Whether you’re looking for nature play , multi-sensory and all-ability play facilities, or amazing state-of-the-art adventure playgrounds, we have it all covered.

Read on to discover the best playgrounds on the Sunshine Coast for kids!

Where we have reviewed the playgrounds individually, you will be able to find a more detailed review by clicking on the link at the end of the brief description.

Sunshine Coast Playgrounds: The locals guide

Bells Reach Playground, Caloundra

If you’re looking for a new and exciting adventure playground, then this is the place for you!

A big rubber matted mound creates a play space for tunnels, rock climbing, crow’s nest lookout and slides. There is a toddler mini-adventure play area and a lovely sand base.

You will also find a soccer field, handball court, table tennis table, bocce court, hopscotch court and paths perfect for bikes and scooters. 

Read our full review of Bells Reach Playground.

Adventure Playground, Mooloolaba

Perfectly situated in the Northern Parkland on Mooloolaba’s foreshore is the Adventure Playground – a climber’s paradise.

The bright yellow, undulating climbing net mimics the waves and will see kids scaling it with delight. Sensory elements, slides, play panels and bridges provide plenty of opportunity for Brisbane Kids to play and have fun at this colourful park. 

Toilet facilities, picnic tables and BBQ’s with a stunning view of the water, make this a perfect venue for a family outing at anytime of the year. 

Read our full review of Adventure Playground. 

Grahame Stewart Park, Currimundi

One of the most exciting features of this Currimundi park is the traffic track, where kids can ride on bikes and scooters as if on real roads. Road markings, traffic signs and obstacles all make this a fun, interactive and imaginative play space.

Other great features including a wheelspin, pod swing, sand digger, a variety of play panels and a playhouse. There is a train and a fort, basketball court and cricket pitch. Set on 3.5 hectares, this park has space and equipment to keep everyone entertained all day.

Read our full review of Grahame Stewart Park.

Locals tip: If you haven’t been to Currimundi Lake and Beach yet then you are missing out on a visit to one of the most family-friendly beaches on the Sunshine Coast. With a patrolled surf beach that is within short walking distance to a calm lake area: where the forest meets the sea. 

Aura Treehouse Playground, Bells Creek

More like a piece of art than a playground, Aura Treehouse Playground is an expansive, exciting and colourful playground with plenty of seating for weary parents.

Imagine a playground adorned with butterflies, leaves and birds with multiple multi-storey slides and you get some idea of the fun to be had. There are toilets to ensure your visit can be lengthy and well enjoyed. 

Read our full review of Aura Treehouse playground

Maroochydore Rotary Park, Maroochydore

This beautiful park is right on the edge of the lovely Maroochydore River, with its sandy banks leading to calm waters, perfect for a splash about.

This is like a trip to the beach with all the fun of a playground to boot. The lovely sand base and great wooden ship structure will inspire great pirate adventures. There are not one, but two playgrounds, with equipment to keep all ages happy, including fort structures, rockers, monkey bars, a Liberty swing and more.

There is also a dry creek bed and stepping stones for great nature play, plus a small jetty for a spot of fishing.

Read our full review of Maroochydore Park.

Pierce Park, Maroochydore

This revamped park has a great fort structure, a climbing net, a balance ring, swings, and rockers. But the main highlight is the awesome giant Snakes and Ladders game, where kids themselves are the playing pieces! Just spin the wheel and see who makes it to the end first!

Barbecues and picnic tables add to the great range of available facilities, making this a great family destination.

Read our full review of Pierce Park.

Aura Dino Park, Nirimba

This Sunshine Coast playground goes beyond dinosaur themed and instead made the dinosaur the actual play equipment! 

Kids can climb up through the mouth of the dinosaur and along its netting-covered body, eventually exiting down the tail which is a tunnel slide! Sand-based with fossil eggs and a fossil digging site, this playground is for all dinosaur lovers!

Read our full review of Aura Dino Park

Fig Tree Park, Nirimba

Another Aura masterpiece. Big thumbs up for the design but also for facilities that are often lacking in suburban parks.

Our kids loved the entire space from the look of the play equipment to the functionalist which included lots of extreme climbing and a wonderful tunnel slide to reward all the effort of climbing. Other features enjoyed included the oversized flying fox and the hill slide.

Read our full review of Fig Tree Park. 

Dick Caplick Park, Eumundi

This park has been recently expanded and refurbished and the results are amazing! Located right next to the famous Eumundi Markets, this beautiful park is set under the shade of mature fig trees.

The highlights of this park include a wonderful tree fort with a rope bridge, a train with multiple carriages for awesome imaginative play, a giant spinning wheel (like a hamster wheel for kids), a Roplay climbing ball, basketball half court and large open grassy area.

