The Latch has partnered with RedBalloon to help you get the most value possible out of your Parents NSW Vouchers.
It seems like it was just yesterday that the NSW government launched its voucher scheme, encouraging parents to get out and support local dining, arts and recreation businesses.
Fast-forward to now and all vouchers are set to expire Sunday, October 9. If you haven’t yet applied or used your NSW Parents vouchers yet, now is the time. It’s free money — why wouldn’t you cash in on it?
That said, it’s entirely understandable if you don’t know how exactly to use the vouchers. Ahead, we share in detail how you can get the most bang for your buck, including how to use the Parents vouchers now so they’ll pay for an activity, session or event for up to 60 months (yep, that’s five years) from when they expire.
What Are the Parents NSW Vouchers?
Firstly, if you’re not familiar with the scheme: all households in NSW with children are eligible for five $50 Parents NSW Vouchers (that’s a total of $250) to thank households for their efforts in supporting learning from home in 2021.
The Parents vouchers can be used seven days a week, including public holidays at participating businesses that offer arts, tourism, and recreational activities. Further to this, Parents vouchers can be used at participating Stay NSW business for accommodation bookings.
How Do I Access the Vouchers?
If you haven’t signed up for your vouchers yet, you can do so online on the Service NSW site, through the Service NSW app or by calling 13 77 88. You’ll need a MyService NSW account, two proof of identity documents like a NSW driver’s license, Medicare card or Australian passport. Once you’ve applied, the vouchers will then be available to you on the Service NSW app.
How Do I Use the Parents Vouchers?
Once you’ve picked where you’d like to spend your vouchers, the easiest way to redeem your voucher is to Google search ‘[business name] Parents NSW voucher’. Our favourite place to spend our Parents NSW vouchers is at RedBalloon, and they’ve made the process extremely simple for you to redeem them, by creating a dedicated page that tells you exactly how to redeem the vouchers and explains the simplest way to spend them.
How Can I Extend the Vouchers’ Validity?
Unlike the Dine Vouchers of the past, Parents NSW vouchers can be extended by up to five years if you think creatively — regardless of whether you’re booking a whole-family day out or a more lowkey activity.
Conveniently, RedBalloon is letting you book your experiences in advance online. RedBalloon vouchers are valid to use on experiences for five years, so you can book a day out at the zoo or a hot air ballooning adventure over the Hunter Valley for the family now . . . and use it later. On the checkout page, under the ‘add promos & vouchers’ section, simply add your Parents NSW voucher code.
Some experiences of RedBalloon’s NSW experiences you can pre-book include:
Hot Air Ballooning Over The Hunter Valley: For people who want the exhilaration that comes with flying, but at a slower pace, then the sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Hunter Valley is The One. Particularly perfect for parents of kids who have been learning about modes of transportation at school (or who are simply obsessed with science).
A Day at Taronga Zoo: Many Sydney-based families end up at Taronga Zoo at least once every couple of years, so this is the perfect chance to do it for free. Spending the day rubbing shoulders with some of Australia’s cuddliest (or slithery-est) animals on NSW’s dime sounds like a great plan to us.
Treetop Ropes and Ziplining Adventure: For adrenaline-loving families, this activity is ideal. You’ll spend an hour in the Cumberland State Forest, 20 metres in the air, sliding down flying foxes, moving from tree to tree on suspension bridges, and jumping from the highest heights.
Smash Room Experience: Fewer things release pent-up energy than (safely) smashing up a room full of junk, and that’s exactly what this experience offers. You’ll be decked out in safety gear (important), and choose your weapon of choice (we’re partial to a baseball bat), before being let loose on plates, televisions, printers and cups. You can even set the playlist.
Sydney Harbour Helicopter Flight: If a helicopter ride over Sydney Harbour has been on your bucket list for a while, now’s a great time to save a bit of money by using the Parents NSW Vouchers. This 20-minute flight will take you over all the big sites, like the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Bondi Beach, and of course, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of Sydney’s harbour and skyline the entire time.
To check out all the ways you can spend your NSW Parents Vouchers, head to the RedBalloon website now.
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