Last-minute things to do these winter school holidays

Header image: Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience. Photo: Holly Winkle

Defy gravity, get lost in an Amazing Mirror Maze and grow big or small in the blink of an eye! These are just some of the extraordinary adventures at Wow Illusions in Metricup. All illusions are set up indoors, so any guests who would like to stay out of the wintery weather while having an amazing time can do so.

There’s also a big indoor café, which serves up delicious coffee, cakes, ice cream and toasted croissants for intrepid explorers. You can even have your own head served on a platter! Doors are open every day between 9.30am and 4.30pm, and there is no need to book a session time. Kids of all ages are welcome, but anyone under 16 will need to be supervised.

Discover thousands of rare and beautiful shells in this ocean wonderland, located just 600 metres from Busselton Jetty. You’ll get to discover interesting facts about shells and say hello to the fish and other sea life that live in the cave’s aquariums – don’t miss the super cute newborn seahorses!

The Mermaid Cave also features a great little gift shop filled with mermaid wares, ocean jewellery and other beautifully crafted trinkets. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or treating yourself to something special, their little slice of seaside magic is waiting for you.

There’s nothing quite like escaping underground when the weather gets blustery. And it doesn’t get much better than Lake Cave, especially now that the sunken forest surrounding the cave entrance is greener than ever. Don’t rush your walk down the stairs, and take in the view of magnificent karri trees.

Inside the cave, a tranquil lake reflects the delicate crystal formations that are growing from the cave ceiling, as well as an awesome Suspended Table made from two giant sheets of flowstone. The water inside is actually formed by a stream, which experts say may have been flowing for tens of millions of years. The cave is open every day from 9am to 5pm, but be sure to book one of their incredible tours before showing up.

Need a little adrenaline in your school holidays? Head to Next Level Monkey Business in Dunsborough and give their exhilarating ropes course a go. There are also zip lines, a 100-foot bouldering wall, night climbing sessions and other exciting activities. Special adventures have been curated to suit different age groups. Like Cheeky Chimps, which is perfect for families with kids aged four and up, who want to climb tunnels, cross net bridges and ride the mini zip-line.

Grown-ups and kids over 13 can have a go on the Mega Zip, which travels 100 metres across a lake. Be sure to book in before showing up, and take a look at their website to find the right session for you.

Step into adventure at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse where you can dive into the world of lighthouse life, discover the history of the Cape region, and see what it was like to be a lightkeeper. With just 59 easy steps to the top, kids and adults alike can soak in stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park on a guided tour.

Plus, you can’t miss the Lightkeepers’ Museum. Located in one of the original lightkeepers’ cottages, this immersive experience is packed with captivating stories of dramatic shipwrecks and the brave families who have safeguarded our coastline since 1904.

Rain or shine, you won’t have to ask your little ones twice if they’d like to get an ice cream. Set in the heart of Dunsborough, Elski Danish Ice Creamery takes pride in using only real and natural ingredients. If all you crave is a winter warmer, go for their delicious winter specials: gourmet hot chocolate and Danish waffles, anyone?

If you’re based further south, Scoops Farm’s FroYo bar is lots of fun for the whole family, or head to Millers Little Ice Cream Shop in Cowaramup or Mai Tardi in Margaret River for a delicious ice cream treat.

Busselton Jetty just got even more awesome with its Marine Discovery Centre – and it’s designed especially for kids. This indoor, fully accessible, and weather-proof adventure is the perfect way to dive into the vibrant marine life of Western Australia’s offshore Marine Parks without braving the cold.

Spend 30 minutes exploring captivating displays, engaging interactive exhibits, and state-of-the-art technology that brings the underwater world to life. Ideal for families and adventurers of all ages, the Marine Discovery Centre promises a magical marine adventure.

The Margaret River Chocolate Company in Metricup is the perfect winter drop-in for anyone craving a chocolate hit. The café serves up delicious chocolate fondue, as well as other delectable chocolate treats and drinks. (Yes, they do savoury, but that’s not the assignment.) They also sell chocolate-coated marshmallows, chocolate bars, boxed favourites and gift hampers. Start with a free chocolate tasting and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of chocolatiers at work through the famous viewing window.

Another gem serving much-craveable Toasty Tastings by the Fire, is Bettenay Wines. Think nougat galore, hot choc and plenty of outdoor space for the kids, and Nougaretto, warming wines, and fireside chats for the grown-ups.

If you’re on a true chocolate bender, stop in at Gabriel Chocolate at their new spot in Metricup next to WOW Illusions, Temper Temper in Cowaramup, or Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop in Busselton, to round off your ultimate chocolate adventure.

Origins Market in Busselton is a giant warehouse structure filled with eateries, makers, fresh produce, and an indoor playground. Head in for a bakery treat and a fresh coffee, then spend the morning perusing the wares of local artists. Later on, head over to the Market Bar for international street eats, world-class wine and craft beer.

Over the July school holidays, the markets will be running a full program of workshops and events for kids and people of all ages. Highlights include a Kids’ Pop-Up Market where young entrepreneurs show their talents, a synthetic ice rink and social jigsaw events.

If your kids are between 8 and 16, and keen for an adventure, get in touch with the Swan Dive team for an experience like no other. Designed specifically for young ocean enthusiasts, this introduction to the underwater world is all about fun, discovery and blowing bubbles. Learn about the underwater environment, start using scuba diving hand signals and play fun underwater games, all while making new friends. Could these be your future dive buddies?

The Margaret River Region is home to some of the most incredible walking trails in the state. If you know where to go, you’ll find old railway bridges, winding forest pathways and beautiful river walks. The wilderness in winter is truly something to behold. Wear a waterproof jacket and proper foot ware, and you’re all set. Some of our favourite tracks in Margaret River include the Ten Mile Brook Dam Trail and the Wadandi Track. Canal Rocks in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is another great spot for a walk. Head along the timber walkway and take in the wild winter waves, which crash on the granite rocks below. Then wander over to the lookout, which is just 500 metres away from the road.

Bailey Brewing Co in Dunsborough has got you covered these school holidays. With lots of outdoor play space (fenced in for extra peace of mind!) and a play area with a TV, it’s a great place to kick back, enjoy a meal, and have fun together.

It’s no visit to the region without a visit to the region’s largest indoor playground! The Hangout Margaret River features an exciting bouldering gym, expertly designed to challenge and inspire climbers of various skill levels.

Alongside the bouldering gym, there is a soft play area and a ninja zone specifically tailored for kids aged 2 – 12, and a café serving barista-crafted coffee and treats to refuel and relax.

Celebrate some of the best things to be found in the cooler winter months. Join Jolene from River Ceramics under the trees around a beautiful outdoor fire, to sip a delicious warm drink and be guided to make and decorate a couple of lovely clay pieces. Suitable for all skill levels, and great to do solo, as a family or with friends.

Don’t worry, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the workshop will be rescheduled or refunded.

Whether mermaids are real or not, these school holidays, you can get pretty close to turning into one yourself. Filefish Sea Experiences help you develop water confidence, snorkelling, the perfect mermaid tail flap and swimming skills, fitness, and love for moving in water. All within a program that shares many water safety and awareness tips in a fun, enchanting and engaging way.

Their programs are tiered to suit abilities from total beginner to advanced, ages 6 – 60 plus.

Your family already mastered all four towers of Yallingup Maze? If you enjoyed yourselves (and it’s hard not to), we have great news: the maze set up gets mixed up four times a year, so there is an entirely new challenge waiting for you. Plus, a minigolf course, table puzzle games in the cafe, a fabulous playground and lawn with soccer goals will keep the family entertained for hours.