What to do on the Sunshine Coast with Kids

Australia

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Are you trying to figure out what to do on the Sunshine Coast?

Plan out your amazing Sunshine Coast holiday and discover all the best local activities with RedBalloon’s guide on the most amazing experiences to make your trip an unforgettable one.

From local markets to wonderful hinterland, there’s plenty to enjoy.  

What to do on the Sunshine Coast with Your Kids

Here are the most popular options of what to do on the Sunshine Coast:

1. Noosa Everglades

Grab a kayak and head out on one of the only two Everglades in the world. If you get onto the Noosa River early enough, you can watch the sunrise over the tall trees that border the water.

Plenty of kayaks are hired out for locals and tourists to paddle up and down the river, so no need to worry about bringing your own.

Paddling along the water can be an effort that not everyone is up to and if that’s you, you won’t miss out on the wonders of the Everglades, you can jump on one of the day cruise boats that cruise along the river.

Choose a boat that includes lunch and relax on the water for the whole day.


2. Australia Zoo

The Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast is the zoo Steve Irwin and the whole Irwin family have dedicated their lives.

Discover all the amazing animals that call the zoo home, including some endangered animal species the zoo is fighting to keep alive.

Check out the Australia Zoo

The conservation efforts of the Australia Zoo are some of the most notable of any zoo in the world.

From their rescue unit to reducing their carbon footprint to survival programs for a range of animals.

You can get up close to a Koala or feed a gorgeous Kangaroo – my kids love feeding the Kangaroos!

You can grab some really interesting facts about Kangaroos for kids in this post here! Then you can wow your kids with your knowledge too!

Wandering through the zoo and learning about the animals is a great way to spend the day at one of the most fun Sunshine Coast attractions.


3. Ginger Factory

The Ginger Factory is a place for ginger lovers. It’s one of the most iconic Sunshine Coast attractions.

You’ll find so much more than ginger at the Ginger Factory (but don’t worry, there’s plenty of that too).

You can jump aboard the 100-year-old Moreton ginger train and take a relaxed tour through 9 hectares of lush, tropical greenery.

Or you can jump on the Overboard Boat Ride and float along an adventure.

Kids will also enjoy play areas before joining the family for a meal at the café (and maybe a cheeky scoop of ice cream to go with it).


4. Local Markets

The Sunshine Coast is mostly made up of coastal towns, and coastal towns are where you can find some of the best local markets.

From the Twilight Markets in Caloundra to the Tin Can Bay Markets, and—of course—the Original Eumundi Markets.

Noosa Markets

Each of the markets often features delicious street food, live entertainment, local produce, homewares, artworks, fashion, jewelry, and more.


5. Gardners Falls

Drive to the car park by Obi Obi Creek, continue on foot for a few minutes, and discover the natural beauty of Gardners Falls.

One of the best natural Sunshine Coast attractions, the falls, and its natural swimming pool are great places to cool off and reconnect with nature.

Bring your swimwear and jump in, the water might be a little cool, though.

Bring along a picnic and relax on the bank of the water. Just remember to take away any rubbish to leave the falls as pristine as you found them.


6. Beaches

You can’t visit the Sunshine Coast without visiting the beach. In any season the gorgeous Sunshine Coast beaches are wonderful to look at, if not swim in during those colder months.

Things to do in Noosa

Bullcock Beach is one of the most popular beaches along the coast, with playgrounds and paddling pools for the kids as well as pristine waters for anyone wanting a dip in the ocean.

Other top beaches include Kings Beach, Mooloolaba Spit, and the beach within Noosa National Park.

Be sure to check out some of the great Sunshine Coast beaches during your sunny holiday.


7. The Big Pineapple

There are a lot of Big Things all throughout Australia. (The total list is somewhere around 65!) 

While you’re in the Sunshine Coast, take the opportunity to visit the local Big Thing here, the Big Pineapple.

Not only can you take in the impressive pineapple itself (which is an impressive 52 feet tall), but you can enjoy local activities there too.

Climb along the TreeTop Challenge high ropes course and take in impressive views. And if you haven’t had enough zoo-based fun, you can check out the Wildlife HQ Zoo on the premises.

To make getting around these attractions easier on your feet and a bit more fun, jump on the Big Pineapple Train.

The train departs every hour and is a great way to get a close look at some of the wonderful flora that calls the Sunshine Coast home.


8. Sealife Sunshine Coast

If you are interested in all sea creatures, then you must check out Sealife Sunshine Coast.

Sealife Mooloolaba - Things to do on the Sunshine Coast with Kids

Here you will find little penguins swimming around and looking cute, and walk in the underwater world of the wide-mouth and razor-sharp teethed sharks.

You can also view a tonne of multicolored fish, check out neon-colored and super-cool jellyfish, and, of course, see the amazing seal roaming around in the giant tank.

Sealife Mooloolaba - Things to do on the Sunshine Coast with Children

This is a one-of-a-kind place to look and learn about marine life for both the young and the more mature.


9. Red Lock Escape Room

Red Lock Escape Room is located in the Sunshine Plaza shopping center in Maroochydore, close to the K-Mart-side entrance to the center.

Red Lock Escape Room

We did “Aunt Annie’s Asylum” as a group of four, minus our little one Avalle-Rose, as she is currently 5 years old and not allowed to join in.

This experience was super cool and lasted 60 minutes. Together we managed to overcome most of the obstacles, however, we did run out of time, and in the end, we had a few things not completed.

Still, this was one of the most fun games to play with our kids, leaving us wanting to play more.

Red Lock Escape Room currently has 4 games to choose from and you can check them out here.


10. Bli Bli Aqua Park

How about a tonne of fun for kids big and small (including adults) at the Bli Bli Aqua Park.

https://www.blibliwatersports.com.au/aqua-park/

Located at the Bli Bli Water Sports at the back lake, this park is a super fun place for the whole family.

Filled to the brim with inflatable bouncers, slides, runways and so much more, this is surely a place to get some energy out.

Book in for your hour of fun, or more if you like, and you too can enjoy a day to remember.

Check out the park and/or book your tickets here.


11. Next Level Adventure Park

Next Level Adventure Park Sunshine Coast

We went to Next Level Adventure Park together as a family. My 14-year-old and 6-year-old loved it and even my 72-year-old grandpa tried the medium course!

It’s really fun with over 145 aerial challenges including 16 zip lines stretching up to 130 meters over Cornmeal Creek. Plus, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Maroochydore from the top!

Kids ages 6+ can join in on all the fun at Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.

Grab info on prices here.


Conclusion

The Sunshine Coast is a great destination for families looking for some fun and adventure.

From the stunning beaches to the Big Pineapple, Sealife Sunshine Coast aquarium, and Red Lock Escape Room’s interactive games, there are plenty of activities that will keep both young and old entertained.

For those seeking even more thrills, Bli Bli Aqua Park and Next Level Adventure Park offer unique experiences that can be enjoyed by all ages – guaranteed to create memories you’ll never forget!

So if you’re planning a family vacation in Queensland’s sunshine coast region, these attractions should definitely be on your list of must-sees!

Photo of author

Andrzej Ejmont

Andrzej believes life to be a never ending adventure. Originally from Poland, he is a devoted husband and father. Dedicated and enthusiastic to chase all his dreams. Storytelling to entice other families to travel.