Read our full review of Dick Caplick Park.

Locals tip: The Eumundi Markets are one of the best Sunshine Coast Markets, operating both Wednesdays and Saturdays. Expect a range of artisan and local produce in addition to free entertainment and yummy food.

Pioneer Park, Landsborough

If you’re looking for a multi-sensory, all-ability playground, look no further than Pioneer Park in Landsborough.

This incredible park is fully fenced and has a lovely range of inclusive play equipment. Braille signage, accessible swings, a herb garden and musical play equipment, and an accessible play house or play kitchen.

There is also a flying fox, climbing net, slides, sand play area, grassy area and flat paths for ride-on toys. This is a great place for a family play day!

Read our full review of Pioneer Park.

Locals tip: Pioneer Park is close to Australia Zoo and can be a good place to visit if you arrive too early for the zoo. It can give the kids a chance to stretch their legs and expend some energy after the car trip

Russell Family Park, Montville

This newly developed park in Montville offers nature play at its best!

Follow the walking paths down to two lovely lakes. Visit the wooden bandstand and authentic windmill and enjoy a lovely barbecue or picnic surrounded by nature. There are grassy open spaces for kids to roll down hills and a great forest to explore. They can feed the ducks and learn about the local ecosystem through informative signage.

This is the perfect park to visit if you’re looking for more greenery and less brightly coloured plastic play equipment!

Read our full review of Russell Family Park.

Other Sunshine Coast Playgrounds

• Aura Frog Park, Caloundra West – an impressive frog-themed park with parkour features.
• Cotton Tree Park, Maroochydore – a seaside playground close to a popular holiday park
• Duck Pond Park, Alexandra Headlands – popular with mums groups because it is fenced. 
• Muller Park, Bli Bli – a unique indigenous-inspired playground with fishing-themed structures.
• Happy Valley Playground, Caloundra – huge, beachside playground with many grassy areas and a coffee cart. 
• Brightwater Community Lake Park, Mountain Creek – a bright and cheerful sand-based playground

You can use our easy playground map to Find a park near you. If you think we need to add a playground to our list of the best playgrounds on the Sunshine Coast then let us know in the comments below.

Adventure Playground at Northern Parkland

A distinctive tension net structure extends high and wide, providing a climbing challenge for kids to explore. As kids cross the undulating surface, the net bobs and bounces, mimicking the rolling waves on the coast.

Below the net, sensory elements enhance the lower-level play experience. Translucent-coloured shapes cast lovely patterns onto the sand below while chill seats and hammocks hang from the net, gently swaying as the net moves.

Adjacent to the net, extraordinary pandanus towers and giant tunnel slides excite the play space. The vibrant seed pods of the pandanus trees native to the coastal area inspired the towers. A mesh-enclosed bridge connects these lofty towers while thrilling tunnel slides provide exciting trips back to the ground.

A cubby with noughts and crosses, bongos and a double toddler slide delivers some fun for younger children much closer to the ground, and a large bank of swings completes the playground.

Imagination Factor at the Adventure Playground

As children climb across the rolling nets, they can imagine they are out at sea. With the salty spray against their faces, they scan the horizon for a land and a safe harbour.

From the tall masts, the first mate announces they can see the shore! The crew scrambles from the ship up the beach to the safety of the tree houses, where they can set up camp.

Accessibility at the Adventure Playground

Flat, wide pathways suitable for wheelchairs and prams lead to the playground and along the foreshore with beautiful ocean views. There are accessible toilets with baby change facilities.

The playground features sensory play elements at the ground level. The main climbing net is a bright yellow, which may assist children with low vision.

Adventure Playground Features

• Unfenced playground
• Partially shaded
• Accessible toilets with baby change facilities
• Massive climbing net
• Hammocks
• Chill seats
• Sensory play elements
• Artistic elements
• High tunnel slides
• Double toddler slide
• Swinging disc balance bridge
• Talking tube
• Musical elements
• Naughts and crosses panel
• Mesh-enclosed sky bridge
• Tall towers
• Swings including toddler swing and round swing
• Play base of sand and rubber matting
• Ocean views
• Shared pathways
• Shaded picnic tables
• BBQs

While You Are in the Area

Cotton Tree

It is very easy to spend a whole day, or even a weekend exploring picturesque Mooloolaba. While  you are visiting the area consider visiting some of the other gems the Sunshine Coast has to offer. 

To witness sea life up close and personal head along to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast where you can be mesmerised by the Jellyfish Kingdom, Bay of Rays, the Ocean Tunnel and more. 

For outdoor fun spend some time at the beach, enjoy a surf lesson, or visit one of the popular Sunshine Coast playgrounds.

