Sun, surf, adventure: your guide to a five day family holiday on the Sunshine Coast

There’s nothing quite like a family holiday on the Sunshine Coast. All the barefoot, beachside charm parents will remember from their own childhood getaways, but with new adventures and sophisticated surrounds that will keep a modern kid’s mind and body occupied.

This five day itinerary dials the family holiday up an extra notch. Pack the bucket and spades for plenty of beach time, but get ready to see a whole new side to the Sunshine Coast while you’re here: from picnic boats, lookouts, and surfboards.

You’ll want a car for this family holiday, so make the drive north from Brisbane – or fly direct into Sunshine Coast Airport and pick up a rental vehicle. 

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Clichés aside, today really is as much about the journey as the destination. If you’re driving to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane, an extended pit-stop at Australia Zoo is a must.

This wildlife park really does live up to its world-renowned hype – and not just because of its star-studded owners, the Irwin family. Conservation is at the core of everything here, and it’s your chance to learn and meet animals from Australia and all corners of the world, as well as catch the action of the daily croc show. Take full advantage of your day with this guide – and be sure to pre-book one of the many once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like encounters with otters, rhinos, echidnas, wombats or join the wildlife rangers for a tiger walk.

If you want to kick off your Sunshine Coast family holiday in a totally unique way, spend the night in wild luxury at Australia Zoo’s new accommodation, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. Otherwise, add tonight’s destination to your Maps – it’s about 40 minutes’ drive further up the highway to reach your base for this adventure: Coolum Beach. 

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A little more relaxed than its bustling neighbour to the north, Coolum has the best of both worlds, so you can sink into a more low-key atmosphere in between action-packed activities. It’s also home to many apartment-style accommodations to suit a family getaway.

Element on Coolum Beach offers chic beachside living with multi-bedroom apartments – including the all-important resort pool – right across the road from the lifeguard patrolled beach, skate park and the town’s main drag.

Another great option is The Point, which boasts ocean view apartments on the hill near Point Arkwright. Third Bay's secluded beach is just 100 metres from your doorstep, and the Coastal Pathway and bush walking trails surround the property. From here, it’s about a 15 minute walk to Coolum's main patrolled beach.

Swim, settle in and cook tonight. Or head out with your crew to nearby Canteen Kitchen and Bar.

Day 2: Get to know the beat of Coolum  

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It’ll be hard not to jump straight out of bed when first light hits. And with the beach only steps away, an early splash or stroll along the sand is fuss-free.

Coolum’s heart revolves around the surf – so jump in for one yourself. Here, the whole family can experience the natural high of surfing, even if it’s for the first time. Family owned and operated Coolum Surf School is one of the best schools on the Sunshine Coast and the instructors are great with kids. Enrol your troops for a few hours, or book a private lesson for the entire crew, parents included. 

PM

When it’s time to rinse off the saltwater, you’ll find plenty of spots to rest tired muscles – and you won’t have to give up the beach views either. Coolum Surf Club is right by the waves, and is a relaxed and welcoming venue for families. Grab a seat inside or nab a table on the deck, then tuck into the weekly specials.

This afternoon, take a stroll along Coolum Coastal Boardwalk. Keep your eyes peeled if it’s humpback whale migration season – you might spot a few spouts on the horizon, and be sure to give in to temptation if the beach beckons again. 

Day 3: Swim at the beach or swim with seals

AM

It’s time to get out and meet more of the Sunshine Coast’s magic. This morning, pack the crew in the car and make your way a little south to sleepy Mudjimba Beach.

If you need extra fuel for the day ahead, stop in at The Island Surf Espresso when you arrive. This surf shop / café is right across the road from the red and yellow flags, and serves up specialty coffee from a local Sunshine Coast roaster as well as baked treats and goodies.

Mudjimba Beach is one of the best family-friendly beaches on the Sunshine Coast. Bring the boogie boards, beach toys and umbrella and make the most of the morning here. 

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The coolest classroom on the coast, Sea Life is an aquarium that’ll fascinate no matter what age. Home to the Sunshine Coast’s only colony of little blue penguins, 11 different themed zones, as well as Australian fur seals and sea lions, Sea Life is your invitation to discover the wonderful underwater world with over 10,000 sea creatures. Explore the touch tanks, wander through the tunnels and gasp as sharks and rays swim overhead, and sign the family up for a special experience: take a behind-the-scenes tour and help feed the fish, dive in for a seal swim experience, have a close encounter with playful penguins, or gear up for a thrilling cage-less shark dive.

All the excitement is sure to give you an appetite, so wander over to The Wharf Mooloolaba. It’s home to several restaurants, whether you feel like Italian, seafood, or a scoop of ice cream.  

Day 4: Pick up the pace in Noosa

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You can’t take a family holiday to the Sunshine Coast without a visit to arguably its most famous beachside village, Noosa.

Take advantage of an early morning wakeup to nab a parking spot at Noosa National Park, which spans nearly 3000 hectares along Noosa's headland. Stroll the coastal track as far as you like: popular spots along the way include Boiling Pot Lookout, Tea Tree Bay Beach and Dolphin Point. Once you’re back, you’ve certainly earned a dip at Noosa Heads Main Beach. This north-facing beach offers calm waters to splash and play, right across the road from bustling Hastings St.

Hungry? Don’t find a grassy picnic patch by the water just yet: you’re heading out on it.

PM

Make your way to Noosaville to find Eco Noosa River Adventures. This eco-friendly local company shares the story of Noosa River with visitors, and one of the best family holiday activities is to rent a luxury electric picnic boat. Whisper quiet, easy to drive and covered for sun protection, it’s a fun way to explore the river together. The crew will even pack you a gourmet food hamper for the adventure. If the kids are a little older and more active, Eco Noosa River Adventures also offers kayak, SUP or electric Efoil rentals to tackle the open spaces of the river at your own pace.

Back on dry land, it’s dinner time – and you don’t have to miss out on Noosa’s best restaurants just because the kids are with you. Popular Noosa Boathouse is just moments away, where you can dine at the restaurant or grab takeaway and sit in the parklands next door (with live music every Friday 4:30pm – 7:30pm.) Otherwise, head over to Noosaville’s Mr Jones and Me: more of a local joint than tourist hotspot, this is classic bistro food with a modern twist.

If Noosa has really caught your attention, check out these other things to do with the kids here. 

Day 5: Cool off in Caloundra

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Conveniently located on the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is a family holiday haven for good reason: fun activities, family-friendly beaches and parklands abound. It’s also en route to Brisbane if you’re making the drive back, and we couldn’t think of a better way to spend your final day of holidays.

Time it for Sunday and the kids can spend the morning exploring the 120+ unique stalls at weekly Caloundra Street Fair. It’s a treasure trove of locally made goods, and a great excuse to find a special souvenir or pick up a morning snack.

PM

Up next: steer your own adventure through the bright waters of Caloundra. Bills Boat and Bike Hire has single and double kayak rentals so the whole family can paddle – even those with arms not quite strong enough to go the whole distance. It's a great opportunity to spot some of the sea life you all learned about at the aquarium. 

Back on dry land, it’s time to get wet again. Caloundra is a hotspot for families who like to cool off, with Bulcock Beach, Kings Beach Ocean Pool and foreshore activities galore. Spend your last few hours in holiday mode swimming, building sandcastles and devouring one last ice cream cone.

Worn out, it’s time to head home. Don’t worry, there’s plenty more to explore next time you’re on the Sunshine Coast.