You've come to the right place for school holiday fun.
With spring bringing a dreamy combo of warm days and cool nights, the conditions are primed for getting out and about across our region.
From checking out our BIGGEST attractions to zipping along rides at the Sunshine Coast’s legendary theme park, let’s explore!
Animal encounters
Meet the wildlife at Australia Zoo, Beerwah, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Kids animal crazy? With everything from ocean tunnels to giraffe encounters on the agenda, there’s plenty to keep them entertained this spring. Your first stop is Australia Zoo, where the kids will be kept busy with plenty of Spring Holiday Fun. Highlights include exploring The Bad Guys 2 ‘Natural Disguises’ Adventure Trail, celebrating International Red Panda Day (September 20), tackling the Giant Inflatable Obstacle Course, and more. Keep the animal action coming with a visit to Wildlife HQ, which is also accessible via the Big Pineapple Train, or hop in a kayak with Epic Ocean Adventures and see if you can spot dolphins frolicking in the wild.
If you combine stunning views of the Glass House Mountains with plenty of feathered (and furry!) friends, you’ll end up with Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. Here, you can take a fully guided aviary tour and say g’day to the miniature farm animals, before enjoying a picnic in the scenic grounds. Looking for a different kind of animal encounter? We suggest a visit to the Hologram Zoo in Nambour!
When it’s time to take the fun ‘underwater’, head over to Mooloolaba for a visit to SEA Life Sunshine Coast, where checking out the Little Blue Penguins, discovering the epic ocean tunnel and enjoying plenty of seal antics is just the start of the fun. For a limited time only (16 September-9 November), SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast will also be bringing to life Nintendo’s ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’, featuring everything from meet-and-greet opportunities to a stamp rally… so don’t miss out.
Adrenaline rush
TreeTop Challenge, Woombye, Sunshine Coast
Zip along the Rush Coaster (Australia’s first indoor air coaster) at Rush Adventureland in Maroochydore, before tackling the Ninja Course and Hyper Bumper Cars. Next up? Put your racing energy into gear as you zoom across the Big Kart Track and get competitive with some Laser Tag action at Laserzone Sunshine Coast.
Next door to the Big Pineapple, you’ll find the TreeTop Challenge (pictured) – an epic adventure hub surrounded by lush rainforest that’s teeming with ziplines and high ropes (age restrictions vary from 8+ to 14+ depending on which course you take). A visit to the Sunshine Coast also isn’t complete without a visit to the Sunshine Coast’s legendary theme park: Aussie World. Thrill-seekers will find plenty to love on the likes of the Dingo Racer and the SX360, while the little ones can keep busy on the Giggle Go-Round and more. Plus, Aussie World knows that while daytime rides are plenty of fun, a NIGHT of rides is where the real holiday vibes are at. Make sure you book a ticket to their Ride The Night Foam Party on September 27, where a foam zone, glow gear, and plenty of thrills await after dark.
Explore the coast
Nothing says spring like a day spent exploring the coast! Top of your list for getting you from A to B is eco Tekk, who offer e-bike hires and tours. As you cruise along the coastal pathways, make sure to keep an eye out for splashing whale tails out to sea as the annual migration continues.
Keen to get a better look at the whales? You’ll still find plenty of activity in the ocean during the early stages of spring, so don’t miss the chance to head out with one of our local tour operators for an unforgettable #SunshineMoment in nature. For kiddies wanting to get out on the waves, you can score the ultimate trio of spring sunshine, school holidays and surfing lessons with the crews from the Coolum Surf School and Go Ride a Wave Noosa, who will have you honing your board skills in no time.
Eat and drink
Family eating at The Wharf, Mooloolaba
It’s no secret that school holiday fun works up an appetite! Make the most of the warm spring evenings and grab an early dinner at kid-friendly spots like The Doonan, where you’ll find a slide and spring free trampolines to keep the little ones entertained. Other must-visit spots that’ll have the family coming back for more include eateries at The Wharf Mooloolaba, Matso’s Sunshine Coast in Eumundi, and Mooloolaba Fisheries on the Spit for some takeaway fish and chips.
Stay the night
Lagoon pool at Big4 Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
With DAYS of school holiday fun to uncover, you’ll want to stay the night on the Sunshine Coast to make the most of it all. Set up the tent or caravan at spots like Borumba Deer Park, where your kids can feed animals and go for a kayak along the Yabba Creek, or discover the magic of watching kangaroos splashing through the shallows of Lake Cootharaba at Habitat Noosa. For some waterslide action, head south to the BIG4 Caloundra – home to everything from gorgeous views of the Pumicestone Passage to a sparkling lagoon-style pool.
Holiday deals just for you
Deal
Spring Special - Stay 3 Pay 2
This spring, enjoy a relaxing escape on the Sunshine Coast with our Stay 3, Pay 2 offer. Unwind in n
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Deal
30% Off 5 Night Stay
Book and travel until 30 Nov 2026! Min night conditions apply. Use promo code 'SUNNY30'.
Mirra Chana Beachfront Apartments Mooloolaba
Deal
30% Off 5 Night Stay
Book and travel until 30 Nov 2026! Min night conditions apply. Use promo code 'SUNNY30'.
Mandolin Beachfront Resort
Deal
Book Direct and Save on selected dates
Book Direct and Save on selected dates. Minimum 3 night stay applies. From $625 per night | 14 Augus
Oceans Mooloolaba Beach
Deal
Stay, Play & Save - Adventure on Noosa North Shore
Make your next Noosa North Shore escape one to remember with savings, sunshine & adventure. Our Stay
BIG4 Noosa North Shore
Deal
30% off 5 Night Stay
Book and travel until 30 Nov 2026! Min night conditions apply. Use promo code 'SUNNY30'.
Alexandria Apartments
Keep things coastal (and central!) at spots like the Cotton Tree Holiday Park, or head over to Alexandra Headland, where you’ll have easy beach access thanks to accommodation offerings like the Grand Palais Boolarong Beachside, Mandolin Beachfront Resort, and Alexandria Apartments. Planning a Mooloolaba holiday? Make sure you check out Coco Mooloolaba and Osprey Apartments, where attractions like SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium are only a short drive away.
Family fun
The Big Pineapple, Woombye, Sunshine Coast
Tickle your tastebuds and get set to explore the grounds of The Ginger Factory in Yandina. This iconic Sunshine Coast attraction has a loaded line up of September school holiday activities, including a free snake and reptile show (AKA ‘Snake Boss’), meet-and-greets with ‘Zog’, and a ‘Dino Dig’ for kids who love a good puzzle. On the topic of icons... we all know school holidays on the Sunshine Coast aren’t complete without a visit to the Big Pineapple. Top things to tick off your list here include grabbing a selfie on the deck and hopping aboard the Pineapple Train.
For even more train action, head north to where the Mary Valley Rattler awaits. This historic experience features a range of train journeys to choose from, as well as a memorable station cafe. Other must-dos to add to your school holiday list include getting competitive with a visit to Amaze World, hitting the (mini) greens at Holey Moley in Maroochydore and Maroochy River Mini Golf, as well as dialling up the fun at The Station.
Looking for more things to do? Get more inspiration here.
Visit Sunshine Coast recommends checking with each operator about opening times and terms and conditions. It is also advisable to book ahead with attractions/tours and dining venues due to limited capacities and to avoid disappointment.
