Dive into free school holiday fun

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Outdoor pools at Lancefield and Woodend will soon open for summer.

From pool parties and trail rides, to arts and crafts, there are plenty of activities in Mitchell Shire to keep children of all ages entertained these school holidays.

When the temperature rises, the council’s outdoor pools or Wallan’s splash park will be the place to cool off.

The council is once again offering free casual entry to all outdoor pools in Broadford, Seymour and Tallarook, as well as the Wallan splash park at Bendigo Community Bank’s Adventure Playground.

This summer the council is also hosting pool parties on Fridays in January, from 12pm until 4pm, with a DJ, barbecue, inflatables, competitions and giveaways.

The pool parties will be at Seymour War Memorial Outdoor Pool on January 8, Tallarook Outdoor Pool on January 15, Broadford Outdoor Pool on January 22, and Wallan splash park on January 29.

Visitor numbers are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, so people are encouraged to arrive early.

The outdoor pools will open every day when the forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology reaches 26 degrees or higher. Operating hours may vary due to changing temperatures, weather conditions and/or patronage levels.

Nature attractions

For people who like to get out and explore nature, Mitchell Shire has several walking, cycling and horse-riding tracks and trails to explore.

Some of the most popular are the Great Victorian Rail Trail, Tallarook, Say G’Day Trail, Wandong, Monument Hill, Kilmore, Kilmore Creek Heritage Art Walk, Broadford Common, Goulburn River Trail, Seymour, Australian Light Horse Memorial Park, Seymour, Mandalay walking tracks, Beveridge, Mount Piper Nature Conservation Reserve, Broadford, Tallarook State Forest and Mount Disappointment, Clonbinane.

Mitchell Shire also has a host of parks to enjoy, so people can pack a picnic, take their family and dogs and meet friends for an afternoon outdoors.

To find a park or playground, big or small, head to the Near Me page on council’s website.

Those looking for something creative to do, can log on to Mitchell Shire’s Library Activity Hub for a host of arts and craft activities.

People can also pick up a pop out A3 cardboard build-your-own recycling truck or an activity pack from council’s libraries.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor Rhonda Sanderson said being active was good for people’s physical health.

“This year more than ever, we’ve learnt to appreciate how important it is to stay connected to each other and our community,” she said.

“We’re so lucky to have the pools, trails and parks in Mitchell Shire that allow us to do this.

“We’ve all had a challenging year and summer is a great opportunity for family and friends to enjoy time together.”