Making the most of the Autumn holidays

More than 300 young people from across Melbourne and Wyndham came together these autumn school holidays to stay active, learn new skills and build meaningful connections.

Huddle Holidays Autumn 2026 has officially wrapped up, marking our biggest autumn program yet. Across a wide mix of activities, our Junior and Senior programs created safe, inclusive and engaging spaces where young people could challenge themselves, try something new and feel a strong sense of belonging.

From the trails of the You Yangs to the beaches of Anglesea, this autumn was all about growth, confidence and shared experiences.

Exploring and Getting Active: Junior Program (8–12 years old) 

Our Junior program focused on curiosity, fun and hands-on learning, giving young people the chance to explore new environments and experiences.

Wildlife Encounter (Truganina): 

Our Wildlife Encounter brought the animal kingdom up close, giving participants the opportunity to learn about and interact with a range of unique species. From snakes and a crocodile to a wombat, the experience sparked curiosity and excitement.

As one participant shared: “It was my first time I saw and touched sugar glider.” 

Moments like these created lasting memories while building confidence in trying new things.

BOUNCE: 

A Huddle Holidays favourite returned, with young people bouncing and climbing their way around the indoor adventure park. This high-energy session encouraged movement, confidence and plenty of laughter, as participants challenged themselves in a fun and supportive environment.

Anglesea Beach Trip: 

With the support of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, participants headed down the coast for a day of sun, surf and learning (and we can’t forget the sausages). Young people caught waves, built sandcastles and developed important water safety skills, all while enjoying one of Victoria’s most iconic beach settings. 

Independence and Teamwork: Senior Program (13–18 years old) 

Our Senior program empowered young people to step outside their comfort zones, build independence and strengthen their connections with others.

Volleyball Tournament: 

This year’s tournament was the largest in Huddle Holidays history, bringing together 180 young people across 21 teams. The day was filled with energy, teamwork, friendly competition and high quality Volleyball, showcasing the power of sport to bring people together and create a strong sense of community.

Mountain Biking (You Yangs): 

A brand-new addition to Huddle Holidays, mountain biking saw participants take on the trails of the You Yangs. The experience challenged young people both physically and mentally, encouraging resilience and confidence. 

One participant reflected: “Mountain biking was not only fun and engaging but also making kids learn new things by coming out of their comfort zone.” 

First Aid Course: 

Beyond the physical activities, seniors also had the opportunity to gain practical, life-saving skills through a First Aid course. This session focused on building confidence, responsibility and real-world readiness, helping young people feel more prepared for future employment and everyday situations.

A Community Where Everyone Belongs 

At the heart of Huddle Holidays is a commitment to inclusion and belonging. Every activity is designed to ensure young people feel safe, supported and valued. 

This autumn was no different, with participants embracing new opportunities, forming friendships and growing in confidence along the way.

Looking Ahead 

As we reflect on our biggest autumn program yet, we’re proud of the impact Huddle Holidays continues to have. Over 300 young people walked away with new experiences, stronger connections and memories that will last well beyond the school holidays. 

A huge thank you to our participants, families, staff, volunteers and partners, including the Department of Education, HOKA and Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, for making this program possible.

We can’t wait to do it all again.

We’ll see you at Huddle Holidays this winter.