For more inspiration check out Family Things to Do in Mooloolaba. 

What We Thought of the Adventure Playground

My kids thought the Adventure Playground was an exciting and well-designed playground in a stunning location.

The rolling climbing nets and the hidden world below them were unique. They provided a fantastic ocean view, while the tall towers and sky bridge were great places for older children to engage in active play. The thought of how amazing the view must be from the top was almost enticing enough to get me to scale the tower, so next time, I’ll wear my play clothes.

Northern Parkland was also a delightful place for us to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch on our day at Mooloolaba.

How to Get to the Adventure Playground 

The Adventure Playground at Northern Parkland, can be found on the Mooloolaba Foreshore near Mooloolaba Esplanade and Venning Street, Mooloolaba.

Parking at this popular destination can be congested, especially on weekends and school holidays.

More Photos of the Adventure Playground

Baringa Forest Park Playground

This playground has been thoughtfully designed to provide fun and challenges for kids of all ages.

The 8 metre tall eucalyptus-themed climbing structure has plenty to challenge and excite older visitors, including 3 different slides at various heights and multiple different ways to access the tower including climbing walls and cargo nets. There are windows, landings and a fireman’s pole here too. The 60-metre long double flying fox will also thrill older visitors.

For younger kids, there’s a dedicated sensory exploration area with suspended bridges, wobbly platforms, mini monkey bars and cargo net rope climbs close to ground level over soft fall to allow younger kids to explore and develop their balance and climbing skills in relative safety.

There’s also a swing set with a nest swing, standard swing and toddler swing seat, a spinner over the soft fall next to the toddler play structure, and a thick suspended rope hanging from chains over the wood chip playground base.

Imagination Factor

Visitors to this park will love challenging each other to races on the double flying fox!

The main tower structure could resemble a rocket ship about to blast off into space or even the tallest tree in the surrounding forest. Younger kids will be thrilled that there’s equipment that’s their size. This section has elements for social play, musical elements for sensory stimulation, and different elements, materials and surfaces for physical and tactile experiences.

The large suspended rope swing is a great element; kids can spend time figuring out how to incorporate this into their play. It lends itself to becoming a vehicle or perhaps a surfboard.

There are paths through the neighbouring Blackbutt Forest too that can allow park visitors to explore some of the natural environment adjacent to the park.

Accessibility

Baringa Forest park has a large flat car park next to the play equipment, and it’s partially fenced. There are wide, flat concrete paths throughout the park and the swings, spinner and toddler play area have a level soft fall base.

The toddler play area is great for younger kids and other visitors with mobility or intellectual impairments who will benefit from this section providing appropriate stimulation and experiences over a soft fall base.

There are accessible toilets and sheltered picnic tables and barbecues around the playground.

Baringa Forest Park features

• Toilets
• Huge 60 metre double flying fox
• 8 metre high climbing structure with 3 slides
• Thick rope swing
• Tipi spinner
• Swings including nest swing and toddler swing
• Toddler play equipment
• Large off street car park
• Partially shaded by shade sails
• Partially fenced
• Barbecues
• Picnic tables

Other playgrounds nearby include Aura Dino Park Nirimba and Aura Frog Park | Caloundra West

How to get here

Baringa Forest Park is at Eden Drive, Baringa in the Aura estates.  

More picture of Baringa Forest Park

Fig Tree Park Playground

There’s a lot to see and do at Fig Tree Park, the highlight of which is definitely the large fig tree play structure set on top of a manmade plateau.  The Fig Tree is mostly netted to allow kids to clamber about the rope cargo net base and between the branches and obstacles in relative safety.  There’s a large metal tunnel slide for quick escapes from the treehouse.  There’s also suspended rubber steps to access the tree and a hammock hanging below.  

The plateau is coated in soft fall and has steep sides with several fun and exciting ways to get up and down.  There’s steps, rope climbs, cargo nets, rock climbing hand holds and even a metal slide sent into the embankment.  

Surrounding this central plateau and fig tree are several other features including more toddler-friendly play equipment.  There’s a smaller playhouse structure over a sand base with 2 plastic slides, a fireman’s pole, musical elements and a small hammock underneath. Large rocks or stepping stones in the sand lead to another play structure with different rope elements, such as a low-to-the-ground cargo net, climbing ropes with foot holds and slack lines with higher ropes to hold. There’s also a range of swings over soft fall, including a nest swing, joey swing and toddler swing, and a spinner nearby.  

There’s also a large flying fox at this park with an elevated starting platform and a sand base and a concrete basketball court.  

