List
By Danielle Reckless
There's no denying that the Sunshine Coast is a wonderland for families - and that doesn't stop when you leave the beach in search of a bite.
Soak up the region's laid-back atmosphere at these best kid-friendly cafes and restaurants on the Sunshine Coast. Whether you're after great coffee, creative locally-focused food or extra space with entertainment for the kids, you'll find it here.
Terella Brewing, Sunshine Coast @terellabrewing
Situated between the hinterland and farms of the Sunshine Coast, surrounded by crops and cattle, pop into Terella Brewing where community atmosphere, connection and smiles are all present. A range of local rotating food trucks, events and live music make weekend afternoons the best time to visit. The little ones will love the interactive farmyard, where rescue farm animals provide an exciting experience; from patting the sheep and goats, cuddling a guinea pig or holding a chicken.
Where: 196 Bunya Road, North Arm, Sunshine Coast
Open: Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12pm-8pm, Saturdays & Sundays 10am-6pm.
The Ginger Factory in Yandina is where a meal out can turn into a whole morning of fun. One of the coolest things to do with kids on the Sunshine Coast, a taste of ginger inspired treats, scones or ice cream at The Ginger Café is a must. Afterwards, take a tour of the factory, burn off energy on the undercover playground, explore the walking trails through the subtropical gardens, get buzzed at the live bee show, or jump on board 120-year old train, Moreton, for an open-air ride around the grounds.
Where: 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina.
Open: Breakfast and lunch daily 9am-2:30pm.
The Velo Project, Sunshine Coast @theveloproject
This former-garage now back-street community café in Mooloolaba looks after hungry kids and adults alike with a menu that supports local farmers and producers.
Not only is there a shaded kids’ area out the back with enough toys and cubbies to keep them busy while you sip, there’s a dedicated ‘Little Harry’s’ kids menu that will delight too, filled with toasties, crepes, fresh juices and even a colourful ‘unicorn’ babychino.
Parents don’t miss out either, thanks to a creative range of eggs benedict, crepes to satisfy sweet and savoury palates, and Moroccan spiced pork belly bowls. Sit back with a bowl of coffee, and your morning is made.
Where: 19 Careela St, Mooloolaba.
Open: Daily 7am-2pm.
Surf clubs are the go-to venue for many a family get-together and this one is no exception. Located in the hub of Mooloolaba, it’s the spot to refuel after a morning at the beach.
Grab a table on the deck for Bayview Bar & Bites, or head into dedicated restaurant, The Boathouse, for lunch or dinner where modern Australian cuisine will impress appetites big and small. Kids can choose from a range of $12 meals, while adults can pick from burgers, salads, seafood plates, steaks and more.
Where: The Esplanade, Mooloolaba.
Open: The Boathouse offers daily dining, with lunch 12.00pm – 2.30pm and dinner 4.00pm – 9.00pm. Bayview Bar and Bites is open Thursday – Sunday, 12.00pm – 2.30pm and 5.30pm – 9.00pm
CK Coffee Bar and Wholefoods, @ckcoffeebarandwholefoods
It’ll be hard to get your kids to leave the indoor play area filled with books, toys and a play kitchen. CK Coffee Bar is family owned and run, and they’ve crafted a wholesome kid-friendly menu for even the fussiest eaters.
Catering to gluten free, vegetarian and paleo diets, tuck into acai bowls, granola, omelettes, French toast or the option to ‘build your own’ brekkie. Wash it down with an extensive menu of cold-pressed juices, coffee and organic teas.
Where: Shop 3, 11/55 Maroochy Blvd, Maroochydore.
Open: Breakfast and lunch daily from 7am
Park & Co, Sunshine Coast
Right by the lake in Bli Bli’s Parklakes estate, Park & Co has become a local institution – serving the neighbourhood as a café, bar, pub, restaurant – complete with an adjoining playground.
Open 7 days a week and just 15 minutes’ drive from the heart of Maroochydore, you’ll find something on the menu to suit any craving, from breakfast classics like bacon and egg rolls and benedicts, to toasties, burgers and pizzas later in the day. Plus, there’s live music on the weekends.
Where: 125 Parklakes Dr, Bli Bli
Open: Monday – Wednesday 6am-2pm; Thursday-Friday 6am-8pm, Saturday 6am – 5pm, Sunday 6am-2pm.
A sophisticated Noosaville haunt that’ll be appreciated by the whole family, Mr Jones & Me offers a modern take on bistro-style food. The kids are sorted with a dedicated $18 menu offering a choice of pasta, chicken or calamari and chips, with drink and ice cream included.
Parents, get ready for the tough choice of what to eat. The menu is bursting with options from pumpkin and sage arancini to caramelised honey and thyme camembert, char grilled steak, pork chops and seafood linguine. And if you prefer dessert in cocktail form, there’s a dedicated menu for that, too.
Mr Jones & Me also caters to vegetarians and vegans.
Where: 301 Weyba Rd, Noosaville.
Open: Tuesday – Saturday. Lunch 12-2:30pm, Dinner 5-8:30pm
Noosa Boathouse, Sunshine Coast @noosaboathouse
Wander along the jetty from Noosaville’s main drag where the iconic Noosa Boathouse sits on the river with three levels of foodie fun. You can even catch the ferry here from Hastings St for a thrilling arrival.
