The Sunshine Coast is such an iconic place to holiday with kids, with some of the best beaches in Australia and plenty of things to do when it’s raining. I love the quote. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” (Alfred Wainwright, the British fell walker and guidebook writer, who used a very similar line in his writing about hiking in the Lake District)
So even if it’s raining and you’re here on the Sunshine Coast, buy an umbrella and go for a walk in the rain, swim in the rain, but obviously don’t swim if it’s a thunderstorm you don’t wanna die…
1. FAMILY PHOTOS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
Ok, I am going to plug myself first, get it out of the way because at least half of the people I photograph are here on holidays and want memories of their time together, whether it be Immediate family or extended family that are getting together for a 70th birthday, and it’s the first time they’ve seen each other in 5 to 10 years. It’s such a great opportunity to spend an hour down at the beach watching the sunrise and playing with your siblings and your nieces and nephews and seeing the kids with the grandparents it’s just definitely worth the time people put into it. The great thing is, if you’re doing a massive extended family session, you can all share the cost of your photos and have a Recent photo of your own family at the same time.
In 2026 Prices start at $745.
2. Head to the beach.
Start with the obvious one, because it really is that good: the beaches. You’ve got more than thirty of them strung along the coast, so wherever you end up staying, there’ll be one close by. TIP OF THE DAY- check the wind direction and choose a beach out of the wind. It will make or break your day. If it’s westerly winds, that’s the time to be at the beach, any beach. We get alot of Westerly winds in Winter, so even though it’s a tad chilly, they are some of THE most beautiful beach days on the Sunshine Coast
Noosa beach is ICONIC for a reason, head up early and spend the whole day there, walk Noosa National Park – about and hour and half and then set up under a Cool Cabana for the day with a Picnic.
3. Climb Mount Coolum or Mount Ngungun
Mount Coolum is a beautiful walk that gives you views north an south of the Sunshine Coast, family friendly, but there are a few stairs and the last bit is a bit of a climb, but the views are worth it.
Mount Coolum
- Distance: 1.6 km return
- Time: Allow 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to steep (not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs). It involves a mix of dirt trails and uneven rock steps.
- Facilities: Limited facilities; you must bring your own drinking water.
Mount Ngungun is a 2.8 kilometre return trail that begins in open forest and offers great views of Mount Tibrogargan.
Mount Ngungun
- Distance: 2.8 km return
- Time: Allow 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to steep (not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs). It involves a mix of dirt trails and uneven rock steps.
- Facilities: Limited facilities; you must bring your own drinking water, and go to the toilet before you park.
4. MINI GOLF/ PUTT PUTT GOLF. Maroochy River Mini Golf
Maroochy River minigolf is definitely on my top golf on the Sunshine Coast, especially at sunset where you get to watch the sunset as you play. The gardens are stunning and very impressive. You can even have a drink or lunch at the bar afterwards. I
Prices (Effective 1 July 2025)
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- Adults: $20.00 each | Seniors: $17 | Child: $15.00 each (<18 years of age)
- Family Pass: $55.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children <18 yrs OR 1 Adult, 3 Children <18 years )
- Extra kids on family package: $7.00 each (Maximum 2 extra)
- Family Putt n Pizza deal: $80.00
Location
Find us at the Maroochy River Golf Complex,
2021 Queensland Golf Club of the Year
374 David Low Way, Bli Bli, Queensland, P (07) 5373 1000
MY FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT:
Coffee:
- STOA – Bokarina
- Slide -Caloundra
- Sunday Coffee -Bokarina
- Aimee Provence High Tea Parlour – $62pp
Pastries:
- Envie French Bakery – Alex Headland
- The Pastry Lab- Caloundra
- Cafe Sisily – Golden beach
- Silver spoon – Cotton tree
Breakfast:
- STOA – Bokarina – Chilli eggs
- Happy Turtle – Happy valley – Vegan burrito & best chips
- Oakberry acai – Mooloolaba, Caloundra & Maroochydore
- Elliots Bistro – Alex headland
- Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar – Caloundra (Avo toast)
Lunch/dinner:
- Flaming sushi – Mooloolaba
- Rice boi – Mooloolaba – Spring rolls, som tum salad
- Crumbed or Naked – Salad, moroccan chicken and chip bowl
- Amici – Caloundra – Italian
- Junk – Maroochydore – Asian fusion
- Dee den – Buderim
- Ricks Garage – Palmwoods – Burgers
- Spirit House Restaurant – Yandina – need to book $$$
- STOA – Bokarina
- YAKINIKU HIBIKI | PREMIUM JAPANESE BBQ all you can eat, book a booth, $69 pp
- Tziki Bar – