The ultimate Sunshine Coast family holiday

Surfing lessons at Coolum Beach

Your family adventure starts at the beach!

Begin the day enjoying the balmy waters of the Sunshine Coast with a surf lesson at Coolum Beach. Learn the basics using easy-to-ride long boards to start out – fun is pretty much guaranteed!

After working up an appetite, head to The Wharf Mooloolaba for lunch. With the picturesque Mooloolah River and Marina as its backdrop and with dining experiences that will have you licking your plate, you simply can't go wrong!

Once you've satisfied your hunger, head across the road to Sea Life Mooloolaba where you can discover the array of creatures that live below the surface of the ocean. Along with thousands of marine and freshwater animals, some of the amazing animal interactions include; Seal Swims and Seal Trainer for a Day.

You can’t beat a surf club for a tasty and value priced family meal, let alone the incredible locations right near the beach! Surf clubs feature a variety of menu options, daily specials, some even have a few dining venues, plus most offer a children’s menu and ‘kids eat free’ night. They also have entertainment for big kids and little kids including a children’s play area and local entertainment. All of the clubs provide a local courtesy bus for pick up and drop off, so you can all enjoy a relaxing night out!

Here are some of our top surf clubs on the coast where you're guaranteed great food with a side of ocean views.

• Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club
• Coolum Surf Club
• Maroochy Surf Club
• The Surf Club Mooloolaba

Kangaroo feeding at Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo – where you can get up close to animals - is perfect for families and needs your full attention! Watch the world-famous Wildlife Warriors show at noon, with all the slithering, swooping, jaw-snapping action of saltwater crocodiles, birds and snakes live in the Crocoseum.

Check out giraffes, rhinos, zebras and cheetahs at the African Savannah, and majestic tigers and red pandas in South-East Asia. Visit Bindi’s Island, where you can explore a three-storey treehouse with sweeping views of Australia Zoo, and see ring-tailed lemurs, giant Aldabran Tortoises and colourful macaws.

A full day at the zoo will work up quite the appetite. Many restaurants on the Sunshine Coast cater for children and offer 'kids eat free' deals on various nights. Some also provide fully equipped kids’ rooms, children's entertainment or activity packs, enabling the adults to savour their delicious meals while the kids are happily occupied. Try Sandbar Cafe for a relaxed dining experience in Caloundra, or Kawana Surf Club for a sea breeze and ocean views from the beer garden.

Aussie World

Time to laugh and scream with FUN for all ages. With plenty of rides and attractions, Aussie World has rides for the little ones to teenagers and something for the daring, to the simple joys of games and toys. There are rides that will get you soaked, make you green and dizzy, there are simulators and slides, bumps and coasters! For the kids or the big kids at heart, they offer fun for all ages.

Next up is a feed at Australia’s quirkiest pub – the Banana Bender! From the playful name to the quirky and eclectic decor, the Banana Bender Pub is a place of fun, where nobody takes anything too seriously. Explore magnificently coloured visual tribute to the fun and lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast before tucking into a delicious meal.

To finish the day, why not join a sunset cruise or hop on a ferry to discover the picturesque natural surroundings of the Sunshine Coast river systems? Watch the sun sink into the horizon over the water of the Maroochy and Mooloolah Rivers or Pumicestone Passage in Caloundra with Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba, Caloundra Cruise or Sunshine Coast Afloat.

Treetop Challenge at the Big Pineapple

Immerse the family in a thrilling day out in nature as you conquer personal goals at the TreeTop Challenge and have a whole lot of fun while you are at it.

Head to The Big Pineapple, and choose one of the five exciting courses - from easy to extreme – you will tackle. Even better, they have just opened a new park built specifically for junior adventurers! It has five courses featuring rope bridges, flying foxes, swings and jumps for kids aged up to 10 years.

After all that action, it’s time to sink your teeth into a well earned burger at Ricks Garage in Palmwoods.

Finally, for a change of pace, finish your adventures at Amaze World. With its big, star-like shaped hedge maze, timber maze, rope maze, tyre maze, 18 hole mini golf course, outdoor games, garden cafe and puzzle shop, it is the perfect end to your Sunshine Coast family escape.