If you’re looking for fun ways to spend this Australia Day, there’s a whole bunch of family-friendly activities and events happening on the Central Coast and surrounding regions! From live music, kids’ entertainment, and fireworks to trampolining fun, interactive dinosaur walks, and light displays with amusement rides, there’s something for everyone. And with the school holidays coming to an end very soon, this will likely be your last chance to make the most of these epic summer activities.
Plus, we’ve also included our pick of the Central Coast’s best family beaches, 82 outdoor adventures you can do with your family, and over 100 parks and playgrounds that are well worth a visit!
So without further ado, here’s our list of all the fun happening across the Central Coast this Australia Day! ↓
FREE Australia Day Fun with Central Coast Council
Central Coast Council is inviting families to an evening of festival-style fun at Leagues Club Park in Gosford this Australia Day public holiday. While the littlies are kept entertained with face-painting, a mini fire truck, giant lawn games, sports games, and craft drop-in sessions, the adults will get to soak up the summer vibes with live music, roving entertainment, and a selection of delicious food stalls. Plus, don’t forget the fireworks at 9pm! And it’s all FREE!
When: Thursday 26 January 2023, 4pm – 9pm.
Where: Leagues Club Park, Georgiana Terrace, Gosford
Who: All ages.
Cost: FREE
Special Offer at Flip Out Gosford
Parents and carers can treat energetic kids to some ‘bouncing off the walls’ fun at Flip Out Gosford this Australia Day public holiday where they’ll get a limited edition, FILLED slushie bottle and 1 hour of jumping time for JUST $20. Then, return to Flip Out before the summer school holidays end (bringing your slushie bottle with you) and Flip Out will re-fill it for FREE!
So instead of your kids spinning, leaping, twisting, and backflipping off your couch this Australia Day, get them to Flip Out where they’ll have a huge trampoline arena to expel all that energy!
Special Deal: Get a 1-hour session including a filled slushie bottle for $20 OR a 2-hour session including a filled slushie bottle for $30. (Deal excludes socks; cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Slushie offer available while stocks last).
When: 26 January 2023.
Cost: 1 Hour Flip and Sip Deal: $20 | 2 Hour Flip and Sip Deal $30.
Playing in Puddles visited – check out our review here!
Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens
Finishing on Thursday 26 January, Australia Day is your last chance to experience the enchanting displays of over 3 million sparkling lights at the Hunter Valley Gardens Lights Spectacular! This year’s display includes a heap of NEW additions including a GIANT illuminated Santa and a twinkling Christmas Tree that stands at an impressive 14 metres tall. And while you’re there, don’t forget to pay a visit to Fairyland! It’s home to Tinkerbell, My Little Ponies, a giant rocking horse, and myriad fairies, dragonflies, and toadstools that look to have jumped straight from the pages of children’s tales.
Then there are the Gardens’ rides which are a visual treat of their own! Get a bird’s eye view of the lights from the 25m high Ferris Wheel, twist and twirl in the Tea Cups, take the weight off on the Swing Chair, and have a ride on everyone’s favourite Venetian Carousel. And don’t forget the 35m Super Slide for the bold and daring!
When: 26 January 2023. Gardens are open from 9am-5pm; lights open 5.30pm-10.30pm. Rides are open from 6pm until 10pm.
Where: The Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin.
Who: All ages.
Cost: Adult $34; Child (4-15 yrs) $27; Children 3 and under Free; Family Pass (2 Adults + 1 Child) $90; Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children) $110; Family Pass (1 Adult + 2 Children) $80; Extra Child on Family Pass (4-15 yrs) $24. Ride passes are an additional cost and are available at the ticket booth in the rides area in the Hunter Valley Gardens.
Playing in Puddles visited – check out our review here!
Jurassic Zoo at The Australian Reptile Park
Meet dinosaurs, dig for fossils, see interactive live shows, and have a hands-on animal experience at The Australian Reptile Park this Australia Day. Just be careful of the roaming Tyrannosaurus Rex!
When: Thursday 26 January 2023.
Where: The Australian Reptile Park, Somersby
Who: All ages.
Cost: (Online Prices Only) Adult $46 | Child $30 | Family Pass (2A + 2C) $130 | Senior (60+ years) $38 | Concession $41 | Single Family (1A + 2C) $95 | Extra Child on Family Pass $24 | Children under 3 go free.
More Activities to Enjoy this Australia Day
The Coast’s Best Beaches for Families!
We’re so blessed to have so many wonderful beaches. Here is our pick for families.
82 Outdoor Activities on the Central Coast!
Discover bike paths, bushwalks, rockpools, and more here.
Discover a new playground today!
We have more than 100 playground reviews on Playing in Puddles. Click here to discover a new playground near you!
