A No-Stress Family Guide to Kids Activities on the Sunshine Coast

A family-friendly trail through Queensland's most laid-back corner, from snorkelling in Mooloolaba's rock pools to kayaking on Caloundra's sparkling waterways.

There's something irresistible about the Sunshine Coast. Maybe it's the mix of laid-back living and adventurous spirit, or perhaps it's how quickly you can swap salted hair at the beach for a crisp hike in the hinterland. Whatever the magic, families flock here for a barefoot authenticity that's increasingly rare in coastal paradises.

Watching kids experience this landscape stripped of digital distractions, seeing them discover a hermit crab for the first time or taste honey straight from the comb, is what makes being a parent great. From rock-hopping wonders of Mooloolaba to ziplining in Woombye, there is no shortage of excellent Sunshine Coast activities for families, and we've found 19 of the best.

The Mooloolaba Rock Pools are where you want to start. This is nature's aquarium, complete with tiny universes contained in each tidal pool. Kids transform into marine biologists, examining translucent shrimp, tiny crabs, and colourful starfish. 
 

If your clan needs something a little more structured, head south to Kings Beach Ocean Pool in Caloundra, which offers a compromise between wild ocean swimming and a chic, modern hotel pool. It's a massive saltwater basin where toddlers paddle in the shallows while their older siblings cannonball into the deeper end. There's even a spray park for the littles, plenty of shaded areas and lifeguard supervision during the warmer months.
 

Bulcock Beach, with its calm waves and pristine white sand, is a southern-facing shore just a short walk from Caloundra's town centre. It's one of those spots that caters to both hardcore beach goers and the folks who prefer to stay safely on land. A boardwalk winds along the coastline, revealing uninterrupted views of the vivid blue waters merging into the Pumicestone Passage. When appetites start making demands, simply wander across the road to discover a row of modern cafés and restaurants.

If you're after a serene day out Lake Currimundi, a saltwater inlet near Caloundra, has calm water for families to kayak, paddleboard, or float along in rubber rings in a lazy loop. The shady spots by the water are a lifesaver on a scorching summer's day, and older kids can roam the dunes. And up at Point Cartwright, perched on the northern end of Kawana beach, you'll find the perfect multi-generation coast walk, with a lighthouse, fishing rocks, sweeping views of the coastline, and enough open space for kids to go temporarily wild.

The Sunshine Coast is big on experiences where nature does the heavy lifting. Australia Zoo in Beerwah is the legendary home of the Irwins, famous for conservation and for letting the kids get face-to-face with everything from happy wombats to colossal crocodiles. Kids leave understanding something fundamental about wildlife protection, and the hands-on experiences create memories that stick.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Mooloolaba, SeaLife Mooloolaba offers an underwater experience minus the sandy feet and sunburn. The 80 metre ocean tunnel is a gorgeous corridor of sharks, rays, and colourful reef fish gliding overhead. Kids over thirteen can even swim with the seals, while little hands can interact with starfish in the rock pools.

For more green immersion, Mary Cairncross Reserve in the hinterland of Maleny, offers a proper rainforest experience without requiring serious hiking abilities. The elevated walkways mean even toddlers can experience the prehistoric feel of these forests, the massive strangler figs, the sudden bursts of sunlight through the canopy, the calls of unseen birds.

At the TreeTop Challenge at the Big Pineapple families navigate high ropes courses and ziplines through rainforest canopy, children pushing boundaries while parents calculate acceptable risk levels in real-time. It's exhilarating and exhausting in equal measure, much like travelling with small humans generally.

Half an hour away, Gardners Falls is an easy favorite for families because of its straightforward access. Tucked off the Maleny–Landsborough Road, the flowing waterhole is a refreshing break, where daredevils swinging from rope swings into the water. Sprawling green lawns, waterfalls, and a menagerie of feathered residents (peacocks, ducks, and moorhens all wander by) make this a prime spot for a picnic with a side of wildlife.

One of the region's best-kept secrets might be Noosa National Park, where you can wander through lush eucalypt forests. The beaches tucked between rocky outcrops - Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay - offer natural swimming pools where kids can splash while parents scan the eucalyptus trees above for sleeping koalas. Tread lightly, the brush turkeys have a knack for showing up exactly where they're not expected. 

After days spent chasing horizons and wildlife, the importance of a proper home base becomes clear. Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort understands what families actually need from a hotel – lots of space. With a private saltwater lagoon offering complimentary kayaks and catamarans, overwater bungalows and a gorgeous outdoor pool, it lays the perfect groundwork for families to create their own sunlit adventures.

The beachfront Sunshine Coast hotel is in a central location making day trips to anywhere from Mooloolaba to Maleny a breeze, and it's within walking distance to a patrolled surf beach and the Maroochy River boardwalk. Kids love the heaving breakfast buffet and wild kangaroos that roam the grounds.

The Sunshine Coast does a great job of catering to both foodies and fussy eaters. Pelican Waters Tavern in Caloundra is a laid-back tavern that sprawls right by the Pelican Waters Canal, offering a breezy deck area overlooking the water. There's space for the kids to roam and the menu runs the gamut from hearty burgers to fresh seafood.

While the name may fool you, The Ginger Factory is more than sugary souvenirs and gingerbread. There's an undercover playground, historic train tracks and a kid-friendly boat ride, and best of all, a café serving up proper lunches to keep everyone going. The scones come with house-made ginger jam that would make a British grandmother weep with joy. For a side of education, Maleny Food Co. offers something increasingly rare: a direct connection between food source and plate. Here kids who think milk originates in cartons get an understanding of the entire process, from cow to bottle, while parents get to taste some of the best cheeses in the country. 

If you're chasing an excellent glass of wine as well as a great playground for the kids to run around on, The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard in Maleny is calling you. The menu is varied enough to keep all ages happy, mostly made up of classic Aussie favorites peppered with some gourmet twists. If you're lucky, you'll catch live music, which has been known to turn a quiet lunch into a family dance session.

For a DIY picnic spot Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World is a great place to unpack your esky (or grab bites from the on-site café), and let the kids explore the aviaries, waterfalls, and manicured gardens. Finally Eumundi Markets , open every Wednesday and Saturday, capture Australia's multicultural spirit: Indigenous art alongside Lebanese street food, Filipino desserts next to locally made didgeridoos.

They're a microcosm of what makes the Sunshine Coast so special, the perfect place for families to stretch out in the natural world and make some memories in the sun.