Looking for fun activities for the school holidays on the Gold Coast? You're in the right place! The GC has something to offer for everyone, regardless of age, budget, or interest. We've put together some of the best (and free!) things to do and places to see, so there won't be a dull moment for you and your kids during term breaks.
Here are the dates for the 2021 and 2022 school holidays on the Gold Coast to help plan your vacation:
- Term 3 school holidays - 18 September 2021 to 4 October 2021
- Term 4 school holidays - 11 December 2021 to 23 January 2022
- Term 1 school holidays - 2 April 2022 to 18 April 2022
- Term 2 school holidays - 25 June 2022 to 10 July 2022
- Term 3 school holidays - 17 September 2022 to 3 October 2022
- Term 4 school holidays - 10 December 2022 to 22 January 2023
Maximize the term breaks with these exciting experiences:
- Enjoy unlimited entry at Movie World, Sea World, and Wet n' Wild
- Fly above the Gold Coast in a Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Conquer the TreeTop Challenge at Tamborine Mountain
- Discover Dreamworld Gold Coast
- Go parasailing
- Get the ultimate jet boat experience in Surfers Paradise
- Reach for the sky at SkyPoint Climb
- Take a walk on the wild side at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Get an authentic Aussie farm experience at Paradise Country
- Get the best of both worlds in an Aquaduck Safari City Tour and River Cruise
- Explore Infinity Attraction
- Learn about history at the Wax Museum Gold Coast
- Go Golfing at Gold Coast Putt Putt
- Surround yourself with blooming plants at Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
- Stroll through the Springbrook National Park
- Bike at Burleigh Heads
- Play like pirates at Treasure Island Playground
- Hike at Burleigh Head National Park
- Barbecue at Ed Hardy Park
- Take a dip at Currumbin Beach
PREMIUM ACTIVITIES ABOVE $100
1. Enjoy unlimited entry at Movie World, Sea World, and Wet n' Wild with this 3-day pass
See adorable sea creatures up close at Sea World. Image credits: @parishokin on Instagram
Why choose only one when you can go to three? Explore three of Queensland’s best theme parks and enjoy massive savings. Young kids will enjoy meeting their favourite cartoon characters like Spongebob at Sea World and Superman at Movie World. At the same time, teens won't get bored at the thrilling rides at Wet n' Wild.
2. Fly above the Gold Coast in a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Soar high for unobstructed views of Gold Coast’s skyline
What better way to start your day than going on an exciting hot air balloon ride to see the sunrise above the clouds? Cap off the perfect morning with a delicious brekkie and champagne. That's one unforgettable way to spend the 2021 school holidays at the Gold Coast.
TOP ACTIVITIES BELOW $100
3. Conquer the TreeTop Challenge at Tamborine Mountain
Test your limits as you go through different obstacles at TreeTop Challenge. Image credits: @treetop_challenge on Instagram
Want to try something new? Feel your heart race as you and the rest of the fam pass through suspended bridges, zip lines, and rope challenges. The TreeTop Challenge boasts over 100 activities, ranging from beginner to extreme difficulty levels. Even kids as young as 8 can join in the fun!
4. Discover Dreamworld Gold Coast
Get an adrenaline rush when you ride Mick Doohan's Motocoaster. Image credits: @auscoasters_ on Instagram
For fun things to do during school holidays at the Gold Coast, you can never go wrong with Dreamworld. Kids can immerse themselves in Madagascar and Shrek-themed rides while older kids (and parents) can enjoy hair-raising rides like The Giant Drop and Tail Spin. You can also visit wildlife at Corroboree and swim and slide to your heart's content at WhiteWater World.
5. Go parasailing
See the city bathed in sunset colours as you soar through the sky. Image credits: @goldcoastwatersports on Instagram
Feel like you're on cloud nine when you parasail above the Gold Coast. Kids aged 6 and above can get in the action and see the city's most iconic spots, from South Stradbroke Island to the Tamborine Mountains, from a new perspective. Don't forget to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming right below!
6. Get the ultimate jet boat experience in Surfers Paradise
Feel the thrill as the jet boat spins and turns through the water. Image credits: @jetboatextreme on Instagram
There's an endless list of exhilarating beach activities during school holidays at the Gold Coast, and the ultimate jet boat experience is one of the best! Get your heart pumping as the 650 hp-jet boat races around Surfers Paradise. Take advantage of Klook's exclusive offer and get a free photo and video package for the best souvenir.
7. Reach the top at SkyPoint Climb
Reach for the skies and take in the magnificent view of the city from the top. Image credits: @skypoint_au on Instagram
Take your kids' school holiday activities at the Gold Coast to new heights and climb the highest building in Australia! Receive free entry to the SkyPoint Observation Deck, where you can celebrate reaching the top with the entire fam. Get unbeatable 360° views and Instagram-worthy pics all in one go!
