As any parent can attest to, a holiday destination with plenty of things for the kids to do is a must when you have little ones travelling with you. The Sunshine Coast is a great spot with a surprising number of activities to keep the kids occupied and also give you a much-needed break.
Holiday makers can expect long, golden stretches of beaches, animal adventures, educational activities and outdoor playgrounds, national parks and gardens to explore. Whether you have young children or teenagers with you, the Sunshine Coast is a great place to escape to any time of the year with no shortage of activities to enjoy.
As the school holidays approach, here are our top things to do with kids on the Sunshine Coast.
Australia Zoo
If the children are obsessed with animals then make sure you pay a visit to Australia Zoo during your holiday in the Sunshine Coast. The zoo is owned and operated by the charismatic Irwin family and features a menagerie of native Australian and exotic animals from all over the world. Don’t miss the interactive Wildlife Warriors Show in the Crocoseum, a must-see show where a host of animals are brought out to say hello to the crowds. If you are lucky, you may even see Robert Irwin feeding the crocs on the day of your visit.
Australia Zoo also offers a number of opportunities for the kids to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. Choose from koala cuddles, hand feeding kangaroos and wallabies plus exciting crocodile and tiger presentations on offer throughout the day. Ample car parking is available at the zoo or you can book Australia Zoo Transfers to enjoy return transport from your hotel plus the general admission entry ticket in one convenient package.
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SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Located in the heart of Mooloolaba, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a must-do for all visitors to this seaside resort town. Walk through the oceanarium and discover an underwater world full of dazzling marine creatures swimming up above you. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast features 11 aquatic themed zones featuring giant sharks, graceful manta rays and stingrays, tropical fish of the reef, a seahorse sanctuary, tidal touch pools and a fascinating penguin exhibit that you could watch for hours.
Kids can help find Dory and Friends in a specially created zone in partnership with Disney Pixar that will guide visitors through Dory’s Reef. And, of course you cannot miss the cheeky seals who put on a show at Seal Island. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a great all weather activity offering respite from the warm sun or drizzly weather and all guests should allow at least two hours to navigate through all zones in the aquarium.
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The Ginger Factory
The Sunshine Coast is home to the world’s largest Ginger Factory. In addition to live cooking and tasting demonstrations, there are a number of rides and attractions the kids will love. Spread out across nine hectares, the Ginger Factory is a place where children’s fairy tales come to life. Giant Gingerbread man can be found scattered around the precinct alongside a Ginger Train that travels through the lush gardens.
There’s also an overboard water adventure, a Gruffalo trail experience, playgrounds, factory tours and a live bee demonstration. Before you leave, take a moment to wander through the iconic Ginger Town where you’ll find a heritage style village spruiking handmade toys, sweets and souvenirs for sale. Entry to the Ginger Factory is free, however, a play, taste and discover pass will give you access to all the rides, attractions and demonstrations.
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Bellingham Maze
If the sun is shining and you are looking for activity that will induce laughter and perhaps wear out the rugrats then we have just the thing for your family. Bellingham Maze can be found in Tanawha, a 20 minute drive from Mooloolaba.
The main feature of Bellingham Maze is the 80m x 80m living hedge maze which sits alongside a timber and rope maze, mini golf and many other puzzles to boggle your collective minds. You can also take a break and enjoy a bite to eat from the cafe or make use of the BBQ for hire on the grounds.
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Aquaduck Sunshine Coast
Hit the waterways and join the Aquaduck for a fun ride through the streets and calm water canals in Mooloolaba. The one hour tour is the perfect amount of time for the kids to enjoy a fun ride on the Aquaduck before they start to squirm. The best part of the adventure is that kids are invited to meet the Captain and have a turn at steering the vessel on the water.
With live commentary, stunning waterfront homes and beautiful sights of the coastline, this is an activity that both the parents and kids will enjoy together. Aquaduck Tours operate daily at 10am from Mooloolaba Wharf and additional sessions are available during the school holidays.
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TreeTop Challenge For 8 Years+
The forests that sit behind the golden shores of the Sunshine Coast offer the perfect playground for a morning or afternoon of fun amongst the rainforest. TreeTop Challenge Sunshine Coast is Australia’s largest adventure course with 12 massive flying foxes, ziplines and over 100 epic challenges.
With five courses to choose from, this is an adventurous outdoor activity that will test your confidence and agility in a peaceful, natural environment. Start with the easiest course and when you are ready, move on up to the next course. The TreeTop Challenge is best suited for the older kids, at least 8 years and above and if you have enough energy and patience, you can spend three to four hours completing the entire course.
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Whale Watching Cruises
One of the best holiday experiences to enjoy on the Sunshine Coast during the winter is a whale watching cruise. The unforgettable wildlife encounter will take you out to sea to watch the Humpback Whales play along the Queensland coastline during their annual migration from June to October.
Mooloolaba and Noosa are the best locations to join a Sunshine Coast whale watching cruise with multiple departures available daily. Experience the magic of a breathtaking whale watching encounter and be blown away by their majestic beauty as they leap out of the water to breach or slap their fins and wave hello to you.
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Mary Valley Rattler Train
Mary Valley provides a spectacular scenic background for a ride along the historic Rattler steam train. Kids of all ages, especially those who are fans of Thomas the Tank Engine will adore this railway journey. The 46 kilometre round trip starts at Gympie, crossing over the Mary River curving along bridges and gentle hills before stopping at Amamoor.
Here, you can take a break, stretch the legs and watch on as the locomotive is turned around in preparation for the return journey back to Gympie. For train lovers and history buffs, take some to wander through the historic display, gift shop and cafe at Gympie Station.
