Ahhh school holidays. That special time when we get to do fun things with our mini-me’s …only to run out of entertainment inspo three days in and panic #RocksInCornerWithGlassOfSav.

Never fear Gold Coast mums and dads, as we have a list of to-do’s to keep your kiddos occupied (and you sane) across the whole Easter school holidays. And wanna know the best part? The majority are free, or super cheap and cheerful!

Here we go…

Pacific Fair
Wondering what’s poppin’ at Pac Fair this school hols? Why, a Hip Hoppin’ Easter Dance Party, of course. Mark Saturday 23 March in your calendar, for a huge, all day egg-xtravaganza. The fun and free festivities include an Easter egg hunt, Easter bunny meet and greets, workshops, stacks of free chocolate, and of course, an epic groove-off with all the catchiest kid-approved tunes. Dab, no wait, Floss, erm… whatever the heck the kids are doing these days… like nobody’s watching.
Where: 2/32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters

Robina Town Centre
Candy House
Step into the enchanting Candy House at Robina Town Centre, where the air is filled with the sweet scent of adventure. Your little ones will be captivated by interactive games and shows designed to ignite their imagination and tickle their taste buds.

Marvel at the creativity of the Candy House lolly creator as they bring sugary concoctions to life, from candy-coloured creations to inflating blueberries and dancing popcorn! Don’t miss out on the fun from Tuesday, April 2nd to Sunday, April 14th. Doors open from 10am to 2pm daily and shows scheduled every half hour. Best of all, admission is free, and no bookings are required.

Kids Night Out
Treat the whipper snappers to a parent-free arvo of living it up at the movies, and your frazzled eardrums to several hours of serenity in the process… it’s #winwin for all involved. Hosted by Robina Town Centre on the reg, this month Kids Night Out falls on Saturday 6 April, with a screening of Kung Fu Panda 4 they’re sure to be razzed about. It’ll only run you $18 per child (plus candy bar spending money, if you’re feeling generous) which includes their ticket, kids meal and 3 hours of babysitting service. Skadoosh those school hols, y’all!
Where: Event Cinemas Robina, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Beachfront Surfers Markets
Who doesn’t love a night market? The vibes are high, the tunes are flowing, the intoxicating aroma of salt air, artisan candles and fried goods fills the air. This Easter weekend, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market is summoning every-bunny for a massive, Easter edition market-fest, held across three afternoons. Friday 29th, Saturday 30th, and Sunday 31st from 4 pm to 9 pm, round up the fam for a twilight meander through stalls upon stalls of handmade gifts, desserts and a myriad of family-friendly activities. Entry is free, with a visit from the Easter Bunny to boot. Hop to it!
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Naturally GC
NaturallyGC holiday programs are FREE and specifically designed to connect kids with nature and encourage outdoor play and learning. The Totally Wild vibing workshops cater to all interests and ages with a range of nature-based activities on offer across the holidays. There’s Scaly Reptiles or Bugs Gone Wild for the creepy crawly fans to slither in to, Creatures of the Sea to captivate the budding marine biologists, immersive Indigenous Art and Culture sessions, and more. Register online here.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations

Paradise Centre
We can always trust Surfers’ foreshore fun purveyor to bring the school holiday action, and this Easter break, there’s some slam-dunk activities in store for your budding ballers and bakers! From Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 April, mini MVP’s will marvel as a slam dunk court magically materialises by the beachfront dining precinct – with live DJ tunes, guest appearances from big name star dunkers, and appearances from everyone’s favourite, feathery mascots from 1–4pm daily. Shoot hoops till your heart’s content with free play between 4–5pm daily, then cool off with an ice cream to finish… (and the school holiday MVP award, goes to… you!)

Also joining the all-star school holiday lineup, the ever-popular Krispy Kreme doughnut decorating workshops are back again on select dates this April. For less than a tenner per child, they’ll supply two glazed doughnuts and all the sugary necessities needed to create the dessert of their dreams. School holiday fun, eat your heart out.
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Every-bunny knows Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s school holiday programs are the bee’s knees, and this time around they’ve added a second age group for double the fun! Now little sis/bro no longer have to miss out on the BTS action, with the new Wild Adventurers Junior (5-8 year olds) half day sessions to complement the classic full day experience for kiddos aged 9–12. For $34.50 and $69.00 per child respectively, budding zoologists can walk on the wild side and get up close to some of the Sanctuary’s star inhabitants. Smashing! (90’s kids know).

