With a range of free activities, some that will cost just a little and some are considered a bit of a treat, there is no ‘Mum, we’re bored’ when you’re here. Here are 10 activities you and the kids can indulge in when you’re Sunshine Coast bound.
Australia Zoo
You won’t get any objections from the kids when you mention crocodiles, snakes and even zebras. Enjoy a birds of prey show in the impressive ‘Crocoseum’, feed an Elephant and even get up close and personal with a lemur. Your children will learn about important animal conservation, appreciate the endangered species as well as learn to identify dangerous species of snakes. Visiting Australia Zoo is something your child will never forget and you will be sure to get some incredible snap shots for family (Facebook) album.
Ginger Factory
The Ginger Factory in Yandina is an educational adventure for the whole family. Learn about growing ginger, indulge in some tastings as well as having the opportunity to visit the Super Bee honey farm. There’s rides to jump on, gardens for exploring, a playground for playing in and shops to wander through (maybe just for Mum). All in all, the Ginger Factory is a great place to take the kidlets and you can almost guarantee they will fall asleep in the car ride home.
Mooloolaba Beach
Every kid loves the beach. Mooloolaba Beach is in the heart of the Sunshine Coast with everything you need to keep the kids entertained. You will have access to fish and chips, a really cool playground, shops and another bonus is that the beach is patrolled by life guards all year around. Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap (even in winter) because the sun is always (mostly) out here in Mooloolaba.
Bellingham Maze
If your kiddies are a little bit older then they will love a trip to the Bellingham Maze. This maze is what you dreamed of when you were a kid. With twists and turns your kids will love the adventure to the centre of the maze – if they can find it. There is also mini-golf and a few other brain teaser/ outside-the-box-thinking games to play. You can enjoy sitting back in the café while the kids let loose or you can be a big kid and join in with the fun with them.
Underwater World
Take a dive into the depths of the ocean at the impressive Underwater World in Mooloolaba. Let Dad go for a dive with the sharks in the tank while the kids explore Jellyfish Kingdom and watch the seals play. There are some impressive creatures in the deep blue and this aquarium is up there with some of the bests in the world. With its interactive displays your kids will have a ball and leave inspired to become a marine biologist or dive instructor when they grow up.
Kondalilla Falls
This walk is one for all ages and will take you through an adventure past waterfalls, swimming holes and some unique trees and landscapes. With plenty of picnic spots, quite a few stairs and windy sections of board walk your kids will feel like explorers as they weave their way through the track. Kondalilla Falls is located just out of the quaint township of Montville, which is a nice place to stop for a quick browse in the local stores (including an amazing fudge shop) and not to mention the most perfect spot for a cappuccino at The Edge Restaurant with an incredible view of the Glass House Mountains. With so much to see and do in the hinterland, you may want to stay the night. There’s an affordable motel right in the main street of Montville with a pool, tennis court and plenty of nature for the kids to enjoy (oh and the parents of course).
Maleny Cheese Factory
Enjoy the rolling green hills of the dairying Maleny district in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Educate your little ones about where milk, cheese and yoghurt comes from at the Maleny Cheese Factory. With all sorts of interesting smells your kids senses will be alive, especially when it comes to tasting time. Have a picnic on the beautiful property or enjoy a feed at the on-site café, your taste buds will be loving life after you snap up some local products in the Maleny Cheese shop.
Strawberry Fields
Between June and October you can take the kids to pick their own strawberry’s at the Strawberry Fields farm. Located near Palmview, learn about which strawberries to pick, enjoy some strawberry themed delights at the café and take home a punnet or few for later. The kids will love being outside in the sunshine picking strawberry’s for them to eat. A good way to get them interested in eating fruit as well as educating them on where foods grow.
Big Pineapple
You probably visited the Big Pineapple yourself as a child. With all of your happy memories here combined with the new features and activities the kids will love seeing Queensland’s most iconic big thing. They can climb it, enjoy a train ride and of course dine on lots of yummy pineapple! With the exhibits changing all the time, currently on offer is outdoor movie nights and a big Lego display. If you happen to pop in on a Saturday, there will even be markets for you all to enjoy.
Noosa National Park
Work up an appetite as you wander the paths of the Noosa National Park. The kids will have to keep their eyes peeled for koalas, lizards, birds and snakes on one side and on the other they will catch glimpses of dolphins and fish jumping. The views are truly spectacular and the kids will be very excited to feel like an explorer as the treat each bend in the track with wonder and excitement for what’s next. Cool down with a swim at the beautiful Noosa Main Beach after a spot of lunch at one of the many cafes or the iconic surf club.
The Sunshine Coast in Queensland truly boasts so many fun activities for the whole family and this list really could go on and on. Regardless of your budget you will find something that your kids will be excited about and wish to come to again to someday. With an awesome climate pretty much the whole year around, the Sunshine Coast is perfect to visit any time (maybe avoid June and July if you’re a keen beach goer). If you’re lucky enough to be a local there is always more for you to see and do with new hotspots popping up left, right and centre. Either way, enjoy your adventure on the Sunny Coast, we know the kids sure will.
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
