No theme parks, but Queensland’s other coast is just as great for a family escape
While the Gold Coast is renowned as a family holiday destination for its plethora of high-profile, giant theme parks and other attractions, Queensland’s other major holiday coast, the Sunshine Coast, is also a great option for families – particularly for those seeking a more low-key escape.
In fact, you can spend a week on the Sunshine Coast for a family holiday and not even visit Noosa, such are the diverse offerings around the beaches and within the hinterland. Here are five family highlights to put on your itinerary.
Australia Zoo, Beerwah
Australia’s largest zoo, the late Steve Irwin’s pride and joy, is spread across a whopping 280 hectares, dwarfing Melbourne and Taronga zoos (and many others around the world). The park is split into geographic regions, with animals from Africa, Asia and Australia. The crocodiles, as you might expect, get their own dedicated section, where you can see these giant monsters up close. There are presentations, activities and feeding sessions throughout the day, but the main event at the zoo is the Wildlife Warrior show, held in the amusingly named Crocoseum stadium. It’s here the zookeepers bring in one of the crocodiles for feeding, sharing plenty of information about the animals and their behaviour, while nimbly avoiding their snapping jaws. Family ticket (two adults, two children) is $229.25. See australiazoo.com.au
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, Wootha
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Located in the beautiful hills of the hinterland, overlooking the Glass House Mountains, the Maleny Botanic Gardens are a private terraced garden spread over nine hectares on a property covering 45 hectares. There are eight kilometres of walking paths throughout, but if that sounds like a bit much you can rent a golf buggy to cruise around at reception. Bird World consists of a series of huge aviaries, featuring a plethora of colourful species, including large macaws which think nothing of alighting on your shoulder or head (a hoodie is a good idea). Family entry (two adults, two children) to the garden and aviary is $126. See malenybotanicgardens.com.au
The Big Pineapple, Woombye
There’s not exactly a lot to do at the Big Pineapple itself, other than pose for a photo and get yourself a pineapple snack or drink at the adjacent cafe (or you can climb to the top of the pineapple for $12). But it’s probably the most iconic “big” thing in Australia (perhaps after Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana), so you have to see it. That said, behind the giant piece of fruit is a series of additional attractions, including a scenic train, a zoo, a rope adventure park and a rum distillery. See bigpineapple.com.au
Amaze World, Tanawha
As the name suggests, the highlight of this fun park is an enormous hedge maze. With hedges high enough so that even taller guests (such as myself) can’t see over them, it’s surprisingly challenging to make your way through (tip for families with young kids - make sure they use the toilet before venturing in. We learnt the hard way). There’s also a smaller timber maze, plus a playground and water play area and various other puzzles and games for kids to enjoy (while parents relax at the cafe). Family ticket (two adults and two children) is $122. See amazeworld.com.au/
Sea Life Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba
The local Sea Life aquarium offers some great displays including penguins and a sea lion show. The behind-the-scenes tour, at just $12 per person (on top of the general admission ticket), is well worth it, taking you inside the workings of the aquarium to see where injured or sick turtles are being cared for, jellyfish are being grown. But the highlight is a look from above at the aqua tunnel. The glass distorts the views of the creatures when looking from below - they’re one third bigger in real life. This becomes apparent when a huge grey nurse shark swims right under our noses, its dorsal fin poking above the surface. General admission from $37 for adults and $25 for children. See visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast/
THE DETAILS
FLY
Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar all offer non-stop flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Airport in Marcoola.
STAY
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort is a family friendly property, a short distance from the beach, with rooms ranging from standard queen through to overwater bungalows with multiple living areas and bedrooms, sitting on the resort’s lagoon. There are daily activities for the kids including fish feeding, kayaking and sailing. Rooms from $179 per night. Overwater bungalows from $560 per night. Children under 15 stay free and receive a free buffet breakfast (with paying adult). See novotelsunshinecoast.com.au
The writer travelled as a guest of Visit Sunshine Coast.
Craig Platt is the digital editor of Traveller and has had responsibility for the travel content on the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAtoday digital products since 2007. He has worked in journalism for more than 25 years. Craig has a strong interest in aviation and airlines, as well as wildlife tourism and (increasingly) family travel. He has visited every continent, including once visiting six of the seven in a single year (he missed Africa).