School Holiday Fun
School Holidays are a great time to experience the Sunshine Coast!
Here are some ideas of special activities, adventures and events designed for all the family.
We have included age limits and special offers to help you plan.
Follow each link to find more information or to book directly.
GUIDED EXPERIENCES FOR FAMILIES
Seaplane Flights 2+
Normally $125, OFFER ($75pp) is great for kids to experience flight and the magic of seaplanes on the Sunshine Coast! It’s a private Seaplane Take-Off & Landing experience for 2 or 3.
Amphibious Fun 0+
Exploring Mooloolaba by land and sea gives you the best of both worlds and is a treat for the whole family. 1 hour, fun & interactive Duck tours leave from Mooloolaba Wharf.
Jet Ski Safaris 8+
Enjoy a guided jetski safari – discover and learn about our rivers, marine parks, oceans, beautiful scenery and wildlife. For 8+yrs. Drivers need to be 16+. It’s EPIC, safe & scenic!
Jet Ski Safaris
Combine the thrill of riding a jetski with our rivers, marine parks, oceans, and beautiful scenery and wildlife. Our Guides show you how totally EPIC, safe, scenic, and fun it is!
Caloundra Jetski
Caloundra Jetski offers guided tours and packages like their Seafood Safari, City Explorer and GlassHouse Twister! Experience the Sunshine Coast by Jetski.
Maroochy River Jetski
Whether it’s turning some hot laps on our sheltered Freestyle Circuit or joining one of our River & Ocean Tours we offer a range of jet ski options to suit all.
Rafting Adventures 5+
Great tours for ages from 5+.
Fast, wave jumping action, OR slower and scenic dolphin safari and whale watching tours. Whatever your speed, we’ve got it on the Sunshine Coast!
Helicopter Escapes
Take the kids on a stunning coastal scenic flight by helicopter and see the world from a whole new perspective, that they won’t forget in a hurry! The Sunshine Coast is a natural wonderland!
Snorkelling Fun 8+
Experience the local reef close up – see turtles, wobbegongs, rays, reef fish, crayfish, cowrie shells, along with island corals. For strong swimmers. Guides + all equipment supplied.
Heritage Rail Adventures 0+
Get your family onboard a train journey during school holidays! Choose Classic Rattler, Silver Bullet, Rail motors and more. Twilight Express + Christmas Trains (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
4WD Beach Tours
Explore coastal islands and national parks by 4WD and get an insider’s guide to the region’s scenic secrets. Day Trips or Multi-day Camping Experiences are available. Families welcome!
Whale Watching
Treat the kids to a magical experience, spot majestic whales migrating along the beautiful Sunshine Coast from July to October. Choose the vessel that suits your family needs.
Whale Watching
For an unforgettable experience, spot majestic whales migrating along the beautiful Sunshine Coast from June to October. Off season charters and a variety of cruises and packages available.
Cavalier Cruises
Experience a level of luxury and space – Whale Watching without the crowds – Lounge seating with 360˚ views of the Whales. Guaranteed rail-side viewing!
Adventure Rafting
Get ready for jaw-dropping memories and unrivalled whale experiences with this family-owned adventure tour company.
Sunreef
Sunreef’s luxury 2-story Catamaran, WHALE ONE, offers cruises from Mooloolaba to Mudjimba Island and sunset river cruises in total comfort.
Swim with the Whales 8+
The opportunity to swim with a majestic humpback whale is something that is described as “life changing”. Kids must be a strong swimmer and with an adult. Be wowed!
REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS
Amaze World
Find a magical land, an enchanted world bursting with wonder and amazement, brought to life by imagination. Take a step into our world for some aMAZEing family fun.
Aussie World
If you’re looking for thrills, chills, mouth-watering fills and rides, simulators, slides, bumps, and coasters – AussieWorld
offers fun for tiny-tots to big kids and those big kids-at-heart.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Join the PAW PATROL on an interactive trail through the aquarium to help save our sea turtles from the supervillains and unlock the chance to win a PAW-esome PAW Patrol prize pack!
Maleny Botanic Gardens
& Bird World
Under 3 years FREE. Get your Family Day Pass to gardens, including guided tour at Bird World, Feathered Friends and Farm Friends $111. Book here.
Big Kart Track 12+
Unleash your adrenaline on this
1.2 kilometre professional racetrack in one of 50 go-karts racing at 70 kilometres per hour!
Open 7 days + wet-weather and night racing!
