School's out, which means it's up to you to organise the kids' daily schedule of activities.
To get you on the front foot, we've compiled a heap of outdoor activities, indoor play and day trips from the Gold Coast.
Outdoor activities for the school holidays on the Gold Coast
Challenge the crew to a fun game
The stakes are high as you play for glory. If you're in the mood for a fun activity, then sign yourselves up for a day at the arcade, bowling alley or mini golf course.
Experience a scenic hot air balloon ride
Birthday coming up? Perhaps you promised them a special treat? A flying (or floating) adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience they won't soon forget that gives them a bird's eye view of the land.
Gold Coast Hinterland Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast from RedBalloon
Inclusions: 40 - 65 minute hot air balloon flight, full champagne breakfast, digital photo package, and round trip hotel transfers
Treat them to a day on the water cruising along the Gold Coast's iconic waterways. Book a dining cruise and meals are also sorted, so you won't have to think twice about packing snacks to keep them sated on this day out.
Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise with Dinner from RedBalloon
Inclusions: Two and a half hour sightseeing evening dinner cruise, live entertainment, and complimentary parking
Organise to spend a day at each of the Gold Coast's top attractions and you've got a decent amount of the school holiday break sorted. If you're looking to stay close to the parks, Sea World Resort is our top recommendation.
7-day Gold Coast Theme Park Passes from Experience Oz
Inclusions: Unlimited entry to 4 theme parks over 7 days, entry to Paradise Country
Location: 1 Entertainment Dr, Helensvale, QLD 4210
The water is always warm on the Gold Coast which means it's always a good time to hit the water. From surfing lessons to stand-up paddle boarding, your children are going to be spoiled for choice.
2-hour Surfing Lessons at Main Beach from Experience Oz
Inclusions: All equipments, guaranteed stand up
Location: 507 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, QLD 4217
Bold and brave? Take on a vertical challenge like climbing Australia's tallest building, skydive indoors or do the real thing from 12,000 feet in the sky.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience in Gold Coast from Klook
Think you're raising a young David Attenborough? These wildlife encounters are sure to educate and thrill your child these school holidays.
Paradise Country Aussie Farm Experience from Klook
Inclusions: Learn about farm life and get up close and personal with Aussie animals like koalas, kangaroos and dingoes, educational shows on sheep shearing, boomerang throwing, stock whip handling, and more
The Gold Coast is brimming with on-the-water adventures, though if you'd prefer a less active one with the family a cruise is the answer. Many include delicious meals and commentary.
Gold Coast Morning Sightseeing Cruise from Viator
Inclusions: Enjoy a Gold Coast cruise with morning or afternoon tea, or a cocktail at sunset, passing by Surfers Paradise, Paradise Waters, Broadwater, Palazzo Versace, and SeaWorld.
Location: The Moorings, 63 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD
The Gold Coast is a home of live entertainment. Whether your kids are movie lovers or sports fanatics there's bound to be an event going on in the city that they'll love.
Australian Outback Spectacular's Heartland Show with Dinner from Experience Oz
Inclusions: 3-course Australian BBQ dinner with Bush Billy tea and a Stockman's hat, with drinks included
Location: Australian Outback Spectacular - 1 Entertainment Dr, Helensvale, QLD 4210
Watch their imagination come to life with arts and crafts. If you're strapped for time, you can sign them up for an art workshop online.
Christmas Crochet Workshop (Ages 12+) from Classbento
Inclusions: Learn crochet in a group or one-on-one setting, create a finished Christmas Grinch decoration, and receive coffee, tea, snacks, a crochet hook and needles, all the wool needed for the project, and the knowledge to continue your crochet journey
Inclusions: Kit includes recycled luxe cotton string, extra-thick Australian cotton string, Tasmanian Oak dowel, a wooden ring, four wooden beads, and a link to online instructions.
On top of learning fundamental singing techniques, singing classes can build your little one's confidence with singing and performing. Some classes even teach them how to write their own songs and music.
Online Kids Singing Class (Ages 7+) from Classbento
Inclusions: Interactive online singing lessons, diverse song repertoire, vocal performance skills, and more
Explore beyond the city on a family-friendly getaway in Queensland or epic Queensland road trip.
