Spend your school holidays in an enchanting maritime village where historical seaside charm meets family adventure, filled with hands on fun, fascinating discoveries, delicious treats and breath-taking coastal views to enjoy together.
DAILY ACTIVATIONS
Guided Heritage Tour
Every day* at 11:30am you can join a guided heritage tour of the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Heritage Precinct. Hear all about the history of Flagstaff Hill and the impressive artefact collection and discover the stories behind treasures like the $4 million Minton Peacock statue.
*Check at Reception on arrival. Suitable for all ages.
Stella Maris Tearooms
Open daily 11am – 3pm. Take a break during your visit to indulge in a delicious Devonshire tea, complete with freshly baked scones served with jam and cream, or choose from a selection of hot food, toasted sandwiches, cakes, and hot and cold drinks whilst soaking in the beautiful views.
Mrs Kuck’s Confectionary Shop
Open weekdays 11am -2pm, weekends 11:30am – 4:30pm. With jars of old favourites lining the walls, discover a treasure trove of nostalgic sweet treats to delight everyone.
Tales of the Shipwreck Coast*
As dusk approaches, Tales of the Shipwreck Coast takes you on a journey through the ages. Experience the ancient stories of the Gunditjmara People, the history of the local whaling industry, and the story of the most notorious shipwreck on the Great Ocean Road, the Loch Ard, all through light projections onto a nine-metre water wall.
* For operating dates, times and bookings, please refer to our website or ask reception staff.
VIEW THE SPRING 2026 SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM TIMETABLE
ACTIVITIES (for dates and times, view the timetable above)
Back to School
Mind your manners and sit up straight as the strict schoolteacher takes you back to the 1870s Common School classroom. Dress in old-fashioned clothes, try your hand at writing on slate boards, and experience school life from days gone by. Please arrive at the beginning of the session – no need to book.
Garrison Dress-Ups & Drills
Dress up in military costume to become a Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Soldier. Button up your coat, tip your pill box hat, select your rifle* and hear all about the origins of the Flagstaff Hill Garrison precinct. Enjoy a demonstration of traditional rifle drill techniques, try them yourself and strike your best military pose for a memorable photo. Join anytime between 10:30am and 11:30am – no need to book.
(Own camera/phone required) *wooden replica
Traditional Scone Making
Using a traditional recipe, measure, mix, roll and create delicious fluffy scones which can be enjoyed straight out of the oven with sweet jam and a dollop of cream, so irresistible they won’t last long! *Scheduled Session. Please arrive on time. Bookings essential. Limited places available. $8 per child – book and pay online or at reception.
Flower Impressions
Take a springtime stroll through the village to gather colourful flowers and leaves, then discover how to use them to create your own beautiful flower-impressed bookmark or picture to take home.Scheduled session. Runs for approximately 45–60 minutes. Places are limited – contact Reception to book on ph. 03 5559 4600
Friendship Bracelets
Create a simple handmade cardboard weaving loom and use it to turn coloured lengths of yarn into a beautiful bracelet. Make and exchange them with your friends or just keep them for yourself. They’re colourful, creative, and the perfect accessory for spring! Join anytime between 1.00pm and 3:00pm.
Spell Your Name in Signal Flags
Discover the colourful language of the sea! International maritime signal flags have long been used by ships to communicate, with each flag representing a different letter or special meaning. Using our colour guide, colour the signal flags that spell out your name, then attach them to your own wooden flagpole to take home. You’ll also discover how ships use signal flags for communication, celebrations and special occasions. Join anytime between 1:00pm and 3:00pm – no need to book.
Little Garden Creations
Blending creativity, nature, and plenty of fun, this hands-on gardening activity invites children to decorate their own plant pot before planting a seedling to take home, grow and watch flourish. *Scheduled Session. Please arrive on time. Bookings essential. Limited places available. $8 per child – book and pay on our website or at reception.
Quilling
This very traditional art form can be used to decorate cards, crowns and tiaras or make an artwork. Learn how to quill using colourful paper strips and make a beautiful art piece. Use your newfound skill to make your next party invitations or birthday cards. Join anytime between 10:30am - 1.30pm.
PRESENTATIONS (for dates and times, view the timetable above)
Tales in Tails - Dressed in tails and top hat our storyteller is set to entertain everyone with hilarious interpretations of children’s story books.
Sick at Sea - Be prepared for fun, surprises and plenty of laughs as Flagstaff Hill’s Apothecary takes you on an informative and entertaining journey through history. Discover the grim and sometimes unbelievable realities of life at sea – from questionable diets and poor hygiene to the diseases that plagued passengers on their long voyage to Australia by ship.
Marvellous Medicines - Flagstaff Hill’s very own Apothecary provides an entertaining insight into the weird and wonderful remedies which were once used to treat the sick – some still practiced today, and others so bizarre you will question why anyone tried them in the first place. This lively presentation is packed with fascinating facts and hilarious tales – all for entertainment, of course (no real prescriptions here!)
Treadle Machines & 19th Century Fashion - Witness a live demonstration on a beautifully restored treadle sewing machine and hear about how Victorian women reshaped fashion and themselves through an ever-changing parade of corsets, crinolines, bustles, and petticoats. With humour, history, and a few surprising facts, you’ll see how the secret to Victorian style was not the dress itself, but what was hidden underneath it.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Grandparents Day
Woodworking
Purchase a DIY woodworking kit from the Warrnambool Men’s Shed team, who will be on hand to help grandparents and grandchildren work together to make delightful wooden masterpieces. Woodworking kits are $10 each and can be purchased directly from the Warrnambool Men’s Shed onsite.
Scones & Washing Day
Grandparents and grandchildren will make traditional scones to enjoy together, then roll up their sleeves for some old-fashioned washing day fun with wooden washboards, tin tubs and plenty of soapy water!
$15 per grandparent | $5 per child
Includes both activities, a hot drink for grandparents and Prima juice for children.
Bookings essential. One grandparent may book with up to two grandchildren. Maximum 40 participants. Book online or at Reception.
PLEASE NOTE
Activities which require booking have limited spaces.
Cooking activities involve the use of ingredients that contain gluten and dairy.