The Ginger Factory
Join in all the usual fun at Ginger Factory with train rides, the bee show, rainbrella display, Gruffalo spotting and Christmas events with Santa and more! So much to play, taste and discover!
Sunshine Castle
For medieval fun, self-guided mini tours & treasure hunts, toys & fairytale displays – it’s fun to discover the Castle with its courtyard, armoury, and coffee shop.
Farm Experiences
Come and cuddle a calf, laugh at a llama or sniff some strawberries! Farm tours are a great way for people of all ages to get in touch with animals and our local produce!
Rush Adventureland 1–15yrs
Get an all-day Fun Pass at our largest kids indoor playground & adventure centre… dodgem cars, climbing structures, arcade games and more… they’ll love it – all in air-conditioned comfort!
Virtual Reality Experiences 8+
Virtual Reality fun for the family!! Located in Birtinya there is a VR experience for all ages 8+. Escape from our VR escape room adventures or walk through our VR free roam arena.
THINGS TO LEARN AND DO
Surf Lessons & Board Hire
Holiday Groms Mon-Fri during the school holidays. Or the whole family can take private lessons! Wash away your worries – take some time out to learn or experience surfing on the Coast!
Skydiving Adventures 16+
Tandem skydive from up to 15000 ft, you’ll experience an insane 60 seconds of life-changing free fall! Float under canopy over our spectacular beaches.
Flying Experiences 7+
Take the controls and enjoy your very own hands-on flight over the Sunshine Coast – it’s a lesson and a joy flight in one and comes with bragging rights and photographic proof.
Kite Surfing 12+
A great way to experience the great outdoors with knowledgeable guides, and everything you need to get going quickly. Expert tuition is available for this new Olympic sport.
Scuba Diving 8+
Get in quick to organise tuition for all ages and experience during the holidays. There’s so many sites to explore, including Flinders Reef, Mudjimba Island, and a scuttled navy ship.
Paint & Gel Ball Games 8+
Go wild in the custom-build Jungle adventure HQ – great fun for kids aged 8+. Day and night games under limited light… join in or just book in your own private game time.
High Ropes Challenge 3+/6+
Enjoy a variety of challenges and venues designed for both adults and children. Ask about School Holiday Packages. This is a great outdoor adventure challenge for the whole family.
High Ropes Challenge
Discover another view of the Sunshine Coast from the treetops or high ropes parks. Enjoy a variety of challenges designed for both adults and children.
Next Level Adventure Park
Climb with Australia’s largest high ropes park at Sunshine Plaza. Enjoy a variety of challenges designed for both adults and children.
Tree Top Challenge
Step outside your comfort zone and explore incredible forests and iconic animals with this heart-pumping extreme outdoor adventure park in the Hinterland.
Balloon Escapes 8+
Get-away with the kids in a serene balloon experience… escape from all cares, slowly floating free with unique views of the famous Glasshouse Mountains, coast & hinterland.
Famous Markets
Follow the Christmas Holiday events at Eumundi with Workshops, Night Markets and Santa Visits, plus all the bakers, sewers & growers–Wednesdays, Friday evenings and Saturdays.
Museums and Galleries
With fascinating museums and art galleries located on the Coast, you can easily lose yourself in the region’s history, creativity and energy. Ask about the Coast’s Aviation Museum.
GUIDED TOURS
Village & Hinterland Tours
Explore delightful villages and our iconic landscapes with entertaining guides. Discover the unique personality and crafts of Sunshine Coast. Choose from a variety of tour styles.
Eco Cruises & Tours
Explore the hidden corners of our Biosphere’s river ecosystems, famous for their diverse and pristine nature.
Bring your camera! Ask about lunch options.
Eco Cruises & Tours
Explore the hidden corners of our Biosphere’s river ecosystems, famous for their diverse and pristine nature.
Bring your camera! Ask about lunch options.
Maroochy River Eco
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind adventure. Join us in appreciating the natural beauty of Maroochy River’s Eco System. Includes catering. Book ahead.
Noosa Everglades
Everglades Eco Safaris deliver an unforgettable wilderness experience into one of Australias’ most pristine and untouched regions.
River & Canal Cruises
Enjoy the amazing waterways and canals with friends and family… and even some local wildlife. Enjoy sunsets, drinks, eco tours, comedy shows or live music.
