Family Holiday Destinations

Families love the mild climate, beaches and laid back lifestyle of Queensland's Sunshine Coast.  Just an easy hour and a half drive from Brisbane International Airport, or a direct flight to Maroochydore Airport, the Sunshine Coast is highly accessible and a great option for a family beach holiday.

But the Sunshine Coast is not all about beaches, with a beautiful hinterland and several National Parks to explore, and loads of attractions and things to do with the kids.

The Noosa area is highly popular, with National Park meeting beautiful kid-friendly beaches.  Hastings Street, alongside the beach, is lined with cafes, restaurants and trendy boutiques (Mums, leave Dad on the beach with the kids and escape for some quality "me-time"!).  Neighbouring Noosaville has a lovely waterfront location, and families will love the river ferry and enjoy plenty of playgrounds.  The nearby resort villages of Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach, Caloundra, Mooloolaba are also popular for family holidays on the Sunshine Coast.

Accommodation options are plentiful and varied, suiting all budgets and tastes from 5* hotels to self-catered apartments and everything in between.  Apartments are often a great choice for families holidaying on the Sunshine Coast - often close to the beach with a swimming pool, they offer greater flexibility with fully equipped kitchens and laundries.

Got the time and energy to venture further afield?  Spend a day or two at the World Heritage listed Fraser Island.  Renowned for four-wheel driving and camping, this island sand mass is a spectacular day trip from the Sunshine Coast.  See long white beaches, pristine clear blue freshwater lakes, dramatic coloured-sand cliffs and a ship wreck.

• Family friendly beaches - the Sunshine Coast is home to some of the best beaches in the world and offers a choice of surf and calm bays with warm water and clean white sand. Most are patrolled by lifesavers and equipped with children's playgrounds, undercover barbeque and picnic areas, toilets and showers, and plenty of parking.
• Australia Zoo -The world famous Home of the Crocodile Hunter (aka Steve Irwin), this wonderful zoo is chock-a-block full of wildlife fund and adventure. Kids will love the hands-on experiences with koalas, wombats, snakes and kangaroos, and the whole family will be thrilled by the exciting crocodile shows at the Crocoseum. You can even get your photo taken with a baby alligator!
• Sea Life Sunshine Coast - home to seven unique zones and entertaining seal and otter shows, UnderWater World excites visitors of all ages, providing opportunities to see, touch and explore marine life up close and personal.
• The Ginger Factory - one of the Sunshine Coast's largest and most popular tourist attractions, with educational tours, entertaining rides, great shopping and lots of fun. Many of the activities are suitable for children under 12, and young kids will especially like the train ride.
• Aussie World - located next door to the iconic Ettamogah Pub, Aussie World is a theme park with dozens of thrilling rides and games that will please the whole family. Plenty of amusements for kids of all sizes from toddlers to teenagers.
• Eumundi - this Noosa hinterland shopping village mixes historic Queensland village atmosphere with a vibrant arts community, centred around the twice-weekly famous Eumundi Markets (Wednesdays & Saturdays). Fun for all the family. Book a return shuttle bus to markets.
• Surf and Sand Safari Tours - Half and Full day tours to along to Rainbow Beach from Noosa

For more great ideas and things to do around the Sunshine Coast of Queensland check out the official tourism website.