The Gold Coast may have the lion’s share of big name theme parks in Queensland, however there are lots of awesome theme parks on the Sunshine Coast that also beg to be explored with your Brisbane Kids. Whilst theme parks are a lot of fun in the summertime, several of these destinations are perfect for cold or rainy weather and we hope you enjoy our list of the best theme parks on the Sunshine Coast.
Amaze World
Formerly known as Bellingham Maze, Amaze World is a place where you can find everything from mazes and puzzles, to mini golf, a playground, waterplay and more, all in a tranquil tropical rainforest setting. The main attraction at is, of course, the massive (80m x 80m) Lilly Pilly star-hedge maze that commands your attention and challenges even the most avid maze goer (be sure to collect your quiz sheets and pencil upon entering, to add a fun element when conquering the hedge maze).
Amaze World is open 7 days from 9am until 5pm.
Located at 274 Tanawha Tourist Drive, Tanawha QLD.
Aussie World
Just one kilometre north of the Caloundra exit on the Bruce Highway and about 45 minutes from Brisbane you’ll find Aussie World. Now with over 30 rides and games, including the Ferris Wheel, Giant Slide, Leaking Logs and the Redback, Aussie World has a reputation for awesome fun, great service and good old fashioned value for money. It is any young child’s dream come true.
Aussie World is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 9am to 5pm and rides starts at 10am.
Located at 73 Frizzo Road, Palmview QLD.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo offers Brisbane Kids an awesome adventure surrounded by wildlife. Originally built 40 years ago and now a world-famous conservation park, the zoo lets visitors get close to both local and some more exotic animals. Cuddle a koala, watch the crocodiles, or hand-feed the Asian Elephants. Australia Zoo gives an incredibly enjoyable and educational day out.
Australia Zoo is open daily from 9am until 5pm.
Located at 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD.
Big Kart Track
For some high adrenaline go carting action on the Sunshine Coast, the Big Kart Track is ideal. Whilst the main Big Kart Track is only for children and adults over the age of 12 and over 152cms in height, the Kids Track is fully supervised and gives parents the option of riding with their younger and less-experienced drivers.
The Big Kart Track is open 7 days from 9am to 5pm and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Located at 2310 Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough QLD.
Sea Life Sunshine Coast
After closing for extensive renovations, Sea Life Sunshine Coast (formerly UnderWater World) has four brand new zones to amaze visitors. Brisbane Kids will love exploring the Turtle Temple, the Shark Shipwreck, the Bay of Rays and Coral Cove. Offering a magical look at the under-sea world and housing over 50 species of fish in 2.5 million litres of water, Sea Life Aquarium’s most famous attraction, the ocean tunnel, has also recently been completely renovated.
Sea Life Sunshine Coast is the perfect theme park for all weather and is open daily from 9am until 5pm (closed Christmas Day), with last admissions at 4pm.
Located at 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD.
The Big Pineapple & Wildlife HQ
Now revitalised and open again to the public, The Big Pineapple is a landmark many Brisbane mums and dads will remember from their own childhoods. The property hosts weekly markets on Saturdays from 6:30am. Better than ever, the iconic giant pineapple invites visitors to climb inside and pose for a photo atop the observation deck.
Spread out generously over the beautiful, tropical grounds, Wildlife HQ is a small zoo that is laid out in sections based on the animal origins. These include: the African Plains, South American Trail, Asian Rainforest and Lemur Island. There is also the Reptile House, Nocturnal House and Australian animal sections. When in operation, a small train does a loop through and around the zoo.
The Big Pineapple is open 8:30am – 4pm daily.
Wildlife HQ is open from 9am to 4pm (last entry at 3pm), from Monday to Sunday (closed Christmas Day).
The Big Pineapple is located adjacent to Wildlife HQ, at 76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye QLD.
The Ginger Factory
The perfect year-round destination, The Ginger Factory offers heaps of entertainment with fun rides, educational tours and fabulous shopping. Whether you like strolling the tropical gardens or a tour of the chocolate factory is more your thing, there will be something here to interest visitors of all ages.
The Ginger Factory is open daily from 9am until 5pm.
Located at 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina QLD.
Laserzone Sunshine Coast
A futuristic adventure better suited to slightly older Brisbane Kids, Laserzone on the Sunshine Coast will have them dodging lasers whilst in pursuit of their targets in an attempt to attain the winning score. For the entire family, there is also an arcade, with air hockey, redemption games and a cool Roller Coaster simulator.
Laserzone at Warana is open 7 days from 10am until 9pm on weekdays and extended hours on the weekends, school and public holidays.
Located at 3 Main Drive, Warana QLD.
We make every effort to ensure all this information is up to date, but it should be used as a guide only. If you know of a change then please do let us know at info@brisbanekids.com.au.
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