Looking for somewhere to take the kids these school holidays that aren’t just the usual movies, museums and shops?

We reckon there’s plenty of amazing places to discover in the Australian outback, so why not go on an educational adventure!

You’ll all have fun and learn something new, we promise.

DINOSAURS

Exploring the ancient world of dinosaurs is a must for any little adventurer and there’s plenty to see and learn about in the outback. What better way to take on the Australian Dinosaur Trail than in a caravan!

It might not look like the gates of Jurassic Park, but there were just as many dinosaurs roaming around the outback. It looked a little different to today – think rainforests and inland seas.

Spots not to miss on the trail include:

• The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Lark Quarry in Winton, where you can see Banjo and Matilda, two of Australia’s most complete dinosaur skeletons
• The Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden, where you can say hello to Hughie, a seven metre long by 3.5 metre high life-size Muttaburrasaurus replica whose skeleton was found in 1963 by Dough Langdon while mustering on an Outback property
• Kronosaurus Korner, which houses Australia’s premier marine fossil collection, including Penny the Richmond Pliosaur, the country’s most complete marine vertebrate specimen

NOTE: The Kronosaurus Korner discovered a new species of a fearsome flying predator – giant “demonic pelicans”!

LOOK FOR OUTBACK ANIMALS

There’s nothing kids love better than meeting animals, so why not get up close and personal with animals that you can only find in the outback?

The chance of spotting a bilby in the wild might be super rare, but don’t just settle for a chocolate one, the best spot to see these rare and nearly extinct marsupials is in Charleville at the Bilby Experience. Nab a spot on a tour and glimpse them scurrying around their natural habitat.

Brolgas, one of Australia’s largest wetland birds, are incredible to see in the wild. You’d be forgiven if you thought they were certified dancers – the way they flap their wings and move their necks is bound to impress. You can see them in Currawinya National Park or near Longreach.

Don’t miss a chance to see one of the iconic desert animals – camels! Despite being huge and heavy, they spend their days wandering around the outback. Bedourie and Boulia host annual camel races or you can trek with them on Australia’s oldest camel station Beltana.

There’s still heaps of other animals to spot, including emus, echidnas, wallabies and kangaroos.

If you’re not having any luck – you’re guaranteed to see this one – head to Thallion to see the giant wombat statue William the Hairy-Nosed Wombat!

• FUN FACT: Camels can walk up to 70km a day!

SEE THE STARS

There’s nothing like escaping the city lights and spending an evening stargazing in the vast outback skies.

We promise there will be some jaw-dropping moments and plenty of ooh’s and ahh’s.

Join a guided astronomy tour or set up your own telescope and marvel at the Milky Way, shooting stars, and constellations visible from remote outback locations like Charleville or Birdsville.

The Charleville Cosmos Centre has powerful Meade telescopes to observe star clusters, binary stars and planets.

• TIP: Don’t forget to pack your warm clothing during the cooler months; outback temperatures can plummet below freezing at night.

OPAL MINING

Let’s be honest – what’s better than digging in the dirt, searching for shimmering opals?

Why not go find your own buried treasure and go opal hunting? It’s not just about digging in the dirt, but the kids (and you too) will learn about geology and the history of opal mining.

In Coober Pedy, South Australia, children can explore the unique underground town and try their hand at “noodling” for opals in designated areas where they can sift through the mine tailings to find precious stones.

The town’s unique subterranean lifestyle, with underground homes and shops, adds an extra layer of intrigue.

In Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, kids can visit the Opal Mine Adventure, where they can tour a working mine, learn about the history and geology of opal formation, and even participate in fun, hands-on activities like fossicking for their own opals.

• FUN FACT: Did you know Australia produces 95 percent of the world’s precious opal and it’s our official national gemstone?

SURFS UP ON THE SAND DUNES

For an adrenaline-filled adventure, take the kids dune sledding on the red sand dunes of the outback.

There are two popular styles of sand surfing, so choose the right one for your adventure.

In sand tobogganing, riders usually sit or lie face-first on a waxed board and slide down the hill.

Sandboarding involves standing on a board with your feet strapped in, similar to snowboarding.

Big Red, located just 40km from Birdsville in the Munga-Thirri National Park, is one of the largest sand dunes of the Simpson Desert.

With a name like Big Red, this incredible sand dune should be at the top of your list. You’ll need a 4WD to get there (or nab yourself and the youngsters a tour ticket) but the spectacular views will make for an incredible experience.

• NOTE: The park is closed from 1 December to 15 March every year, so plan accordingly!

ULURU

If you’re in the Outback during the school holidays, then there’s no excuse not to take the kids to Australia’s most iconic red rock.

Uluru is very child friendly and it’s a place that all Australian children should discover. You can embark on guided walks, witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and learn about the cultural significance of these ancient sites.

Things to do include watching the changing colours of Uluru at sunset, join a dot painting workshop, glide around on a Segway.

You can also walk around the steep domes of Kata Tjuta, located about 50km from Uluru. There are three established walking trails – the Valley of the Winds walk, the short walk to the dune viewing area and the Walpa Gorge walk.

• HOT TIP: To fully enjoy Uluṟu, your child will need to wake up early for sunrises and stay up late to see the sunsets and starry night skies.

STATION EXPERIENCE

Outback history isn’t just history – you can still experience what it’s like to live and work on the land.

Many of the impressive properties will let you experience a genuine outback lifestyle by getting involved in daily activities like lick runs or muster training.

There are plenty of incredible stations to visit, including:

• Bullarra Station in Exmouth, Western Australia
• Bullo River Station in East Kimberley, Northern Australia
• Home Valley Station, Kununurra, Western Australia
• Gilberton Outback Retreat, Gilbert River, Queensland
• Kings Creek Station, Kings Canyon, Northern Territory
• Bamurru Station, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

• FUN FACT: Home Valley Station was chosen as the backdrop for Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film Australia!