Top 5 fun things to do on the Sunshine Coast
Whether you have a thirst for adventure or prefer to indulge in a little R & R, #visitsunshinecoast has got you covered – read up on what Things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
Aussie World
Price – $49.95
As you drive north from Brisbane you will see the entry to Aussie World on the Caloundra exit. This venue offers fun for the whole family and is a perfect spot for all types of theme park enthusiasts, from toddlers to families and crazy thrill-seekers. The newly opened Dingo Racer spinning coaster tells the story of the park’s resident dingo in the Mad Max themed attraction.
Strap yourself in to experience the SX360 – Australia’s tallest and largest 360 degree pendulum – is a must for thrill seekers too.
The park also is zoned for different ages heights and abilities so there is no excuse not to visit the Sunshine Coast’s theme park – Aussie World.
What are the Opening times for Aussie World?
During the holidays Aussie World is open 10am – 3pm on weekdays and 10am – 4pm on the weekend.
Outside of holidays Aussie World is closed Monday & Tuesday.
Australia Zoo
Prices
Adult – $59.95
Child – $39.95
Family – $182.95
Not far from Aussie World you can experience Australia Zoo the Home of the Crocodile Hunter. This iconic zoo is spread over 700 acres. You can go behind the scenes to visit the Wildlife Hospital after seeing the Wildlife Warriors Show in the Crocoseum. Tiger Temple showcases the majestic Bengal tigers interacting with each other and their handlers. Africa Savanah reveals a myriad of native African animals to check out as well.
You can also book for a unique animal encounter to get up close and personal with your favourite creature. There are live conservation shows throughout the day to enjoy so make sure you plan your visit and are fuelled up for the experience from the delicious cafe.
Picture of Crocoseum Courtesy Aus Zoo website
What are the Opening times for Australia Zoo?
Australia Zoo is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm 7 days a week and is closed only on Christmas Day.
Picture Courtesy Sea Life Website
SEA LIFE
Price
Adult – $45
Child – $31
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast formerly Underwater World Mooloolaba provides an amazing marine experience for visitors of all ages.
You can explore 11 fun and interactive animal zones across three levels, including Little Blue Penguins, Tidal Touch Pool, Seahorse Sanctuary, Jellyfish Kingdom and the 80m Ocean Tunnel! With sea creatures of all shapes and sizes, from huge sharks to our adorable little blue penguins, there’s plenty of fun for everyone to enjoy.
Aquaduck Sunshine Coast have teamed up with Experience OZ and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast to provide an exceptionally valued combo ticket so you can experience the two best things to do in Mooloolaba.
This combo ticket of Aquaduck Sunshine Coast’s 1 hour tour and a day entry to SeaLife is perfect for families or school groups. SEA LIFE is open from 9am to 3pm (later during QLD school holidays) This ticket provides you with entry at 9.30am or 10am at SEALIFE.
The combo ticket saves Adults $15 each and children $10 each. Book online HERE early to ensure you get this ticket as time slots and seats are limited.
What are the Opening times for SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast?
Monday – Sunday
9:00am – 3:00pm (last entry 2:00pm)
QLD School Holiday Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday
9:00am – 5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm)
Closures
SEA LIFE is closed all day on Christmas Day and Anzac Day
Aquaduck
Aquaduck offers you a one hour tour cruising Mooloolaba Esplanade, along the cafe strip with views across the famous Mooloolaba Beach and out to the Pacific Ocean. We then head down to the Moolooaba spit, past the fishing trawlers and the holiday makers where we head into the water to cruise through the canals and waterways of Mooloolaba, around Minyama Island, the mouth of Mooloolah River and the natural beauty of this region.
Kids also get to captain the duck while on the water.
Aquaduck is one of the most popular things to do on the Sunshine Coast so please ensure that you book your seats before turning up for your ride.
Prices:
Adults – $42
Child – $32
Senior – $39
Family – $138
Call to book: 07 5539 0222
or book online
Where is the departure point for Aquaduck Sunshine Coast?
Aquaduck departs from the carpark of the Wharf on Parkyn Parade. This is adjacent to SEALIFE Sunshine Coast
Ross Frederickson
Google Review
"This is the second time I have been on this and for my other members of the family 3… we went again because the kids are older now… thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this attraction."
Ginger Factory
Prices
Adult – $16.50
Child – $13.50
Family – $65.00
The iconic Ginger Factory in Buderim offers fun rides, fascinating tours, a unique retail precinct and cafe surrounded by beautiful sub-tropical gardens for all to enjoy. With free entry and open seven days, year-round, there is something for everyone in this lush tropical haven.
Take a 15 minute tour through 9 hectares of lush sub-tropical gardens on the historic train Moreton. Now over 100 years old, Moreton was a working sugar cane train and operates every half hour.
