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School holiday activities on the Gold Coast 2020

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

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

Updated

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

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 options for indoor play, local amusements or day trips out to the beach or the Gold Coast Hinterland.

When planning your family's school holiday activities, remember to maintain good hygiene and social distancing.

Things to do during the July school holidays on the Gold Coast

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

Infinity Gold Coast, Topgolf Gold Coast, Ripley's Believe It Or Not and Sea World Resort have all reopened in time for the school holidays. Organise to spend a day at each and you've got a decent amount of their break already sorted.

Sea World is expected to reopen by 26 June and Outback Spectacular by 3 July. Movie World, Wet'n'Wild and Paradise Country will not open in time for the holiday break.

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

RedBalloon

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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

RedBalloon

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Zipline through the forest

Hold on tight as you zipline through Australia's largest and highest zipline 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

RedBalloon

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

RedBalloon

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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.

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

RedBalloon

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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

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.

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

Adrenaline

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

Adrenaline

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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 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 canopy of the forest.

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

RedBalloon

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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.

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.

Deals and discounts on Gold Coast school holiday activities

RedBalloon RedBalloon

Up to $56 off Gold Coast hot air balloon and jet boat adventure combo

Available on select dates. Includes hotel pick up and drop off, breakfast, sparkling wine and more.

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Adrenaline Adrenaline

Up to 57% off things to do in the Gold Coast

Available for activities like driving experiences, hot air balloon experience, helicopter flights, jet ski and boat rides, surfing, skydiving and more. T&Cs apply.

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RedBalloon RedBalloon

Up to $99 off things to do in the Gold Coast

Activities include indoor skydiving, jet boat rides, sailing, hot air balloon experience, spa treatments and much more.

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Adrenaline Adrenaline

Up to 54% off helicopter ride experience

Valid on select dates. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra and more.

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Adrenaline Adrenaline

Up to 39% off sightseeing cruises

Available on select 2020 dates. Activities include whale watching, dolphin watching, lunch cruise, sunset cruise in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

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Deal ends

Adrenaline Adrenaline

Up to 30% off land adventures

Valid on select dates and adventures like quad biking, sandboarding, bridge climbing, canyoning, horse riding, abseiling and more. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.

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Experience Oz Experience Oz

5% off first time experience

Available on select dates on activities like tours, sightseeing cruises, skydiving, hot air balloon experience, zoo and animal interactions and more. Destinations include Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide and more.

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Experience Oz Experience Oz

Up to $40 off Gold Coast hot air balloon flight with free cruise

Available on select dates until December 2020. Includes 30 minute flight experience, hotel pick up and drop off and Gold Coast sightseeing cruise.

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Deal ends

Experience Oz Experience Oz

Up to $50 off Gold Coast hot air balloon experience

Available on select dates until December 2020. Includes 45 minute flight experience, transfers, breakfast and more.

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Deal ends

Experience Oz Experience Oz

Up to $80 off Gold Coast hot air balloon experience

Available on select dates until September 2020. Includes 30 minute flight experience over the Gold Coast Hinterland and Wineries, transfers, breakfast and more.

Last verified

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Deal ends

Adrenaline Adrenaline

Up to 17% off Gold Coast hot air balloon and jet boat adventure combo

Available on select dates until 2021. Includes hotel pick up and drop off, breakfast, sparkling wine and more.

Last verified

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Deal ends

Adrenaline Adrenaline

Up to 20% off Gold Coast hot air balloon experience

Available on select travel dates until 2021. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Experience Oz Experience Oz

Australia hot air balloon experience from $229

Available on select 2020 dates in Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Viator Viator

Up to $26 off things to do in Australia

Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021 to Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns and more. Activities include day tours, skydiving, flight experiences, transfers, attraction passes, cruises and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

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Adrenaline Adrenaline

Up to 50% off activities for kids

Available on select dates and activities including sandboarding, jet boat rides, indoor skydiving, cruises, swimming, go karting and much more. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.

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Experience Oz Experience Oz

Up to $90 off skydiving across Australia

Valid for use on select dates. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne and surrounds, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.

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Adrenaline Adrenaline

Up to $30 off skydiving experience

Available on select 2020 dates in Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.

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Groupon Groupon

35% off indoor skydiving in Gold Coast and Sydney

Available for travel on select dates until 30 November 2020. Includes one-on-one instructions and more. T&Cs apply.

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Deal ends

Klook Klook

Up to 10% off Gold Coast City card

Available until 9 January 2021. Activities include whale watching cruise, jet boat extreme, Surfers Paradise river cruise and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

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Deal ends

Gift It Now Gift It Now

Up to 20% off experiences

Valid on select experiences and activities like skydiving, scenic helicopter flight, kayaking, whale watching and more. Destinations include Sydney, Byron, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Darwin and Perth. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

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RedBalloon RedBalloon

INFINITY Attraction Gold Coast entry from $27.90

Available on all dates. T&Cs apply.

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Adrenaline Adrenaline

Gold Coast Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary entry from $39.95

Available on all dates. T&Cs apply.

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RedBalloon RedBalloon

Gold Coast 3-day attractions pass from $139

Available on all dates for entry at Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild. T&Cs apply.

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RedBalloon RedBalloon

Up to $30 off sightseeing cruise experiences

Available on select travel dates in Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast, Brisbane and more.

Last verified

Get deal
RedBalloon RedBalloon

Australia school holiday activities from $18

Available on select dates and activities like hop-on hop-off bus tours, zoos and animal interaction, treetop adventures and more. Destinations include Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne and more.

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RedBalloon RedBalloon

Gold Coast school holiday activities from $27

Available on select dates and activities like zoos and animal interaction, snorkeling, scuba diving, SkyPoint climb, parasailing, getaways and more.

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Deal ends

RedBalloon RedBalloon

Sea World Gold Coast getaway for 4 from $499

Vouchers are valid for 3 years after date of purchase. Package includes overnight accommodation and Unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild and Paradise Country. T&Cs apply.

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KKday KKday

Gold Coast activities from $27

Available on select travel dates and activities including tours, cruises, attraction passes, transfers and much more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

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Experience Oz Experience Oz

Up to $39 off Gold Coast theme park passes

Available on select travel dates. Destinations include Movie World, Sea World, Paradise Country and Wet'n'Wild Water World. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

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Wotif Wotif

Hot air balloon over Gold Coast from $250

Available until 6 June 2021. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

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Deal ends

Wotif Wotif

Gold Coast hot air balloon flight with champagne breakfast from $324

Available until 6 June 2021. Includes 1 hour balloon flight, breakfast, transfers and more.

Last verified

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Deal ends

RedBalloon RedBalloon

Gold Coast hot air balloon experience from $195

Available on select travel dates. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

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