Easter fun abounds with these free or low-cost Sunshine Coast Council school holiday events. Packed with boredom-busting activities, there’s something for every bunny, big or small.
You can celebrate Youth Week with Youth Day in Coolum where you will find music, art, workshops and food on April 5 from Noon-4pm at Jack Morgan Park, Perry St, Coolum Beach. Another option is to join the Youth Fest for skate competitions, a battle of the bands and food trucks at Baringa Town Centre, 20 Edwards Tce, Baringa on April 11 from 2pm-10pm, for ages 12-25. For more information email YOUTH@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or call the council on (07) 5475 7272.
A local group of artists will share their creative practice and observations of fauna, flora and fungi the Rainforest Discovery Centre theatrette at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny. You can see their work in progress or participate in a weekend ‘Come and Try’ session on April 5 and 6 and April 12 and 13, from 10am – 12.30pm. Details: https://mary-cairncross.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/see-and-do/what-s-on/artists-in-residence-sunshine-coast-nature-sketchers
If you want to get moving, join a guided walk to show plant and animal life at Kawana Forest on April 7 from 8.30-10.30am, Currimundi Lake on April 14 from 8.30-10:30am, or Doonan Creek Environmental Reserve on April 16 from 7.30-9.30am. Register online or email naturewatch@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for details.
Grab your friends, your favourite camp chair, bean bag or blanket and head to Beerwah Community Hall for some free movie nights. Registration is essential. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Catch Ready Player One on Thursday, April 10, 6-8.30pm; Pride and Prejudice on Friday, May 16, 6-8.30pm; Nim’s Island on Saturday, June 7, 6-8.30pm. For more information: https://library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/whats-on/beerwah-heart-cinema
Try hands-on workshops led by local artists at Beerwah Community Hall. Whether you’re into anime, stencils, spray painting or barbecue mastery, there’s something for everyone. Registration is essential. Workshops are for people aged 13-18 on April 10 from 1-9pm. Details: https://library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/whats-on/queensland-youth-week
Join a small group of passionate volunteers to discover Council reserves and help find out which local wildlife animals are using nest boxes at Yinneburra Environment Reserve, Yaroomba, on April 10, 10am-12pm; Gum Tree Dr Bushland Conservation Area, on April 19, 9-11am. Register online or email naturewatch@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for details.
Experience a unique day of cultural learning with Kabi Kabi and Jinibara First Nations peoples at Bankfoot House, Glass House Mountails on April 12 from 10am–2pm. Enjoy games, dancing, markets, food and craft activities for all ages. Explore the grounds, tour the historic house or visit the Mary Grigor Centre. For information visit https://heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/about/programs-and-events/first-nations-family-fun-day
Sunshine Coast Stadium will host a Sunshine Coast Falcons home game on April 12, when the Hostplus Cup side take on the Norths Devils, 2024 reigning premiers, and the U19 Mal Meninga Cup team will play the Tweed Seagulls. For details visit: https://www.sunshinecoaststadium.com.au/events/sc-falcons-v-norths-devils\
Make an Easter basket and search for Easter eggs at Bankfoot House – the only surviving coach station on the famous Cobb & Co. run between Brisbane and Gympie. April 15, 10-11am at 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains. The event is free but make sure you register online: https://heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/about/programs-and-events/easter-at-museums
Play pickleball, badminton, basketball or netball at the Caloundra Indoor Stadium. The indoor courts can be hired casually, so grab some friends and shoot hoops or try something new like pickleball or badminton. Contact the Stadium for availability on 07 5499 6000 or visit their Facebook page.
Inspire your young artist with works from their peers in the Local Student Art Prize 2025 exhibition, with 2D works from up-and-coming artists at the Caloundra Regional Gallery. The Local Contemporary Art Prize 2025 showcases 40 finalists works from local artists. Children can join the Kids Art Attack to draw, cut, collage, paint, fold and create a facilitated drop-in style art and craft activity aimed at children aged 4-10. Go to: https://gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Be a part of Horizon 2025 and have your creation feature as part of the Radical Hope Machine exhibition. Create a video or digital story of the Radical Hope Machine’s crash landing and how it surprised the Sunshine Coast. Work in groups to develop creative ideas for your story. Take on roles like director, camera operator, or scriptwriter, and learn storyboarding, greenscreen techniques, and editing. The activity is free but registration is essential. All materials provided. Suitable for ages eight to 16-years at the Coolum and Kawana libraries. For details visit https://library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/whats-on/at-the-library/digital-storytelling
Sunshine Coast Libraries have a number of activities, including Easter crafts, Minecraft and Lego challenges, and scavenger hunts from April 5 to 21. Details: Sunshine Coast Libraries website.
Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden will host a number of workshops including Connecting with the Ocean, Marine Explorers, Earth Arts, Nature Dress Arts, Botany Scavenger Hunt, Gems of Earth and Easter Clay Play. Dates and times vary. Be sure to register as places are limited. For more information visit: https://botanic-garden.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au