Running out of ways to stay entertained at home? There’s only so much LEGO you can build and sourdough you can bake. It sure is good news, then, that Queensland is starting to open up and families can get travelling again. Whether for a day trip or a weekend, the attractions of the Sunshine Coast will bring a smile to every dial and make for the perfect post-COVID getaway.
1. Get Back to Nature
Fill those lungs with fresh air and get outside to enjoy the beautiful views the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Climb to the top of the 25 million year old volcanic dome of Mount Coolum, or up the graded track of Mount Ngungun in the Glasshouse Mountains. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve lives up to its name, as do the beautiful Serenity Falls in Buderim.
2. Make a splash on the coast
Get wet with a tube or banana boat ride with Oz Ski Resort, or hit the waves as a family at Coolum Surf School. True to its name, the Sunshine Coast boasts many a sandy beach to enjoy. Start in the south at Golden Beach and work your way up the coast to Rainbow Beach.
3. See Wildlife in Action
Australia Zoo, run by the Irwin family, has just reopened its doors, so it is time to meet a croc or two. After something a bit cuter? Sea Life Sunshine Coast is home to little blue penguins, and there are more than 700 birds that reside at Maleny Botanic Gardens. For the biggest creatures of them all, head out with Sunshine Coast Afloat to spot a whale or two migrating north.
4. Take a ride
Head off with Ride on Mary for some two-wheeled fun in the Mary Valley, which has some of the best mountain bike trails in the region. For a ride of a different kind, trail around Ewen Maddock Dam on horseback with Tunnel Ridge Ranch. Got a need for speed? Then your family will lap up the thrill of a Caloundra Jet Ski ride.
5. Bag a Bargain
The market mad will have been missing the chance to peruse produce and consider crafts. Luckily, Caloundra Twilight Markets have announced their reopening for 26th June, in time for school holidays. The market is set on the atmospheric Bulcock Beach Esplanade from 5pm to 9pm on the last Friday of every month.
6. Tackle a Course
Little ones can be amazed at Bellingham Maze while older kids and adults can get the adrenaline racing around the chicanes at the Big Kart Track. For the ultimate encounter to push your limits, why not visit Australia’s highest and most thrilling Adventure Park designed for the entire family aged 8+. Located at the iconic Big Pineapple, the Tree Top Challenge will take you sky-high at 25 metres above the ground with 100 challenges and 12 ziplines suspended across five courses amongst sub-tropical rainforest.
7. Food Glorious Food
Mooloolaba Spit is where it’s at. Not only are its parks open for play again, but the trawlers are bringing in scrumptious fresh seafood which you can follow with an icy treet from Fior Di Latte Gelateria at the Wharf. Always wanted to sample strawberries straight from the source? Pick your own fruit at Strawberry Fields, a delightful day out with littlies.
8. Get Eventful
We’ve all been missing music and family events. Teens will love the atmosphere of gathering together with a difference at Airwaves: The Drive-In Music Festival, running from the 10th to 12th of July and featuring names like Toxic Fox, OKA and Pierce Brothers. On the 11th of July, meet Steam Man on the special Superhero Train. The Mary Valley Rattler will be running its first steam train excursion again, departing from Gympie Station.
9. Me-time for the grown-ups
Want some time away just for the grown-ups? Perhaps you need a recovery from having the whole family at home! Join with family and friends for a private foodie tour via vineyards and cheese factory with Taste of the Hinterland Tour. Or embark on the perfect lazy Sunday with Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tour, with several routes to choose from. Want to unwind even further? Finish up with a massage for two and a complimentary champagne or tea at Ikatan Day Spa.
10. Stay in the Sunshine
Make the most of the Sunshine Coast with special accommodation deals on offer for a limited time. Try something different with a Caloundra House Boat trip. The Flinders Houseboat starts at $500 for 2 days for up to 5 guests or the Hideaway Houseboat starts at $300 for 2 days and can accommodate up to 4 guests.
Find your country calling at Kenilworth Boutique Accommodation. Located in cosy Kenilworth, take advantage of this winter special and save 20% when you stay for 2 nights mid-week (Sunday to Thursday). With plenty of space for the family, just mention Visit Sunshine Coast when booking to receive the discount.
Enjoy a ‘Vitamin Sea’ treatment at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort. Escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful ‘Vitamin Sea’ treatment at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort. Stay for two nights and receive a $50 food and beverage resort credit for travel between 13 June 2020 and 31 August 2020, prices from $299, available exclusively for new bookings.
For more information visit: visitsunshinecoast.com
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