School Holiday Events & Activities

These school holidays, Old Melbourne Gaol becomes the setting for a world-first immersive Billie B Brown experience, bringing one of Australia’s most loved children’s book characters to life inside Melbourne’s infamous historic goal.

A daring new mystery awaits these school holidays. Every twist in this interactive adventure brings the infamous (and at times grim) story of Pentridge Prison to life. This is history, but not as you expect to learn it.

Inspired by the extravagant parties thrown by the Armytage family at Como House, this program invites kids to help Mrs Armytage get ready for a grand ball. Explore Como House, discovering the many hidden secrets of the mansion, and take on the tasks of the servants of Como prepare for the party. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

The McCrae Homestead, once home to artist Georgiana McCrae, offers an exceptional glimpse into domestic life in the 1840s. Come along for a fun day exploring the McCrae Homestead and find out about how life was different in the past. Traverse the house and garden of McCrae Homestead on a special discovery trail. Learn about how people lived and worked in the 1800s, exploring what people used to do for fun and where in this house they all slept!

Learn what life was like for a family living on the land in nineteenth century Australia. Explore the property, meet the resident Clydesdales, and bring a picnic.

After travelling 1.5 million miles across the globe, the Polly Woodside now welcomes you aboard. Come aboard and explore at your own pace or join one of our guided tours.
Please arrive a few minutes early if you would like to join a tour. Each tour is approximately 45 – 60 minutes. Open day tours operate at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Come to Barwon Park Mansion for this exciting program lead by Wadawurrung woman and multidisciplinary visual artist Dr Deanne Gilson. Learn about how the Wadawurrung people survived through hunting, fishing, and sourcing food from the land. Under the guidance of Deanne, create a paper eel trap and paint an eel, exploring the textures and colours of natural ochre.

Step behind the walls of Old Melbourne Gaol and follow the gripping final chapter of Ned Kelly’s story. Retrace his path from the moment he arrived wounded after Glenrowan to the day he faced the gallows. A vivid tour that brings Australia’s most iconic outlaw to life.