school holidays in Gold Coast

The lorikeet feeding at 8am and 4pm is the highlight — hundreds of birds land on you. Tree-top challenge course for older kids is properly challenging.

Patrolled swimming, sandcastle territory, and foreshore playgrounds when they need a break from the waves. Free and easy.

Marine animal shows, rides, water play areas and penguin encounters. Buy tickets online — never pay gate price.

Australia's biggest water theme park. Wave pool and splash zones for little ones, proper slides for older kids. Bring your own sunscreen — they charge a fortune inside.

Quieter alternative to Currumbin, tucked away in Burleigh Heads. Koalas, platypus and a nocturnal house. Good for a half-day.

Easy 30-minute coastal walk through rainforest with ocean lookouts. Free, pram-friendly on the lower path, and you can grab fish and chips at the end.