Melbourne is packed with family fun at the end of the year, and with school holidays falling in both late September–early October and mid-December–January, it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway. From sport and culture to festive Christmas magic, families can enjoy a non-stop calendar of events, and the best way to experience it all is by staying close to it all at Veriu or Punthill Hotels.
The spring school holidays (late September to early October) mean families can make the most of Melbourne’s big-ticket events:
📍 Melbourne Showgrounds | 25 September – 5 October
From thrilling rides and farm animals to showbags and food stalls, the Melbourne Show is a holiday tradition kids love.
Stay close at Punthill Essendon North, Punthill Essendon or in the heart of the city at Punthill Little Bourke.
Werribee Open Range Zoo
📍 Werribee
Go on safari without leaving Melbourne! Families can spot lions, giraffes, and rhinos while exploring wide-open landscapes and kid-friendly activities.
Stay nearby at Punthill Williamstown, or make it a city break at Veriu Queen Victoria Market.
ArtVo Immersive Gallery
📍 Docklands | September–October
Step inside 3D artworks and capture fun optical illusion photos, a perfect day out for creative kids (and parents too!).
Stay just minutes away at Veriu Queen Victoria Market, or nearby at Punthill Little Bourke.
Moon Festival at QVM
📍 Queen Victoria Market | September
Celebrate Melbourne’s Moon Festival with lanterns, lion dances, live music, and delicious Asian street food.
Stay right on the doorstep at Veriu Queen Victoria Market, or close by at Punthill Flinders Lane.
📍 Flemington & Caulfield | Mid-October
The carnival offers more than racing, with live music, kids’ entertainment, and food stalls; it’s a festive family day out.
Stay at Punthill Essendon North for easy access to Flemington, or base yourself in the city at Veriu Queen Victoria Market.
📍 Royal Exhibition Building | 18–19 October
Food, music, and culture fill Carlton with Italian flavour, perfect for curious young foodies.
Stay at Punthill Flinders Lane or loft-style Veriu Collingwood.
school goes back, Melbourne begins its festive season build-up:
🎄 Myer Christmas Windows (from mid-November) – The much-loved tradition for families.
🎅 Christmas Festival Launch – Federation Square lights up with projections, markets, and Santa sightings.
Stay in the heart of the celebrations at Veriu Queen Victoria Market or Punthill Flinders Lane.
December marks the start of the summer school holidays, making it the busiest — and most magical — time for families in Melbourne.
📍 Federation Square & CBD | 1–25 December
Walk the city to see dazzling projections, the giant tree, and festive entertainment.
Stay at Punthill Manhattan or Punthill Flinders Lane to be steps away from the action.
📍 29 Nov – 24 Dec
Snowball pits, carnival rides, roller skating, and festive games make this a holiday favourite.
Stay nearby at Punthill Oakleigh for family convenience.
📍 Throughout December
Melbourne’s cultural attractions run hands-on workshops, storytelling, and interactive exhibitions — perfect for school holiday fun.
Stay at Veriu Queen Victoria Market, Punthill Flinders Lane or Punthill South Yarra to be close to it all.
With school holidays bringing families into the city, the best way to enjoy Melbourne’s packed calendar is to stay central. Veriu and Punthill Hotels make family travel stress-free:
🛏 Spacious apartments with kitchens & laundry facilities
🏠 Multi-bedroom and interconnecting suites
📍 Prime city and suburban locations close to Melbourne’s biggest events
Book your stay at Veriu or Punthill now and make these school holidays unforgettable!
