A handy guide to the Sunshine Coast with kids
Sunshine Coast
Explore the Sunshine Coast with your family
A visit to Queensland’s idyllic Sunshine Coast brightens up any family holiday, ticking all the boxes for mum, dad and the kids. About an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, this is where all the hustle and bustle falls away.
Warm weather year-round means it’s always a good time to explore over 100km of sandy coastline, peaceful everglades, dramatic waterfalls and lush rainforest. Indulge at one of the Coast’s many restaurants and eateries, wander through colourful markets, catch a fish or cruise the waterways.
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Your Sunshine Coast family holiday guide
Best places on the Sunshine Coast to visit with kids
Noosa & Surrounds
Whether it’s shopping on Hastings Street, eating sumptuous cuisine in Noosaville or spotting a koala in the magnificent National Park, the Noosa region is an enticing mix of sophistication, beach culture and natural beauty.
Noosa is surrounded by mountains and bushland which makes for endless walking and hiking opportunities. Of course, there’s also great boutique shopping, restaurants and cafes, and a friendly welcome in store for visitors.
Still stylish but smaller in scale than Noosa are nearby Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach, Marcus Beach, Peregian Beach and Coolum Beach — all uncrowded surf beaches with sparkling blue water, offset by pure, white sand.
Caloundra
Caloundra is the perfect place to rediscover your inner child as you laugh, swim and play in an easy-going place. Cycle or walk the scenic shorelines, take a dip in the ocean front swimming pool, and enjoy the epic playground and water fountain at Kings Beach. Littlies can look for hermit crabs along Dicky Beach’s rock hopping shoreline, while experienced surfers in the family will make a beeline for Moffat Beach, renowned for its awesome surf break.
Maroochydore & Mooloolaba
The strip of coastline from Marcoola to Mooloolaba has some of Australia’s most vibrant and exciting beachfront holiday destinations, all of which showcase the Sunny Coast’s laid back, café worshiping, water-loving way of life. As well as the chic beachfront eateries and boutiques of the Esplanade at Mooloolaba, check out the white sands of Alexandra Headland, which features a patrolled beach, skate park and barbecues.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Roll up the beach towel and explore the other side of the Sunshine Coast. Inland from the buzzing coastline are dozens of tiny hilltop villages, waterways and rolling pastures that fuel the region’s fresh produce. Nestled among rainforest and green fields of the Blackall Range you’ll find charming towns with galleries and cafes and views out to the coastline.
The villages of Maleny, Montville and Pomona are the perfect place to revitalise your soul. Slow down and breathe in the pure air of remnant rainforests while you reclaim a little ‘you’ time, cradled by the timeless mountain landscapes and stunning views.
Top Sunshine Coast family attractions
Sunny Coast Beaches
Take your pick, there are dozens! From popular patrolled surf beaches like Alexandra Headland, Noosa Main Beach, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba to hidden gems like Shelly and Castaways Beach. Most beaches are patrolled and equipped with grassy picnic areas, playgrounds and barbeque facilities. For something on the wilder side, head to Rainbow Beach, so-named for its coloured sands, and the entry point to the 41,000 hectare Cooloola National Park, a favourite for 4WD adventures.
Australia Zoo
No family visit to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a trip to Australia Zoo – one of Queensland’s top tourist attractions. Everyone knows the Irwin family and their larger-than-life media profile, and the zoo’s hands-on encounters give kids the chance to feel like a Wildlife Warrior for a day. Watch a massive saltie launch a strike from the water’s edge at the iconic croc show, visit the Tiger Temple to see majestic big cats or go behind the scenes at the Wildlife Hospital.
Kid-friendly attractions and theme parks
Though the theme park scene on the Sunshine Coast may not match the Gold Coast, there are certainly plenty of original and unique attractions, besides Australia Zoo, that offer loads of fun for kids – and mums and dads. Aussie World has rides for all ages, from toddlers to teens, and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium is another delight the whole family will enjoy. There’s also the Ginger Factory, Sunshine Castle and The Big Pineapple, which now features a zoo and treetop adventure park.
Family-friendly accommodation on the Sunshine Coast
The natural beauty of South East Queensland is complimented by a wide selection of family accommodation options — from camping to five star luxury — which can be found on the beachfront, or nestled in the hinterland.
Sunshine Coast Holiday Parks
The Sunshine Coast Holiday Parks are a group of six beachfront holiday parks located at Coolum, Mudjimba, Cotton Tree, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Dicky Beach in Caloundra. Each offers camping and caravan sites as well as family-friendly villas, all with easy access to surf and sand. Three of the parks are dog-friendly and all offer free public Wi-Fi for guests.
BIG4 Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park
Close to the waters of the Pumicestone Passage, BIG4 Caloundra Waterfront is ideal for families to swimming, surf, or relax on a Sunshine Coast getaway. The park has luxury two and three-bedroom villas to accommodate families of all sizes, alongside spacious camping and caravan sites (some with creek frontage). On-site perks include a pool, water slides, ‘pizza bar’ food truck, coffee van and free school holiday activities.
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort – Twin Waters
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort offers plenty to keep kids of all ages occupied right inside the resort complex. Just 5km from Sunshine Coast Airport, the beachfront resort is set among 36ha of bushland surrounding a private lagoon. The resort’s VIK (Very Important Kids) program is packed with activities like fish feeding, beach cricket and treasure hunts. Guests can also play mini golf, dine at the on-site restaurants, and enjoy the lagoon where you can kayak, stand-up paddleboard or take sailing lessons on a catamaran.
The Sebel Twin Waters
Nestled between a patrolled surf beach, picturesque saltwater lagoon, and the Maroochy River, The Sebel Twin Waters is modern self-contained accommodation ideal for families. Enjoy the convenience of your own kitchen, European-style laundry, private balcony and separate bedrooms for parental peace and quiet. Some apartments even include a private pool. Guests at The Sebel can use all the facilities of neighbouring Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort including the kids’ club and lagoon.
Skippers Cove Waterfront Resort – Noosaville
If space, luxury and a water view is your idea of family holiday bliss, then consider the apartment-style at Skippers Cove Waterfront Resort, on the Noosa River. The absolute waterfront apartments are perfect for families with two and three-bedroom options and private decks overlooking Noosa Sound. Poolside apartments with child security gates and a private courtyard are also ideal for parents with little ones.
ULTIQA Shearwater Resort – Caloundra
ULTIQA Shearwater Resort in the heart of Caloundra also offers apartment-style accommodation with outstanding views across Kings Beach to Moreton Island and the Pacific Ocean. The 4-star resort has great facilities for families including a heated swimming pool, spa, children’s wading pool, gym and games room, all just a short 50-metre stroll to the patrolled surf beach.
The Islander Noosa Resort – Noosaville
The Islander Noosa Resort offers affordable family accommodation in two or three bedroom villas, suitable for families of up to six. It’s a great option for self-contained accommodation that won’t break the budget, with use of the resort’s three pools, including a solar-heated lagoon pool with waterfall and bridge. The Islander also has tennis courts, saunas, three spas, barbecues, a clubhouse and a games room, all spread across four tropical acres in Noosaville.
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Opening image: Mooloolaba Beach Sunshine Coast. © Sunshine Coast Council
Content Contributors
Dan Campbell
“Born and raised on the Sunny Coast, I spent many happy weekends enjoying the region’s beaches, parks and playgrounds with my family. Keep an eye out as I share some local secrets your kids will love!”
Elisa Elwin
“The Sunshine Coast is a dream destination for families seeking joyous escapades in the great outdoors. Some of Queensland’s best hikes, swimming holes and waterfalls are right on your doorstep!”