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School holiday activities on the Sunshine Coast for spring 2023

Fill up the kids' school holiday itineraries with botanical garden visits, cruises and even some backyard fun.


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.

Australia Zoo Tickets with Wildlife Hospital Entry
Australia Zoo Tickets with Wildlife Hospital Entry

Experience Oz

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.

Mary Valley Rattler: The Rattler Tasting Train
Mary Valley Rattler: The Rattler Tasting Train

Tripadvisor

Mary Valley Rattler: Return Heritage Railway Train Journey
Mary Valley Rattler: Return Heritage Railway Train Journey

Experience Oz

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.

Full-Day Guided Hinterland Adventure Tour
Full-Day Guided Hinterland Adventure Tour

Tripadvisor

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.

Aquaduck Mooloolaba Land and Water Tour
Aquaduck Mooloolaba Land and Water Tour

RedBalloon

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.

1-Night Hinterland Hideaway with Breakfast
1-Night Hinterland Hideaway with Breakfast

RedBalloon

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.

Make a Dried Flower Gift Bouquet at Home
Make a Dried Flower Gift Bouquet at Home

Classbento

Soap Making Craft Box for Kids (Ages 6+)
Soap Making Craft Box for Kids (Ages 6+)

Classbento

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.

Maleny Botanic Gardens Entry and Devonshire Tea
Maleny Botanic Gardens Entry and Devonshire Tea

RedBalloon

Maleny Botanic Gardens Picnic, Buggy Hire and More
Maleny Botanic Gardens Picnic, Buggy Hire and More

RedBalloon

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.

Glasshouse Mountains Electric Mountain Bike Ride
Glasshouse Mountains Electric Mountain Bike Ride

RedBalloon

Full Day Sunshine Coast Tour with Glasshouse Mountain Views
Full Day Sunshine Coast Tour with Glasshouse Mountain Views

Viator

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?

TermDates
Term 4 school holidays (2022 - 2023)10 December 2022 – 22 January 2023
Term 1 school holidays1 April – 16 April 2023
Term 2 school holidays24 June – 9 July 2023
Term 3 school holidays16 September – 2 October 2023
Term 4 school holidays9 December 2023 - 21 January 2024

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Tamara Medojevic's headshot
Writer

Tamara Medojevic was a travel writer at Finder. She graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Journalism. Her passion for travelling began at an early age, with frequent overseas trips to Europe and across Australia. Tamara believes that travelling is an experience that can be enjoyed on all budgets and she works to make sure you’re getting the most for your dollar. See full bio

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