Here on the Sunshine Coast, there is more than enough to keep everyone entertained throughout spring. We’ve compiled a list of family-friendly events to ensure you have an unforgettable holiday!
Have a PAW-riffic day out
The guys at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast are celebrating the much anticipated release of Paw Patrol: The Movie these school holidays.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
On arrival, adventurers will receive their very own Pup Pack as you search for all six pups around the attraction – each pup will feature a fun fact about the ocean AND a letter on each of their collars which together spell out a secret message once all the pups are found.
Take a walk on the wild side
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work as a zookeeper for real? Meet incredible animals up close and go behind-the-scenes at Australia Zoo to see the real side of zoo keeping.
At Wildlife HQ there are over 16 animal encounters available that allow you to get up close and personal with the animals.
Ride the night!
On Friday 24 September, Aussie World is opening its doors so you can experience all the fun at night.
Whether it’s spinning through the night on the Redback, shooting through the air and dropping your stomach on the Bombora Bounce - riding in the dark adds a whole new dimension of challenge to your favourite ride.
Go Gruffalo Spotting
Discover an augmented reality rainforest trail, bringing to life five characters from the book The Gruffalo, at The Ginger Factory.
Simply download the app then journey into the Ginger Factory rainforest looking for clues!
As an added bonus, The Ginger Factory is offering 10% off all purchases, including tickets and their retail stores! A new daily code will be shared on their Facebook page and Instagram story, mention the code at the register or ticket desk to claim.
Get your engine revving
Become a race car driver at Australia’s largest commercial track - Big Kart Track. Helmets on, belt up, wait for the signal and see who the fastest in the family really is!
Push your limits
For the ultimate experience to push your limits, why not visit Australia’s highest and most thrilling Adventure Park designed for the entire family! Located at the iconic Big Pineapple, the Tree Top Challenge will take you sky-high at 25 metres above the ground with 100 challenges and 12 ziplines suspended across five courses amongst sub-tropical rainforest. There is also a new juniors zipline built entirely for children aged 3 to 9. With 5 levels (Green, Purple, Red, Blue, Black) across 5 courses, everyone is bound to have a blast.
Soar to new heights at Next Level at Sunshine Plaza. Experience 4 challenging levels, spread across 7 high wire circuits with over 145 aerial challenges including 16 ziplines stretching up to 135m across Cornmeal Creek. Each adventurer selects their own adventure by choosing from low easy, 5m circuits, up to an adrenaline pumping 18m ones. All adventurers from 6 years old and up can navigate a variety of aerial challenges including traversing along tight ropes, scrambling across nets, balancing on bridges or soaring through the air on a zipline!
Learn to Surf
The whole family can take a surf lesson together at Coolum Surf School, or parents can drop the kids off and head up to Coolum Surf Club for a meal while the kids have fun in the surf. The school provides all the equipment, including soft, learner style surf boards, wetsuits and sunscreen.
Have a whale of a time
It is peak whale season right now and the Sunshine Coast is the perfect place for whale watching or, for the more adventurous, experience Australia’s first Swim with Whales for real at Sunreef. This year, it’s estimated there will be more than 30,000 whales migrating up the east coast of Australia and right now, the whales are frolicking around as they mate and feed their calves in the warmer waters, ready to head back down to Antarctica.
Grab something local
Discover fresh local produce, homemade treats, funky jewellery, handmade clothing and talented buskers at markets right across the Sunshine Coast.
From one of the most famous markets in Australia, The Original Eumundi Markets, to farmers markets up and down the coast, you will find something to enjoy and treasure.
Get lost
A fun Sunshine Coast activity for all ages is Amaze World.
Enter through the magic waterfall past the wishing well over the bridge and through a tropical rainforest garden! The main Hedge Maze is a large, star-shaped living hedge maze made up of more than one thousand Lilly Pillies - for real!
Amaze World, Tanawha
Get a hole in one
It’s time to grab your golf putter and head to Holey Moley Golf Club at the Big Top in Maroochydore where the competition is fierce. With 18 holes spread over two themed courses, you can either opt for a quick 9 or play the whole 18.
For some outdoor fun, head to Maroochy River Mini Golf. Experience landscaped humps and hollows, water features and sand traps across 18 holes of awesomeness.
Captain your own ship
Experience the stunning Pumicestone Passage any way you like. At Bills Boat Hire, you can rent Pontoon boats, half cabin and tinnies, kayaks and stand up paddleboards.
This pristine stretch of water is part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park and you will have a chance to spot some incredible sea life as you explore.
Burn some energy
Being active can be a lot of fun!
Get down to Rockit Climbing Gym in Warana and challenge yourself and your family on a variety of rock-climbing walls that are suitable for all age groups and skill levels.
Nearby, the Big Boing Indoor Trampoline Park has over 50 interconnected trampolines as well as fun games like dodgeball, basketball and a giant airbag and you can challenge the family on the ninja course!
Go shopping
Enjoy the views as you explore boutiques and international labels, just minutes from the patrolled beaches of Maroochydore and Mooloolaba at Sunshine Plaza.
Just minutes from the popular Point Cartwright and Kawana Beach, you can enjoy a Gold Class movie and alfresco dining pre or post-shop at Kawana Shoppingworld.
Get out in nature
Get on your bikes and take a long ride along the coastal trail stretching right along the Sunshine Coast or explore some of our stunning national parks and state forests.
If two wheels aren’t your thing, hit the hinterland, stretch the legs and see some of the local flora and fauna. Mary Cairncross Reserve, Ewen Maddock Dam, Mt Beerburrum Lookout and Mt Coolum are just some of the region's highlights that will get the heart rate pumping but will leave you even more breathless from the views.
Coming to Play? Why not stay…
A true holiday is one where you can escape it all. There is a range of accommodation across the Sunshine Coast to suit the whole family.
Spend some time relaxing at Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort where they have opened a new waterpark complete with three water slides!
Kookaburra Park is an animal lovers dream! At this dog-friendly campground, you will find a deer sanctuary, daily animal feeding and a games lawn – all by a river.
The ultimate 'drop and stop' style 4-star resort. Novotel Twin Waters is located on the beachfront but also has its own private saltwater lagoon, with near endless on-site activities.
Located across the road from the patrolled surf beach at Alexandra Headlands, BreakFree Alexandra Beach hosts a huge waterslide that the kids will love making a splash at as it leads into an expansive 150m lagoon pool.
Stay, play and save with these Sunshine Coast deals.
Visit Sunshine Coast recommends checking with each operator in relation to opening times and terms and conditions. It is also advisable to book ahead with attractions/tours and dining venues due to limited capacities and to avoid disappointment.