School holidays: Ignite your 5 senses in Queensland
Every season has its own sights, smells and sounds but no other time of year is filled with such a sensory explosion of colour, fresh new life and sunshine as springtime. You can feel it in the air already – the days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer and the layers are peeling off.
With school holidays just around the corner, why not teach the kids about the five senses of spring with a break in Queensland?
Hear
Catch the whale song of Harvey and the Humpbacks playing live in Hervey Bay these school holidays. Spring is when the mother humpbacks take time out to play with their newborn calves in the calm, protected waters of the bay. Many boats are equipped with a hydrophone so you can listen in on the underwater action during your whale watching adventure.
Tune in to the sounds of John Butler Trio, Cat Empire, The Living End and more at the family-friendly Caloundra Music Festival. Set against the foreshore of Kings Beach, the festival boasts three days of live entertainment and free kid’s activities from September 28-30.
Photo: The Trustees of the BritishMuseum (2011). All rights reserved
See
Take the kids to ancient Egypt with a visit to Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb at the Queensland Museum. They’ll see a 3D film, as well as four human mummies and over 100 ancient artifacts. This exclusive-to-Brisbane exhibition runs until October 21.
Tilt your head back and see daring aerobatics and thrilling high-speed races in the sky at Ingham Wings and Wheels from September 3-4. There will be historic aircraft on display, military re-enactments, hang gliding and joy flights on offer.
Touch
Underwater World is set to open their refurbished ocean tunnel just in time for the school holidays. After taking a wander through the four new ocean zones, kids and big kids alike will love the chance to dip their hands into the touch pools to tickle a starfish or feel how soft a sea cucumber is.
Get friendly with the baby animals at the recently reopened White Ridge Farm at the Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast. The llamas, miniature horses, ducks, mini pigs and chickens all love a cuddle and a pat. The farm is open from 9am-3pm during school holidays and admission is just $4.
Smell
Grab a basket and set the kids loose in the lavender field at Pottique Lavender Farm, just outside of Kingaroy. After gathering a bunch of heady lavender blooms, settle in for a serve of lavender scones with jam and cream.
Soak up the sea of colour and bouquet of scents at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers from September 21-30. As well as floral workshops, competitions and the Grand Central Floral Parade, you can also catch a flick in the outdoor cinema and join in the Biggest Little Lunch – especially for kids.
Taste
Get down and dirty and taste the fruits of your labour after a pick-your-own experience at Strawberry Fields in Palmview. There’s no charge to pick – the sweet, juicy fruit is paid for according to the weight of your haul.
Now that the weather is warming up, treat your tastebuds to freshly churned ice cream at Mammino Ice Cream, in Childers. Using the freshest macadamia nuts and locally sourced fruits, the store is a must-visit on any Queensland spring road trip.
