment on a Budget!

Free Fun in the Sun

Check your local council website for free events happening during the holidays. Think movie nights in the park, story time at the library, or nature walks. Get those little legs moving and explore!

Family Game Nights

Dust off those dusty board games or get crafty with DIY projects. You’d be surprised how much fun can be had at home with a little imagination.

Library Loot

Libraries are treasure troves of entertainment! Borrow books, movies, and even board games for free. Plus, it’s a great way to beat the heat and keep those brains active.

Discount Deals for the Win

Looking for deals on movie tickets, theme park passes, or even bowling alleys? We’ve got you covered! Check out Shopa Coupon for some awesome savings.

Taming the Foodie Frenzy:

Pack a Picnic Powerhouse

Skip the expensive restaurant meals and pack lunches for day trips and picnics. It’s healthier, cheaper, and gives you more control over portion sizes.

Movie Night Munchies Made Easy

Forget the overpriced popcorn! Make your own popcorn buckets at home for a fun and budget-friendly movie night treat.

Cooking Up Memories

Turn mealtime into an adventure! Get the kids involved in planning and preparing meals. It’s a great way to teach them valuable life skills and create lasting memories.

Winner, winner, kiddo’s dinner!

Restaurant Deals to the Rescue

Feeding a hungry horde can be expensive, but Shopa Coupon can help! Find deals and discounts on your favourite restaurants.

Don’t Forget the Shopping Spree Survival Guide:

Wish List Wisdom

Help your kids create a wish list and prioritise wants and needs. This way they can appreciate the value of money and work towards their goals.

Patience is a Virtue

Teach your kids the importance of saving for what they want. A little delayed gratification goes a long way!

Second-hand Savvy

Consider buying gently used items like toys, clothes, and books from online marketplaces or thrift stores. You never know what hidden gems you might find!

Shopa Coupon to the Rescue

Still, feeling the shopping pinch?

Don’t forget to check out Shopa Coupon for some shopping deals and discounts to stretch that dollar even further!

Happy Family

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create lasting memories with the family! By following these tips and a little bit of Aussie ingenuity, this school break can be a blast without breaking the bank! Now get out there, explore, and make the most of this sun-kissed spring fling!

14 Date Ideas For Every Couple (And Budget) In 2024

fun date ideas - 2024 for Aussie couples

Calling all Aussie lovebirds!

Wanna crank the romance up a notch in 2024?

We got you covered, mates!

From city adventures to stunning nature escapes, this list is bursting with 14 date ideas for every couple (and budget) Down Under.

Foodie Fun For Two: Let’s Get Cooking (Or Competitive)!

Idea 1:

Feeling like your takeout game is getting a little stale? Ditch the menus and whip up a culinary storm together! We’re talking sizzling Thai curries, steaming bowls of Vietnamese pho, or maybe even mastering the Aussie barbie like a pro. Many cooking schools offer couples classes, so get ready for some playful competition.

Food fun date ideas for Aussie couples

(and maybe a few flirty food fights – all in good fun, of course!).

Idea 2:

Feeling fancy? Upgrade your date night with a Wine Masterclass. Learn about different varietals, impress your date with your newfound knowledge (or at least pretend you know what you’re talking about!), and enjoy some delicious sips along the way.

Progressive Eats Adventure: A Culinary Tour of Your City

Idea 3:

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a restaurant rut?

Explore the diverse flavours of your city with a progressive dinner date! Hit up a few different restaurants – sample appetisers at one, devour mouthwatering mains at another, and finish it all off with decadent desserts at the last stop. It’s a delicious way to discover new cuisines and have a unique dining experience together.

Need some inspiration?

Check out Experience Oz! They have amazing options for Mystery Picnic spots (perfect for a surprise!), Winery Tours (because who doesn’t love a good wine tasting?), and incredible food experiences across Australia. They even have sweet deals on bookings and afterpay options, so you can enjoy the night without breaking the bank.

Sounds pretty perfect, right?

Feeling Adventurous? Let’s Get Out There!

Idea 4:

Starry Night, Who Dis? Escape to the Milky Way!

City lights got you down? Escape to a secluded spot for some serious stargazing! Download a cool app to identify constellations and impress your date with your cosmic knowledge (or at least BS your way through it – they’ll never know!). Snuggle up under the Milky Way and share a romantic moment – pure magic, guaranteed!