North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island
Distance from Gold Coast CBD:
North: 1-hour drive to Cleveland and 1-hour ferry to the island.
South: 40-minute ferry ride from Main Beach, Sanctuary Cove Marina and the Runaway Bay Marina.
Straddie and South Straddie (as they're commonly referred to) are the places to be for adventure-filled days away from the city. The islands are perfect for swimming, surfing, bushwalking and rock climbing. Camp overnight to make a weekend of it.
Full-Day Small Group Tour to North Stradbroke Island from Viator
Inclusions: Full-day tour of North Stradbroke Island, bottled water, ferry crossing return ticket
Location: Departs from Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane, 255 Ann St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Jet Ski Safari with South Stradbroke Island Stop from Adrenaline
Inclusions: 90-minute jet ski safari with South Stradbroke Island stop for refreshments, safety equipment, waterproof container, safety briefing, and practice ride. Sunday all-you-can-eat breakfast available for an additional cost
Sea Kayaking, Dolphin and Stradbroke Island Tour from Adrenaline
Inclusions:
Morning sea kayak tour to two secluded islands, including all kayaking equipment, safety briefing, and delicious light continental breakfast on the beach.
Distance from Gold Coast CBD: 40km or a 50-minute drive. By public transport, take a train to Robina and connect by taxi.
This piece of the Gold Coast hinterland is a favourite with families and tourists for its arresting scenery. Spend the day hiking through lush rainforests, picnicking before panoramic views and being dazzled by cave glow worms.
Natural Bridge and Springbrook Guided Afternoon Tour including Afternoon Tea from Experience Oz
Inclusions:
Guided full-day tour of Natural Bridge and Springbrook National Park Waterfalls, including up to 5 waterfalls, Numinbah Valley, guided rainforest walk, light refreshments, and national park fees.
Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest Tour from Viator
Full-day tour of Springbrook and Tamborine National Parks with driver/guide, national park fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, coffee and/or tea, and gratuities.
Location: Departs from 222 Margaret Street, Brisbane
Natural Bridge and Springbrook Waterfalls Tour from RedBalloon
Inclusions:
Guided full-day tour of five waterfalls in Springbrook National Park, including Purling Brook Falls and Natural Bridge, with walk through Gondwana and Antarctic beech forest, light refreshments, and national park fees.
Location: Aquaduck Office, Circle on Cavill, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
Distance from Gold Coast CBD: 40km or a 50-minute drive. By public transport, take a tram to Helensvale and then a taxi to Tamborine Mountain.
Brimming with country charm and a rugged landscape, Tamborine Mountain has all the makings of a relaxing day out. Pop into market stalls on the side of the road to collect your lunch and then drive the windy road up to the mountain's summit for forest views.
With extra time on your hands, visit the Rainforest Skywalk to walk the middle and upper canopies of the forest.
Hinterland Zip Line Tour with 4WD Experience from Experience Oz
Inclusions: Australia's largest guided zipline tour with 7 insane ziplines and a 4WD experience
Location:TreeTop Challenge, inside Thunderbird Park
Flying Fox High Ropes Adventure Park from Adrenaline
Inclusions: Half-day thrilling adventure park experience with more than 120 TreeTop activities including 10 ziplines/flying foxes and access to all eight courses
Distance from Gold Coast CBD: 80km or a 1-hour drive or public bus ride.
The state's capital serves up culture in spades. Visit its many kid-friendly museums, climb its icon – the Story Bridge – and cruise across the Brisbane River.
Brisbane Hot Air Balloon Ride from RedBalloon
Inclusions: 1-hour hot air balloon flight with breakfast, transportation, insurance, and optional inflight photos.
Available on hot air balloon flights, skydiving, lunch cruises, jet boat rides and attraction passes on Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, SkyPoint Observation Deck, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and more. Minimum spend of $350 is required. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Sign up with your email address and unlock Sneaky Saver deals. Activities include day tours, attraction passes and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Dylan Crismale is a graduate travel writer at Finder. He graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with his major in Italy. Dylan levelled-up his travel know-how on his year abroad and knows all about finding the right deal to get the most for your money.
Here's what you need to know about what's open during the Easter long weekend and a list of activities and events to keep you occupied over the 4-day weekend.
Here's our guide on what you can do in Sydney this Easter long weekend.
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