Sunshine Coast family-friendly travel guide

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About the Sunshine Coast

Just north of Brisbane lies Queensland’s aptly named Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island, a heavenly stretch of white sandy beaches, miles of surf, crystal-clear waters and rolling green mountains. The region is also blessed with the majestic Glasshouse Mountains and unspoiled rainforest, so there’s plenty to do and see to keep the whole family happy and active!

A holiday to the Sunshine Coast offers families a fun-filled adventure that spans from Caloundra, famous for its kid-friendly Kings Beach; to Mooloolaba, a vibrant cafe and surfing haven; to Noosa, renowned for its boutiques, restaurants, cafes and hotels; and to the enchanting Maleny, Montville, Mapleton and Mary Valley in the hinterland.

Sunshine Coast facts

State

QLD

Population

303,389 (2016)

Time zone

GMT+10

Landmass

1,633 km²

Currency

Australian dollar (AUD)

Emergency number

000

Helpful information

Where to go

The Fraser Coast

The Fraser Coast is two hours north and a stunning tapestry of nature’s wonders uniting the iconic World Heritage-listed Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef.

The calm protected waters of Hervey Bay offer a natural playground for thousands of majestic humpback whales each year, providing one of the world’s best up-close-and-personal whale encounter experiences from August to October.

Cool off at the WetSide Water Park in Hervey Bay, which is free entry and eco-friendly! On Friday and Saturday nights, you’ll even catch a light show and musical entertainment from 7.30pm onwards.

Noosa

Noosa is one of Australias’s most fashionable resort towns, a hub of boutique shops and polished restaurants, all surrounded by pristine beaches and rainforest. It is made up of three zones: the upmarket Noosa Heads, the more low-key Noosaville and the Noosa Junction – meaning there is something to suit all budgets.

Mooloolaba

Small eateries, boutiques, and pockets of apartments and resorts make up most of Mooloolaba Esplanade, making this once sleepy fishing village one Queensland’s most popular family holiday destinations. Boasting 300 days of sunshine a year and an array of clean and safe beaches, Mooloolaba is a relaxed alternative to nearby hubs of the Gold Coast and Noosa.

Caloundra

Caloundra is one of Queensland’s most popular family-friendly holiday destinations thanks to the variety of attractions and activities on offer for kids of all ages. Unpack and enjoy fun-filled days under clear blue sunny skies, sandcastles optional.

Kids will love Australia Zoo, the legacy of a true Australian icon, Steve Irwin. The zoo is a massive 40 hectares and boasts a variety of wildlife shows where you can meet many of the animals personally, plus hand feed the kangaroos, wallabies and Kids Zoo animals.

Best time to go to the Sunshine Coast

Boasting perfect year-round weather with an average of seven hours of sunshine daily, it’s no wonder this Queensland holiday favourite is called the Sunshine Coast.

Summer

During summer months, the average maximum temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius.

Winter

During winter months, the average maximum temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius.

Getting in and around for families

Getting there

The Sunshine Coast is accessible by road or air. You can drive an hour north of Brisbane on the Bruce Highway or fly direct from Sydney and Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast Airport and hire a car.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available throughout cities of the Sunshine Coast.

Buses

Major coach companies also service the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane.

Food and drinks that kids will love

The Sunshine Coast is a foodies haven, offering a feast of flavours and a tempting array of places to eat. Enjoy dining in a surf club with amazing views, cosy hinterland hideaways, or one of the dozens of award-winning restaurants. Noosa has the greatest concentration of upmarket eateries, though you will a multitude of high-quality restaurants throughout other major hubs as well.

If that’s not your idea of fun with the family, then head to the local fish and chip shop, or pick some fresh strawberries to eat on the beach from a nearby farm.

Shopping

The Sunshine Coast offers a diverse shopping experience for visitors, from small roadside craft and antique stores to classy fashion boutiques and sophisticated art galleries.

Markets remain one of the most popular shopping and cultural activities for visitors to the Sunshine Coast. Visit a well established market such as the iconic Eumundi Market, Noosa Farmers Market, or a market at Sunshine Plaza.

For art and antiques visit Montville village, a picturesque destination in itself with its Irish and English cottages of log and stone, Swiss and Bavarian chalets and colonial and old Queenslander houses.

Customs

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

What to wear

Casual, lightweight clothing is sufficient for most of the year in the Sunshine Coast. A jacket or warmer clothing may be required for cooler winter evenings. Long pants and comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to do any bushwalking or horse riding. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential all year round.

Courtesy

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Electricity

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

Safety and health precautions

Health precautions

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

Safety

By and large, the Sunshine Coast is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

Most photographed places

Kings Beach

If you want that quintessential Australian beach holiday photo, then look no further than Kings Beach. Located in Caloundra, this pristine spot is renowned for its spectacular beachfront offering great picnic and barbecue areas, kid-friendly waves, a saltwater ocean pool and general laid-back beach vibes. For the best vantage point, head up to the Caloundra Coastal Walk.

Buderim Falls

Just 10 minutes from Maroochydore, this little oasis feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the coast. Buderim Falls (otherwise known as Serenity Falls) are one of the most photographed places on the entire Sunshine Coast and it is truly spectacular from any angle – the bridge overlooking the falls, downstream or the rock ledge behind the falls themselves. A boardwalk leads to the falls and its an easy stroll for little ones.

Blackall Range Tourist Drive

The 55-kilometre Blackall Range Tourist Drive offers panoramas around every corner and is arguably the most scenic drive in the area. With plenty of lookouts and roadside picnic tables, it’s a stress-free day out for the entire family.