Idea 5:

Surf’s Up, Lovebirds! Catch a Wave (or Wipe Out Spectacularly!)

Surf fun date ideas for Aussie Couples

Ever dreamt of catching a wave? Now’s your chance (even if it just means wiping out spectacularly)! Grab your significant other and take a couples surfing lesson. It’ll be a fun, active way to spend the day, filled with laughter and maybe a little admiration for each other’s newfound surfing skills (or lack thereof!).

Need some pointers? Check out Experience Oz: link to website! They offer private and group lessons on soft boards, stand-up paddle boards, and regular surfboards. Imagine ruling the waves at Bondi Beach or conquering the Gold Coast – the hottest beaches in Australia await!

Idea 6:

Hit the Trails! Hike Stunning Scenery

Australia’s a hiker’s paradise, with stunning coastal walks, lush rainforest trails, and even challenging rock climbs for the super ambitious. Choose a difficulty level that suits you both, conquer that summit, and celebrate with a smooch at the top – breathtaking views guaranteed!

Feeling like Spider-Man? While I can’t recommend scaling skyscrapers, check out Adrenaline’s killer collection of rock-climbing adventures across Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane. They cater to both beginners and experienced climbers, so you can find the perfect challenge (and celebrate with a smooch at the top, of course!). For more budget-friendly adventure options, visit Shopa Coupon.

Culture and Creativity: Unleash Your Inner Artist

Idea 7:

Unleash Your Inner Picasso (and Maybe a Little Wine): Paint and Sip Party

Feeling like your creativity is trapped in a beige box? Break free with a paint and sip class! Let the vino flow and unleash your inner artist alongside your boo. It’s all about playful competition, messy masterpieces, and maybe discovering a hidden talent (or at least a hilarious lack thereof).

Idea 8:

Art Attack! Explore the City’s Art Scene

Is your city bursting with artistic energy? Dive into the vibrant art scene by exploring local galleries together. Discuss the pieces that catch your eye, discover each other’s artistic preferences, and who knows, you might even find inspiration for your own home masterpiece

(or at least a killer Instagram post).

Idea 9:

Rock Out Under the Stars (Picnic and Snacks Included!): Concert Under the Sky

Ditch the stuffy concert halls and pack a blanket (and some yummy snacks, of course) for an unforgettable night of live music under the stars! Sway to the rhythm, share a cozy cuddle, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Escape The Ordinary (But Still Stay Comfy!)

Idea 10:

Paddle Power for Two: Glide Across Calm Waters

nature peaceful fun date ideas for Aussie Couples

Glide across a calm lake or river in a kayak or canoe. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy nature and maybe even have a little splash fight (just don’t get your date too soaked!).

Idea 11:

Hot Air Balloon Heaven: Float Above Stunning Landscapes

Imagine floating above stunning landscapes in a giant colourful bubble. Talk about breathtaking views! It’s the perfect mix of romance and a little adrenaline rush (think butterflies in your stomach, not the scary kind). Plus, check the Adrenaline website – there’s a 20% discount on hot air balloon rides right now! What more could you ask for?

Idea 12:

Underwater Adventure: Dive into the Great Barrier Reef

Dive into the incredible Great Barrier Reef! Snorkel or scuba dive and be amazed by the vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life. Just remember, sharing a snorkel is not recommended…awkward!

Idea 13:

Camp Out Under the Stars: Reconnect with Nature

Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and gaze up at a sky filled with twinkling stars. Camping is a classic way to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories (just make sure you pack the bug spray!).

Idea 14:

Volunteer Vibes: Give Back to Your Community

Give back to your community and bond with your partner by volunteering for a local environmental cause. It’s a feel-good activity that you can both feel passionate about.

Example:
  • Plant a Tree Together,
  • Clean Up a Beach or Park,
  • Help Out at an Animal Shelter,
  • Volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

Remember:

This is just a springboard to get your creative juices flowing! Tailor these ideas to your interests and budget. The most important thing is to spend quality time with your significant other and make memories that will make you smile for years to come!

The Best Kid-friendly Activities to do in Australia

Keep the kids entertained with a range of activities from indoor play centres to adventure-filled theme parks and zoos. Read on to find our tips to enjoy low-cost or completely free activities that Australia has to offer. Packed with family-friendly activities, including close encounters with wildlife, thrilling museums, and beautiful beaches. You and your little ones will definitely have an awesome time!

Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo

Image credit: Experience Oz

Head out on a night safari to see some of Taronga Zoos Sydney’s 4,000 animals from more than 350 species during their Roar and Snore program. You can help during feeding time, get some up-close-and-personal encounters with the zoo’s animals, and enjoy incredible harbor views from the safari-style campsite. The next day, you can see some of the zoo’s cutest furry residents by daylight, like the red kangaroos and koalas.

Check out other great deals from Taronga Zoo here.

Cuddle a Koala

Image credit: Experience Oz

There’s nothing as iconic as cuddling a cute koala – and there’s no better place to do it than the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland. Kids can pet or hold the fuzzy animals – there are around 130 of them – or check out one of the other 70-plus animal species living at the sanctuary, like kangaroos, platypuses, and dingos. Plan your visit around one of the hand-feeding times for the kangaroos, wallabies, and lorikeets for an extra dose of fun (and photo opportunities with the kids).

Receive your entry & cruise discount offer for just $99 here.

Walking with dinosaurs in Canberra

Got an aspiring palaeontologist in the family? Check out Canberra’s National Dinosaur Museum, just a 15-minute drive north of the city. The museum features a massive collection of interactive animatronic dinosaurs, along with 23 complete skeletons and over 300 displays of individual fossils. Kids can also roam through the interactive dinosaur garden for an encounter with Canberra’s famous big dinosaur Stan the T-Rex.

Become a Dinosaur Museum member and receive special discounts on things like bringing friends, gift shop purchases, and birthday parties.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks Super Pass

Image credit: Experience Oz

Keep an eye on the combination passes and deals for the Village Roadshow Theme Parks on the Gold Coast. You can make the most of every moment with unlimited entry to 4 incredible theme parks with the Super Pass! It’s all the fun and excitement you could ever need on your next Gold Coast holiday. Get your 7-day pass discount coupon here for just $99. It’s cheaper than front gate prices & is the best value pass you can get.

Queensland is home to all the best theme parks and attractions, and you can experience them all for the best price by getting yourself a Super Pass you’ll enjoy all the best action in Queensland. With over 80 rides, shows, and attractions, there’s something for everyone!

Visit South Bank, Brisbane

southbank

There are so many fun things to do at South Bank, Brisbane, whether you want to spend a whole day or head in for a few hours. From family-friendly playgrounds and free museums to gardens perfect for family picnics and get-togethers.

There are three main swimming areas at South Bank. The swimming lagoons and all the facilities are free and open seven days a week. Streets Beach is the name given to the artificial beach and lagoon. With a lifeguard on duty seven days a week, this swimmable lagoon has a maximum depth of 1.8m. The lifeguard’s hours change seasonally, so it is worth contacting South Bank, especially in the off-season if you have little ones to keep an eye on.

The Boat Pool is a second lagoon close to Streets Beach with a depth of 0 – 1.1 metres. And it also has a lifeguard. 

Aquativity is the third water fun area at South Bank. This water play area is a popular spot in the hot summer months, featuring zero-depth with a splash zone with fountains, water jets, and tipping buckets. 

Facilities are excellent at South Bank with free public toilet facilities, underground parking (not cheap), and close to public transport drop-off points. You can also hire a stroller for a fee from the visitor information centre. 

South Bank offers two playgrounds. Picnic Island is a shaded playground located near BBQs and underneath a fig tree for all-day relaxed play. Riverside Green playground is the larger playground located right in the centre of South Bank. It features a multi-story play area with tunnel slides, hill slides, and swings. It is unfenced but with good visibility and plenty of places for parents to sit and watch nearby. It is also located close to toilets and cafes. 

Darling Quarter Playground: Play and Splash

Sydney has so many amazing kids’ playgrounds and the best part about it, is that they are absolutely free!  Visitors to Sydney who stay in the city or Darling Harbour will find the massive playground at Darling Harbour is an excellent space to let the kids run and play and burn off some energy.

There is a lot of water play there, some lovely river runs and splashing fountains, so do take your togs or a change of clothes.

There are several cafes and restaurants close to the playground, plus a kiosk serving drinks and snacks next to the playground. The range of play equipment is huge and suits children from toddlers to teenagers.

The one drawback is that this playground gets so busy at peak times, especially at the weekend. Get there early or late or during the week.

In Australia, you can have a great time without breaking the budget. It might sound like an impossible feat, but it turns out you can enjoy a fun family day out, with plenty of free or low cost things to do to help you save money – enjoy!