Whether you’re planning to stick around our southern shores near Caloundra, head north to Rainbow Beach, or discover the magic that lies in-between, we know *just* the place for you and your family to spend the night (or two!).
Featuring everything from twisty waterslides to farmyard friends, here are 12 family friendly Sunshine Coast stays for you and your crew to create Sunshine Moments. Let’s go.
Best beach getaways
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, Twin Waters
Skip the ‘Are we there yet?’ calls from the back of the car and keep things easy as you take the short, 7-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport to the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort. With Mudjimba Beach nearby, as well as a private lagoon to make a splash in, you can be building sandcastles and activating holiday mode moments after your plane hits the tarmac.
In Caloundra, watch your kids’ eyes grow wide as they take in the sight of Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort’s MASSIVE, multi-level waterpark. It’s not just all fun for the little ones, though – parents can soak up the sunshine by the resort pool, before fuelling up at the onsite Oak & Vine restaurant. If you’re planning to make tracks for Noosa, the RACV Noosa Resort is a must-visit, with its waterslides, games room and tennis court helping everyone to enjoy their stay.
Family accommodation at Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
Head to the home of beach-hopping fun (AKA Coolum), where you’ll have sandy shores aplenty to choose from. Coolum at the Beach will keep the relaxation coming with its selection of stylish apartments and villas, which are located close to both the ocean and moreish local restaurants like Rosa Italian. Further down the coast, Breeze Mooloolaba will set you up perfectly for long luxurious days spent splashing in the waves and tucking into fish and chip picnics.
The ultimate camping adventure
Ingenia Holidays Rivershore, Diddillibah, Sunshine Coast
Dial up your next family camping experience in Caloundra with a stop off at the Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park and BIG4 Caloundra. Nestled along the Pumicestone Passage, BIG4 Caloundra knows all the ingredients that make a good holiday... from TWO waterslides running into its heated lagoon-style pool to an accessible camp kitchen. The fun continues at spots like the Coolum Beach Holiday Park and the BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park (where you’ll be on the doorstep of iconic spots like Carlo Sandblow and the rainbow stairs). Meanwhile, for a fun escape complete with mini golf, a riverfront jetty and plenty of great fishing opportunities, add Ingenia Holidays Rivershore to your hit list.
Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp, Noosa
Name a better way to wake up than peeping out of your lakefront tent to the sight of kangaroos hopping through the shallows... we’ll wait. Located right next to the sparkling waters of Lake Cootharaba with easy access to the Noosa Everglades, Habitat Noosa is a serious haven of outdoor holiday fun. Don’t miss the chance to hire watercraft like canoes and SUPs onsite, or book a spot on a tour with Everglades Eco Safaris.
Farm stays for your next ‘haycation’
Family at Sixty6 Acres, Woombye, Sunshine Coast
If your holiday isn’t complete without making some new furry friends, make sure to check out a Sunshine Coast farm stay. In the lush countryside of Woombye (just a short drive from both the beach and the Hinterland), lots of miniature donkeys, sheep, and horses call Sixty6 Acres home. Kids can also enjoy taking a paddle in the farm lake, while parents will find lots to love in the outdoor magnesium plunge pools and The Farmhouse Restaurant & Bar.
Thirlestane Farm Cottage and Barn, Cooroy. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Looking for a bit more space? Thirlestane Farm Cottage in the Noosa Hinterland sleeps up to 8 guests between its onsite Cottage and Barn. Here, adorable Highland cows can be spotted grazing in the pastures, and you’ll find plenty to keep busy between the games, woodfired pizza oven, and more. In Beerwah (right near the Glass House Mountains), your days will be filled with animal farm tours, vegetable garden picking and marshmallow roasting at the beautiful grounds of Blackwattle Farm – a must-do for any family chasing a peaceful nature escape.
Once you’ve settled into your stay of choice, dive into our list of things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
