The best things to do on the Sunshine Coast during the school holidays

Trade in technology for trails and head outdoors. One of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast during the school holidays is hike one of the many trails in and around the coast.

Kids young and old can embrace their inner ranger at Noosa National Park. One of Queensland’s most spectacular coastal national parks, this beautiful trail boasts both sea and forest views, with resident koalas a common sight along the main walking path. Between June and November keep your eyes glued to the horizon to spot humpback whales on their annual migration.

Got some serious energy to burn? Active families will revel in the walking trails at the Glass House Mountains. With a 1.5 hour walk time, tackle the 3.2km Tibrogargan Circuit as you and your little ones spot the local wildlife. Mount Coolum situated just behind the golden sands of Coolum Beach is an easy 40-minute hike to the summit and spoils you with 360-degree views of the beach and the hinterland at the top - or meander along Coolum's nearby Point Perry Walk for ocean views. 

For an adventure on two wheels hit up the Mary Valley with a self-guided bike tour of the Rail Trail. The family-friendly track between Imbil and Brooloo is an easy 9.6kms and offers some of the best views of the lush forests in the region. It’s also just north of the famous Kenilworth Bakery; their 1kg doughnuts the perfect family-sized snack post-bike ride.

Looking for a swimming hole to BYO picnic and spend an afternoon? Hit up these top 5 waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast.

2. Plan the perfect beach day

Pack the towels and a picnic before heading out for a day at the beach. The Sunshine Coast has miles of soft golden sand stretching all the way to the Fraser Coast—so you’re bound to find a stretch of sand all to yourself with plenty of sheltered options for young families.

Point Cartwright in Buddina offers the best of both worlds; this secluded beach space may appear rough but venture halfway down and you’ll find family-friendly rock pools perfect for all day entertainment.

You’ll have miles of sand and surf to yourself at Rainbow Beach. This idyllic pocket of the northern Sunshine Coast hugs the Cooloola National Park, encapsulated by lush scrub and rugged sand dunes. All the makings of the perfect family day at the beach.

Mostly sheltered from the winds, Noosa’s Main Beach is a popular family-friendly beach offering up the perfect mix of sand, gentle surf, and plenty of cafes (and ice cream shops) to keep the kids happy.

Want to learn to surf as a family? Find out which Sunshine Coast Surf School is for you.

3. Pick your own farm produce

Get your hands dirty and take the family to one of the Sunshine Coast’s pick-your-own produce farms this school holiday. The region is brimming with incredible local producers, so be sure to eat and shop local while you’re here.

Cooloola Berries is a local favourite, where you can tuck into strawberry ice cream and cider after fruit picking. 

4. Get up close with the local wildlife

For a day the kids won’t forget, Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors perform action-packed shows every day of the school holidays on the Sunshine Coast. The whole family will love learning about the resident crocs, while inquisitive little ones will relish the morning tours inside the wildlife hospital, where you’ll see first-hand the zoo’s protection program for the native wildlife in the area.

School holidays between June and September hit right in the middle of whale migration season—and the Sunshine Coast is one of the best places in Australia to spot these magnificent creatures. Sunreef’s three-hour whale experience will have you within metres of the peaceful giants and the kids (aged 8+) will love watching the whales breach the surface.

5. Explore the world-famous everglades

Knock those fit family and budding eco warrior goals out of the park with a kayaking adventure on the Noosa Everglades. One of only two everglades systems on earth, this is your opportunity to experience nature unlike anywhere else. Opt for either the half day or full day guided kayak tour with Kanu Kapers and explore the ‘river of mirrors’ as a family, while soaking up the incredible natural beauty of the glades and its local wildlife.

6. For the adventure seekers

Guaranteed action-packed fun for all the family, hit up the 30+ rides at Aussie World. Catering to all ages, there’s something here for everyone—even the parents.

Or, get your racing kicks this school holidays at Sunshine Coast’s Big Kart Track; one of the largest go-kart tracks in Australia at 1.2km long. Kids can get a taste of the action on the fully-supervised Kids Track or jump in with mum or dad on the double seaters.

For sky-high thrills, Big Pineapple’s Tree Top Challenge will test even the strongest stomachs. Soaring 25 metres above the ground, Australia’s largest aerial playground offers over 100 challenges and 12 ziplines suspended amongst sub-tropical rainforest. Older families will love the Canyon Flyer guided tour, while little ones between 3 and 7 will feel totally at home gliding through the courses of the Treetop Challenge Juniors.

7. Explore underwater

Discover a whole new world underwater at Sea Life - Mooloolaba's very own award-winning aquarium. Home to the Sunshine Coast’s only colony of Little Blue Penguins, wander the exhibits, explore the tidal touch pools, and be wowed by the 80metre 'ocean tunnel' where rays and sharks pass overhead. Want something extra special? Add on a behind-the-scenes tour or dive in to swim with seals.

Once you're done, refuel at the many eateries just steps away at The Wharf.