Nutsy’s Nutbush Party is set to debut over the Easter long weekend. To kick off the festivities, the first 100 visitors through the gates on Easter weekend will receive a complimentary chocolate Bilby!

The Easter fun continues with various activities such as bonnet making on the Blinky Bill Stage on Easter Saturday. Hop along on Easter Sunday to take part in the exciting golden ticket hunt, with lucky winners receiving a free chocolate koala.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Oasis Shopping Centre
It’s all happening these school holidays at the Oasis with sweet, sugary shenanigans galore going down between Monday 25th–Thursday 28th, plus, confirmed sightings from the fluffy fellow himself.

Meet the Easter Bunny – Grab a photo with the adorable bunny on Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th March between 11am and 2pm.

Easter cupcake decorating – Madison’s Café & Patisserie are making Easter fun a piece of (cup)cake, with decorating workshops to delight the mini-me’s happening on 27th & 28th March. $15 per child including said cupcake and a milkshake. Sweet!

Hot cross bun decorating – Baker’s Delight: Decorate your very own HCB for free on Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th March between 10am and 12pm. ‘Rustic’ crosses, coming in hot.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Dreamworld
We wouldn’t dream of omitting the home of all things thrills, stars and superheroes this school holidays. For an explosion of taste, scent and entertainment, Dreamworld Food Festival is back this April 6th to 21st. Bringing exciting new options to your favourite outlets, refuel post adrenalin rush with everything from American-style shakes, loaded dogs and ribs; to churros and smoothies.

Plus, for one dazzling day only, watch Dreamworld’s star-studded streets come to life dance mob style, with ‘Dance in the streets!’ brought to you by TP World Tours.
On April 13th, get on down for a captivating parade of colour, music, fun and, of course, dance!
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

ArtVo
Get a taste of Melbourne’s much-loved, immersive art experience, right here in Robina; where you and your brood can step into a world of larger than life murals that we’re permitted, nay encouraged, to interact with… (cue collective sighs of relief from parents everywhere). Strike a pose and grab happy snaps galore as you encounter magical creatures, mighty beasts and step back in time, with eight uniquely themed rooms to explore.

Here’s a school holiday hot tip for you, visit ArtVo ANY DAY during the QLD school holidays at 10.30am to be part of a daily Easter Egg Hunt! Plus get Adults at Kid Prices these April school holidays with the code FUN. Score!
Where: Shop 5062 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina

QT Gold Coast
Every school break, without fail, QT Gold Coast rolls out the red carpet to keep our rugrats busy with some cracking children’s workshops… and for that we are eternally grateful. On select days during the April school holidays, round up the munchkins to bedazzle their own chocolate creation with the ‘Shake and Create’ kids Easter egg decorating classes. $25 per child includes a festive milkshake and everything they need to create their candy-covered masterpiece. Held on Easter Saturday, as well as Wednesday 3rd till Friday 5th April from 10am until 12pm.
Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Sanctuary Cove
So, it’s Easter Sunday and you and the fam have spent the better part of breakfast sampling your spoils, but where to from here? Sanctuary Cove’s Egg-Stra Special Easter extravaganza, of course! Yep, the eggpically awesome Easter event is back again. Bringing Pony Rides, an Animal Petting Zoo, Craft Activities, Face Painting, an Egg Hunt (with a twist) and interactive Easter Shows, the Cove’s tranquil surrounds will transform into an all-out wonderland. Plus, the Easter Bunny will also be bounding in to town for the occasion… you didn’t think the fuzzy fella would miss out on all this fun, did you?
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Broadwater Parklands
Spotted: The busiest bunny in town, hopping high and low throughout the Broadwater Parklands this Easter with a bounty of free mini choccie eggs! From the Great Lawn to the Rockpools, keep your eyes peeled from 11 am to 3 pm on Easter Sunday.

Or if you’ve got a little craft lover on your hands, get on down to the Broadwater on Easter Saturday (30th), and let them go ham on the messy stuff someplace other than your house. Hightail it to the vicinity of the Bouncy Pillow between 9 am–12 pm, for some free and crafty Easter fun, with Easter Egg decorating, plaster painting and wood craft to pick between. Cuute!