Fig Tree Playground Imagination Factor

The Fig Tree structure is an incredible sight and is immediately inspiring for imaginary play and why we think this is one of the best playgrounds on the Sunshine Coast.  Whether your Brisbane Kids imagine themselves as dragons in the treetops, or jungle explorers, or monkeys, there’s a lot of inspiration for fun and play in the Fig Tree park design.  There’s also an island feel to the plateau and fig tree, where the sand surrounding it could be treacherous waters and the other pieces of play equipment could be ships or bases.

 There’s thoughtful landscaping here with lots of lush green planting to really add to the forest feel.  

Accessibility at Fig Tree Park

This is in a suburban area with a fair bit of street parking and wide, flat cement paths through the park.  While much of this playground is over a sand base, there’s an accessible toilet and the swings and spinner are on soft fall.

There is equipment here for a range of ages and abilities; however, much of the most enticing equipment here requires climbing.  

Fig Tree Park features

• Multiple climbing elements
• Some shade sails
• Toilet block
• Barbecues
• Sheltered tables
• Fig tree play structure with nets
• Large tunnel slide
• Toddler play fort with slides
• Multiple swings
• Rope balance equipment
• Large flying fox
• Dog park
• Basketball court
• Stepping stones
• Sand and soft fall base
• Flat Scooter or bike paths

How to get here

Fig Tree park is in the Aura estates at Annalise Circuit, Nirimba QLD 4551

Other places to visit nearby include Opal’s Downunder and Bells Reach Playground. 

What we loved about Fig Tree Park

Our kids loved that this park looked different from the usual fort-style or metal-style playgrounds. There are so many climbing opportunities and a slide to reward all that effort. 

More pictures of Fig Tree Park Sunshine Coast 

This large public park features sandy beach access to the Maroochy river, a jetty, basketball courts and hoops, and permanent table tennis tables as well as the playground, barbecues, picnic tables, shelters other seating and there are cafes, take away shops and restaurants nearby, making this an ideal destination to spend the whole morning, or perhaps come for the afternoon and stay to watch the sunset over the river.  

Please note there are popular local markets on Sunday mornings which are fantastic to visit, however finding a car park can be more challenging when they’re on.  

Cotton Tree Park Playground

The playground is located right next to the Maroochy River near the river mouth, with fantastic views across the shallow tranquil waters.  The playground picks up on this setting by incorporating the coastal theme throughout the equipment here, from rocking boats, dolphins and surfboards to several sand play opportunities including scoops, pulleys, buckets, wheels and a digger.  

There is also a range of swings here – a pair each of toddler swings and belt swings and a large net swing.  The merry-go-round is level to the surrounding soft fall and there’s a huge climbing net and smaller climbing fort structures with their own smaller nets, ladders and slides, and monkey bars.  There are also fantastic natural elements here, such as balancing logs to approach the monkey bars, sandstone boulders, and a bridge for visitors to interact with.  

Most of the equipment is over a sand base with some soft fall leading to more accessible equipment.  There is some shade provided by the shade sails and surrounding trees.  

There is also access to the sandy river beach from this park, which provides a whole other world of play.   Due to the wide, shallow and frequently calm waters of this river mouth, it makes an ideal place to swim, paddle and try out water sports.  There are rarely powered watercraft or waves near the shore at Cotton Tree, making it attractive to beginners.  Like all rivers, it can be subject to tides and strong currents so please plan and prepare accordingly.

Imagination Factor

Brisbane Kids will easily imagine they are clambering up the rigging of a pirate ship as they scale to the top of the rope structure, especially as it’s so close to the water.  The boat and other water-themed elements to this playground and the sand base add to this feel.

The sand tables operate as a kind of production line, so often groups of children collaborate and cooperate to move the sand from one end to the other, assigning tasks, learning skills and making friends as they go.  

Incorporating natural elements such as the wooden bridge, sandstone blocks, sand base and timber beams, and the cotton trees themselves encourages kids to interact and explore the natural world around them.  

The river is accessible from the park and once again provides opportunities for Brisbane Kids to splash, explore and play in a beautiful natural environment.  

Accessibility

There are several designated disabled parking spots in the Cotton Tree park. While much of the playground is on a sand base, the round-a-bout is level to the soft fall surroundings, and the net swing and some other interactive features including one of the play forts are also in this soft fall section.  

The park is on flat, level ground and has wide smooth paths.  

Cotton Tree Playground Features

• Unfenced playground
• Sandy river access
• Toilet facilities
• Off street and street parking
• Local cafes, takeaway shops and restaurants
• Partially shaded with trees and shade sails
• Barbecues 
• Picnic tables (sheltered and in the open)
• Basketball facilities
• Table tennis tables
• Lawn areas
• Sand play tables 
• digger
• Play forts with ladders and slides
• Multiple swings
• Large rope climb
• Monkey bars
• Round-a-bout
• Sound tubes
• Individual rockers and seesaw rocker
• Large boat rocker
• Natural elements 

How to get here

Cotton Tree Park playground is located on the Esplanade at Maroochydore.

