Winter school holidays on the Sunshine Coast never looked so good.

If you’re looking for things to do these winter school holidays on the Sunshine Coast, we’ve crafted up a perfect pocketbook of activities to keep you and your family busy.  

From meeting farmyard friends to strawberry-picking, here are 9 things that need to be on your to-do list these school holidays.  

Catch the Irwins at Australia Zoo

Meet the wildlife at Australia Zoo, Beerwah, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Meet the wildlife at Australia Zoo, Beerwah, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

If you’re looking for Winter Holiday Fun, Australia Zoo has it in spades with a whole calendar of activities running from 28 June to 20 July. Your first stop? The Containers for Change Crocoseum, where the Irwin family will be on hand to feed the crocs from 28 June – 2 July. Next, step back in time at the Jurassic World Rebirth Evolution Expedition, an interactive pop-up celebrating the release of the Jurassic World Rebirth. If you’re looking to get hands on, let the kids run wild on the free Giant Inflatable Course, and take part in their Colouring in Competition. If you visit between 1 June and 31 July, you go in the running to win a Mahindra Z8 Scorpio 4x4!  

Meet Zog and some furry friends at The Ginger Factory 

The Zog Trail at the Ginger Factory

The Zog Trail at the Ginger Factory

This school holiday, blast off on a FREE rainforest adventure at The Ginger Factory. Download ‘The Zog: A Forest Adventure’ app and follow the hidden trail through the trees. Plus, you can even meet Zog in real life! Catch them from 30 June 5 July, Monday-Saturday between 10am-1pm. Off the trail, there’s still plenty to do, with Old McDonald’s Farm open for sheep snuggles, goat cuddles and playful chicken encounters for one week, running from 10 June – 5 July from 10am-2pm. And if that’s not enough, you can head to The Ginger Factory on 1 July for Craft Tuesdays and make your own crown. 

Head to Aussie World

Aussie World

Aussie World

Ready for an adrenaline rush? Dial up the school holiday fun (and the thrills!) a notch with a visit to Aussie World. Here, you can keep the whole family entertained with the fun range of rides and attractions on offer—including mini golf, coasters, a giant slide, gorgeous carousel, and much more. If you can swing it, time your visit for 5 July and book tickets to Aussie World’s Ride the Night Winter Wonderland Party, with access from 5:30-9pm. As well as rides, there’ll be a DJ, photo booth and fire pit for toasting marshmallows.  

Check out rainforest critters and mountain views

Glass House Mountains lookout from Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny

Glass House Mountains lookout from Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny

Native wildlife, an epic rainforest, and sweeping views of the Glass House Mountains combine at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny—the perfect place to spend a morning with the kids. You’ll also find an onsite cafe, Rainforest Discovery Centre, and picnic shelters to cook up your own barbecue lunch.  

Good to know: Head to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve early to secure your barbecue spot or picnic table, as this is a very popular destination in the school holidays. 

Up next? Take the short 8-minute drive to Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World for some seriously breathtaking views and adorable animal encounters. Here, you can check out their larger-than-life aviaries and meet the Farm Friends in their petting zoo. 

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Wear the kids out

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

Kick off a day of boredom-busting fun with a session at Rush Adventureland in Maroochydore. The kids can strap in and speed along the Rush Coaster (the ONLY indoor air coaster in Australia), tackle the Ninja Course, and make their way along the High Ropes. Keep the good times rolling with a visit to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, where you can soak up plenty of underwater magic—from checking out the crew of adorable Blue Penguins to exploring the jaw-dropping ocean tunnel.  

Get active as you step into the epic world of virtual reality at Zero Latency (where a full-size, free roam arena awaits), zoom over to the Big Kart Track, or hit The Big Boing for some trampolining action. Ready to tackle a maze? Amaze World has got you covered. Featuring twisty mazes to challenge the WHOLE family, plus mini golf, puzzles and more, you’ll be set for hours of entertainment.  

Go strawberry picking... and play mini golf

Strawberry Picking at McMartin’s Farm 

Strawberry Picking at McMartin’s Farm 

Embrace the fresh winter air and venture along to McMartin’s Strawberry Farm in Bli Bli for the ultimate strawberry-picking experience. You’ll get to wander along the fields before making your way back for a scoop of their award-winning strawberry ice cream. Once you’ve dialled up the energy levels with a sweet treat, take the 8-minute drive to Maroochy River Mini Golf, where the kids can putt and play across 18 fun-filled holes.  

Meet some furry friends

Situated on an idyllic countryside property in Lower Wonga (25 minutes-drive from the Gympie CBD), Highland Hideaway Experiences is home to some super adorable Highland cows, goats, sheep, and piglets. Book yourself a spot on one of their Farm Tours—you'll thank us later! For any budding train enthusiasts in the family, you’ll want to make sure you leave some room in the itinerary to stop by and experience the historic Mary Valley Rattler in Gympie.  

Find all the BIG things on the Sunshine Coast

Selfies at the Big Pineapple, Woombye

Selfies at the Big Pineapple, Woombye

It’s time to bring out the checklist and go on the hunt for the Sunshine Coast’s BIG things! While we might all think of the Big Pineapple when it comes to naming GIANT features of the Sunshine Coast, did you know there are several other big things? 

We’re talking about the Big Barrel in Maleny, the Big Pelican in Noosaville, the Big Chair in Maleny (you’ll have to pay an entry fee to Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World), and the Big Macadamia Nut in Woombye (part of the TreeTop Challenge and right near Wildlife HQ and the Big Pineapple). With plenty of photo opportunities along the way, your kids will officially have the biggest bragging rights about their travels when they return to school.

Family-friendly dining

Family Picnic at Mooloolaba Beach (Mooloolaba Spit Beach)

Family Picnic at Mooloolaba Beach (Mooloolaba Spit Beach)

School holiday fun doesn't just stop at our attractions. You’ll find great play spaces for the kids at Matso’s Sunshine Coast (located right near the Eumundi Markets), as well as The Doonan, which also has a jumping pillow, slide, and more.

For an iconic local experience, we suggest taking your pick of the prime sunset viewing spots on Mooloolaba Beach and grabbing some classic fish and chips from the nearby Fisheries on the Spit.

Looking for more things to do on the Sunshine Coast? Continue exploring right here.

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Get some more school holiday inspiration

Experiences & Things To Do