How is it almost school holidays already? It feels like the last ones weren't that long ago. As any parent knows, school holidays can be a challenge but booking a short break for part (or all) of it can break things up and eliminate the need for school holiday programmes and endless arguments about screen time, if you're trying to juggle it from home. Here are some ideas to look into for the next upcoming break.

NSW South Coast

This is the perfect place for a quintessential Aussie beach holiday - and it’s still great as the temperatures cool down. The Kiama Blowhole is pretty impressive, the white sand beaches in Jervis Bay are stunning, the historic town of Berry is lovely and worth a nosey and kids will love seeing their furry friends at Mogo Zoo. A great area of Australia to decompress and enjoy a slower pace of life not far from the big city.

Litchfield National Park

If you love the idea of Kakadu but want a slightly smaller, and more manageable, version it might be worth a trip to Litchfield National Park. Stand gobsmacked at the crystal clear plunge pools, waterfalls and rock formations -  some really do look otherworldly - and don't miss the unusual but fascinating Magnetic Termite Mounds, some are up to two metres high! Kids will love a splash in Wangi Falls plunge pool and exploring The Lost City - a series of large sandstone outcrops that look like the remains of an ancient civilization.

Noosa

It's impossible to go wrong with a school holiday trip to Noosa.  Indulge yourselves in the amazing seaside restaurants, relax on the beach (it's a great place for kids to take surfing lessons), potter through the shops, take a walk along the scenic boardwalk - keeping eyes peeled for dolphins and koalas. And then of course there are the day trips - Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, the Glass House Mountains or - of course - Australia Zoo are all big hits for school holiday fun.

These are just some ideas for occupying your offspring during the next break - we are so lucky in Australia to have so many amazing school holiday options without leaving the country. From the museum, restaurants and harbour fun of Sydney to the remotest outback locations, there's something for every type of family. So get planning and give everyone something to look forward to as the end of the term draws nearer.