More pictures of Cotton Tree Park Playground

This unique recreation space is part of the Aura Park Trail, with 15 interconnected parks designed to bring the community together and impress the importance of active communities. 

Aura Dinosaur Park Playground

Is there anything better than a dinosaur-themed playground? We don’t think so, and once you see Aura Dino Park for yourself, you will agree. Stocklands have gone beyond the standard playground design with this bright, engaging, Jurrasic play space. The playground’s centrepiece is a huge dinosaur construction with a climbable tail and head and webbed netting for the kids to climb.

Children can climb through the mouth of the dinosaur, climb up along its body and then exit through a tunnel dinosaur tail- brilliant! 

Miniature dinosaur eggs feature throughout the playground, and children can even search for fossils in the archaeological digging pit. This Aura playground is serious dinosaur business! 

Play extends with sensory experiences and additional activities, including Moiree optic panels, sound shakers, swaying pods and seats, climbing discs and membrane bridges.

Imagination Factor

Children can imagine themselves as dinosaur hunters or perhaps escaping from the dinosaurs- the possibilities abound. Aura Dina Park is the best playground on the Sunshine Coast for young palaeontologists to explore their dino skills! There is even a sign saying, “Caution: Archaeological Dig Site.

“I can’t wait to go into the dinosaurs digestive system” Tom aged 10

We love this playground so much we have added it to our list of Dinosaur places in Brisbane because even though it is on the Sunshine Coast, we think, if you have a dinosaur fan, they will most certainly want to experience this fun for themselves! 

Accessibility

This is a sand based unfenced playground, without accessible features other than the restrooms. 

Aura Dino Park Nirimba Features

• Dinosaur themed playground
• Sand based
• Limited shade until trees grow
• Swings
• Accessible Toilets
• BBQ’s
• Street Parking

Playgrounds nearby

Aura Treehouse Playground features an iconic tree playground (which reminds us of the Brisbane Kids Logo!). Note: this playground is currently being moved to somewhere else in Aura estate. We will keep you updated. 

Aura Frog Park at Caloundra West features a frog centrepiece and parkour playground equipment.  

How to get here 

Aura Dino Park is located at Terrence avenue, Nirimba (Sunshine Coast)

More pictures of Aura Dino Park 

Hinterland Adventure Playground

Brand new to the town of Cooroy and built on the site where its iconic saw mill once resided, the Hinterland Adventure Playground is inspired by both nature and the agricultural and manufacturing history of the region. 

The playground itself is set up with a variety of different play spaces, ranging from peaceful sensory gardens to highly-challenging adventure play areas. Catering to children of all ages and abilities, the main playground space consists of an inclusive double flying fox, inclusive swings, rocket ship slide, a sandpit and multiple climbing structures.  The playground’s main drawcard though is its impressive stick stack and climbing tower, complete with a long, winding steel slide that descends into a generous sandpit at the bottom.  

To one side of the playground is a large grassed oval – perfect for picnics or to kick a ball or throw a frisbee on.

To the other side, across a section of small wooden bridges that travel over a pebbled creek and sensory gardens, you will reach the second main section of the playground – the splash pond.  This is where kids who are hot and tired from the adventure playground can swap play clothes for swimwear and have fun wading and splashing it is shallow waters as their parents sit and relax nearby.

Fun Fact: Many of the playground’s materials were sourced and repurposed from heritage materials found in and around Cooroy including the windmill shade structures, timber from iconic bridges and concrete and electrical switches from the Cooroy Brickworks.  The rocket ship in the main playground is actually a stainless cylinder taken from the timber mill!

Imagination Factor

The Hinterland Adventure Playground offers Brisbane Kids an abundance of imaginative play opportunities.  Be that as an astronaut about to embark on a magical space adventure on the playground’s rocket ship, creating a village out of rocks in the nature play area or becoming a lost mermaid in the splash ponds murky waters. 

With an array of different play spaces offering children a variety of materials to explore, the only limit here is their own imagination!

Nature Play / Water Play

The splash pond water play area at Hinterland Adventure Park is one of the more impressive ones we have come across.  The replicated creek meanders and winds itself along the tree-lined banks of the park and under a small bridge.  There are small sectioned rock pools and areas where the creek divides and flows around little islands of rocks.  Shallow enough to lay in with your head out of the water, this is a great space for young children (and old) to cool down.

For parents, there are plenty of large wooden seats on either side for them to relax on or even a spot on the grass closer to the shade of the trees.

