10 things to do these school holidays on the Gold Coast

Befriend furry and scaly animals at this heritage-listed sanctuary that’s big on conservation.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide range of native and exotic animals, from koalas and echidnas to red pandas and lemurs. Incredibly, Currumbin participates in 15 conservation projects to prevent species from going extinct, including endangered Australian animals such as the Tasmanian Devil and wild Queensland bilbies. Take a private tour of their Wildlife Hospital (one of the busiest animal hospitals in the world) to further see their efforts in saving animals. 

When the kids want a change of pace, embark on the TreeTop Challenge. This zipline course will have them channeling Tarzan as they glide from tree to tree with unbeatable views from every angle. Combat the 80 challenges (including ziplines, suspended bridges and tightropes) over a 3.5 hour period. All equipment is covered by the participation fee; all you need to bring is closed-in shoes for optimum comfort. 

2. Free holiday programs

Replace screen time with green time by participating in the Gold Coast Council’s Active and Healthy Holiday Program. Move, laugh and connect across the city by playing sports, swimming, doing movement and lifestyle activities in parks, and visiting community centres. There's free and low-cost events like park runs, slime bubble science workshops, dance jams and balloon art. 

3. Stroll through luscious rainforests

If your kids aren’t into scaling heights, stay on the ground at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.

This 1.5 kilometre forest floor trail is an excellent way to explore the Gold Coast’s glorious greenery. Cross the Skywalk Bridge, walk on the Skywalk Cantilever and take in stunning views at the Cedar Creek Viewing Platform.

Finish your 45-minute adventure with a visit to the eco gallery and cafe at the main centre. The eco gallery has dioramas of Australian and exotic insects, butterfly collections, a huge aquarium and information on Indigenous Australian history. The Birdwing Cafe serves up award-winning, organic and preservative-free Byron Bay pies (gluten-free varieties are available on request). Before you leave, pick up a trinket or two from the gift shop to remember the day.

4. Learn to surf

Another unique experience to put on the school holiday Gold Coast list is taking a surfing lesson. Surf schools in the area that provide an epic session of sun, sand and water include Get Wet on Main Beach, Walkin’ On Water in Coolangatta, and Surf in Paradise in (you guessed it) Surfers Paradise. But whichever school you enrol in, the kids will have a great time. 

5. Adventures in the Hinterland

Visit Thunderbird Park in Tamborine Mountain and saddle up for an unforgettable horse ride in the rainforest.

Discover the beauty of the 112-hectare property and meet the resident birds, all while on horseback. There are three trails to choose from, depending on how long you want to ride for (30, 60 and 90 minutes). The 30-minute trail ride along Cedar Creek is best for families with young kids, as they have ponies that will better suit smaller statures (anyone over the age of seven can participate).

When you’ve finished trotting around with your new four-legged friend, take advantage of the other park offerings; play a game of mini-golf, fossick for hidden treasures at the world's largest thunderbird mine, tackle the ropes challenge, and hand-feed lorikeets.

6. Discover stories of legends

Settle in for a night of legendary stories about famous Australian characters at Australian Outback Spectacular.

Featuring a transformative arena, immersive technology, mesmerising animals and death-defying stunts, this action-packed show will entertain all ages. Indulge in a hearty three-course meal as you watch the 1.5 hour performance unfold; start with a vegetable and goat feta tart with homemade pineapple chutney, move onto perfectly cooked Australian steak or chicken breast dosed in a plum sauce, and finish with a decadent chocolate tart served with honey salted caramel sauce and a pinch of chocolate dirt straight from the outback.

7. Visit a theme park

Renowned as the coastal city with exhilarating roller coasters, there’s no better way to spend a day out during school holidays than at a Gold Coast theme park.

You’re spoilt for choice with Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, Movie World, Dreamworld (and connecting Whitewater World) all in close proximity to each other. Each has a different theme, so head to the one that best suits the whim of your group. Dreamworld is a thrill-seeker's dream, Sea World is dedicated to marine animals, Movie World brings your favourite characters to life, and both Wet’n’Wild and Whitewater World are jam-packed with waterslides.

8. Relax by tranquil waterways

Slow things down with a dip in pristine local swimming spots.

Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Rock Pools are two popular swimming spots with the same things in common—fresh water, scenic surrounds and an air of serenity. Once called ‘Good Fish’ by Aboriginal inhabitants, Tallebudgera Creek sits between the Burleigh Heads National Park and Palm Beach; here you can swim, kayak or fish in the turquoise waters.

At Currumbin Rock Pools you can wade in the refreshing water (there’s plenty of shallow sections for the little ones) and enjoy a quiet picnic under the trees. There’s also a cafe and convenience store across the road where you can dine and pick up local and Australian products.

And a trip to the Gold Coast would not be complete without some sand time. Here’s a list of the best beaches on the Gold Coast.

9. See artistic and natural wonders

Inspire the whole family to unleash their inner Picasso or Warhol with a trip to HOTA. There's exhibits to please young and old creative souls, as well as live performances, a cinema, theatre performances and workshops. 

For seasonal activities that have to be seen to be believed, head to Currumbin’s Swell Sculpture Festival in September. Queensland’s premier outdoor sculpture exhibition, Swell features models from up to 50 Australian and international artists. Walk along Currumbin Beach and marvel at the intricacy of their artworks, which are made from a variety of mediums.

To witness a very special natural wildlife show, visit the Gold Coast during the winter and spring school holidays to catch a glimpse of humpback whales migrating. Jump aboard a whale watching tour boat like Spirit of Gold Coast for a prime vantage point of their journey back to Antarctica (they travel back to this icy destination after their annual visit to the Great Barrier Reef each year).

10. Skydive indoors

Defy gravity at iFly Indoor Skydiving. Zip up your flight suit, step into a glass tunnel, and get ready to fly. Guided by fully qualified instructors, you can be guaranteed a fun and safe ride.

Flyers can be as young as three years old. iFly is also a fully inclusive and accessible activity.

For even more things to do on the Gold Coast with kids, check out this roundup of the best activities.