River & Canal Cruises
Enjoy our amazing waterways and canals with friends and family… and even some local wildlife. Lots of tour options at some amazing still water locations – Pumicestone, Mooloolaba, Maroochy and Noosa!
Cavalier Cruises
Experience our fabulous service and luxury cruise options. Cruise in style on the Mooloolah River and canals – enjoy seasonal tours and our licenced bar.
Coastal Cruises
Sit back & relax and enjoy the Mooloolah River and canals with our sunset, seafood, and even DJ party cruises. Excellent cuisine, and prime waterfront viewing.
Mooloolaba Canal Cruises
Hop aboard our historic timber ferry canal cruise, the M.V. Mudjimba. Operating 30+ years & an unforgettable still-water experience.
Maroochy River cruises with a party, eco or adventure flavour. Choose your style. Enjoy our excellently-catered tours and cruises or charter either boat.
Noosa Everglades
Everglades eco safaris deliver an unforgettable wilderness experience into one of Australias’ most pristine and untouched regions.
Ocean-going Tours
Whether you are into fishing
or whale watching, cruising,
snorkelling or diving, our beautiful vessels and experienced seamen share the wonders of the region…
Ocean-going Tours
Whether you are into fishing
or whale watching, cruising,
snorkelling or diving, our beautiful vessels and experienced seamen share the wonders of the region…
Cavalier Cruises
Experience our beautiful vessel – •Champagne & Tapas Cruises
•Degustation & Sunset Cruises
•Whale Watching in season
•River and Canal tour options
Adventure Rafting
Get ready for jaw-dropping memories and unrivalled Sunshine Coast experiences. We are a family-owned adventure tour company.
Sunreef
Sunreef’s luxury 2-story Catamaran, WHALE ONE, offers cruises from Mooloolaba to Mudjimba Island and sunset river cruises in total comfort.
RELAX AND ENJOY - SELF DISCOVERY
eBikes & Scooters
Electric bikes or scooters are a great activity and transport solution for those who can ride a bike – explore the region from 8 months old (baby seats, trailer, tagalong). e-bike holiday options
eBikes & Scooters
Electric bikes and scooters make exploring fun as you discover great bike paths and this great region at your own pace. Options for guided tours or tour trail maps and apps.
Pedal assist electric bikes make it easy and fun to explore the coast and hinterland. Ask about expert guides, tour trails, multi day hire & delivery to your hotel.
Oggy Scooters
Oggy electric scooters are the BEST way to explore the Coast! Use the app to make it simple – $1 unlocks your scooter and adventure! Private hire options.
Boating Fun
Experience, explore and enjoy the magnificent waterways of the Sunshine Coast.
Row, paddle or skipper your own; fish, barbecue or just escape!
Boating Fun
Experience, explore and enjoy the magnificent waterways of the Sunshine Coast. Row, paddle or skipper your own; fish, barbecue or just escape!
Bill's Boat Hire
Cruise in your own boat and explore. Immerse yourself in the quiet and calm, swimming in the blue lagoon waters with an expanse of isolated beachs.
Swan Boat Hire
The picturesque Maroochy River is one of the Sunshine Coast’s premier recreation areas – ENJOY from one of our 3-12 seater craft.
Sunreef
Our easy-to-operate boats have sun shades and are perfect for a day on the water – swim, picnic in the calm Mooloolaba River waters, go sightseeing or fishing!
Motorcycle Adventures 8+
Time OUT for Dad or Mum?
25% Off Full Day Bike Hire during school holidays. Inc FREE HIRE Jacket & Helmet.
We also do Pillion Joyrides for passengers of all ages (8+).
Golfing Pleasure
Jet Ski Hire 16+
Explore the deep water or winding rivers, canals, passages and waterways of this coastline with guided hire or freestyle hire.
Also ask about picnic packages or guided tours.
Jet Ski Hire
Pick your Place. Explore the deep water or winding rivers, canals, passages and waterways of this coastline with guided or freestyle hire. Grab a map and spend a half day discovering the bounties of our coastline…
Caloundra Jetski
Amazing guided Jet Ski Safaris through the pristine Pumicestone Passage – experience nature, wildlife and ancient volcanos aboard our green, fun machines.
Maroochy River Jetski
Whether it’s turning some hot laps on our sheltered Freestyle Circuit or joining one of our River & Ocean Tours we offer a range of jet ski options to suit all.
Sunreef
The largest and fastest ocean jet skiing experience on the Coast. You’ll have 3 square kilometres to ride freely at your own pace. Slow, medium, fast, or flat out!
