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School holiday activities on the Gold Coast for spring 2023
Experience a school holiday haven with these top spring activities.
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
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $440 per person
Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast and Photos from Adrenaline
- Inclusions: Hot air balloon flight over Gold Coast, round trip transfers from pickup point, breakfast, and digital photos
- Location: Gold Coast
- Cost: $377 per person
Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast and Photo from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: Hot air balloon flight photo package, breakfast, and hotel pickup
- Location: Pick up at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
- Cost: $349 per person
Eat your fill on a local cruise
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
- Location: Surfers Paradise, QLD
- Cost: $119 per person
Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise with Lunch from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Two-hour cruise, 2-course buffet lunch, onboard commentary
- Location: Departs from Surfers Paradise, QLD
- Cost: $89 per person
Gold Coast Buffet Lunch Cruise from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: 2-hour sightseeing lunch cruise, fully licensed bar
- Location: 58 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
- Cost: $89 per person
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.
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
- Cost: $199 per person
3-Day Pass to 3 Theme Parks and Attractions from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Unlimited entry to 3 theme parks for 3 days-Movie World, Sea World, and Wet'n'Wild
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $179 per person
14-Day Unlimited Pass to 4 Theme Parks and Attractions from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Unlimited entry over 14 consecutive days at Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet 'n' Wild and Paradise Country
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $289 per person
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 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
- Cost: $75 per person
Jet Boat Express Ride from Adrenaline
- Inclusions: 20km of jet boat spins and slides through the southern Broadwater
- Location: Main Beach (Gold Coast)
- Cost: $63 per person
Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Kayak, snorkel and life jacket gear, underwater photos, snacks and water
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $79 per person
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.
V8 Supercar Ride Experience from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: 3-hr thrilling ride in a supercar with a professional race car driver, helmets, choice of Holder or Ford supercar
- Location: 75 Norwell Rd, Norwell, QLD
- Cost: $220 per person
Kingston 4-session Go Karting Experience from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: 4 x 6 minute races in 605m Monte Carlo track, play at iPlay Arcade Center
- Location: 20 Mudgee St, Kingston, QLD 4114
- Cost: $90 per person
Go Karting, Laser Tag and Indoor Climbing Combo from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Go Karting, wall climbing, lazer tag mission, take home race card record
- Location: Helensvale, Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $77 per person
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.
Gold Coast Indoor Skydiving from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: Basic Value or Family flight options, training session, flight certificate, personal assistant
- Location: iFLY Gold Coast
- Cost: $73.80 per person
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.
TreeTop Challenge and Currumbin Sanctuary Experience from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: Entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, access to 80 huge TreeTop challenges, zipline over crocodiles
- Location: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin, QLD 4223
- Cost: $85 per person
Extreme Zipline Guided Tour from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Fully guided 3-hr tour on 7 huge ziplines spanning 1.5km across Cedar Creek Canyon multiple times and get up to speeds of 70km p/hr
- Location: ThunderBird Park, Tamborine
- Cost: $125 per person
Zipline Adventure at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Experience up to 80 treetop challenges and 11 awesome ziplines, safety gear
- Location: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $60 per person
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 from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: Guided tour of Lamington National Park and O'Reilly's, glass of wine, light refreshments
- Location: Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
- Cost: $119 per person
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Entry from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Get up close and personal with Australian animals, live animal shows
- Location: Currumbin, QLD.
- Cost: $59.95 per person
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.
Antarctic Adventure Sea World Entry from Adrenaline
- Inclusions: Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of an award-winning penguin exhibit with feeding and enrichment activities
- Location: Sea World (Gold Coast)
- Cost: $139 per person
Seal Encounter at Sea World from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Interact with and learn about Sea World's charming seals, including Long-nosed fur seals, Australian sea lions, and California sea lions
- Location: Surfers Paradise, QLD
- Cost: $89 per person
Sea World Dolphin Adventure from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: 20-minute in-water dolphin adventure with a marine mammal trainer
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $199 per person
Challenge your mind
Let your imagination run wild or put your brain to the test with friends doing these fun indoor activities.
Escape Room – Group of 4 from Adrenaline
- Inclusions: Solve exciting crimes in 6 themed escape rooms, competing against friends to see who can escape first!
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $152 for 4 people
Escape Room – Group of 2 from Adrenaline
- Inclusions: Solve exciting crimes in 6 themed escape rooms, competing against friends to see who can escape first!
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $84 for 2 people
Free Roam Virtual Reality from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Choose between five mind-blowing VR games for a completely immersive experience, perfect for groups of 1-8 players
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $59 per person
Experience the strange, weird and wonderful
Looking to shake things up these holidays? Try a unique experience in the big city.
