If you are staying a little longer on the Sunshine Coast, or if the weather turns and you have children with you, here are some fun things you can do to keep them entertained. Some of them are unique to the area, so well worth checking out as they might create lifetime memories for your kids.
1. The Big Pineapple
The Big Pineapple is an iconic Sunshine Coast landmark that is morphing into an entertainment hub these days. For someone who grew up here and has seen the changes it has gone through, it is heartening to see the area becoming vibrant again.
Along with visiting the pineapple itself, there is still the Sunshine Plantation train. Even Lady Di and Prince Charles have ridden that one. Right there is also Wildlife HQ Zoo, Treetop Challenge ropes course, and for the parents, both the Diablo and Sunshine and Sons distilleries.
2. Sunshine Castle In Bli Bli
Formerly known as the Fairytale Castle, this can be a great spot for the little ones to run around, be entertained and marvel at all the medieval furniture, decorations and dolls. There are self-guided tours, along with options such as the Treasure Hunt.
Not far from here is also McMartins Farm which has delicious homemade local ice cream, and a short walk through the Maroochy Wetlands reserve too.
3. The Ginger Factory
The Ginger Factory in Yandina is the world’s largest operating ginger factory. You can explore their nine-hectare property on a variety of self-guided walks or even on the Ginger Train. There is the Overboard water adventure, lots of playgrounds and beautiful tropical gardens too.
Along with the ginger factory tour, there is a café, more ice cream and a huge gift shop that stocks a lot of local arts and crafts. Nutworks is just across the road too.
4. Aussie World
If you ask any kid, you can be sure they will be in for a trip to Aussie World. While not as big as Dreamworld or some of the big parks on the Gold Coast, Aussie World is growing to include a great selection of rides that will be enjoyed by children and their parents too.