Sunshine Coast, Queensland: For The Kids
One of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, the Sunshine Coast is somewhere that is suitable for trips of all types, but is at its best when you’re bringing the kids along.
A brief itinerary that isn't short on fantastic activities, focused on all the amazing ways to make memories on your family holiday to the magnificent Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
Distance: 3 Stops, 107 km total drive distance
📍 STOP 1: BRIBIE ISLAND
Where to stay in Bribie Island?
Viewed by many as one of the very best holiday parks in Queensland, BIG4 Sandstone Point Resort gives a true resort feeling and it all centres around water related activities which the kids will love. There’s two different pools including one with a shallow area for the little ones. You’ll also find a fantastic water park which the kids can run wild in - the highlight of which is the 800L tipping bucket. Accommodation wise there’s plenty of options for all family sizes and all budgets. All sites are powered and also come with water to tap into, and common amenities are all new and clean. If you’re looking for a roofed option, there’s a whole range of cabins and villas sleeping 4 to 10 people and divided between Waterview, Gardenview, Eco and Poolside Categories. Additionally, there are Glamping options.
What to do, eat and drink in Bribie Island?
Woorim Beach is our pick of the various exceptional beaches located on Bribie Island. With beautiful calm blue waters and a patrol team on hand, this is a great spot for a dip knowing that the kids are safe. Also located on Woorim Beach, Pigface Seafood is a fantastic spot to stop for a fish and chips lunch, an ice cream or both. After lunch, the Bribie Island Butterfly House is a great place to visit, there are up to 1000 butterflies in this sanctuary and kids will love being amongst them and having them land on their arms - a great place to make memories!
What's the onward drive to Cotton Tree?
An hour and a half drive north and you'll arrive at our next stop, the coastal suburb of Cotton Tree in Maroochydore.
📍 STOP 2: COTTON TREE
Where to stay in Cotton Tree?
Cotton Tree Holiday Park is a sprawling caravan park located on the banks of the Maroochydore River and not far from the beach. Amenities are clean and well kept with both a BBQ and Camp Kitchen available for those looking to cook in common facilities. Both unpowered and powered sites are available, with some powered sites being located on the waterfront although you’ll pay a small premium for this. It’s worth noting that the waterfront sites do not sit on concrete slabs though all other powered vehicle sites do. If you’re after roofed accommodation, there are one and two bedroom villas and a three bedroom ‘beach house’.
What to do, eat and drink in Cotton Tree?
Maroochydore Beach is another classic Sunshine Coast Beach with calm patrolled waters and clean white sand that is perfect for kids to swim and muck around in. If the weather isn't so kind and we’re in need of an activity to keep the kids entertained, we’ll head into town and visit the local Strike Bowling arcade for a few games of ten pin bowling. CK Coffee Bar & Wholefoods is a great place to visit whether for a coffee or a meal throughout the day and has a kids menu that will please even the fussiest of eaters, their indoor play area will keep kids entertained for as long as you need.
What's the onward drive to Noosa?
Just over half an hour up the road and you'll arrive in beautiful Noosa Heads.
📍 STOP 3: NOOSA
Where to stay in Noosa?
Noosa River Holiday Park is a pristine park located right on the beautiful Noosa River, one of our favourite spots in Australia to take in a sunset. There’s no pool here, but kids can go for a dip in the shallows of Noosa River and there’s an incredibly family friendly atmosphere meaning they’ll likely make some new friends. Site wise, there is both powered and unpowered but the unpowered do have the best views with half of them being right on the edge of the river. Note that there are no cabin options here.
What to do, eat and drink in Noosa?
We love to kick our morning off with a walk into the world-famous Hastings St. to grab a takeaway coffee from Moonstruck Cafe and go for a walk along the beach with the kids. We certainly wouldn’t talk you out of dining in at Moonstruck either, the Bacon and Egg Roll is a favourite with our little ones. A day in Noosa is of course well spent at the famous beach of laguna bay which is well protected and perfect for kids of all ages. If you’re not keen to cook in the evening, El Capitano is a great spot for either a dine-in or takeaway pizza with gourmet options and classics for the adults and an extensive kids menu.
What's the onward drive?
This itinerary heads here but there's plenty more coast to explore in Queensland as you head further north including some fantastic family friendly locations.
