Sunshine Coast Spring school holiday fun guide
Spring into adventure with Sunshine Coast Council’s latest school holiday guide. Packed with free and low-cost activities, creative workshops and wildlife encounters for kids of all ages.
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained these September school holidays? Searching for low cost or free events?
Our Sunshine Coast Spring School Holiday Guide is packed with local adventures, hands-on activities and family-friendly events to make this break unforgettable.
From creative workshops to wildlife encounters, there’s something for every age and interest. Let the springtime memories begin.
School holiday hack. Big adventures, tiny price
Rethink how you get around these school holidays and make getting around part of the fun.
Try riding your bike for short distances to the beach, shops or park. Heading further afield, jump on the bus to explore a hinterland tourism haven, like Yandina or Eumundi, or even travel across the Sunshine Coast and down to Brisbane for just 50 cents.
Details: Find out more and to plan your route.
Visit: Translink’s website.
Clinging to hope
Koala conservation, survival and stewardship on the Sunshine Coast. Visit the Clinging to Hope display at the Arts and Ecology Centre during Save the Koala month to learn cool facts and hear real stories from a local research project.
Discover how habitat, health, and human action are shaping the future of the koala population at the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden and surrounding areas.
Explore interactive displays, behind-the-scenes research insights and real stories from the field. Learn the names of local koalas and which trees are their favourite.
Discover how every koala sighting matters and how you can be a steward for their survival by contributing to QWildlife, a simple app that helps scientists gather crucial data.
When: September 9–24, 9.30am–2.30pm. Weekdays only.
Where: Arts and Ecology Centre at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden.
Details: Free. No booking required.
Information, visit: Clinging to Hope.
Bushland storytime
Come along for a Beary special Storytime amongst the gumtrees. Sunshine Coast Libraries presents this fun morning of reading and learning about koalas, for children under 5 years of age and their caregivers.
When: Thursday, September 11, 9.30–10.30am.
Where: Arts and Ecology Centre front lawn (at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden).
Age: Under 5 years of age and their caregivers.
Details: Bookings essential, limited spots. Sun protection, drinking water. If you have a toy koala or koala-inspired book, please bring it along.
Book ticket: Bushland storytime.
Recycling pop up displays
Did you know that aluminium and steel household aerosols can be recycled?
Figuring out what items can be recycled can sometimes be confusing. To help get your recycling sorted, Sunshine Coast Council will be popping up at local shopping centres in September school holidays to answer your tricky questions in person. This initiative is supported by the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund.
The Council team will be at the Sunshine Plaza, Nambour Plaza, Kawana Shopping World and Caloundra Shopping Centre at multiple dates and times in 2025.
There’s a fun recycling sorting game to play as well as waste and recycling collection calendars, bin stickers, and models to make of waste, recycling and garden organics bin trucks.
When and where: September to October.
Kawana Shopping World – September 15–19, 9am–3pm.
Caloundra Shopping Centre – September 22–26, 9am–3pm.
Nambour Plaza – September 29–October 3, 9am–3pm.
Sunshine Plaza – October 7–12, 9am–3pm.
Caloundra Shopping Centre – October 13–19, 9am–3pm.
Details: Bookings not required.
Visit: Let’s Get It Sorted.
If you can’t make it to one of the pop ups, Council recommends downloading the handy RecycleMate app. Using Recycle Mate is the easiest option to find out what can be recycled and where to take your tricky items.
Simply search your item and you’ll be given information on the best disposal option that’s nearest to you. Visit Recycle Mate recyclemate.com.au.
Nest box monitoring with NatureWatch Sunshine Coast
We need your help to investigate nest boxes in Council reserves and parks. You will receive hands-on experience with wildlife monitoring techniques and data collection.
Why nest boxes?
Nest boxes provide artificial habitat and supplement tree hollows, which take a long time to form naturally (generally 80+ years). Different designs of nest boxes targeting a wide range of species have been installed throughout Council’s reserves and parks for the past 30 years.
