Fun Things to do on the Sunshine Coast With Kids

The Sunshine Coast is an amazing destination for families, with plenty of luxurious and budget-friendly options for things to do and places to visit. Although we only spent a short time there, we discovered some gems and are excited to share them with you!

Read on to discover the places we visited and what we thought. Plus, we’ll give you the low-down on the best Sunshine Coast tours for families.

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Mooloolaba | La Balsa Park & Point Cartwright Reserve

Mooloolaba is a lovely spot to visit if you’re looking for things to do on the Sunshine Coast with kids.

We didn’t spend much of our time on the main beach, only opting to eat an ice cream there at the end of the day when a storm was coming closer…because that’s where the ice-cream shops are!

The search engines told me that Mooloolaba Beach is good for family-friendly swimming. However, after talking to a few locals, it seems like the waves can be quite powerful.

So instead, we spent most of our day around La Balsa Park, where it’s calmer. The park is set on the gentle waters of the Mooloola River, and there’s a lovely little bay, perfect for swimming.

From the park, you can go on a nice walk around Point Cartwright Reserve. Check out the lighthouse and the views down to Point Cartwright and Kawana Beaches, and across to Mooloolaba Main Beach on the other side.

Point Cartwright Beach is also nice, but it’s not patrolled, and there are warning signs about swimming there. For families, I’d recommend swimming at La Balsa Park or the main patrolled beach.

We went on a rainy day, and the contrast between the crazy winds at the end of Point Cartwright and the sheltered tranquility of La Balsa Park was quite incredible.

Family-Friendly Mooloolaba Tours

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to family-friendly tours in Mooloolaba. The kids will love this 1-hour amphibious tour on the Aquaduck. They’ll even receive a captains certificate to remember the tour!

Or, enjoy a guided land and sea e-bike tour from the Mooloolah River to the Maroochy River, exploring iconic attractions along the way.

Other options for families include a classic 1-hour Mooloolaba canal cruise or this exciting 1-hour whale-watching adventure tour.

Noosa Heads | Beaches, walks & Cafes

Noosa is another fab location if you’re after things to do on the Sunshine Coast for kids. Noosa Heads Main Beach has stunning white sand, clear water, and gentle surf. Another option is Little Cove Beach, just east of the main beach.

The main downside is that it can be busy, no matter when you go. We went on a Tuesday during school time and couldn’t get a parking space in either of the car parks near the beach. So we parked 15 minutes walk along the road – the upside of this being that we got to enjoy gorgeous glimpses of the Noosa River.

Another downside is that the water sometimes has sea lice – microscopic jellyfish larvae that are not dangerous but can make swimming an itchy affair!

But there are many things to enjoy about Noosa. The main beach is on the doorstep of the National Park, which offers excellent short hikes with spectacular vistas and hidden beaches.

Noosa is well known for its upscale yet relaxed vibe. The main street boasts lovely boutique stores and nice cafes. Plus, there are no high rises towering over the beach, helping it maintain its charm.

Family-Friendly Noosa Tours

Noosa is a hotspot for Sunshine Coast tours, and there are plenty for families to choose from. Take a small-group surf class suitable for all ages and skill levels, or enjoy an adventure boat tour for the chance to spot wildlife such as dolphins.

This epic kayaking and 4WD beach adventure is rated 4.8 stars from more than 360 reviews. It’s an incredible way to discover the area’s wildlife and includes kayak equipment and instruction, light refreshments, and transportation via 4WD and ferry.

Adventurous families will also love this canoeing trip through Australia’s Everglades, a fascinating and unique ecosystem in the upper part of the Noosa River. Those who prefer to cruise are also covered with an afternoon tea boat cruise.

Finally, this 90-minute stillwater sunset cruise is the perfect way to finish your day and appreciate the beauty of the Noosa River and surroundings.

Things to do on the Sunshine Coast with Kids | In Conclusion

We’ve only discovered a small portion of what’s on offer for families on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. However, we did visit quite a few more places in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

As a full-time slow traveling family currently traveling within Australia, we are sure we’ll be back soon to discover more of what this beautiful region offers. And when we do, we’ll add them to this post!

Some of the locations on our list for next time include:

• Amaze World
• Buderim Forest Park for walking and swimming holes
• Next Level High Ropes Adventure Park in Maroochydore
• Climbing Mount Coolum
• Kings Beach and Bulcock Beach in Caloundra, which are known for family-friendly swimming
• Bli Bli Watersports Complex

Looking for further things to do in the region? Check out our top picks for things to do in Nambour and nearby with kids, plus these awesome things to do in Gympie and nearby.

If you’re heading to Brisbane, discover the best things to do with kids, walks and hikes in the area, and the most awesome playgrounds.

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