The whole family will enjoy getting to know more about bees and taste the different honeys. You would have worked up an appetite to enjoy a ginger infused treat or gelati on offer.
Picture – Courtesy Ginger Train
What are the Ginger Factory Opening Times?
The Ginger Factory is open 9am – 5pm daily, except for Christmas day, (December 25th) each year.
Things to do on the Sunshine Coast for free
Top 3 free activities
While you are visiting, don’t forget all the amazing things to do on the Sunshine Coast for free.
Eumundi Markets
Price – Free
Every Wednesday and Saturday mornings the historic Eumundi markets are a treat to explore. These markets offer the best of locally made artisan treasures in one quaint location.
The whole family can enjoy live music and entertainment with fresh taste treats while shopping outdoors.
Picture Courtesy Eumundi Markets
Where is Eumundi market located?
Eumundi Market is located at 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi QLD 4562
Caloundra Coastal Walk
Price – Free
The 25 km Caloundra Coastal Walk is a scenic beachfront trail from Bells Creek at Golden Beach in the South to Point Cartwright Drive in Buddina in the North. If you are feeling fit you can do the round trip or just bite off a section to suit your stamina levels. There are playgrounds and water parks along the path and make sure to keep your eye out for the trail of plaques honouring the lives of those lost in the Second World War. Along the way you’ll also pass the wreck of the SS Dicky that washed ashore on Dicky Beach in 1893 during a cyclone.
Picture Courtesy TEQ
Where is Caloundra Coastal Walk located?
Caloundra Coastal Walk
Golden Beach,
Golden Beach, Sunshine Coast Area
Queensland 4551
Rainforest Discovery Centre
Price – Free
The world-class Rainforest Discovery Centre is your gateway to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. This $4.7million facility allows entry by gold coin donation.
Visitors will enjoy a dynamic interpretation space offering multi-sensory learning experiences. Ever-changing thematic displays invite you to discover the rainforest on your own or talk with a friendly volunteer.
A higher perspective of the breath-taking, heritage listed Glasshouse Mountains is available from the Viewing Deck. The Mountain View Café featuring spectacular views and the Elevated Glider Gallery Boardwalk is an all-ability walk showcasing the rainforest mid-storey. There are barbecues, picnic shelters and plenty of room for kids to play.
Picture Courtesy Sunshine Coast Council
What are the Rainforest Discovery Centre Opening Times?
| Rainforest Walks: | 7.00am – 6.00pm daily |
| Rainforest Discovery Centre: | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm everyday |
| Closed on: | Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day |
Unique things to do on the Sunshine Coast
Top 3 Unique Sunshine Coast activities
Some of the more Unique things to do on the Sunshine Coast are both land and water based.
Aquaduck
We know that we have already mentioned the the Aquaduck but we had to mention it again as it has to be the most unique thing to do on the Sunshine Coast by far.
It’s a bus and it’s a boat, driving straight into the water. Kids get to drive too.
Call to book 07 5539 0222 or book online.
Amaze World
Prices
Adult – $30.00
Child – $ 24.30
Family – $99.00
Bellingham Maze at Amaze World is a secret garden and magical land where you will find puzzles, riddles, and tricks to solve as you journey on your adventure.
Fun for the whole family at this unique adventure park.
What are the Amazed Opening Times?
Julie Sauer
Google Review
"This place is awesome. Well worth a visit. It's a hidden gem!"
Sunreef – Whale Watching
Price
Adult – $75
Child – $55
Swim with Humpback whales during the season from July to October with Sunreef.
Humpbacks are the largest mammals in our ocean and now you can get closer than ever before by getting in the water with these magnificent creatures.
What happens if I don't see any whales on my tour?
Dean Lawrence
Google Review
"Best. Day. Ever. Wonderful whales, dolphins and lovely crew!"
Summary
So, whatever your interest, there is plenty to keep you and your loved ones busy and entertained while Visiting the Sunshine Coast.
Whether you are a thrill seeker, conservationist, water lover, naturalist or animal lover, a visit to the Sunshine Coast will provide lots of fun things for you to enjoy.
If you are looking for more things to do on the Sunshine Coast have a look at some of our other blogs:
- Amaze World
- Australia Zoo
- Eumundi Markets
- Aussie World
- Tree Top Challenge
- Ginger Factory
- Night Quarter
- SEA LIFE
You could also try our blog about the Top 6 things to do in Mooloolaba or if you want to look at activities outside of the Sunshine Coast take a look at our blog about the best things to do in South East Queensland.
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About the Author – Zoe Abrahams
Zoe has worked in the Gold Coast tourism industry for nearly 20years and is the marking manager for Aquaduck Gold Coast, Aquaduck Sunshine Coast, Southern Cross Tours and Gold Coast Sunset Cruise.