However, there has been limited monitoring efforts, and we are missing essential information. Join in at one or more nest box monitoring activities.
Details: Bookings are essential, limited spots available at multiple dates and locations.
Register your spot: Registration essential.
Koala detectives
Join University of the Sunshine Coast researcher Cedar Staggard and fauna ecologist for a hands–on workshop exploring the exciting world of koala tracking and conservation.
Discover how scientists are using thermal drone surveys, GPS technology, and clever detection dogs to locate and monitor koalas more accurately than ever before.
Meet one of the amazing conservations K9s – a dog specially trained to sniff out koala poo – and learn how this unique skill helps researchers find koalas in dense bushland. Learn about changing conservation technology – from GPS collars to Bluetooth chips.
Find out how you can get involved by reporting koala sightings through the QWildlife app, helping build a clearer picture of koala movements across the region.
This workshop is perfect for curious minds of all ages – come along and be part of the future of koala conservation.
When: Sunday, September 21, 9.30–11am.
Where: Meet at the Arts and Ecology Centre (at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden).
Details: Bookings essential, limited spaces. Please wear clothing suitable for the outdoors and bring drinking water.
Book tickets: Koala Detectives.
Walking with Koalas
Join award-winning young environmentalist Jarrah Small and fauna ecologist Clancy Hall for a wild and wonderful Koala Detectives Walk – a special outdoor adventure where kids become nature sleuths!
Learn how to spot signs of koalas in the wild, from scratch marks and scats to their favourite feed trees.
This hands-on experience is part of Save the Koala Month and is perfect for curious kids who love wildlife, nature, and getting involved in real conservation work.
When: Monday, September 22, 9.30–11am.
Where: Meet at the Arts and Ecology Centre (at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden).
Age: Suitable for 7 to 12 years.
Details: All children must be accompanied by a caregiver (caregivers stay but don’t need a ticket). Please wear clothing suitable for the outdoors and bring drinking water.
Registration essential, limited spaces.
Register here: Walking with Koalas.
Inspired poly-clay creations
Join us for a creative morning of 3D art making, inspired by a 'kids only' private guided tour of the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize. Take some time to look closely at the 40 artworks on display, what you see may surprise and excite you.
Once you have selected some of your favourite artworks, enjoy transforming what you see in two dimensions into three.
With a huge selection of polymer clays, special tools and some expert tips from artist and educator Lyndon Hallows, make a collection of objects inspired by your experience of the show and driven by creative imagination!
The pieces you make can be taken home and permanently hardened in the oven in under an hour. All materials are provided.
Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery annex.
When and time: Tuesday, September 30, 10.30am–12pm.
Age group: This workshop is for kids aged 10 to 14 years.
Bookings essential: Inspired Poly-Clay Creations.
Cost: $12 per child.
Details: Bookings essential, limited spaces.
TurtleCare Hatchling Club
Fun, parent-supervised school holiday activity for primary school aged children aged 5 to 10 years who want to learn more about Turtles, run by the TurtleCare Sunshine Coast volunteer team.
Be a turtle researcher for the morning. This activity will be outdoors and include beach activities.
When: Tuesday, September 23.
Where: Wyanda Park, Beach access 239, Warana.
Age: Children aged 5 to 10 years. Must be parent supervised.
Details: Bookings essential.
Important information: Please note – There will be no live turtles at this event. All participants will require a caregiver who is required to stay but does not need a ticket. Other children may attend but will not be able to participate in age specific activities.
To book your space, bookings essential:
TurtleCare Hatchling Club. Tuesday, September 23, 8.30am. Register here.
TurtleCare Hatchling Club. Tuesday, September 23, 10.30am. Register here.
Botanical illustration for young artists
Explore the beauty of botany at these illustration workshops, led by artist Rhonda Stokoe. Designed especially for children and young people, this hands-on session blends creativity with curiosity, inviting participants to discover the detail in plant identification through drawing and watercolour.