The park has an abundance of nature play options.  From the large wooden structures, rock piles and bucket, timber stack and even a large felled ironbark tree that lays in the central playground for kids to climb on.

TIP: Make sure to pack that sunscreen along with the swimmers and change of clothes.  Whilst there are several spots within the creek that get shade from nearby trees, most of the playground and creek is unshaded.

Accessibility

The Hinterland Adventure Playground has been created with its own designated car park for visitors.  It is fully fenced and has wide, flat pathways that travel throughout all sections of the playground, making it wheelchair friendly.  The park offers disabled toilets, unisex toilets and both parent and family toilets and change rooms.

There is also a signed pathway that leads out of park (just behind the creek before you cross over to the adventure playground section) and takes visitors to nearby local attractions.  Be sure to check out the Butter Factory Arts Centre and the Old Mill cultural heritage area.

Hinterland Adventure Playground features

• Fully fenced playground
• Accessible toilet facilities and change rooms
• Inclusive double flying fox
• Inclusive swings
• Sensory gardens and quiet retreat zone
• Open oval and picnic ground
• Sandpit
• Splash pond for water play
• Climbing tower with slides
• Nature play areas with rock container and plenty of wooden structures to clamber over including a felled ironbark tree
• Carpark
• Many covered and uncovered seating areas, picnic shelters, BBQs
• Wheelchair accessible
• All children under 13 must be supervised
• Wheelchair accessible
• This playground is 11 minutes from Dick Caplick Park in Eumundi. 

How to get to here

Hinterland Adventure Playground is located at 5 Maple Street, Cooroy QLD 4563. 

More images of Hinterland Adventure Playground

Free things to do with Kids in Noosa

Below is a list of places you can visit that are right in the heart of  Noosa.

Spend the morning at a quiet beach

Hastings Street might be the bustling heart of Noosa but just around the corner lies a hidden pocket of paradise. Sandy Cove lives up to its name with golden sand, clear blue water, and a short boardwalk to meander along (keep an eye out for tropical fish along the way). Grab the beach towels and head over to this peaceful Noosa beach a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the main shopping area.

Top Tip: Visit Sandy Beach in the morning before the wind picks up.

Spot turtles, dolphins and whales

A not-so-hidden gem to the right of Hastings Street is Noosa National Park – a wonderland of natural beauty. Take your time breathing in the ocean air and stopping at each lookout to spot the wildlife. Pods of dolphins, green sea turtles and whales (mid-June to October) frequent the coastline. There are benches along the way for when little feet need a break. This is not only one of the best spots in Noosa for little kids but kids of all ages. Nothing is more nourishing than marvelling at the creatures that call the Pacific Ocean home. 

Top Tip: Hold on to your toddlers! There are no safety railings on the coastal walk to Hell’s Gates lookout. 

Snap a selfie with the Big Pelican

Sure, you may have seen Noosaville’s famous Big Pelican on Bluey, but this bird has been delighting Queensland kids for more than 40 years. Originally featured in a parade in the 1970s this feathered friend has been in its current spot just outside Pelican Boat Hire since 2000.

Top Tip:  A short stroll from the Big Pelican is Apex Park along the Noosa River. It’s the perfect spot to grab fish and chips and let the kids run wild.

Stroll Along Tewantin’s Boardwalk

Soak in the Noosa River along the Tewantin Boardwalk. Parents can grab a coffee at Noosa Marina while the kids have fun in the Tewantin Splash Park. Once they’ve dried off, continue along to Noosa Regional Gallery. The art gallery offers free creative activities for all ages if it’s a Sunday. 

Top Tip: Continue on to Tewantin’s main town where there are several heritage-listed buildings that any budding history buff will enjoy.

Discover the Fairy Pools at Noosa National Park

Not too many people get all the way to the end of the Headland track to discover the twin fairy rock pools that await them.  Beyond the Noosa National Park Carpark, walk along the track past Tea Tree and Granite Bays. At the far end of Granite Bay, you will notice a park bench as the track turns right around a large bend. This is where you will find the pools.

Top Tip: To get to the pools you will need to scramble down some rocks – so this one is probably best for families with older kids.

Head down to Noosaville for some family-friendly fun

Just outside the Noosa Boathouse there is a huge area of green space perfect to lay down a rug and watch on as the kids run and play. 

Top Tip: On Friday nights, there is live music playing on the green, which makes for an amazing end-of-week atmosphere.  Expect to join plenty of young families grabbing some fish and chips on the lawns while the kids play on the sand.

Noosa Botanic Gardens

When the weather is fine, explore the eight hectares which make up the Noosa Botanic Gardens, located on the shores of Lake Macdonald. The Gardens are home to many plant species and wildlife, with a fun dinosaur dig area just for kids.

