A Sunshine Coast holiday awaits, promising family bonding amongst natural wonders. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Coast as you encounter diverse wildlife, enjoy local cuisine, and create cherished memories. We’ve listed the best places to discover family fun and coastal charm on the Sunshine Coast in our guide below.

A holiday on the Sunshine Coast calls for family bonding time, and there’s no better way to connect and make memories than when surrounded by natural beauty. With a range of family-friendly short walks at the Noosa National Park, you’ll stroll along pristine coastal trails and create memories to last a lifetime. The Ocean Beach Walk takes you through the forest to the beach, while the Palm Grove Walk embraces native plants and finishes at the Noosa Headland day-use area - the perfect place to enjoy a family picnic. Plus, wildlife is all around the National Park, with lace monitors, honeyeaters and koalas making an appearance, and humpback whales able to be seen in the winter-spring months. After a morning of natural exploration, head to the iconic Eumundi Markets inland of Noosa Heads. Kids will love the live music and entertainment, while adults can browse the range of unique handmade goods and accessories. With arts and crafts stalls and an array of cuisine on offer, it’s an excellent time to find something fun to bring home and remember your trip.

After a shopping spree at the Eumundi Markets, it’s time to hop back in your Dollar rental car and continue your journey through the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Before you reach your next family-friendly destination, stop at ‘The Big Pineapple’ roadside attraction in Woombye - the 16-metre-high fibreglass pineapple makes for an excellent photo opportunity for the family album. After capturing this memorable moment, set your sights on the next adventure awaiting your family at Amaze World. Tackle the Bellingham Hedge Maze, tee off at Maze’s Mini Golf and let the kids explore the Nature Playground and Water Play areas. Plus, there are more mazes and puzzles for both adults and kids to conquer. It wouldn’t be a visit to the Sunshine Coast without a day spent on one of the region’s beautiful beaches, and Mooloolaba Beach has been voted one of the best in the South Pacific. With coastal views to admire, magical rock pools to explore and a long stretch of sand to wander, Mooloolaba Beach delights all; and when the kids are hungry, settle in for a meal at The Surf Club for beachfront views while dining.

While in Mooloolaba, every family member will love an outing to the aquarium! With over ten exhibits to explore, admire and discover, you’ll learn all about marine life, get up close to fascinating aquatic creatures and take part in interactive activities. Elevate your experience with a behind-the-scenes tour, penguin encounter or seal swim, and don’t miss out on animal feeds and talks from the experts. Keep the kids well-fed throughout your visit with food and drink from the Aqua Cafe, and head to the gift shop at the end of your visit to bring home a marine-themed souvenir. From Seal Island to the Jellyfish Kingdom, a visit to the aquarium promises a family fun day out for all. After your aquatic adventure, stroll along Mooloolaba Beach and see if you can spot any sea creatures in the wild - the HMAS Brisbane Lookout is a short walk away and offers stunning views of the coastline. When it’s time to dine, enjoy a fresh food fare at The Dock on the Mooloolaba Wharf.

Looking for something to entertain the older kids? Try out go-karting at the Big Kart Track in Landsborough. Here, visitors are invited to ride around the largest commercial go-karting track in Australia. Twist and turn your way through the track and hold a friendly competition to see who can win the race. Prefer not to take part? Watch the racers from the viewing deck, try your hand at the arcade games or grab a bite to eat from the Pit Stop Cafe. After your race, swap the asphalt for the forest floor with a visit to the nearby Beerwah State Forest. Discover the area’s beauty on the Glass House Mountains lookout track. This trail takes you through the scribbly gum rainforest and leads you to the lookout day-use area, which boasts panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains. In town, visit the heritage-listed Landsborough Museum to look into fascinating local history.

The Sunshine Coast offers plenty of opportunities for a wealth of family adventures. From enchanting natural beauty to lively markets, capture moments, share laughter, and create memories like no other on a Sunshine Coast family holiday.