With a special focus on Eucalypts, one of Australia’s most iconic plant groups, young artists will learn how to observe and illustrate leaves, flowers, and seed pods using a variety of mediums.
Whether your child is a keen sketcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply loves spending time outdoors, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with plants in through creativity.
What’s included:
- Introduction to botanical illustration
- Guided drawing and watercolour techniques using real plant specimens
- Exploration of eucalyptus forms and features
- All materials provided – just bring your curiosity.
When: Tuesday, September 23.
Sessions:
- 10am–11.30am, aged 5 to 9 years.
- 12noon–1.30pm, aged 10 to 17 years.
Where: Arts and Ecology Centre (at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden).
Details: Registration essential. Limited spaces.
Register here: Botanical Illustration.
Book reading – Bear to the Rescue
Come along for a live book reading with Dr Romane Cristescu, veterinarian turned conservation scientist, whose passion for wildlife has led her on an extraordinary journey with her extraordinary dog, Bear.
Romane is the director of Detection Dogs for Conservation at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where she leads a team of dedicated researchers – and five clever dogs. Together, they are pioneering ways to protect koalas and other native species.
From training dogs to sniff out koala scats, to using drones and thermal cameras, and even Bluetooth ear tags for citizen science, Romane’s work is as inspiring as it is innovative.
Children will adore, Bear to the Rescue, Romane's second book. She believes kindness and curiosity are the best tools for protecting nature – and this event is a celebration of both.
Whether you're a young reader, an animal lover, or a future scientist, this is your chance to hear Bear's story, meet a real-life conservationist, and be inspired to protect koalas.
When: Wednesday, September 24, 9–10am.
Where: Arts and Ecology Centre (at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden).
Age: Suitable for children aged 4 to 9 years.
Details: All children must be accompanied by a caregiver who is required to stay but does not need a ticket. Bear to the Rescue will be followed by Meet the Animals with Geckoes Wildlife.
Registration essential. Limited spaces.
Register: Bear to the Rescue.
Meet the animals
Get ready to meet the animals – including Bumpy, a very special Southern hairy-nosed wombat. In this exciting, interactive wildlife presentation with expert handler Martin Fingland from Geckoes Wildlife.
Children of all ages are invited to come face-to-face with some of the Sunshine Coast’s most fascinating native creatures. Through fun and engaging storytelling, Martin will guide young nature lovers through the wonders of our local wildlife and the places they belong.
This is more than just a wildlife show – it’s a celebration of conservation, curiosity, and our more than human world.
When: Wednesday, September 24, 10–11.30am.
Where: Arts and Ecology Centre (at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden).
Age: All ages.
Details: Please wear clothes suitable for the outdoors and bring drinking water.
Register: Meet the Animals.
The super serious comic quest
The library has turned into a world of adventure, and your favourite comic and cartoon characters need you.
Grab your cape, follow the clues, and explore the shelves to complete your quest. Are you ready to become a Library Hero?
When: September 20 – October 5 during library open hours.
Where: All Sunshine Coast Libraries.
Age: Free. For ages 6+ years.
Details: Drop-in sessions, no registration required.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries.
Cartoon Dave
Ever wanted to turn every animal on the Planet into a cool cartoon version? Now is your chance. Join Cartoon Dave for a fully interactive workshop and unleash your creativity.
When and where:
- Coolum Library – Tuesday, September 30, 10–11am.
- Caloundra Library – Tuesday, September 30, 2–3pm.
- Maroochydore Library – Wednesday, October 1, 10–11am.
- Kawana Library – Wednesday, October 1, 2–3pm.
Age: Free. For ages 7 to 12 years old.
Details: Bookings essential. Maximum 3 bookings per membership card.
Book: Sunshine Coast Libraries.
Junior Citizen Scientist workshop
Help the National Fire Ant Eradication team by becoming a citizen scientist. During the workshop you will learn all about fire ants, how to spot them and what to do to help keep our local area safe.
