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School holiday activities on the Gold Coast for July 2022

Experience a school holiday haven with these top indoor and outdoor activities.

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Dylan Crismale

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Stephanie Yip
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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 from the Gold Coast.

Outdoor activities for the school holidays on the Gold Coast

Have fun at the Gold Coast's top theme parks

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.

14-Day Unlimited Pass to 4 Theme Parks and Attractions
14-Day Unlimited Pass to 4 Theme Parks and Attractions

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3-Day Pass to 3 Theme Parks and Attractions
3-Day Pass to 3 Theme Parks and Attractions

RedBalloon

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Go on a fast and fun ride

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

Kids Go Kart Racing Experience – 4 Sessions
Kids Go Kart Racing Experience – 4 Sessions

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

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See the world from new heights

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.

Zip-line through the forest

Hold on tight as you zip 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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Enjoy close encounters of the animal kind

Think you're raising a young David Attenborough? These wildlife encounters are sure to educate and thrill your child these school holidays.

Lamington National Park and O'Reilly's Guided Day Tour
Lamington National Park and O'Reilly's Guided Day Tour

Experience Oz

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Paradise Country Aussie Farm Experience
Paradise Country Aussie Farm Experience

Klook Australia

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Have a marine wildlife encounter

Fun with the animal kingdom continues with these exciting activities. Get up close to the penguins and dolphins at Sea World.

Challenge your mind

Rainy days stuck inside don't have to be spent at home. Let your imagination run wild or put your brain to the test with friends doing these fun indoor activities.

Experience the strange, weird and wonderful

Looking to shake things up these holidays? Try a unique experience in the big city.

Cruise the waterways

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 Sightseeing Cruise with Lunch
Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise with Lunch

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City Tour and River Cruise in an Amphibious Vehicle
City Tour and River Cruise in an Amphibious Vehicle

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Sit back and watch a movie, game or arena show

The Gold Coast is a home of live entertainment. Whether they're 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 - Weekday
Australian Outback Spectacular's Heartland - Weekday

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

Paint with friends

Help your little ones let their creativity loose on the canvas with a paint party (perfect for school holiday birthdays) or art class.

Get crafty

Watch their imaginations come to life with arts and crafts. If you're strapped for time, you can sign them up for an art workshop online.

Learn to sing

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.

Road trips you can take from the Gold Coast

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.

Sea Kayaking, Dolphin and Stradbroke Island Tour
Sea Kayaking, Dolphin and Stradbroke Island Tour

Adrenaline

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Full-Day Small Group Tour to North Stradbroke Island
Full-Day Small Group Tour to North Stradbroke Island

Viator

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Springbrook National Park

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 Waterfalls Tour
Natural Bridge and Springbrook Waterfalls Tour

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Natural Bridge and Springbrook Guided Afternoon Tour including Afternoon Tea
Natural Bridge and Springbrook Guided Afternoon Tour including Afternoon Tea

Experience Oz

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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 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.

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

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Brisbane

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 River Cruise with Lunch at Breakfast CK Hotel
Brisbane River Cruise with Lunch at Breakfast CK Hotel

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Deals and discounts for Gold Coast school holiday activities

ClassbentoClassbento

Gold Coast: Plant-based cooking class from $157

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ClassbentoClassbento

Gold Coast: Barista class for beginners from $269

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Klook AustraliaKlook Australia

Up to 10% off Dreamworld tickets in Gold Coast

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KKdayKKday

Gold Coast: SkyPoint Observation Deck tickets from $29

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Free activities on the Gold Coast over the school holidays

  • Picnic at Tamborine Mountain on a sunny day.
  • Bushwalk the rainforests of the Gold Coast hinterland.
  • Run around one of the area's beaches, including Main Beach, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.
  • Have a day out at Carrara Markets. It's Australia's largest permanent weekend market with over 300 food and market stalls.

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

Gold Coast events during the July school holidays

  • Kids in Conservation – Life as a Giant @ Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens: 28 June 2022 @ 9:30am–11am. Nurture their green thumb and introduce them to the giant trees of this botanic garden. They'll even get a sapling to take home after. $5 per person.
  • Coomera Kids: Free weekly workshops @ Westfield Coomera: Ongoing. Keep them entertained while you do the weekly shop with these fun and free workshops. They run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9–11am and feature LEGO play, craft and music.
  • Pop Up Playground @ Broadwater Parklands: 25 June 2022 @ 10am–2pm. Broadwater's green turns into a colourful adventure playground over the school break with fun activities for 3- to 12-year-olds. Expect sack races, balance beams, stilt walking and more.
  • Inflatable Maze @ Broadwater Parklands: 30 June 2022 @ 11am–3pm. Got a puzzle solver on your hands? Test their skills at this mammoth inflatable maze. Don't get lost now.
  • Kids in Conservation – Surviving on Nature @ Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens: 4 July 2022 @ 9:30–11am. Discover how Indigenous Australians survived on the land – from what they ate to the tools they made and used. $5 per person.
  • Bricktionary: The Interactive LEGO Brick Exhibition @ HOTA Gallery: Ongoing. Kids and LEGO go hand-in-hand and if you have a master builder on your hands they'll relish the chance to explore the 6 new interactive build zones at Bricktionary. Tickets are $19.50 for adults and $12.50 for kids.
  • The Wizard of Oz Presented by Brisbane City Youth Ballet @ HOTA: 1–2 July 2022 @ 11am and 3pm daily. This favourite movie gets a ballet makeover at Home of the Arts Theatre (HOTA) for 2 days only. Suitable for ages 3+.
  • Mindful Kids Holiday Retreat @ Australian School of Meditation and Yoga: 25 June and 2 July. Book them in for a day filled with mindfulness, yoga sessions, stories and music at these school holiday mindfulness retreats. They're geared at ages 5–12 years old. Prices from $29.

Frequently asked questions about Gold Coast school holidays

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

When out and about, remember to maintain good hygiene and social distancing. If you're visiting an attraction in an enclosed space 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 WhiteWater World are open during the school holidays.

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