Top Tip: If you visit on the first Sunday of the month, you will be treated to Music in the Gardens, which is a fabulous way to ease into Sunday.

Free things to do with kids around Noosa

If you are up the coast for a little while and looking to explore the area around Noosa then below is a list of free activities and areas that are definitely worth checking out with the family.

Day trip across to Noosa North Shore

This one comes at a small ferry cost ($10 per car) – which you will want once you are on the other side.  Once you have crossed over to Noosa North Shore, if you have a 4WD and beach permit you can drive on the beach all the way to Double Island Point. Or take a 2WD car and then walk a short distance from the carpark to the beach. 

Top Tip: There are no patrolled beaches on Noosa North Shore so you will have to be super mindful of your family when swimming.

Hike up Mt Coolum

One of the most popular local hikes in the Sunshine Coast region is the family-friendly Mt Coolum track.  Relatively steep in areas but easy enough for children to navigate, the views at the top are spectacular.  

Top Tip:  Early morning is the best time of day to do the hike.  Not only does it allow you to beat the heat, but you can also get that gorgeous morning sunrise lighting.

Bike ride from Marcoola to the Maroochydore River

One of the best ways to while a day away when up in the Noosa region is to grab your bikes and hit the perfectly paved bike paths that run from Marcoola to the Maroochydore River.  Stop off at beautiful Mudjimba Beach along the way for a play in their large, shaded playground and a swim in the beach before continuing on to the Maroochydore River. 

Top Tip: If you pop in to Twin Waters Resort on the way you can usually see kangaroos and wallabies lazing in the grass.

Climb up Wildhorse Mountain at Coochin Creek

At 123m high, Wildhorse Mountain is the smallest of the Glasshouse Mountain range.  The paved road up is only 700m long and offers breathtaking 360 degree views across the Pumicestone Passage.

Top Tip: Although the walk is not long, it is steep.  Make sure you take some water and food with you and note that the track can get a bit slippery if wet.  There are also no amenities.

Go for a bush walk or hike through the glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains offer adventurous families a treasure trove of bush walk and hiking options.  The 2.8km return track on Mount Ngungun is probably the most achievable of the Glass House Mountains for children aged five years and over.  There is a great information centre and playground you should visit before your hike and the Glasshouse Mountain lookout is worth it.

Top Tip: Remember that children will need to be supervised closely, particularly at the summit where there are cliff edges with dramatic drops. Take extra care around the summit area in wet weather as rocks become slippery. You will need to be reasonably fit to make this climb – there are a lot of steps!

Visit Sandstone Point Hotel at Bribie Island

Sandstone Point Hotel at Bribie Island has become an increasingly popular day trip for Brisbane families.  With wide, open, grassy hills to run on, soccer goals, a free animal farm and an amazing playground – there are just so many things to do here that don’t have to cost a cent.  

Top Tip: Go for a stroll along the peer and keep an eye out for the many family-friendly events that are hosted here throughout the year too.

Go Fishing in Bells Creek

Bells Creek near Caloundra is a great little fishing spot.  The shallow sand bar allows you to cast into the deep waters of Pumicestone passage to catch flathead or bream from the shore. 

Top Tip: During the colder winter months, the passage between Caloundra bar and Bells creek are one of South-east Queensland’s prime spawning locations for yellowfin bream.

Walk around the rocks from Mooloolabah to Alexandra Headland

A fun little adventure for the family is crossing over the rocks that link Mooloolaba to Alexandra Headland.  Both beautiful beaches to explore in their own right, the rocks and shallow pools of water make for the perfect place to fossick for shells and sea creatures.

Top Tip: The best time to fossick is when the tide is out.  There is also a lovely long boardwalk to ride or scooter along and a large playground too.

Visit Eumundi Markets

IMAGE CREDIT: Eumundi Markets

Arguably one of the most famous markets on the Sunshine Coast, the Eumundi Markets are open every Wednesday and Saturday, regardless of the weather. A lively open-air market with locally made arts & crafts, plus street food, these markets have been popular with families since 1979.

Top Tip: Right next door to the Eumundi Markets is the delightful Dick Caplin Park.  Built within the large, shady fig trees that grow there, the central feature of the playground, a timber fort with rope bridge that is suspended between two trees, has literally been built around one of their trunks.  Curling away to the side of the fort is a delightful, multi-coloured train.

Looking for other ideas for things to do at the Sunshine Coast with little kids?

See the Sunshine Coast with Kids on the Budget and the best playgrounds on the Sunshine Coast.

Village Green Park Playground

Finding the playground within the estate will be easy – just look for the orange and green shade sails! Here you will find a decent size playground, surrounded by lots of grassy open spaces.

