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Outdoor activities for families on the Sunshine Coast

Food & Travel, Outdoor Fun, Sunshine Coast, Things to Do

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, families across Queensland are desperate to shake off the #iso cabin fever and reconnect with nature. The Sunshine Coast offers a bounty of outdoor activities for families, from water sports and bushwalks to exploring untouched rainforests and waterfalls.

Here are nine of our favourite outdoor activities on the Sunshine Coast that are certain to reconnect your family with nature.

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Family bike ride along Caloundra’s scenic coastal pathway

The Caloundra Coastal Pathway is ideal for novice cyclists and families. Mostly off-road, the 9km pathway is designed for walkers and riders, so it’s a safe way to ride your bikes without worrying about traffic. Take in the amazing views as you pedal past Caloundras beautiful beaches and stunning coastline. Stop for a picnic of local produce at Happy Valley, where you’ll find a beach park with a playground, picnic tables and toilets.

Family Picnic on Moffats Beach Sunshine Coast

Discover Noosa National Park

Noosa National Park is the perfect place for families to reconnect with nature, and there are several walks of varying distance to choose from. For little legs, take a stroll along the stunning coastline to Tee Tree Bay, where there are rock pools to explore and a lovely bay to dip your toes. For those keen for a longer walk, continue the walk to Hell’s Gate or take the inland trail up Noosa Hill (2.8km return). Oh, and keep a look out for koalas chilling in the trees above.

Little Cove Beach Sunshine Coast


Enjoy a picnic at Point Cartwright

On the headland at the northern end of Kawana Beach, Point Cartwright and lighthouse is one of the best spots on the Sunshine Coast for a picnic! The large grassy slopes offer plenty of space to throw down a rug whilst the kids burn off some steam. There is a lovely coastal track with high cliffs that offers spectacular views from Mount Coolum to Kawana Beach. Its also a great spot to watch for humpback whales during the winter migration which runs from June to September.

For those with more energy to burn, there is also a playground on the end of Mooloolah River in La Balsa Park.

Make sure you stock up on local produce on the way – for something extra special, why not try a takeaway hamper from D’licious Gourmet Hampers.  

Kawana Beach Sunshine Coast

Hit the waves

We may be heading into winter, but on the Sunshine Coast the sun is still shining, the days are warm and the surf is still enticing! Hire a board or take a lesson with Coolum Surf School and test your balance in the ocean.

Climb a mountain

The Glass House Mountains are an easy drive from Brisbane. Or, if youre venturing further north, Mt Ninderry is an ideal level for families. For those who want more of a challenge, Mount Coolum offers spectacular views of the coastline.

Mount Coolum Sunshine Coast

Discover some of the region’s ‘undiscovered’ waterfalls

The Sunshine Coast has plenty of waterfalls to discover. Buderim Falls (also known as Serenity Falls) is an easy walk for families through the tranquility of the rainforest. Or try the lesser known Wappa Falls in Yandina. Kondalilla Falls is a majestic waterfall but the trail is more challenging, so it’s not for the very young ones!

Walk through sub-tropical rainforest

The Sunshine Coast has some of the most spectacular, easy-to-access rainforest, making it the ideal destination for families to reconnect with nature. Head to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland town of Maleny, where you’ll find 55 hectares of tranquil subtropical rainforest. Choose from several walks that wind through the rainforest (and try to spot a pademelon!).

Explore the Mooloolaba canals

For a splash-tactic family adventure, why not hire a boat or a kayak from Sunreef Mooloolaba and explore the Mooloolaba canals? These calm waterways offer a different perspective of Mooloolaba, and it’s a super-fun, unique activity for the kids. Make sure to stop in at Mooloolaba Spit afterwards for some takeaway seafood fresh off the trawler to enjoy on the beach! 

Canals Sunshine Coast

Enjoy the Sunshine Coast fresh air with Noosa Horse Riding

Offering daily rides at both Lake Weyba and Noosa North Shore, you can enjoy the serenity and beauty of an un-spoilt wilderness on horseback. Whether novice or experienced, Noosa Horse Riding caters for every level of rider (must be over 8 years old).

 

To help you plan your Sunshine Coast adventure, Visit Sunshine Coast has launched an innovative new campaign A Taste of Escape. To get involved, visit atasteofescape.visitsunshinecoast.com and follow Visit Sunshine Coast on Facebook and Instagram.

In light of the current COVID-19 situation, please check with individual businesses regarding operations.

 #VisitSunshineCoastSoon


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Search tags: Nature
By Claire Gilligan
WITH A FIFO HUSBAND WHO WORKS AWAY WEEKS AT A TIME, CLAIRE ENJOYS FINDING FUN, LOCAL THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT TO OCCUPY HER AND HER TWO GIRLS' TIME. ORIGINALLY FROM SYDNEY, CLAIRE AND HER FAMILY LOVE ALL THE THINGS THE SUNSHINE COAST HAS TO OFFER AND ENJOY SHOWING IT OFF TO VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Kids on the Coast is a free family magazine whats on guide for Kids: things to do, school holiday fun and free activities for kids... Fun attractions, family food & travel, kids health & wellbeing, kids parties venues, parenting, pregnancy & babies, guide for parents. Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids things to do with kids, schools and education and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

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