5 To Do with the Kids on the Sunshine Coast

One of Australia's most popular holiday destinations, each year the Sunshine Coast lures families to its sandy shores for laidback holiday fun in the sun. This relaxed coastal city is well known for its beaches, but look beyond on the sand and you’ll unearth a world of adventure the whole family will enjoy.  

Here are five amazing and unusual bucket list things you can do with the kids while on holiday on the Sunshine Coast. 

1. Discover Noosa Everglades

From a jetty off Noosa Heads, hop on board a sightseeing boat for a ride into the pristine and untouched Noosa Everglades, one of only two such everglade systems on the planet. 

Leaving the town, you’ll pass eclectic houseboats, Richard Branson’s exclusive celebrity hideaway, and two large shallow lakes before entering Great Sandy National Park and its heritage-protected biosphere. 

As you motorboat or canoe up narrow channels of tannin-rich water you’ll quickly see why they call Noosa the River of Mirrors. Swim in the tea tree infused waters, canoe through the peaceful surrounds or simply sit back and enjoy the way the dense foliage reflects off the smooth waters, snapping a few magical photographs along the way. 

Everglade Eco Safaris can take you there with a range of daily tours in purpose-built eco vessels, designed with wide open windows so you can witness the natural spectacle. 

If your kids are bird lovers, the Noosa Everglades are home to 44% of native birdlife found in Australia. Isn’t that wild!? Your expert guide will give commentary as you go, explaining the rich history along the way. 

2. Australia Zoo

The late Steve Irwin’s vision to create the country’s biggest and boldest wildlife conservation centre is alive and well, with over 1,200 exotic and Australian animals located on 70 acres of tropical and native bush land. Kids go bananas for the crocodile shows, birds of prey demonstrations, cute otters and soft koalas. 

The animals are spread across various sections including the African Savannah, South-East Asia exhibit, Bindi’s Island, plus all our native Aussie favourites. The tigers and elephants are each housed in the largest facility of their kind in the southern hemisphere, plus with lemurs, rhinos, reptiles and red pandas Australia Zoo is a wild day out for the whole family.

Steve Irwin once said, “when people touch an animal, the animal touches their heart. And instantly, we’ve won them over to the conservation of that species.” 

If you plan ahead you can join special and exclusive experiences such as the Keeper For A Day or up close animal encounters with tigers, red pandas, komodo dragons, meerkats, otters, eagles, rhinos, wombats, giraffes and more.  Safe to say you’ll be won over by the end!

3. Kings Beach

Kings Beach is one of the best and most family friendly beaches in the country. The sandy shores here are complete with manageable waves, an inviting saltwater tidal pool, time-delay spray fountain, and close proximity to neighbourhood shops and restaurants in calm Caloundra. 

The water is crystal clear, the sand soft and fine, and it’s just a great example of the many beaches and destinations that make the Sunshine Coast such a great family destination. 

When you’re done taking in the sun, sand and surf, venture inland to grab a bite to eat at the Surf Life Saving Club, the many cafes lining Bulcock St, or pick up fish and chips and return to the sand. 

4. Oaks Oasis Resort

If you’re travelling with young kids, you might have a hard time persuading them to go anywhere once they discover the Oaks Oasis waterpark. We don’t usually toot our own horn here as our blog is all about giving you the best travel inspiration and ideas for things to do in a destination, but the Oaks Oasis isn’t your usual hotel. 

The waterpark here is just the right size with just the right water temperature, plus there are super fun rides and an adjacent Adventure Zone, playground and trampoline. Parents can kick back with a cold one from the kiosk, listening to sweet tunes while the kids exhaust their energy. Perfect.

5. Caloundra Coastal Pathway

Sometimes, all you need is fresh air and a good stroll. Take the family for a walk along this trail that follows the beautiful coast at Caloundra

Stretching for nine gorgeous  kilometers, the Caloundra Coastal Pathway begins at Jensen Park and runs to Point Cartwright. For the more ambitious, it is part of a greater regional shared bike/walking pathway on the Sunshine Coast that encompasses 96 kilometres. 

Along the Caloundra seafront you’ll pass by beaches, grassy parks, tranquil lakes, creeks and a cute little lighthouse.