When and where:
- Caloundra Library – Thursday, October 2, 10.30–11.30am.
- Maroochydore Library – Thursday, September 25, 10.30–11.30am.
Details: Free. For ages 6 to 12 years old.
Bookings essential. Maximum 3 bookings per membership card.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries.
Scavenger hunt
The library has turned into superhero headquarters, and we have the books to prove it. Your mission, find the superhero book covers hiding in the library. It’s up to you to track them down and save the day.
When: September 20 – October 5. During library open hours.
Where: All Sunshine Coast Libraries and mobile libraries.
Age: Free for all ages.
Details: Drop-in session, no registration required.
Book: Sunshine Coast Libraries.
Super badges
Design a one-of-a-kind button badge using pages from old comics or draw your own. Think bold colours, epic sound effects, and awesome characters – your badge, your story.
- Maroochydore Library – Tuesday, September 23, 9.30–11.30am.
- Caloundra Library – Thursday, September 25, 10am–12pm.
- Beerwah Library – Tuesday, September 30, 10am–12pm.
- Nambour Library – Monday, October 1, 9.30–11.30am.
Age: Free. For ages 6+ years.
Details: Bookings essential.
Book: Sunshine Coast Libraries.
Animal mash-up
Get silly and creative as you mix and match animal body parts to invent your own hilarious creatures. Use wacky templates and craft supplies to bring your funny animals to life.
- Kawana Library – Tuesday, September 23, 10am–12.00pm.
- Kenilworth Library – Wednesday, September 24, 9.30–11.30am.
- Maleny Library – Wednesday, September 24, 9.30–11.30am.
- Maroochydore Library – Tuesday, September 30, 9.30–11.30am.
- Caloundra Library – Wednesday, October 1, 10am–12pm.
Age: Free. For ages 5+ years.
Details: Drop-in session, no registration required.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries.
Comic book creation
Unleash your imagination and become a comic book creator. Use the awesome booklet template to design your very own action-packed, laugh-out-loud, or totally wild comic adventure.
- Nambour Library – Tuesday, September 23, 10–11.30am.
- Beerwah Library – Thursday, September 25, 10–11.30am.
- Maleny Library – Tuesday, September 30, 10–11.30am.
- Coolum Library – Thursday, October 2, 9.30–11am.
Age: Free. For ages 6+ years.
Details: Drop-in session, no registration required.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries.
Future engineers
Get ready to design, build and unleash your creativity with LEGO, magnetic tiles, geometric shapes and much more.
When: September 20 – October 5. Visit libraries website for session times at your library.
Where: All Sunshine Coast Libraries.
Age: Free. For ages 6+ years.
Details: Drop-in session, no registration required.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries.
Museum Mystery Madness
Discover exciting secrets about local history and enjoy interactive games and activities at your local museum. Fun for all ages. To find your local museum opening hours and other details, visit Council’s Heritage Website.
When: September 20 – October 5.
Where: Sunshine Coast museums.
Age: Fun for all ages.
Details: Visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and select museums for details.
Insect mounting and pinning workshop
Suitable for students aged 10 and up, kids will learn everything they need to know about collecting, mounting, labelling, preserving and presenting an insect collection.
Students will be provided with a setting board, pins, mounting needles, labelling card, instruction booklet and an Australian butterfly and beetle or bug to mount.
When:
- Friday, October 3, 10–11.15am.
- Friday, October 3, 12–1.15pm.
Where: Landsborough Museum.
Cost: $10 per person.
Age: Suitable for students aged 10 and up.
Details: Registration essential.
Register: heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Dinosaur Kingdom jumping castle
Dinosaur Kingdom brings the primeval world of the dinosaur to your backyard. With a great slide, plenty of room to bounce and inflatable interactive including baby dinos and dinosaur eggs inside, this is one awesome castle. Afterwards explore the museum exhibition and live bugs display.
When: Thursday, September 25, 10.30am–2.30pm.
Where: Landsborough Museum.
