General News
5 April, 2026
Hop into any activities these school holidays
The region is set to be a hive of activity during the Easter school holidays, with visitors flocking to celebrate some of the wonderful events on offer.
THERE’S plenty to see and do across the Northern Grampians Shire area this Easter school holidays.
The region is set to be a hive of activity during the Easter school holidays, with visitors flocking to celebrate some of the wonderful events on offer.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said Easter and the April school holidays was a perfect time to visit the municipality.
“While all roads lead to Stawell at Easter, there are great events throughout the shire, from the Great Western Rodeo on Good Friday, a tennis carnival in St Arnaud and Ozact’s annual performances of Shakespeare at Heatherlie Quarry in Halls Gap,” she said.
“Halls Gap Primary School will present a market on Easter Sunday and for the art lovers, throughout the weekend there are exhibitions at Stawell Railway Station Gallery, St Arnaud Raillery Hub, Deep Lead and WAMA Halls Gap.”
Council’s St Arnaud Library will also offer April holiday activities.
The team will run board games session on Thursday, April 9, from 10am to 5pm.
“The library will run this all day, so you can drop in and enjoy a game at any stage,” Cr Hyslop said.
“Staff are also encouraging people to bring in board games to play.”
On Tuesday, April 14, there will be a badge-making activity at 2pm, with a special ‘Pop-up Playgroup’ story time at 10.30am on Thursday, April 16.
Families can also participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the fortnight or challenge the librarians during a ‘Great Library Read-Off’. Information is available at St Arnaud branch.
Cr Hyslop said the school holiday fun continued past Easter, with Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre (SSAC) launching its school holiday calendar of events.
Highlights include a Swim Smart and Stay Safe session with Ambulance Victoria on Thursday, April 9 – which will teach participants about how to call triple zero in an emergency and stay safe around the water – and a Boogie Bounce session on Monday, April 13 from 11.30am to 12.15pm.
Bookings are required for both activities, with numbers for Boogie Bounce limited due to the number of trampolines.
“Other activities include aqua sensory play, pickleball, an SSAC challenge, children’s yoga, stadium games and Dungeons and Dragons,” Cr Hyslop said.
People can call the centre on (03) 5358 0550 or visit reception to book.
The festivities conclude with an all-ages pool party on Friday, April 17 from 2pm.
Cr Hyslop encouraged people to make the most of opportunities on offer.
“I encourage you to jump on to council’s website and see the full event calendar for the holidays,” she said.
Read More: St Arnaud