School Holiday Hub
Every Queensland school holiday, the Sunshine Coast turns into one big family playground. This hub rounds up the best things to do across the year — the free and low-cost ideas that keep the budget in check, plus the bigger family favourites worth planning a day around.
With patrolled beaches, calm rivers, rainforest, wildlife and a year-round events calendar, the Coast is built for family holidays. Below we've broken things down by each Queensland school holiday period — because what's on offer in the middle of summer is quite different to a crisp July break — then pulled together the best free and low-cost ideas and the classic paid attractions families come back for. For even more, see our full family activities guide.
The School Holidays, Season by Season
Queensland has four school holiday breaks each year. Exact dates shift a little annually, so always check the current Queensland Government school calendar before you book.
Free & Low-Cost Ideas
School holidays add up fast, but so much of what makes the Coast special costs little or nothing. These are the ideas that keep kids happy without denting the budget — and there are plenty more in our free things to do guide.
- Beach days and rock-pool rambles at low tide — bring a bucket and net
- Foreshore playgrounds and picnics at Cotton Tree, Kings Beach and Mooloolaba
- Free water-play parks and splash fountains along the coast
- Wander the Eumundi Markets (Wed & Sat) — free to browse, with buskers and food
- Easy rainforest boardwalks like Mary Cairncross and the hinterland trails
- Cool off at a waterfall or swimming hole in the hinterland
- Whale spotting from the headlands in winter and spring (see the whale watching guide)
- Free council school-holiday programs at libraries and community centres
- Outdoor cinemas, markets and free community events — check the council's What's On calendar
Family Favourites Worth Planning Around
When you're ready to make a day of it, these are the bigger-ticket attractions that fill most family itineraries on the Coast.
- Australia Zoo — The Irwins' world-famous zoo at Beerwah; allow a full day for the crocodile shows and animal encounters.
- SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast — The Mooloolaba aquarium, with an ocean tunnel and touch pools; a great rainy-day option.
- Aussie World & the Big Pineapple — Rides, mini-golf and the TreeTop Challenge for an old-school theme-park day.
- Wildlife HQ Zoo & the Ginger Factory — Animal encounters and free-entry train and boat rides at Woombye and Yandina.
- Learn-to-surf lessons — A holiday highlight for older kids; see the surfing guide for schools and beginner beaches.
Rainy-Day Backups
A wet day in the holidays needn't be a write-off. The aquarium, indoor play centres, ten-pin bowling and trampoline parks are all reliable standbys, and Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore has a cinema, riverside dining and regular school-holiday activities. Council libraries run free kids' programs, and Sunshine Castle at Bli Bli is an undercover hit with younger children.
Tips for the School Holidays
- Book popular attractions, tours and accommodation early — holidays are the busiest time of year
- Start beaches and big attractions early to beat the heat and crowds, especially in summer
- Check the council's What's On calendar for free school-holiday events and programs
- Mix one paid day with a couple of free days to keep the budget — and the kids' energy — balanced
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags, and pack sunscreen, hats and plenty of water
- Exact Queensland holiday dates shift each year — confirm them before locking in travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Queensland state school holidays run four times a year: approximately two weeks in April, three weeks in late June to mid-July, two weeks in late September, and six weeks over Christmas and New Year (mid-December to late January). Private school dates vary slightly. The Christmas and July holidays are the busiest periods on the Sunshine Coast for families.
Top school holiday activities include Australia Zoo in Beerwah (full day with wildlife encounters), Underwater World SEA LIFE Mooloolaba (great for younger children), the Noosa National Park coastal walk, surfing lessons at Mooloolaba or Noosa, kayaking on the Noosa River, and the free beaches and rock pools at Caloundra. Many venues run special school holiday programs and discounted family passes.
The Sunshine Coast is very popular during Queensland and NSW school holidays — particularly the Christmas break, Easter and the July winter holidays. Noosa and Mooloolaba are the busiest spots. Accommodation fills months in advance for peak periods, so book early. If you prefer quieter conditions, the shoulder periods either side of school holidays offer similar weather with noticeably smaller crowds.
By sunshinecoast.travel team · Updated Jun 26