The best things to do with kids on the Sunshine Coast

Mooloolaba Rock Pools

Nudging the main beach of Mooloolaba is a collection of rock pools that offer hours of entertainment for the little ones. Crab spotting? Tick. Tiny fish chasing? Yep. Shell collecting? Absolutely. Pair that with nearby cafes for post-play snacks and you’ve nailed the ultimate family outing.

Kings Beach Ocean Pool

Fancy a swim with a side of ocean breeze? Caloundra’s Kings Beach Ocean Pool is a salty slice of swimming paradise. This free oceanfront pool packs in all the bells and whistles — think shade sails, a 25-metre lap lane, a shallow splash zone for littlies, and even disability access. Big win for water babies (and their grown-ups).

Point Cartwright

At the northern end of Kawana Beach you’ll find Point Cartwright. This isn’t just a top surf spot — it’s a family-friendly hangout with plenty to keep everyone happy. Kick back in the grassy picnic spots, let the kids run wild at La Balsa Park, and soak up sweeping coastal views. Bonus points for the off-leash dog beach if you’ve got a furry kid in tow.

Great Sandy National Park

Ready to level up your beach day? Hop on the ferry across the Noosa River, hit the sand in your 4WD, and cruise the Cooloola stretch of the Great Sandy National Park. It’s dune-scaling, wave-splashing, canyon-gazing fun and feels like a proper family adventure (because it is).

Where wild things roam (and parents find a picnic table)

Kondalilla Falls Circuit Track

Make your way to the popular Kondalilla Falls. Little legs will love the 1.7km Picnic Creek Circuit, a family favourite that winds through leafy rainforest and leads to a waterfall-fed rock pool that’s perfect for a splash. Bonus: picnic tables and toilets are right where you need them. Winning.

Lake Currimundi

Swap waves for calm waters at Lake Currimundi near Caloundra. Kayak, paddle or swim your way around, then kick back under the shady trees. Bigger kids can conquer the dunes or spot birdlife while you sneak in some chill time.

Mary Cairncross Reserve

Wander the 55-hectares of subtropical rainforest that calls Mary Cairncross Reserve home. Stroll the flat, pram-worthy trails, picnic on the lawns, or let the kids loose at the playground while you soak up those Glass House Mountains views.

Gardners Falls

Convenience is key when it comes to taking the kids out for the day, which is why Gardners Falls has become a firm family favourite. The waterhole tempts young and old with its easy access - you’ll find the flowing freshwater of the natural wonder off Highway 23 near Maleny.

Tin Can Bay Wildflower Walk

Floral appreciators will have a field day (literally) along the Tin Can Bay Wildflower Walk, accessible from the corner of Emperor Street and Oyster Parade. During spring is when the trail is at its best, but don’t fear - there are a number of vibrantly hued varieties which can be enjoyed year round.

Wildlife encounters (the cuddly, scaly and splashy kind)

Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World

Head for the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. It’s here that you’ll find the Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, where you can experience guided interactive tours amongst 600 native and exotic birds. The 14 acres of manicured land is nestled between ancient rainforest and the Glass House Mountains. It’s not just greenery here to explore - think lakes, waterfalls, peacocks, ducks, hens, roosters and more.

Noosa National Park

Koala-spotting? Tick. Birdwatching? Tick. Lizard sunbaking on the path? Double tick. Noosa National Park is nature at its cutest (and most curious), with coastal walking trails weaving past secret coves, surf breaks, and plenty of native wildlife keeping watch from the treetops and trails. Keep your eyes peeled — you never know who’s hanging around.

Australia Zoo

Crikey, it doesn’t get more iconic than this. Australia Zoo is the ultimate day out for mini wildlife warriors and grown-up animal lovers alike. From cuddly wombats and bounding kangaroos to slinky tigers and massive crocs, this conservation legend is all about up-close animal magic (and a few roars and squeals along the way).

Sea Life Mooloolaba

Get better acquainted with life under the sea with a trip to Sea Life. More than 10,000 marine creatures can be enjoyed here, including Australia’s largest collection of jellyfish. Walk the 80-metre-long ocean tunnel, play in the rock pools, or even swim with the seals.

Hinterland experiences

The Ginger Factory

Learn all about one of Queensland’s most famous products with a trip to The Ginger Factory. Learn how ginger is grown, harvested, and turned into treats before climbing aboard the 118-year-old train as you explore the acres of subtropical grounds. There’s also a playground, ice creamery, and gingerbread decorating if your crew’s got energy to burn (or sugar to chase).

Eumundi Markets

Bring your tote bag and your appetite — Eumundi Markets is a full-sensory adventure. The popular outing is a family affair, held every Wednesday and Saturday. There’s something here for everyone, from toy stalls to produce, and live music.

Maleny Dairies

Give your kids a taste of farm life with a visit to the hinterland’s famous Maleny Dairies or neighbour Maleny Cheese. Take a tour of the dairy, greet the cows, and watch the process of milk and cheese being made before stopping off to sample some of the goods for yourself.

Montville

Quaint Montville is well worth the drive through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Take a step back in time with the kids at this petite village in the rainforest, famed for its edible delights, from pies to fudge from the famed Fudgyboombah’s fudge shop.

Action-packed adventures

Amaze World

Let your little ones journey to a magical land at Amaze World. Here they can tackle the Bellingham Hedge Maze, a living labyrinth of Lilly Pillys; uncover fairies, troll and unicorns with an augmented reality game;  test their skills at the 18 hole mini golf course, and cool down in the water play area. And that’s only the beginning of the fun to be had.

TreeTop Challenge

Get your adrenaline pumping with a trip to the TreeTop Challenge in Woombye. Located at the iconic Big Pineapple. Spanning 10 acres of lush rainforest, weave your way through the tree canopy on 120 high ropes games, while gliding along 12 ziplines spanning up to 140 metres in length.

Aussie World

Ready for some thrills? Make way for Aussie World, where there’s no shortage of rides for big or small. Even the youngest of tykes have a chance to be involved, thanks to the likes of baby-friendly rides Little Beaut...Toot Toot! and Giggle Go Round.

Aquaduck

See the Sunshine Coast from the sand to the sea with Aquaduck, Australia’s first amphibious tour. The one-hour tour will take you along Mooloolaba Beach and the Esplanade before taking to the water and cruising the canals – be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that call this beautiful pocket of the region, home.

Eco Noosa River Adventures

Take your family picnic to the water with Eco Noosa River Adventures. Climb aboard the eco-friendly boats and glide along the Noosa River. The boats are self-driving which means everyone can relax and soak up the views and good vibes. There’s sun protection, soft seats and you can BYO food and drinks to keep the costs down.

Rush Adventureland

Beat the heat and unleash the kids at Rush Adventureland — the Sunshine Coast’s biggest indoor fun zone, right inside Sunshine Plaza. From soft play to ninja courses, high ropes, bumper cars and Australia’s first Rush Coaster, it’s all go for kids aged 1 to 15. Grown-ups, relax in the 150-seat café while the chaos unfolds (with coffee in hand, obviously).

Peckish? Grab a table at one of the best kid-friendly cafes and restaurants on the Sunshine Coast.