The Wax Museum Entry Ticket from Wotif
- Inclusions: Admission ticket to The Wax Museum to see life-size wax figures of famous and infamous people from the past
- Location: The Wax Museum Gold Coast, 56 Ferny Ave, 4217, Surfers Paradise
- Cost: $33 per person
All Day Entry at ArtVo from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Immersive trick-art gallery with 80+ 3D reality-defying works. Take a self-guided tour, strike a pose, and become the art!
- Location: Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $30 per person
Splash Room Experience from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Four paint pots, four paint bombs, ponchos, booties, hair caps, and your favorite music
- Location: Stapylton
- Cost: $50 per person
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 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
- Cost: $45 per person
Scenic River and Canal Afternoon Cruise from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: 90-minute sightseeing cruise with snacks and a fully licensed bar.
- Location: Departs from Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
- Cost: $45 per person
Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: 1-hour city tour and river cruise, photo opportunities
- Location: Departs from Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
- Cost: $50 per person
Sit back and watch a movie, game or arena show
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
- Cost: $109.99 per person
Gold Coast Magic Show from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: 90-minute show of a five-time champion of magic Matt Hollywood, performing incredible acts of levitation and more
- Location: Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast, QLD
- Cost: $99 per person
At-home activities for the school holidays on the Gold Coast
Have fun with 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.
Abstract Painting Class (Ages 10+) from Classbento
- Inclusions: Learn Abstract, Landscape, Still Life Painting
- Location: Your home
- Cost: $65 (Class only), $110 (Class and kit)
Interactive Painting Workshop: Splatter and Splash Room from Classbento
- Inclusions: 45-minute of splatter painting
- Location: DIY invasion - Shop 4, 2 Christensen Rd, Stapylton Stapylton, QLD
- Cost: $50 (Adult), $40 (Child)
Paint and Sing-along Class for Kids from Classbento
- Inclusions: Paint, sing and feel more positive at Kylie Johnson's fun casual paint and singalong classes
- Location: Bayview, NSW
- Cost: $55 per person
Get crafty
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
- Location: Coomera, QLD
- Cost: $129 per person
DIY White Mini-macrame Wall Hangings Craft Box / Kit from Classbento
- Inclusions: Craft kit and link to online instructions with all the tips and tricks you'll need
- Cost: $40 per box
DIY Terrarium Craft Box/Kit from Classbento
- 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.
- Location: Your home
- Cost: $40 per box
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.
Online Kids Singing Class (Ages 7+) from Classbento
- Inclusions: Interactive online singing lessons, diverse song repertoire, vocal performance skills, and more
- Location: Your home
- Cost: $11 per person
Kids Singin Activity (Ages 4+) from Classbento
- Inclusions: Engaging virtual sessions, vocal warm-ups and exercises, virtual performances, and more
- Location: Your home
- Cost: $10 per person
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.
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
- Cost: $129 for two
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
- Location: Main Beach (Gold Coast)
- Cost: $270 for two
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.
- Location: Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast)
- Cost: $89 (adult) $79 (Child)
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 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.
- Location: Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
- Cost: $109 per person
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.
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
- Cost: $109 per person
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.
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
- Cost: $125 per person
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
- Location: Tamborine Mountain (Gold Coast)
- Cost: $65 (adult) $55 child
High Ropes and Flying Fox Adventure from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Half-day thrilling adventure park experience with access to all eight courses, safety briefing, and induction.
- Location: Tamborine National Park, QLD
- Cost: $65 per person
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 Hot Air Balloon Ride from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: 1-hour hot air balloon flight with breakfast, transportation, insurance, and optional inflight photos.
- Location: Brisbane, QLD
- Cost: $920 for two
Brisbane River City Lights Dinner Cruise from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: 1.5-hour Brisbane River cruise with lunch and informative commentary
- Location: South Brisbane, QLD
- Cost: $89 per person
Brisbane's Story Bridge Climb from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Guided Story Bridge daytime climb with a safety briefing, climb suit, friendly guide, and group climb photograph via email.
- Location: Brisbane CBD, QLD
- Cost: $258 for two
Deals and discounts for Gold Coast school holiday activities
Experience Oz
Up to $59 off Gold Coast theme park passes
Available for travel on select dates. Other attractions include Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Exclusive
10% off activities with code FD300
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.
Get deal
Exclusive
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Get 5% off activities with code
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.
Exclusive
RedBalloon
Buy 2 or more and get 10% off with code
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.
Lastminute.com.au
Up to 15% off Australia activities
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.
RedBalloon
Up to 10% off Gold Coast helicopter flight experiences
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $300. T&Cs apply.
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.
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