Perfect for young readers ready to tackle longer stories independently, these chapter books capture the excitement and freedom of Australian school holidays. From coastal camping trips to outback explorations, these engaging stories celebrate the unique adventures that define an Australian childhood summer. Ideal for keeping confident early readers engaged during the long summer break with relatable characters and familiar settings.
The smell of zinc cream, the sting of salt water in sun-cracked lips, and that peculiar exhaustion that comes from spending all day doing absolutely nothing productive – these are the hallmarks of an Australian summer holiday. For young readers ready to graduate from picture books but not quite prepared for doorstop novels, finding stories that capture this distinctly Australian freedom can transform reluctant holiday readers into book-devouring enthusiasts.
Andy Griffiths understands this perfectly. His "13-Storey Treehouse Collection" (featuring the 13, 26, and 39-storey instalments) throws reality out the window in favour of bowling alleys, shark tanks, and self-writing books. These anarchic adventures mirror the wild impossibility of summer holidays, when ordinary rules seem suspended and anything feels achievable before the school bell rings again.
For a gentler but equally adventurous tale, Colin Thiele's "Storm Boy" remains unmatched. Set along South Australia's Coorong, it captures that particular magic when a child discovers their own patch of wilderness. Thiele returns with "February Dragon", where the Pine siblings – nicknamed Resin, Turps and Columbine – navigate bushfire season with the kind of resourcefulness that comes from growing up beyond suburban boundaries.
Tim Winton's "Lockie Leonard, Human Torpedo" brings readers to the Western Australian coast, where thirteen-year-old Lockie discovers that navigating first love proves far trickier than reading the surf breaks. It's a book that understands how summer holidays can feel simultaneously endless and far too short, especially when you're trying to reinvent yourself before term starts.
Robin Klein offers two brilliant entries that shift the focus to suburban adventures. "Penny Pollard's Diary" follows a horse-mad girl whose summer takes an unexpected turn when she befriends an elderly woman, whilst "Hating Alison Ashley" chronicles Erica Yurken's dramatic response to a new rival at notorious Barringa East. Both books capture the intensity of childhood friendships and feuds that summer holidays can amplify.
Nadia Wheatley's "The House that was Eureka" adds historical depth, weaving between contemporary Redfern and the Depression era. Sally Morgan's "My Place", though tackling weightier themes as an autobiography exploring Indigenous identity across three generations, offers mature readers a different kind of journey – one that transforms understanding of what Australian summers have meant for different communities.
Start younger readers with the Treehouse books for pure escapism, or "Storm Boy" for something more contemplative. Confident readers ready for emotional complexity should dive into Lockie Leonard's waves or Erica Yurken's theatrical world. Those seeking stories that stretch beyond entertainment will find "My Place" and "The House that was Eureka" reward careful reading.
Each book here recognises that Australian summer holidays aren't just about time off school – they're about discovering who you might become when the usual structures fall away.

Andy Griffiths

Sally Morgan

Colin Thiele

Colin Thiele

Tim Winton

Nadia Wheatley

Robin Klein

Robin Klein
A delightful collection of children's picture books celebrating the magic of Australian summer holidays through stories of family beach trips, backyard cricket matches, Christmas barbecues, and coastal adventures. These books capture the unique joy of Australian summer traditions whilst teaching children about family bonds, seasonal celebrations, and the special memories created during the long summer school holidays. Perfect for sharing with young readers aged 3-8 during the festive season and summer break.
Perfect for young readers aged 4-8 who are just starting to read independently, this collection features engaging stories that teach water safety, sun protection, and beach awareness during Australia's hot summer months. These carefully selected early reader books combine fun Australian summer adventures with important safety messages, helping children develop both reading skills and beach smarts. Ideal for parents wanting educational yet entertaining books that prepare kids for safe summer holidays at Australia's beautiful coastlines.
Perfect for young children just starting to read independently, this collection features simple stories about summer fun Down Under. From building sandcastles and learning to swim to understanding sun safety and beach rules, these early reader books combine engaging storylines with important seasonal lessons. Ideal for keeping beginning readers engaged during the long Australian summer holidays while building both literacy skills and safety awareness.
Perfect for curious young minds during the summer holidays, this collection introduces children to the fascinating wildlife that thrives in Australian backyards and local environments. These engaging picture books and early chapter books combine beautiful illustrations with fun facts about native birds, insects, reptiles and small mammals that children might encounter during outdoor adventures. Each book encourages hands-on exploration and helps develop a lifelong appreciation for Australia's unique natural heritage.
Discover the secrets of capturing Australia's stunning summer scenery through watercolour painting with these comprehensive guides to techniques, colour mixing, and plein air painting. These books offer step-by-step instruction for painting everything from golden beaches and eucalyptus forests to dramatic outback vistas, perfect for artists wanting to document the beauty of the Australian summer. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, these watercolour guides will help you create luminous paintings that capture the unique light and atmosphere of Australia's warmest season.