Cost: Free. No booking required.
Age: Suitable for ages 3 and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Visit: Dinosaur Kingdom.
Kids native flower wristband workshop
Get ready for a fun and flowery adventure with Nadine McDonald-Dowd (Yuwi) from Blak Botanics.
In this hands-on workshop, kids will create their very own wristbands using beautiful native flowers and plant fibres, while learning about the special plants that grow on Country.
Guided by First Nations knowledge and gentle storytelling, little hands will explore nature, creativity and culture in a safe and joyful space. All materials provided.
When: Friday, September 26, 10.30am–12pm.
Where: Bankfoot House.
Cost: Free. Registration essential.
Age: Suitable for ages 8 and over. Adult assistance recommended.
Visit: Register for workshop.
Outdoor movie The Lorax
Bring your favourite comfy camp chair, bean bag or blanket. Don’t miss the free popcorn.
When: Friday, October 3, 5.30–7.30pm.
Where: Bankfoot House.
Cost: Free, registration essential.
Age: Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Visit: Register Bankfoot House movie.
Pioneer play, butter churning
Experience the satisfaction of churning and tasting your own creamy, delicious butter. You’ll get your hands dirty (the fun kind) using an old-fashioned butter churn.
When: Saturday, October 4, 10.30–11.30am.
Where: Bankfoot House.
Cost: Free, registration essential.
Age: Suitable for children aged 5 and over.
Visit: Register for Pioneer play.
Kids Art Attack
Raise the alarm! Robots have raided the gallery. In this session of Kids Art Attack, children will design and build robots with the gallery’s junk and recyclables.
When: Saturday, October 4, 11am–1pm.
Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery.
Cost: $2 per child. All materials supplied. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Age: Suitable for aged 4 to 10 years.
Details: Kids Art Attack is held on the first Saturday of every month and is a drop-in style activity suitable for kids aged 4 to 10.
Visit: Kids Art Attack.
Image credit: Huseyin Sami | Untitled (SPB) (detail) | 2025 | polymer paint on polyester | 100 x 100cm. Image courtesy of the artist and Sophie Gannon Gallery, Melbourne.
Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2025
Follow the Art Trail and spend time in the Art Room as you explore the exhibition Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2025. These are self-paced activities that engage visitors of all ages in the exhibition through puzzles, play and hands-on making.
When: Gallery opening hours.
- Monday – Friday, 10am–4pm.
- Saturday – Sunday, 10am–2pm.
Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery.
Age: Free. Ideal for visitors aged 4 years and over.
Details: The Art Trail and Art Room are free and ideal for visitors aged 4 years and over.
Wild HeART entries from the past under 8 years old. Echnida.
Little artists, big impact
Environmental Art Prize now open.
The 2025 Wild HeART Student Art Prize invites young Sunshine Coast artists to explore native Australian species, create an artwork and share their stories of connection. Finalists’ works will feature in a summer exhibition at Maroochy Botanic Garden.
Entries close October 5, with prizes across three age categories.
Full details and how to enter: 2025 Wild HeART Student Art Prize.
Still searching for things to do?
Adventure Sunshine Coast
Looking to get outdoors with the family these school holidays? Explore the Sunshine Coast by bike, enjoy the fresh air and discover local paths and hidden gems near you.
For more than 250 walking, running, paddling, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding trails on the Sunshine Coast, visit Sunshine Coast Council’s Adventure Sunshine Coast website and choose your next adventure.
Are you beach ready?
Wherever you’re heading, make your visit memorable for the right reasons with the BeachSafe app. You’ll find the latest information about every Australian beach on the go, learn how to spot a rip, find beach patrol times and locations as well as beach conditions and hazards. Add it to your home screen and remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Even more Council offerings
Why not pack a picnic and visit one (or many!) of Council’s marvellous parks and gardens, make a splash at a Council aquatic centre, hone your skills at a Council skate and bmx park, or snap a selfie along Council’s scenic Coastal Pathway.