School holidays don’t have to come with a big price tag. Whether you’re chasing winter sun in the Top End or rugging up in Victoria’s High Country, every Breeze Holiday Park location sits close to activities that cost little or nothing at all. Pack a picnic, grab the kids, and make the most of these free and low-cost finds near Busselton, Eildon, Halls Gap, and Katherine.

Busselton, WA – Beach Days Without the Spend

Busselton’s biggest drawcard is also its best free option. The Busselton Foreshore stretches along Geographe Bay with grassed picnic areas, free gas BBQs, and three playgrounds including the Shipwreck Adventure Playground and Sea Play by the Bay. Pack a lunch, watch for dolphins in the shallow waters, and let the kids loose on the climbing nets and slides.

From there:

• Walk or cycle the flat Geographe path toward Dunsborough for coastal views the whole way.
• Try the skate park if you’ve brought boards or scooters.
• Catch the fortnightly Sunday markets at Signal Park for local produce and crafts, free to wander.
• Stroll out onto the historic Busselton Jetty in the late afternoon. Many visitors don’t realise you can walk the jetty for free after 4pm. With the train and Underwater Observatory the only paid extras.
• Head back to Breeze Busselton and enjoy the NEOs playground, splash park or go for a stroll along the dog-friendly beach.

Eildon, VIC – Easy Walks Along the Goulburn River

Eildon sits on the Goulburn River, and the Eildon Pondage Loop is the local favourite for good reason. This flat, well-formed track runs about four to six kilometres around the pondage, passing two picturesque jetties along the way. It suits pram, scooters, and every fitness level, making it an easy win on a cooler winter morning.

Round out the day with:

• A picnic or BBQ at Lions Riverside Park, right on the river.
• Fishing off the public jetties (a Victorian fishing licence applies for anyone over 18).
• The short walk to the spillway lookout for views back along the river toward town.
• Enjoy time at Breeze Eildon, poolside fun, playground adventures and crispy winter nights around the campfire.

Grampians & Halls Gap, VIC – Wildlife on Your Doorstep

Halls Gap is one of the few places in Australia where you can watch wild kangaroos graze without leaving town. Head to the Halls Gap Recreation Reserve around dusk and you’ll see dozens grazing on the oval, free to enjoy from a respectful distance.

Other no-cost ways to fill the day:

• Brambuk, The National Park and Cultural Centre, has free entry and shares the Aboriginal history and culture of the Gariward (Grampians) region.
• The Fyans Creek Loop, starting at Brambuk, is a flat 30-minute walk with good chances of spotting wildlife.
• Boroka Lookout and Reed Lookout both offer short, accessible walks to some of the best views in the Grampians.
• The Halls Gap Bike path is a flat, sealed 7km trail you’d rather explore on two wheels.
• Breeze Halls Gap is a comfortable in town base, where you can relax back in the evenings under  a sky full of stars.
• Breeze Grampians places you further into the wild, with pump track, playground and swimming pool for the kids to enjoy.

Katherine, NT – Warm Days and Natural Springs

While the southern parks rug up, Katherine offers dry season sunshine and one of the best free swims in the country. Katherine Hot Springs sits right on the Katherine River and are open daily through the dry season. With no entry fee for the natural, mineral-rich pools.

• Walk the Baruwei Lookout track in Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a 1.8km return walk to sweeping views over Katherine Gorge (an NT Parks Pass is required for park entry, so this one sits in the nearly-free category).
• Browse the Katherine town Markets, held on Saturday mornings at Lindsey Street, with free entry to local stalls and produce.
• Drop into the local art galleries around town, most of which are free to explore.
• Enjoy a dip at Breeze Katherine in the pool and spa area.

Make it Even Easier with Kids Stay Free

Pair these free activities with our Kids Stay Free Offer and the whole family can holiday for less. Use code KIDFREE to bring the kids along at no extra cost on stay between 1 May and 31 August 2026. Terms vary slightly by park and by season, so check the current offer details on our offers page before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the 2026 winter school holidays? Dates vary by state. Northern Territory holidays run from 20 June to 13 July, Victoria from 27 June to 12 July, and Western Australia from 4 July to 19 July 2026. Always confirm with your state education department, as dates can shift.

Is Katherine Hot Springs really free? Yes. Entry to Katherine Hot Springs is free, with the pools open daily during the dry season (roughly April to November).

Do I need a park pass to visit Nitmiluk National Park? Yes, an NT Parks Pass is required to enter Nitmiluk National Park, including for walks like the Baruwei Lookout track. The pass is inexpensive and can be purchased online or at the gate.

Are these activities suitable for your kids? Most of the walks and attractions listed here are flat, short and pram-friendly, including the Eildon Pondage Loop, the Busselton Foreshore, and the Fyans Creek Loop at Brambuk. A few, like the Baruwei Lookout walk involve some incline, so check track notes if you’re travelling with toddlers.