Hide clues around the house that can only be unlocked by solving a maths problem. Each answer points to the next hiding spot.
Gold Coast School Holidays
The next QLD school holidays are the summer school holidays, officially from Saturday 12 December 2026 to Tuesday 26 January 2027. The last day of term is Friday 11 December 2026. The Gold Coast offers patrolled surf beaches, headland national parks and a green hinterland, all within a short drive. Schools follow the Queensland state school calendar.
QLD school terms & holidays 2026
| Period | Starts | Ends | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tue 27 Jan 2026 | Thu 2 Apr 2026 | 9 weeks |
| Autumn school holidaysBetween Term 1 and Term 2 | Fri 3 Apr 2026 | Sun 19 Apr 2026 | 17 days |
| Term 2 | Mon 20 Apr 2026 | Fri 26 June 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Winter school holidaysBetween Term 2 and Term 3 | Sat 27 June 2026 | Sun 12 July 2026 | 16 days |
| Term 3 | Mon 13 July 2026 | Fri 18 Sept 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Spring school holidaysBetween Term 3 and Term 4 | Sat 19 Sept 2026 | Mon 5 Oct 2026 | 17 days |
| Term 4 | Tue 6 Oct 2026 | Fri 11 Dec 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Summer school holidaysEnd of 2026 → start of 2027 | Sat 12 Dec 2026 | Tue 26 Jan 2027 | 46 days |
- Student-free day in Term 3: Friday 4 September.
- Years 10 and 11 usually finish 2–3 weeks, and Year 12 usually 3–4 weeks, before the end of Term 4.
- 69 state schools in remote areas (north of 16°S and west of 144°E, plus listed western towns) start the summer holidays one week earlier.
- Each school also closes for one extra day a year: the local show holiday or a day in lieu.
- Applies to
- Queensland state schools
- Source
- Queensland Department of Education – term dates and school holidays
- Status
- Confirmed by official source
- Last checked
- Saturday 10 October 2026
- Updated
- Saturday 10 October 2026
All Queensland dates and countdown
Looking for an organised holiday program in Gold Coast?
See What's OnFree and low-cost things to do in Gold Coast
Ideas, not endorsements. Opening hours, prices and holiday programs change, so check each place's official website before you go.
Burleigh Head National ParkA rainforest headland walk with ocean views.
HOTA, Home of the ArtsArts precinct with a gallery and parklands.
Springbrook National ParkHinterland waterfalls and rainforest walks.
Gold Coast LibrariesLibrary branches with holiday programs.
Patrolled beachesMany beaches are patrolled by lifeguards; always swim between the flags.
Local tips for Gold Coast families
- Weather: Warm to hot most of the year with a humid, stormy summer and a mild, dry winter.
- Theme parks are busiest in school holidays; free beaches, parks and libraries are a great balance.
- Your local library is one of the best free school holiday resources: most run craft, reading and STEM sessions during the break.
Free things to do these school holidays
Keep Gold Coast kids busy, happy and learning with free activities you can start today — no bookings needed.
A printable bingo card of reading challenges — read in a cubby, read to a pet, read a comic — to keep books fun all holidays.
Using only paper and tape, design a bridge between two books that holds as many coins as possible.