Ten top ideas for holiday fun

1. Festival fun: The Newlife Festival will be held at the Buxton Recreation Reserve on Monday, 13 April. Meet Max and Millie, there are musicians, rides, animals, family games, skateboarders, a concert and stalls. Phone 0437927113 or www.myspace. com/newlifegrowth.
2. Labyrinth: Paint a tile for Healesville’s new Labyrinth. On Saturday 18 April between 9am and 1pm at the Healesville Railway Station families are invited to paint a tile to be incorporated as part of the mosaic design surrounding the planned labryinth. Phone 5962 2388.
3. Go on … be a devil: Healesville Sanctuary is a perfect place for all the little devils in your family to meet all the little devils in the sanctuary family, with face painting, activities and keeper talks. The focus is on the sanctuary’s one-year-old cheeky Tasmanian. Phone 5957 2800.
4. Yarra Valley Tourist Railway: Climb aboard the trolley car at Healesville Railway Station for a trip out to the historic tunnel. The Yarra Valley Railway Festival with lots of activities for the kids will run from Wednesday, 8 April, to Sunday, 19 April. Phone 5962 2490 or visit www.yarravalleyrailway.org.au.
5. Puppet theatre: Check out ‘Check Out’, the latest wickedly funny work of Polyglot Theatre. Phone Upper Yarra Arts Centre, Warburton, on 5966 5040.
6. Anyone for tennis: Sign up for a tennis clinic at Healesville Tennis Club. Clinics for beginners and experienced players are being held over the school holidays. The emphasis is on having fun and learning and improving skills. Phone 0437 008 788 or contact healesvilletennis@live.com.au.
7. Youth events: If you’re aged from 12 to 25 book in to the Shire of Yarra Ranges youth services holiday program – rollerama, jewellery making, screen printing and a trip to Luna Park are just some of the events planned. Phone 9294 6716.
8. Timber tramway: The Alexandra Timber Tramway at the old Alexandra Railway Station is a great place to take kids. Steam train rides, a logging museum and other activities provide a full day of entertainment. Phone 0427 509 988 or visit www.alexandratramway.org.au.
9. Take stroll and a dip: Park the car at Launching Place and stroll along the Warburton Rail Trail to the Upper Yarra Aquatic Centre. It’s a picturesque walk and a splash in the pool will be a great reward for all that hard work!
10. Rise to the occasion: Finish off the school holidays on a high. The RISE Bushfire Relief Benefit Concert at Healesville Race Course promises a full day of music, a hotrod display, rides for the kids and more. Book through ticketmaster on 136 100 or phone 0402 464 511.