Top 5 Things to Do with Kids on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts of Australia
We spent one week split between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast (at two Airbnbs in Noosa Heads and Coolangatta, specifically). While we enjoyed elements of both towns, for us Noosa Heads was a vastly superior base for our exploration and was a more picturesque town.
The following five activities were our favourites in and around the Sunshine and Gold Coast areas.
1. Hike to Hell’s Gate through Noosa National Park
This one was a stand out coastal hike for us. This short 5.5-km return tramp along the Noosa Heads National Park coastline is directly accessible via the roadway at the eastern end of the Noosa Heads Main Beach and can be reached by car or foot. This is quite a popular hike (for good reason) and so you should be aware that the parking lot does fill up, but if you turn right just before entering the official Noosa National Park parking lot, there is plenty of additional street parking available. It is a good idea to go early to beat the crowds and the heat, as our one niggle about this trail was that it gets pretty busy. But the views are absolutely mind-blowing and, while Little Miss (5) and Young Mister (7) WorldSmith did start complaining midway through, they managed the whole trek fairly easily, despite the fact that they were fairly new to tramping through the bush at that point. They even appreciated the views. A bonus is that this one is completely free.
2. Visit the Australia Zoo
Our kids were blown away by our visit to the Australia Zoo, which was an hour’s drive south of Noosa Heads, and if we are being honest we also really enjoyed this visit as well. The animal displays were very well done — there were lots of animals out of their enclosures with their handlers, who seemed to love showing them off to children in particular, and lots of great opportunities to interact with the animals as well. (Pretty cool to be able to pet a kangaroo or a koala!). The zoo has a very nice conservationist bent, with many of their seemingly endless collection of crocs being rescues that would have otherwise been killed.
If you’re familiar with Steve Irwin, his legacy is very apparent throughout the zoo. The highlight of our visit was the show at the Crocoseum, designed by Irwin himself, where they demonstrated the abilities of local birds, snakes, a Komodo dragon, and a massive crocodile. The show was very well executed and a BIG hit with our kids.
Some of our favourite animals on display were the red panda, the penguins, the crocs (obviously), the tigers, and the koalas. This zoo was well worth the price of admission, ringing in at 140 USD. Be aware that if you know that you don’t want to tour the zoo’s animal hospital you can get slightly cheaper tickets than the ones available at the top of the zoo’s ticket page — the cheaper tickets are placed below the more expensive ones on their website. Just scroll down.
3. Spend an afternoon in Noosa Heads
If you aren’t planning to stay somewhere in the immediate vicinity of Noosa Heads, it is well worth your time to come and check out this small Australian town. This was one of our favourite local town stops and we were happy to have been able to spend three nights here. There are loads of great shops and restaurants and a truly charming Main Street to walk down. The Main Street runs parallel to the beach, so there is also plenty of fun in the sand to keep children occupied.
4. Visit the Carrumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Nestled in the centre of the Gold Coast between Gold Coast City and Coolangatta, the Carrumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a retreat into the world of Australian wildlife. While not as expansive as the Australia Zoo, it still promises an enriching experience. From koalas to kangaroos, the sanctuary showcases a diverse array of native animals. Visitors can engage in feeding sessions, watch wildlife shows, and even have close encounters with some of Australia’s most iconic animals. The Carrumbin Wildlife Sanctuary provides an intimate and immersive encounter with Australian wildlife, making it a worthwhile stop for families exploring the Gold Coast area. A visit here will set you back 133 USD.
5. Hit the Beach atByron Bay
Located about an hour south of Gold Coast City, Byron Bay offers a laid-back vibe and a stunning coastal backdrop that’s great for families. From enjoying the pristine beaches to having a go at surfing, there are plenty of outdoor activities that are sure to please. Byron Bay is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene, boasting galleries, craft markets, and street performers that add to its bohemian charm. If you go on a Sunday, be sure to check out the farmer’s market, which is sure to be a hit with your kids.