From teaching the kids how to fish to feeding cheeky monkeys at Wildlife HQ, the winter school holidays are jam-packed with a line-up of epic events and family-fun activities worth your time.
Think night-time roller coaster rides at Aussie World, discovering the world of LEGO City at The Wharf Mooloolaba and exploring the biggest gardening expo in Queensland that will keep even the smallest green thumbs entertained.
So, clear your calendars, because we’ve pulled together the ultimate family guide to winter school holiday fun on the Sunshine Coast!
World Environment Day Festival
June 1-30
This month-long program of events includes eco cruises, tree plantings and family fun days that aim to connect communities with ecosystems. With the Sunshine Coast region just declared a UNESCO Biosphere, roll up your sleeves and get hands on with activities that will not only keep the kids entertained, but teach them more about caring for the environment.
School holiday fun at Australia Zoo!
June 25-July 17
Australia Zoo, Beerwah
Australia Zoo has an epic line-up of family fun these holidays, with the Irwin Family taking to the Crocoseum daily to feed the crocs as part of their Wildlife Warrior Show! There’s also a Jurassic Dinosaur Treasure Hunt, giant obstacle course, and opportunity to get your hands dirty (and learn more about fossils) with the Dinosaur Dig. When you enter Australia Zoo between 1-31 July you’ll also go in the running to win an Austrack Camper –Crikey!
Magic at the Ginger Factory
27 June – 8 July
The Ginger Factory
If you’re looking to spice things up these holidays, take your little ones to clown around in Ginger Town with Marvellous Miss Donna at The Ginger Factory! Every week day during the holidays Miss Donna will be putting on a free magic show and balloon art workshop that will give the kids the chance to get twisty with their own balloon animals. While you’re there, make sure to explore the Ginger Factory’s Gruffalo Train and Rainbrella Project, before stopping in for ice cream at their newly opened Gingerlatis shop.
Ride the Night at Aussie World
July 1
Family fun at Aussie World, Palmwoods
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down at Aussie World. These holidays spin, swing and soar through the night on unlimited rides and entertainment at their Ride the Night event. They’ll be carnival food, roving entertainers and fireworks, with $5 from each ticket sold going to Give Me 5 which supports sick kids on the Sunshine Coast.
Kids and Families fishing lessons
2 July
No Sunshine Coast holiday is complete without going for a fish, and if baiting a hook isn’t your thing, you won’t want to miss this family fun fishing lesson. Learn how to pump yabbies from the wet sand, tie a fishing knot and cast a rod with the end goal of (hopefully!) reeling in your own fish. You’ll be casting a line like a professional in no time!
Queensland Garden Expo
8 July
Stilt walkers at the Queensland Garden Expo, Nambour
Whether you have green thumbs or are just green at heart, the Queensland Garden Expo is a must visit with three days of vibrant colour, lectures, demonstrations and workshops. The kids will love getting their hands dirty with craft and seed planting, and there’s even a free playground with a giant slide, jumping pillow and merry-go-round.
Squirrel Monkey Encounters at Wildlife HQ
Daily
WildlifeHQ, Woombye
It will be a case of monkey see monkey do at Wildlife HQ these holidays with the team introducing a new Squirrel Monkey Encounter! Get up close and feed the cheeky monkeys, or choose to meet some of their other resident animals from meerkats to red pandas and their loveable sun bear – Mali!
Brickman Cities at The Wharf Mooloolaba
Daily
For a bricktastic day out, explore Brickman Cities at The Wharf Mooloolaba! LEGO lovers will love discovering the iconic cities of London, New York Dubai, Tokyo and Sydney, as told in LEGO, with the centrepiece an incredible 1:600 scale model of Manhattan, built entirely in white LEGO pieces! A combination ticket will get you access to both Brickman Cities and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, so make sure to carve out a full-day for this one.
Mary Valley Rattler Holiday Express!
Fridays
The Mary Valley Rattler, Gympie
With all the charm of a bygone era, the Mary Valley Rattler will have kids and adults alike enchanted these school holidays with their special Holiday Express! Meet the driver before you hop aboard this historic steam train for a journey through the rolling Mary Valley countryside, before stopping in for lunch at their popular Rusty Rails Café at the Historic Gympie Station.
Go local with these awesome markets
The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the biggest and best markets in Australia. These school holiday take the kids the Kenilworth Country Markets of a Saturday morning for some serious country charm or the Caloundra Artist Market on 25 June where you can find something special to remember your holiday by.
