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School holiday activities on the Gold Coast for 2021

Make your home a school holiday haven with these top indoor and outdoor activities.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

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Courtney Edwards
Courtney Edwards

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Pair of kids running on the beach with their parents/caregivers behind them.

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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 out to the beach or the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Outdoor activities for the school holidays on the Gold Coast

Plan a trip to the Gold Coast's top theme parks and family attractions

Spring is here and so is school holiday fun at the top attractions on the Gold Coast. Organise to spend a day at each and you've got a decent amount of their break already sorted. If you're looking to stay in close proximity to the theme parks, Sea World Resort is our top recommendation.

14 Days Unlimited Pass to 4 Theme Parks and Attractions
14 Days Unlimited Pass to 4 Theme Parks and Attractions

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Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium Entry
Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium Entry

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Warner Bros. Film World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild - 3 Day Pass
Warner Bros. Film World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild - 3 Day Pass

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Go whale watching

Catch the end of the whale watching season and get up close to the giants of the sea. A whale watching cruise is a great way to spend a day outdoors and the kids will learn a copious amount about sea life too.

Private Whale Watching - Surfers Paradise
Private Whale Watching - Surfers Paradise

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Have an on-the-water adventure

The water is always warm on the Gold Coast which means it's always a good time to hit the water. From surf lessons to stand-up paddle boarding, water babies are going to be spoiled for choice.

Go on a fast and fun ride

If your kid loves a good thrill, the Gold Coast has more than a handful of fast-paced activities to keep them entertained, including go-karting.

Go Karting, Laser Tag and Indoor Climbing Combo
Go Karting, Laser Tag and Indoor Climbing Combo

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Make a splash on the waves

Head out to the waterways and enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride. Zoom, spin and slide up and down the coast with 360-degree spins. You may even spot whales and dolphins along the way.

Jet Boat Ride and Currumbin Wildlife Park Entry
Jet Boat Ride and Currumbin Wildlife Park Entry

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Zip-line through the forest

Hold on tight as you zip-line through Australia's largest and highest zip-line course. It's the ultimate adrenaline rush with views you don't want to miss.

Tiny Tots  High Rope and Zipline Adventure
Tiny Tots  High Rope and Zipline Adventure

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Zipline Adventure at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Zipline Adventure at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

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Go on a fast and fun ride

Choose from hitting the go-karting track to zip-lining through the treetops. If your kid loves a good thrill, the Gold Coast has more than a handful of fast-paced activities for them.

At-home activities for the school holidays on the Gold Coast

Sign them up for virtual workshops

Keep their cogs spinning during the school break with a workshop in something they're passionate about (or something they're currently learning at school). It could be coding. It could be animals. You decide. Either way, you can work from home while they participate online.

Online Private Minecraft Rollercoaster Lesson for Kids
Online Private Minecraft Rollercoaster Lesson for Kids

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Get crafty at home

Watch their imaginations come to life with arts and crafts. If you're a little strapped for time, you can sign them up for an art workshop online. Otherwise you can tune in too and help them with their creation.

Tuck into a night at the movies (at home)

When the weather turns and you're staring at a rainy day, there's more than enough entertainment on the tele to keep them entertained. Pop some kernels and flick on the TV for your pick of the family-friendly mix from streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and Bingle.

Book in a games night

Bring the whole brood together for some rollicking good fun – and yes, some healthy competition. Buy your board games online or dust off some old favourites.

Get creative in the kitchen

Cupcakes where they can frost the tops and pizza where they can get their hands stuck in are always winners with little ones. Pick a recipe or tune into an online tutorial and prepare to let flour fly.

Play some video games

For little ones, games can hone motor skills and education. For older kids, it's a great way to distract them and keep them entertained for hours. Pick out a few new games for them that work with their console.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX - Nintendo Switch
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX - Nintendo Switch

Target Australia

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Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training - Nintendo Switch
Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training - Nintendo Switch

Target Australia

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Road trips you can take from the Gold Coast

Looking to explore further than the Gold Coast these school holidays? Check out our guides for family-friendly getaways in Queensland and epic Queensland road trips.

Springbrook National Park

Distance from Gold Coast CBD: 40km or under 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 and picnicking to panoramic views and being dazzled by cave glow worms.

Natural Bridge Glow Worm Night Tour
Natural Bridge Glow Worm Night Tour

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South Stradbroke Island

Distance from Gold Coast CBD: 40-minute ferry ride from Main Beach, Sanctuary Cove Marine and the Runaway Bay Marina.

South Straddie (as it's commonly referred to) is the place to be for an adventure-filled day away from the city. Its conservation park offers swimming, surfing, bushwalking and rock climbing and you can camp overnight to make a weekend of it.

Jet ski to Stradbroke Island and jet boating
Jet ski to Stradbroke Island and jet boating

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Sea kayaking, dolphin and Stradbroke Island tour
Sea kayaking, dolphin and Stradbroke Island tour

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Wavebreak Island and Stradbroke Island half-day tour
Wavebreak Island and Stradbroke Island half-day tour

Klook

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Tamborine Mountain

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 sides 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.

Tiny Tot's High Rope and Zipline Adventure
Tiny Tot's High Rope and Zipline Adventure

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Small Group Tamborine Mountain Half Day Tour
Small Group Tamborine Mountain Half Day Tour

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Brisbane

Distance from Gold Coast CBD: 80km or a 1-hour drive/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 take in a theatre production, magic show or musical.

Deals and discounts for Gold Coast school holiday activities

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Up to 31% off Gold Coast jet boat ride

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Free activities on the Gold Coast over the school holidays

  • Enjoy a picnic at Tamborine Mountain on a sunny day.
  • Explore the rainforests of the Gold Coast Hinterland on a bushwalk.
  • Take a brisk walk while the kids run around at one of the area's beaches, like Main Beach, Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads.
  • Have a day out at Carrara Markets. It's Australia's largest market with over 400 food and market stalls.
  • Sporty families can spend Saturday morning at the Surfers Paradise parkrun.

Need more ideas? Check out our 50 free activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays.

School holiday events on the Gold Coast for the September school holidays

Southern Gold Coast

Central Gold Coast

Northern Gold Coast

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Frequently asked questions about Gold Coast school holidays

What should I keep in mind with COVID-19 going out during the school holidays?

When planning your family's school holiday activities, remember to maintain good hygiene and social distancing. If you're planning to visit an attraction in an enclosed space, it's best to book in advance so you don't miss out.

Are all attractions on the Gold Coast open?

Favourites including Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet'n'Wild and White Water World, among others, are open during the school holidays.

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