If you're heading to the Gold Coast these school holidays, you're in for a good time. Queensland Term 3 holidays run from 20 September to 4 October 2026, and the southern Gold Coast right now is honestly one of my favourite stretches of coast in the country. I've spent time shooting at Currumbin, Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and Coolangatta, and every single trip I find something new. Whether you've got kids in tow, you're chasing waves, or you just want a few days by the water, this part of the Gold Coast delivers.
Here's my honest local guide to making the most of the Gold Coast school holidays down in the southern end, where the beaches are a bit quieter and the surf is world-class.
Currumbin Beach: The Whole Family Will Love It
Currumbin is one of those beaches that works for everyone. The rock pool at the northern end is calm and sheltered, which makes it perfect for little kids. The beach itself is long and clean, with consistent surf that's accessible for beginners but still fun for more experienced surfers.
Just a few minutes from the beach, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is worth a morning out if you've got kids. It's genuinely good, not just a tourist trap. Getting up close with koalas and kangaroos is something they won't forget in a hurry.
I've photographed Currumbin from the air on several trips and the view from above is something else. The way the rock shelf meets that clear water, with the estuary and beach stretching south, it photographs beautifully from a drone. If you want to take a bit of Currumbin home, my Currumbin Art Print I captures that coastal geometry in a way that really holds up on a wall. There are also a few other variants if you want a different angle: Currumbin Art Print II, Currumbin Art Print III and Currumbin Art Print IV are all worth a look.
Rainbow Bay: Worth Every Second
Rainbow Bay is one of my favourite spots on the entire Gold Coast and I'll back that up without hesitation. It sits just around the headland from Snapper Rocks, and the bay itself has this protected, almost lagoon-like quality that makes it one of the calmest swimming spots in the area. Great for families who want a swim without dealing with heavy shore break.
I shot Rainbow Bay Art Print I from above, and the aerial perspective really shows you why this place is so special. That sweep of white sand, the clear green water, the headland. It's a strong seller for a reason. A lot of people come back from a Gold Coast trip and want something on the wall that brings that feeling back. This is the one I'd point them to.
If you want to read more about why Rainbow Bay is one of my go-to spots to photograph, I've written a longer piece here: Rainbow Bay Wall Art: A Local Photographer's Guide to the Gold Coast's Most Beautiful Surf Break.
Snapper Rocks: Legendary for a Reason
If there's any surf break in Australia that needs no introduction, it's Snapper. The Superbank stretching from Snapper through to Kirra is one of the longest right-handers in the world when it fires, and even when it's not going off, it's worth the walk out to the point just to watch.
During the school holidays, the path along the headland from Coolangatta to Snapper gets busy, but it's an easy walk and the views back toward Coolangatta and the CBD are excellent. I've shot Snapper Rocks Art Print I from the headland and from above, and the way the sand banks and water colour shift depending on the light is genuinely fascinating to photograph.
Coolangatta: Old-School Gold Coast Done Right
Coolangatta has a different energy to the main Gold Coast strip. It's more relaxed, more local. The beach in front of town is good for swimming, there are decent cafes along Marine Parade, and you're right next to the airport if you're flying in. With kids, it's an easy base. With surfers, it's a pilgrimage.
The Coolangatta Art Print I gives you that sweeping look at the bay and beach that I think captures the spirit of the place without being overly posed or touristy. Real coastal photography, not a stock image.
Bring the Gold Coast Home
One of the things I hear all the time from customers is that they wanted something on the wall after a holiday that actually brought the memory back. Not a fridge magnet. Not a generic print. Something that looked like the beach they loved, shot properly, and made well enough to actually hang somewhere they'd see it every day.
All my Gold Coast prints start from $89. They're printed to order here in Victoria using giclee archival inks, and every one of them ships free anywhere in Australia. You can go unframed if you've already got a frame you love, or choose from solid timber classic frames in black, white or oak. If you want a bit more depth, the floating frame canvas is a popular option, especially for rooms with good natural light as there's no glass and zero reflections. For the best possible finish and protection against glare, the premium shadow box uses Tru Vue Museum Glass with 99% UV protection.
If you're not sure which size suits your wall, the size guide on the site walks you through it clearly. And there's a full product guide if you want to compare framing options before you decide.
Also worth a read if you're thinking about a print as a gift: Australian Coastal Wall Art as a Housewarming Gift: How to Choose a Print That Actually Lands.
FAQ
What are the best beaches on the Gold Coast for families during school holidays?
Currumbin Beach is one of the best options for families, with a calm rock pool at the northern end that's ideal for young kids. Rainbow Bay is another great pick, with sheltered water and a relaxed atmosphere. Both are less crowded than the main Surfers Paradise strip, especially during Queensland school holidays when locals tend to stay closer to home.
Is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary worth visiting during the school holidays?
Yes, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is genuinely worth it for families. Kids can hand-feed lorikeets, get up close with koalas, and meet kangaroos in an open setting. It's a half-day visit at minimum and is one of the most popular family attractions on the southern Gold Coast.
What is the best Gold Coast coastal wall art to buy as a holiday souvenir?
The best souvenir is one that actually captures the beach you visited, not a generic coastal print. My Rainbow Bay Art Print I and Currumbin Art Print I are both real photographs I've taken at these locations, printed on archival materials and available framed or unframed. They start
