They don’t call it the ‘Sunshine’ Coast for nothing! The sun is almost always shining on the stunning Sunshine Coast, even in Winter. A day trip or extended break up the Coast is the perfect escape in cooler months – parks, beaches, bush walks, café’s and more awaits families around every corner.
Pick Your Own Strawberries
Get the whole family involved as you pick your own tasty strawberries at one of the many strawberry farms on the Sunshine Coast. Your biggest decision will be deciding what to do with all the berries you pick – will you make jam, strawberry ice cream or just eat them? One of our favourite Strawberry Picking farms on the Sunshine Coast is McMartins Strawberry Farm where you can even enjoy a delicious ice-cream when you visit. Our personal recommendation is to check their Facebook pages before you go and if it has been raining, dress the kids in old shoes and bring a plastic bag to bag the shoes to save your car!
Stroll Around The Ginger Factory
Bring the family and wander around the gorgeous tropical gardens at The Ginger Factory at Yandina. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the factory, sample treats, enjoy a train ride, do a spot of shopping, see a live bee show to learn more about bees or enjoy a play in the playground.
Embark on a Noosa River Cruise
Watch the winter sun glisten on the water as you cruise down the peaceful Noosa River aboard the Noosa Ferry. With several stops between Tewantin and Hastings Street, with commentary to match, it is a beautiful way to explore Noosa. To see a stunning winter sunset, join the sunset cruise, which will have you admiring waterfront homes as you cruise around Noosa Sound and Weyba Creek.
Check out the Animals at Wildlife HQ
If you haven’t already been to Wildlife HQ, a visit this Winter should be high on your list. Adorable animals such as quokkas, spider monkeys, lemurs, meerkats and more call the zoo home and await your visit. Whether you are taking pictures, listening to keeper talks, having an extra special animal experience or just wandering around admiring the grounds, Wildlife HQ is a fun, family-friendly place to visit. While there, don’t forget to snap a pic of The Big Pineapple next door.
Wildlife HQ sometimes do a night zoo over the school holidays which we attended and loved as it offered a completely different experience with all the nocturnal wildlife going about their business.
Climb Aboard the Mary Valley Rattler
Experience a historic steam train journey through the Mary Valley to Amamoor and back when you board the Mary Valley Rattler. Departing from the historic Gympie station, the three-hour train journey ambles through the countryside before turning around on the fascinating turntable. Your friendly dog or cat can even travel with you in the designated pet carriage.
Wander in the Rainforest at Mary Cairncross Park
Nature and education are perfectly entwined at Mary Cairncross Park. Visitors can check out the informative visitor centre before setting off on one of the walking circuits through the subtropical rainforest. Keep your eyes open as you look for the resident pademelons, abundant birdlife or perhaps even a snake! If all the exploring makes you hungry stop in and enjoy a snack at the onsite café – the view is amazing.
Our kids always appreciate the free playground which is onsite next to the carpark. Its a good place to let them expend some energy before the car ride home.
Spot a Platypus in Obi Obi Creek
If you haven’t seen a platypus before, try your luck at spotting on of these elusive creatures while wandering along the Maleny Boardwalk: Platypus Walk. Obi Obi Creek is said to be home to several platypus who are easier to spot in the early morning or late afternoon – you will need to be quiet though. If you don’t happen to spot a platypus at least you have undertaken some exercise in a beautiful, natural environment.
Picnic in the Sunshine
Winter on the Sunshine Coast is the ideal time to pack a picnic and find a picturesque spot to relax. Whether by the beach at Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Maroochydore or Noosa or surrounded by trees in the Hinterland, a gorgeous picnic spot is just waiting for you and your picnic blanket.
Have Fun at Amaze World
Gather family and friends and get lost in the hedge maze at Amaze World (formerly Bellingham Maze). When you are done with that tackle puzzles, play on the nature playground, splash in the waterpark and challenge your family to a game of mini golf. There is lots of fun to be had at Amaze World.
Visit Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
Bird World at the Maleny Botanic Gardens is very interactive! A unique and memorable experience!
Talk to the birds and relax in the picturesque surroundings at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. Spread across 18 acres, the gardens and bird world are a popular attraction on the Sunshine Coast. Visitors can wander through four, large interactive aviaries or explore all the gardens have to offer. From a treehouse to a fairy garden, secret gardens and more, spending a whole winter’s day on the grounds at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World is easy.
You know how much we love wildlife at Brisbane Kids and you will be pleased to know that their birds are all rescues, including the impressive parrots that call the sanctuary home. We have visited Bird World many times and having a parrot sit upon your shoulder never gets old.
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