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 sun rise 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 to. Discover all the amazing animals that call the zoo home, including some endangered animal species the zoo is fighting to keep alive.
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.
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.
Each of the markets often feature delicious street food, live entertainment, local produce, homewares, artworks, fashion, jewellery, 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 a great place 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.
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.
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.
