The school holidays are upon us, and that means hordes of children coming to a zoo near you. And to the parks, the movie theatres, the laser strikes, and the beaches.

But where can you go to get away from it all?

Whether you’ve got kids and want to take them somewhere a little different, or if you simply want some adult time without young’uns running amok, here are a few of the best hidden gems around Australia for these school holidays. 

Hidden gems for just the adults

• The driving range: Let’s be honest; many kids are smaller than your average golf club, so it’s less likely you’ll be seeing many of them down at your local driving range. This activity is easy, everywhere, and a great way to let off some steam. It doesn’t take much learning and it can be hugely satisfying to watch that ball soar off into the distance and land right where you want it to.
• The yoga studio: Silence, calming music, and at least one guaranteed hour of nothing but the feeling of your muscles stretching in ways they never thought they could. Yoga studios are the antithesis of zooming, non-stop children, so bring a mat and prepare for the inner peace that only downward-facing dog and a childless room can bring.
• The winery: Australia’s wineries are just one of the many things that make this country so great. Wherever you are, a winery won’t be far away, and with it comes delicious tastings, long lunches in the springtime sunshine, and exceptional deals on a bottle or two to take home. And if they’re too young to appreciate a good cab sav, they’re too young to spend much time loitering around the tasting counter, so you should be safe from the little ones.

Hidden gems where you can take the kids

• The surf club: While most kids head to the beach to build sandcastles and jump over waves, you can take yours to the surf club to learn a new skill. There are surfing lessons all over the country, and they’re often held slightly out of the way of the usual busy swimming beaches. As a bonus for you, you can either relax on the beach for a break of your own, or join in for a little hang 10 action.
• Kids Giving Back: Kids Giving Back is a nationwide charity organisation that makes it easy for the young ones to get involved with volunteering. From getting together to make lunches for those in need, to sewing soft toys for kids living in shelters, this is an awesome charity and will teach the kids a few lessons about giving during their time off.
• Craft stores: Do you remember the excitement and wonder of going into a craft store as a kid? These shops don’t just let a child’s creativity off the leash; they give it a quadruple shot of espresso and a 2-litre container of ice cream to boot. There are craft shops dotted all over the country, and it makes for a fun afternoon out deciding what you might be able to make and picking out fun bits and pieces for projects. Plus, this is an ideal way of keeping the costs of ‘activities’ low!