The September school holidays are almost here, and if you’re planning a family escape to the Gold Coast, you certainly won’t be short of things to do.
Spring is one of our favourite times of year on the Coast. The days are getting warmer, the beaches are calling and there’s a fantastic mix of special school holiday events, outdoor adventures and family attractions to fill your days.
If you’re staying with Elite Holiday Homes these school holidays, here are a few ideas to add to your itinerary.
Explore SWELL Sculpture Festival
A trip to Currumbin is well worth adding to the holiday plans, with the annual SWELL Sculpture Festival transforming the beachfront into an outdoor gallery.
Take a walk along the beach and discover large-scale sculptures and installations dotted along the coastline and parklands. It’s a great option for families because you can combine the exhibition with a morning at the beach, lunch nearby or simply let the kids explore along the way.
Best of all, the main outdoor exhibition is free.
Let the Kids Take Over HOTA
HOTA – Home of the Arts has a dedicated Kids Take Over program running during the September holidays, with performances, workshops, installations and free activities designed especially for younger visitors.
There’s plenty happening throughout the program, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you go and choosing something that suits the ages and interests of your family.
HOTA is also only a short drive from many of our Broadbeach Waters and Surfers Paradise holiday homes.
Spend a Day at the Theme Parks
It wouldn’t be a Gold Coast family holiday without mentioning the theme parks!
Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and Dreamworld remain firm favourites, particularly when you’re travelling with children of different ages.
During the September holidays, Dreamworld is also bringing back its Country Fair, with additional entertainment including live music, line dancing, farmyard animals, tractor displays and country-style food alongside the park’s usual rides and attractions.
If you’re staying for several nights, consider spreading the theme parks across your holiday rather than trying to squeeze everything into consecutive days. A relaxing pool day in between can be very welcome!
Meet the New Quokkas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is always a fantastic family day out, but there’s an extra reason to visit these holidays.
The Sanctuary is welcoming two new quokkas, with special activities planned from 25 September including keeper talks, face painting and a competition to help name the new arrivals.
For something completely different after dark, families can also experience Astra Lumina, an immersive night walk through the Sanctuary featuring light, projections and sound amongst the natural bushland.
Go Whale Watching
September falls right in the middle of whale-watching season on the Gold Coast, making this a wonderful time to get the family out on the water.
There are several whale-watching cruises departing from the Gold Coast, and you don’t have to travel far offshore before there’s a chance of spotting humpback whales making their annual migration.
An early morning cruise still leaves plenty of time for lunch, a swim and a relaxing afternoon back at your holiday home.
Have a Beach Day
Sometimes the simplest holiday days are the ones everyone remembers.
Pack the towels, sunscreen and a picnic and spend a few hours at one of the Gold Coast’s many beaches.
Kurrawa Beach at Broadbeach is a favourite for families staying in our Broadbeach Waters homes, while further south you’ll find Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin.
And the best part? A day at the beach doesn’t cost a thing.
Discover the Gold Coast Hinterland
Need a break from the sand and theme parks?
Head inland for the day and discover another side of the Gold Coast. Tamborine Mountain makes an easy family day trip, with rainforest walks, lookouts, cafes and plenty of places to stop and explore.
Pack some comfortable shoes, take a picnic or find somewhere for lunch and enjoy a slower-paced day surrounded by greenery.
Make Time to Enjoy the House
One of the advantages of choosing a holiday home rather than traditional hotel accommodation is that you don’t have to plan an activity for every minute of every day.
Many Elite Holiday Homes properties have private swimming pools, games rooms, cinema or media rooms and generous outdoor entertaining areas.
After a busy day exploring the Gold Coast, sometimes the perfect afternoon is simply heading home, putting the kids in the pool, firing up the BBQ and enjoying some time together.
Make Your School Holiday Stay Even Easier
School holidays should feel like a holiday for the adults too.
Guests staying with Elite Holiday Homes also have access to My Holiday Concierge, who can assist with services including airport transfers, grocery shopping and unpacking, private chefs, babysitting referrals, massages and beauty treatments, yoga and baby equipment hire.
Imagine arriving at your holiday home with the groceries already unpacked and the fridge stocked – that’s one less school holiday job to worry about!
Your Gold Coast School Holiday Starts Here
Whether your family loves theme parks and adventure, wildlife and nature, beaches and swimming, or simply spending time together around the pool, the Gold Coast has something for everyone these September school holidays.
With spacious homes accommodating larger families and groups, Elite Holiday Homes gives everyone room to come together – and enough space to spread out when they need it!
Explore our range of Gold Coast holiday homes and start planning your September school holiday escape.
Elite Holiday Homes – your home away from home on the Gold Coast.