For the young’ns (and the young at heart) bubbles are one of life’s most glee-inducing pleasures, so we suggest you back it up at the Parklands this long weekend for a Bubble-a-palooza between 9 am–12 pm, Monday April 1st. Pop by the Bouncy Pillow for a mind blowing extravaganza of the biggest, and most shimmering bubbles you’ve ever seen.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport

HOTA
From Mon 8 – Fri 12 Apr, HOTA is treating miniature creative minds to a five-day crash course on all things art and culture. With a different focus every day, the multi-day ARTCATION fest is geared to ages 8-12 years for the ultimate vacation care with an artsy twist. For $60 per day, your kiddos can take their pick of topics such as ‘Hip hop songwriting’ and ‘Acting for camera’, or hit all five days and save $20.

In one whacky and wonderful coming together, Renaissance in Bricks invites Lego lovers, young and old, to create a classical art-inspired creation of their own, using the universally beloved bricks as their medium. For $20 pp (supervising adult free if not participating) re-imagine the world of painting and sculpture by whipping up a masterpiece. Two sessions available, Sun 14 Apr. Brick on!
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Broadbeach Bricks
Haven’t got your brick fix this school holidays? The FREE, family-friendly Broadbeach Bricks Lego spectacular is back after last year’s sell-out success and promises five days of brickin’ good fun. From Tuesday April 9th to Saturday April 13th, gather the fam and create core mems with workshops, activations, and demonstrations and and building bliss. With daily Treasure Hunts, one-hour building workshops hosted by LEGO® Masters Australia (Season 2) runners-up Andrew and Damien, and a spectacular, collaborative Dragonfly build taking shape over several days, this epic event is sure to be another smash hit!
Where: Broadbeach Mall, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

Harbour Town Premium Outlets
Hopping by Harbour Town over the Easter long weekend to indulge in a spot of shopping or noshing? Word on the street is the Easter Bunny will be in the Harbour Town haus on March 30 & 31 from 11am-2pm. Let the littlie’s in on this intel, and buy yourself some sweet time to smash out those errands while they keep a lookout for the fluffy guy. Cuteness, fuzzy cuddles and high-five’s for all!
Where: 147 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters

Beauty & The Beast
Ok, so this one’s not on the GC, but it’s so magical we recommend you take a trip up the M1. Experience the magic of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Musical at QPAC with added midweek matinee shows on Thursdays and Fridays during the April school holidays.

Plus, the popular 4-ticket bundle offer, which saves guests $20 per ticket, has been extended for the holiday period. This offer is valid for all midweek matinees, midweek evening, and Sunday evening performances from April 2nd to April 14th. Secure your tickets now for performances running until May 19, 2024, exclusively here.

Words by Kellie Leader.

Marina Mirage has gifted us many sensational wining and dining destinations over the years, and oh my ‘cod’, seafood stunner Gods of the Sea has certainly stepped up to the plate. Not only in terms of taste and ambience, but also its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Armed with such intel, if this restaurant isn’t on your radar this Easter long weekend, then you need to walk the plankton.

Always serving up a carefully curated selection of ethically sourced all-Australian fresh produce, ingredients, boutique wines and beverages, the Gods deliver maximum enjoyment with minimal ‘green guilt’. Declaring April the ‘Gods of the Sea celebration of fish’, their exclusive Easter menu offerings are o-fish-ally #goals. And yes you’re right, we should dolphinitely go easy on the puns coz it’s obvs we’re fishing for laughs.

Good Friday is set to take centre stage during this shell-abration with a delectable line-up of new brunch items, freshly prepared by Chef Jon Numinen. You know when this fish and seafood hero (ex Fish House) is in charge, you’re in expert hands. To say we’re all kinds of excited would be an understatement. Especially because it’s exclusive to Good Friday on the 15^th April – and we feel all kinds of fancy when we’re privy to a special menu. And secondly, because brunch is our fave eats/drinks timeslot….

Enjoy mouth-watering Blue Swimmer Crab Waffles with crispy Bangalow bacon and celeriac remoulade, Sardines on Toast paired with grilled sourdough, fermented tomato, pickled red onion, fennel, warrigal greens and shiraz vinegar. Or, try the Smoked Trout Eggs Benedict, with hot smoked ocean trout, English muffin, poached egg, Gods hollandaise and triple smoked salmon roe. Holy Mackerel, is it even possible to choose one without epic FOMO and we think not, so play it safe and order the lot.

Also launching on Good Friday is their range of Australian-inspired Brunch cocktails including Gods Bloody Anchovy Mary, Lemon Myrtle Mimosa and Rainforest Spritz featuring Okar Island bitters. Side note: please refer to our previous point re. FOMO because with beverages of this calibre, it’s worse.