Kayaks & SUPs
No experience required! Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Sunshine Coast’s stunning waterways and some exercise at the same time.
Tuition available.
Kayaks & SUPs
No experience required! Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Sunshine Coast’s stunning waterways and some exercise at the same time! Tuition available. All equipment supplied.
Bill's Boat Hire
Paddle your own kayak or SUP and explore. Immerse yourself in the quiet and calm, swimming in the blue lagoon waters with an expanse of isolated beaches.
Swan Boat Hire
The picturesque Maroochy River is one of the Sunshine Coast’s premier recreation areas – offering many beautiful spots for relaxing by kayak or SUP.
Sunreef
Sunreef Hire will help you make the most of your holiday! We have everything you need for kayak and SUP adventures through Mooloolaba River area.
ICONIC EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Famous Markets
Meet the artisans at the original Eumundi markets – the makers, bakers, sewers & growers – every Wednesday and Saturday, come rain hail or shine. Ask about transfers to and from.
Local Entertainment
Find out what’s on, who’s playing and sample the night life or market stalls at Night Quarter on the Sunshine Coast. Concerts, markets, shows and more… Check dates and times.
ADD-ONS
EVENTS
ART GALLERIES
Sculpture on the Edge
Until Sun 10 December
Flaxton Gardens
Eclectic, original indoor and outdoor sculptures competing for $10,000 prize. The Sculpted Dinner – Saturday 2 Dec.
Variation & Autonomy: Contemporary Japanese Painters' Prints
8 December – 24 January
Caloundra Regional Gallery
The work of ten artists who explored the possibilities of print medium in the 1970s.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENTS
Aussie Zoo Summer Fun
12-day adventure trail with surprises, animals, prizes and Laughing Frog Water Park.
Australia Zoo
9-24 December
SeaHorse World
Discover the majestic world of seahorses at Seahorse Kingdom, a brand new exbibit at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
SEALIFE
From 16 December
Guided Sunset Tours
Guided 1 hour Sunset Tours with Craig the Skipper. Limited to 9 persons, $30pp.
Call to book on 0408102100
Bill’s Boats – Caloundra
School Holidays 5.30pm
Aussie World Special
Most popular night of the year! with Unlimited Rides* 🎡 Carollers, Characters & Snow! 3–9pm
Aussie World
Sat 16 December
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Meet Santa in Santaland
You can give a gift to a family in need under our tree. Meet Santa in Santaland next to the Toy Emporium.
The Ginger Factory
Fri 1 – Sun 24 December
Christmas at Eumundi
8 Dec – Night Markets + Santa
9 Dec – Chrissy Card Making
13Dec – Lamp Shade w’shop
22Dec – Foodie Night Market + Lantern Workshop + Santa
23Dec – Santa
Mooloolaba Boat Parade
Watch decorated boats and houses compete for top dog in this famous annual event. Book a Cruise.
Mooloolaba Harbour
Sat 9 December
Christmas Lights Cruises
Summer evenings, Christmas lights and atmosphere.
Cavalier Cruises
Coastal Cruises
Mooloolaba Canal Cruise
1 – 30 December
12 Day of Christmas
12 Days of spectacular Christmas Giveaways with over $750 worth of prizes!
The Ginger Factory
1-12 December
Christmas at the Museums
Summer evenings, Christmas lights and atmosphere – a lovely way to enjoy your stay.
Landsborough to Nambour
Thu 7 December
Christmas Train to Amamoor
A Christmas Twilight Train + “friends of Amamoor” Xmas Party at Amamoor Station.
Mary Valley Rattler – Gympie
Fri 8 December
Twilight Express
Experience the magic of summer evenings…
The Mary Valley Rattler
Fri 15+22+29 Dec
Sat 9+23+30 Dec
Christmas Chorale
Sing along – a wonderful shot of Christmas Spirit to the whole family.
Noosa – The J
15-16 December
Tiny Tots at Aussie World
Toddler-friendly rides for Kids 3+, meet Santa and other Christmas characters.
Aussie World
Thu 21 December
AussieWorld Celebrates
NEW YEARS EVE PARTY – LET’S HAVE FUN! Unlimited Rides* Live Music, Entertainment 4-9
Aussie World
Sun 31 December
Trolls-tastic activities
Trolls Craft Village! Trolls face masks. Join in an epic 3D scavenger hunt throughout
Sunshine Plaza
8–19 January 2024