TOP ACTIVITIES BELOW $50
8. Take a walk on the wild side at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Cuddle a koala and get adorable pics at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Image credits: @the.quinn.girls on Instagram
Who says holidays can't be educational, too? Young kids and teens will get a chance to interact with various creatures and see firsthand how vets take care of injured and orphaned animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. You can even level up the experience and opt for a photo with a koala!
9. Get an authentic Aussie farm experience at Paradise Country
Your daughter will feel like a princess when she rides a pony at Paradise Country. Image credits: @paradisecountrygc on Instagram
Exchange the bustling city life for a day of relaxation at an authentic Aussie farm at Paradise Country. As your kids befriend roos and learn about animal herding, the grown-ups can indulge in a delicious glass of wine. Fresh air and farm animals, what's not to love?
10. Get the best of both worlds in an Aquaduck Safari City Tour and River Cruise
Relax and take in the Gold Coast’s stunning skyscrapers. Image credits: @aquaduck_gold_coast on Instagram
See Gold Coast's best sights from a different perspective when you combine a city tour and a river cruise! Kids will get a chance to drive the boat and receive a captain's certificate for the ultimate souvenir. But be prepared to get wet because the Aquaduck will duck dive into the water and make a splash.
11. Explore Infinity Attraction
Feel like you’re in the year 3000 as you tour the INFINITY Attraction. Image credits: @infinityattraction on Instagram
One of the most unique school holiday activities on the Gold Coast is the INFINITY Attraction. It boasts 20 different environments full of impressive effects and illusions for an immersive, futuristic experience for the entire fam. Perfect for people who want an alternative to beach activities.
12. Learn about history at the Wax Museum Gold Coast
Get an up-close encounter with global celebrities at The Wax Museum. Image credits: @thewaxmuseumgoldcoast on Instagram
Combine education and entertainment with a visit to The Wax Museum. Kids will learn important facts about Aussie and world history as they get an up-close look at important figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister John Howard. You can also take pictures with your favourite musicians and movie characters like Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean!
13. Go Golfing at Gold Coast Putt Putt
Get your competitive juices flowing and try to one-up each other at mini-golf. Image credits: @puttputtmermaidbeach on Instagram
Wondering what's on the Gold Coast for the school holidays beyond beach activities? Try your hand at mini-golf and swing your way through Putt Putt Mermaid Beach's three exciting courses — Fun Run, Jungle Trails, and Waterways. The entire fam will enjoy trying to put the ball through castles, bridges, and windmills!
TOP FREE ACTIVITIES
14. Surround yourself with blooming plants at the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Be one with nature and spend a relaxing day in the gardens. Image credits: @goldcoastbotanicgardens on Instagram
What better way to spend a laid-back day than with a visit to the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens? See vibrant plants and colourful flowers in full bloom as you stroll or cycle through the area. Pack some snacks and bevvies for the perfect picnic!
15. Stroll Through the Springbrook National Park
Uncover the park’s hidden gems with a leisurely hike. Image credits: @steffiuer on Instagram
Treat your kids to some much-needed time away from phones and video games with a day at the Springbrook National Park. Less than an hour's drive from the Gold Coast, the park has everything you could ask for — waterfalls, horse riding trails, camping spots, and more.
16. Bike at Burleigh Heads
Soak up the sun on a morning bike ride near the beach. Image credits: @cjmullet01 on Instagram
Take in seaside views and fresh air as you cycle through the Burleigh Heads walking track. The smooth path makes it the ideal bike trail for families with little ones so everyone can join in the fun. Time your bike ride during sunset for the best viewing experience.
17. Play Like Pirates at Treasure Island Playground
Never run out of options to play at this nautical park. Image credits: @mums_who_brunch on Instagram
Located just a stone's throw away from Palm Beach, Treasure Island Playground makes for a great alternative when your kids are bored at the beach. They can recreate their favourite movies with the pirate-themed ships and play at the sandpit and caves.
18. Hike at Burleigh Head National Park
Stroll through the park and get rewarded with clear views of the ocean. Image credits: @jadekristel on Instagram
Overlooking Palm Beach and Currumbin, Burleigh Head National Park offers some of the best views in all of the Gold Coast. You can explore rainforests, mangroves, and grasslands when you hike through the park's 27-hectare area. For something laid-back, go through the Oceanview track, and if you're lucky, you can even spot humpback whales.
19. Barbecue at Ed Hardy Park
Indulge your senses as you take in delicious food and coastal sights with a BBQ at the park. Image credits: @boydsbaygroup on Instagram
Make the most out of the great weather and have a family BBQ at Ed Hardy Park. The newly upgraded picnic shelters make the ideal spot to enjoy fine food and the fab view of the Kelly Ave beach end. There's even a playground nearby so the kids won't get bored.
20. Take a Dip at Currumbin Beach
Enjoy a relaxing swim near the city. Image credits: @beachscenes2020 on Instagram
Head over to Currumbin Beach for a laid-back school holiday activity at the Gold Coast. You and the rest of the family can swim with the city skyline as your backdrop. See for yourself why it was voted as Queensland's cleanest beach.
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