4 days of family fun on the Sunshine Coast

This one's for anyone visiting the Sunshine Coast in winter or early spring. The whales are here, and it's time to head out to see if you can spot any! Booking the family on a tour is the way to go: you'll have plenty of time on the water and have a range of options to choose from. Mooloolaba whale watching operators to check out in advance include Sunreef, Adventure Rafting and Sunshine Coast Afloat. If the kids are keen to get in the water and have a chance to swim with the whales, The Pressure Project and Sunreef are great options (just make sure everyone meets individual operator requirements, like age restrictions, when planning).

If you've got some mini captains in the family who'd love to take to the water, the Aquaduck Sunshine Coast is a must. Not only will you get to drive through Mooloolaba and then cruise out along the river, but kids also have the chance to 'drive' once it's out on the water. With several daily departures from outside SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, you won't have to walk far to hop aboard.

While whale watching is only seasonal on the Sunshine Coast, the good news is that you can still see plenty of marine life year-round at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium. Whether you're heading there after your whale-watching experience, or going there first thing, this is one spot you won't want to miss. You'll get to explore the Ocean Tunnel, check out the Tidal Touchpool, watch the Seal Presentation and more. You can also book an Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour, where you'll learn more about marine life care and the team's incredible turtle rehabilitation work. For a late lunch, head over to The Wharf Mooloolaba, where spots like Rice Boi and Flo's Creperie await.

Make sure you stop by Mooloolaba Beach after your adventures at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium. Have a swim between the flags, build sandcastles, or head over the Mooloolaba Esplanade for some self-serve gelato. Afterwards, make your way to Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, where you'll check in to your accommodation for the next couple of days, and enjoy dinner at the resort's Sola Bar & Restaurant.

Wake up bright and early at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort before heading to the buffet breakfast to fuel up for another day of action. From there, it’s a short 25-minute drive to Aussie World: the Sunshine Coast's theme park. Whether your kids are chasing big thrills on rides like the Redback and the Dingo Racer, or they prefer tamer classics like the Giant Slide and Side Show Alley, you'll be spoilt for choice. Stop by the Banana Bender Pub next door for a late lunch and to relive your favourite moments.

Set aside a few hours in the afternoon to spend at the TreeTop Challenge - Sunshine Coast in Woombye. The TreeTop Challenge is hard to miss: it's right next door to the Big Pineapple. This place is home to a huge variety of ziplines and challenges, all set against a lush rainforest backdrop. Afterwards, head up to the Big Pineapple to grab an all-important family selfie. For dinner, take a drive to Palmwoods for burgers at Rick's Garage.

Crikey! You'll need to set aside the whole day to make the most of your visit to Australia Zoo in Beerwah, home of the Irwins. The expansive grounds here are home to an incredible array of animals to see, including saltwater crocodiles, giraffes, koalas, meerkats, tigers, and so much more. Before you start exploring, note down the times of the conservation shows occurring around Australia Zoo that day, such as the Africa Keeper Talk and the legendary Wildlife Warriors Show in the Containers for Change Crocoseum. Don't miss the chance to head over to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital either, where a $2 entry per person will give you a sneak peek at the important work happening here.

It's only a short journey from Australia Zoo to The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, where you'll be spending the night. Nestled in beautiful bushland, there are a range of cabin types to book here, including the incredible two-storey Crocodile Cabins. Once you've settled into your accommodation, take your pick from dips in the sparkling infinity pool, spotting wildlife, and dining at the onsite Warrior Restaurant & Bar.

From The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, it's an approximately 25-minute drive to Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, so factor this in while you enjoy breakfast at Warrior Restaurant & Bar. Upon arrival at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, you'll easily lose track of time as you take an Aviary tour, visit the adorable Farm Friends, hire a buggy or stroll the gorgeous gardens and soak up the sweeping Hinterland views of the Glass House Mountains.

First up? Stop for lunch at the Mountain View Cafe at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. You'll then head into the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you'll get to learn about some of the animals you might see ahead. As you wander the rainforest trails, make sure you keep as quiet as possible... you never know where you might see a red-legged pademelon! Finish the day by returning to The Crocodile Hunter Lodge for your last night on the Sunshine Coast.