A large fort structure will entertain the climbers, with lots of activities linking one part of the fort to the other. Of course, there are also fun slides including one tunnel slide and an open slide to help you reach the bottom of the fort.

A multispinner carousel sits next to the fort and will be sure to make little ones dizzy as they sit in the buckets and whirl around. A bank of swings, including a nest swing, toddler swing and regular swings, will have children of all ages swinging with delight.

Separate to the fort is an origami inspired climbing structure with nets, steps and climbing walls to get you up to the top and a slide to get you back down to the bottom. There is even a little hammock underneath the structure to rest on.

A concrete path surrounds the playground, and due to its flat nature, is ideal for little ones to ride their bikes and scooters on.

Other Play Areas

There is lots of green, open space surrounding the playground, which lends itself to running games, ball sports or even a spot of kite flying. A rugby goal post is situated in the grassed area for budding rugby stars to practice their kicking.

For those who want to work up a sweat, there is also outdoor fitness equipment available.

Accessibility

A concrete pathway surrounds the parklands and joins the playground area with the outdoor fitness equipment. Unfortunately, there is no real all-abilities equipment and the woodchip base makes it difficult for wheelchair users to access the equipment.

Given the park is new, there is not a lot of established trees, so the majority of shade is provided by the picnic shelters and a few shade sails over the play equipment. Parking is situated around the edge of the park. There are NO toilet facilities at this park.

Village Green Park features

• Playground partially covered with shade sails
• Woodchip and rubber base
• Multiple slides
• Swings (nest, general and toddler)
• Climbing opportunities – nets, bridges, ladders
• Multispinner carousel
• Large ‘origami’ inspired climbing structure with slide
• Outdoor fitness equipment
• Picnic tables/shelters
• Water fountains
• Rubbish bins
• Concrete pathways
• Street parking available around the park
• NO TOILETS

The Village Green Park is managed and maintained by Sunshine Coast Regional Council and classed as a ‘Local Recreation Park’ which means it is intended for use within walking distance of homes. Currently, Council only permits toilet facilities to be constructed in District Recreation Parks or larger.

Location

Village Green Park is located on Village Green Boulevard (just off Peter Crosby Way), Palmview, on the Sunshine Coast.

Bells Reach Playground 

Bells Reach Playground sports an amazing rubber matted mound complete with climbing nets, tunnel, rock climbing surfaces, pirate crow’s nest look out and two super-fast slippery slides.

Two swings; one for small babies and toddlers and the other a standard swing, as well as a nest swing keeps high flyers busy. A toddler mini adventure-play area sits behind the main play structure and has climbing nets, a slide and rock wall type climbing areas.

The main playground floor area is covered with sand for soft landings and adventures with a bucket and spade or home brought sand pit toys.

For the sports enthusiast there is a soccer field with goal posts, a hand ball court, ping pong table (bring your own ball and paddles) and a Bocce court. There are also two hopscotch courts and the whole park has a bright blue path around and through it which is perfect for scooters and bikes.

Bells Reach Playground has ample BBQ and seating arrangements with large shade structures covering 4 barbeques and 5 picnic benches. Should you miss out on a table, there are plenty of seats as well as astro-turfed areas under the swaying palm trees. The playing field also has seating strategically placed around the outside. There are lots of bins and also a water bubbler. 

Imagination Factor

The huge field adjacent to the playground is a perfect area for a spot of cricket, flying a kite or simply to spin around in circles on. Next to the playing field is a small but very good rolly-polly hill to tumble down. A start and finish line is painted clearly on the riding paths, adding to the fun of bike and scooter races.

Accessibility

There are toilets located near the playground next to the cafe. Designated parking is currently limited, but the streets are quiet and there is space to park close-by on the street.

Bells Reach Playground features

• Unfenced playground shaded by shade sails
• Toilet facilities
• Sand and rubber base
• Climbing nets
• Slides
• Swings
• Nest swing
• Climbing wall
• Soccer field with goal posts
• Hand ball court
• Ping pong table (bring your own ball and paddles)
• Bocce court
• Hopscotch courts
• Grassy open space
• Bike and walking paths
• 4 Barbeques
• Sheltered picnic tables
• Bench seats
• Water bubbler
• Street parking

Another fantastic Sunshine Coast Playground is Pioneer Park.

How to find Bells Reach Playground

Bells Reach Playground is located on Bells Reach Drive in Bells Reach on the Sunshine Coast.

To find Bells Reach, follow Caloundra Road heading towards the motorway southbound. Take the Bellvista Boulevard exit and follow it until the last round about. Turn left onto Bells Reach Drive, where adventures await.

More images of Bells Reach Playground