Noosa Boathouse’s seafood is pretty special. Parents can share baked scallops, freshly shucked oysters and chilled Mooloolaba king prawns, or go all in with the seafood experience for two which has everything a seafood lover needs from calamari and bugs to crab and fish. Little foodies can pick battered dory and chips, bangers and mash, or pasta from their own menu.
For the ultimate picnic, grab a family fish and chips pack from the takeaway window and find a spot on the sandy bank of the river.
Where: 194 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville.
Open: Lunch daily from 11:30am, dinner daily from 5pm.
A rustic café set amongst the trees on a country road outside of Noosa, make good use of the toys and books indoors or head down to the big garden area complete with sandpit and toy boxes.
Breakfast options start with the classics, if you don’t already get tempted with the bakery cabinet. But you can also get adventurous with ever-changing specials like quinoa apple waffles or halloumi stacks loaded with grilled vegetables.
From the drinks menu, kids can choose from the milkshake range or stick with a babyccino to go with their beans on toast or toasted wraps.
Where: 777 Eumundi-Noosa Road, Doonan.
Open: Daily 6am – 2pm
Oysters at Sunshine Beach Surf Club, Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Beach Surf Club is perched up on the hill with one of the most beautiful vistas you'll find at a restaurant. Feel the beautiful sea breezes as you enjoy fresh seafood and delights like Duck Maryland, Panang Curry with lychee and coconut rice or spiced snapper tacos. There's a dedicated kids menu and play area so the parents can sit back and enjoy the ocean ambiance.
Canteen Kitchen and Bar, Sunshine Coast
A quintessential Sunshine Coast eatery just steps from Coolum Beach, Canteen Kitchen & Bar is a great spot to grab a meal with the family. Come for breakfast, lunch, happy hour or dinner and enjoy the eclectic menu that showcases local seafood and produce. Order togarashi spiced Mooloolaba tuna, Hervey Bay scallops, Mooloolaba prawn and chorizo pasta, and plenty more. When you’re full, head back to the beach.
Where: 1748 David Low Way, Coolum Beach
Open: Wednesday – Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Marcoola is a small beachside suburb 10 minutes drive south of Coolum Beach. There's a kids playground just across the road, so grab your coffee to go or sit in and relax after your little one is worn out. Choose from a delightful selection of optoins, including Spanish tortilla with baby spinach, feta and tomato on sourdough, pesto scrambled eggs, or coconut bread with lemon curd for those sporting a sweet tooth.
Where: 1 Lorraine Avenue, Marcoola
Open: Wednesday – Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday for breakfast and lunch.
Coffee Cat, Sunshine Coast
Place your order at the counter then snag a table outside with views of Kings Beach at Caloundra.
Go for healthy AM options like an acai bowl, mushroom bruschetta or quinoa Nasi Goreng, while juniors can choose between pancakes, mini-acai bowls and toast. Lunches are all about burgers, wraps and salads, with the usual suspects like fish and chips and cheese pizza for kids combo options. Things get a little fancier come dinnertime, with honey haloumi, charcuterie boards and pork ribs ready for devouring.
Come on Friday and Saturday nights for live music alongside bao buns or chicken wings.
Where: Shop 4, 8 Levuka Avenue, Kings Beach, Caloundra.
Open: Breakfast daily 6am-11:15am, lunch daily 11:30am-3pm. Dinner on Friday and Saturdays, 5:30pm-8:30pm.
Full of life, energy and great food, One Block Back at Moffat Beach is a spacious café with a seasonally inspired menu, alongside top-notch coffee and a calming atmosphere. What was once a tin shed hidden in suburbia, the coastal charm of One Block Back will win your heart, and your littlies.
Where: 106 Nothling Street, Moffat Beach.
Open: Daily 7am – 2:30pm.
White Picket Fence, Sunshine Coast
An easy stroll from Bulcock Beach, White Picket Fence is the go-to for great breakfast and lunch in kid-friendly, dog-friendly surrounds. What’s on the menu changes with the seasons, but you can expect all day brunch dishes like panna cotta, pancakes, tacos and karaage chicken benedicts. And if you fancy something a little stronger than coffee, this café is fully licensed too.
Where: 140 Bulcock St, Caloundra
Open: Daily 6:30am – 2pm.
Breakfast doesn’t come handier than a brekky wrap – and the Izba interpretation is top notch. Go for the fig and walnut loaf if you’re looking for something lighter or, if you’re up for a serious challenge, take the triple stack pancakes for a run.
Kids can also pick pancakes, Humpty Dumpty eggs or the mini breakfast (two free-range boiled eggs with thick buttery toast).
The lunch menu is crammed with burgers and wraps for adults and cheeseburgers and toasties for the little ones. Whatever meal you choose, enjoy some ‘me’ time while they make good use of the playground area suitable for kids aged four and up.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for the occasional burger night or pizza night with live music.
Where: 1-13 Bells Reach Dr, Caloundra West.
Open: Monday – Friday 6:30am – 2:30pm, Saturday – Sunday 7am – 2:30pm.
Need some more inspiration? Check out the best markets on the Sunshine Coast.