Moving on to the rest of the Easter festivities, a special ‘Gods of the Sea celebration of fish’ 6-course degustation menu will also be available for lunch and dinner over the entire weekend. At $160 per person, it features a selection of signature dishes and some very special items available only at Easter. And let’s not forget that the restaurant has recently unveiled its outdoor lounge bar, which offers a beautifully landscaped and furnished marina view terrace overlooking the Gold Coast Broadwater. It is the perf place for a drink and snack anytime of the day, or a pre or post-dinner cocktail (if you insist…). No bookings are necessary and lounge seating is available on a first-in basis so take the bait and hurry up!

If you miss the Easter line-up, then shame on you (jokes…kinda) but don’t despair because another special brunch event is being cooked up for Mother’s Day, Sunday 8th May. Watch this space!

So, bring your appetite along with your phone to take lots of ‘shelf-ies’, and enjoy an eco-friendly, five-star feast this Easter with the heavenly hosts at Gods of The Sea.

Where: Gods of the Sea, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Good Friday Brunch 10am – 3pm Friday 15^th April. Easter Weekend 6-Course Degustation available for lunch 12pm – 3pm and dinner 5:30pm – 9:30pm Friday 15th, Saturday 16^th & Sunday 17th April. Closed Easter Monday.

Bookings via www.godsofthesea.com.au or phone 0452 652 215.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY GODS OF THE SEA

Easter is the perfect time of year to gather the family, spend some quality time together, and…eat… a lot. Especially chocolate because calories don’t count this time of year and yes, our noses just grew considerably. Well one luxurious five-star resort is providing all of the above under, all under the one (eggstravagantly decorated) roof – and we’re all ears! You guessed it, the team at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa have eggcelled once again with their Easter offerings, guaranteed to delight every bunny.

Easter Sunday Seafood Buffet
Start drooling because Citrique’s award-winning seafood buffet lunch will feature a decadent Easter twist! Enjoy a glass of Chandon sparkling on arrival, live entertainment, and the very finest local produce straight from the ocean and paddock to your plate. Treat the tastebuds to Lobster Thermidor, Baked Whole Salmon with dill cream sauce, Prime Rib Beef Carving with peppercorn sauce, Crispy Pork Shoulder with cinnamon apple compote, and Seafood Paella with saffron aioli and fresh herbs. Then, embrace the hoppy occasion with Chocolate Egg Smores, Speckled Egg Rocky Road, Caramel Egg Ice Cream, Hot Cross Buns and Easter Cake Pops. Available on Sunday 9^th April from 12pm until 3pm. $69 – $139 per person and reservations are essential. Purchase your tickets here.

Easter Egg Hunt
The famous JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa Easter Egg hunt is back! Open to in-house guests only, it’s the perfect excuse to book a little Easter vacay with the family! The Easter Bunny will be hard at work hiding eggs for your little ones, creating unforgettable memories, photo opportunities a-plenty….and priceless content for your socials! A crowd favourite at the resort, only one thing could rival the excitement of eating chocolate eggs and that’s finding them! The hunt is locked in for Sunday 9^th April from 11.30am until 12pm. Bookings are essential via [email protected] or by phoning 07 5592 9800.

Easter Egg Decorating
Another activity involving Easter eggs (there can never be too many), Easter egg decorating is also a crowd favourite at the resort. Extending the invitation to both guests and non-guests, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa’s culinary wizards will teach your mini-me’s the fine art of chocolate making and embellishing. Taking place in Tamborine Gallery, be amazed by their creativity and delight in their eggcitement as they craft their very own edible masterpieces! Sessions will be held on Monday 3^rd, Wednesday 5^th and Friday 7th of April from 3pm until 3.45pm. Tickets are $25 per child (in-house guests only).

Family Holiday Package
Nothing says Happy Easter like a family getaway! Escape the daily grind, reconnect with your loved ones, and enjoy a luxurious 2-night stay at the stunning resort. To make it extra special, breakfast for two adults and two children is included, as well as complimentary snorkel hire to explore the tropical fish in the breathtaking lagoon. Plus, you can also choose between a JW Garden herb planting experience, or a kids culinary class! This amazing package is available for stays between 3^rd February and 30^th June and can be booked here. Our tip; make sure you enter the promotional code HO9 when booking.

So hop to it folks and put all your eggs in one basket this Easter at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa.

Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Various activations as detailed above

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT & SPA.