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Sit back and relax because we've got your school holiday plans sorted this upcoming break. Pick from jam-packed fun right at home to road trips that are a short drive from the Sunshine Coast.
Top outdoor activities for the school holidays on the Sunshine Coast
Visit the zoo
If you've got an animal lover on your hands, there's no better place to spend the day than at Australia Zoo. The home of the Crocodile Hunter, it has stacks of native and international wildlife and often features holiday programs for the kids.
Tuck into some family-friendly games
Looking for a short and sweet activity that'll bring the family together? Why not try your skills at an escape room together or go head-to-head at the bowling alley?
Experience the Mary Valley Rattler Train
Riding the rails on the historic steam engine the Mary Valley Rattler is an experience they won't soon forget. You'll first board at the restored Gympie Railway Station and then take a journey through the picturesque Mary Valley to the tune of expert commentary about the historic locomotive.
Cruise the waters of the sunny coast
Sun's out and the best place to be is on the water cooling your jets and seeing the city from a new angle.
Explore everything nature has to offer
The school holidays are the perfect time to rediscover the best attractions and landscapes on the Sunshine Coast that we all know and love.
Head out onto the water
If you've got some water babies on your hands, these activities are sure to fill the days with excitement.
Get away with the family
Make the most of the kids being at home by heading away for a few nights. Think lush hinterland views, glamping under the stars or relaxing by the spa in Noosa.
See the great outdoors
Get out and explore while the weather is nice. Pick from adrenaline-fuelled buggy tours to fishing off the coast.
Top at-home activities for the school holidays on the Sunshine Coast
Make your own DIY creation
If you've got a creative mind on your hands, you can't go past DIY creations these school holidays. Teach them to paint or make pieces you'll hold onto for a lifetime.
Draw and paint
Swap their devices for a pencil or paintbrush. These online classes will help your child express themselves on the page or canvas.
Road trips you can take from the Sunshine Coast during the school holidays
Maleny
Distance from Sunshine Coast: Around 40 minutes via car or 1.5 hours by public transport.
Situated southwest of the sunny coastline, Maleny is the perfect short getaway. Check out the pristine gardens, local markets and rainforests.
Rainbow Beach
Distance from Sunshine Coast: 1.5 hours by car or 4.5 hours via bus.
Head north of the city for a day on the coast. To keep costs down, have a picnic on the beach while the sun goes down. There are also plenty of small tours you can book the family into, including water sports, hiking and horseback riding.
Noosa
Distance from Sunshine Coast: 35 minutes via car.
The Noosa Shire is made up of stunning coastlines and a national park, so from hiking opportunities in the bush to a number of water sports, there's something for everyone with a trip up north.
Glass House Mountains
Distance from the Sunshine Coast: 40 minutes by car or 1 hour via public transport.
At under an hour's drive, the Glass House Mountains make for the perfect day trip. Spend it on a hinterland tour or see it all from the sky with a helicopter flight.
Free school holiday activities on the Sunshine Coast
- Stroll along the beach.
- Cycle around Ewen Maddock Dam.
- Hike one of the Kondalilla National Park walking trails.
- Sort out dinner with a fishing adventure.
- Browse the local markets.
- Smell the flowers at the botanic gardens.
- Visit one of the "Big Things" on the Sunshine Coast such as the Big Pelican, the Big Shell or the Big Pineapple.
Need more ideas? Check out our 50 free activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays.
When are school holidays on the Sunshine Coast in 2023–2024?
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 4 school holidays (2022 - 2023) | 10 December 2022 – 22 January 2023 |
Term 1 school holidays | 1 April – 16 April 2023 |
Term 2 school holidays | 24 June – 9 July 2023 |
Term 3 school holidays | 16 September – 2 October 2023 |
Term 4 school holidays | 9 December 2023 - 21 January 2024 |
See the latest Sunshine Coast school holiday activity deals
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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.
![RedBalloon RedBalloon](https://www.findershopping.com.au/global/images/providers/redballoon-logo-supplied-232x140.png?fit=170)
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.
![Klook Klook](https://www.findershopping.com.au/global/images/providers/klook-logo-supplied-232x140.png?fit=170)
Australia sightseeing tours from $20
Available on select travel dates in 2023. Destinations include Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.
![RedBalloon RedBalloon](https://www.findershopping.com.au/global/images/providers/redballoon-logo-supplied-232x140.png?fit=170)
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.
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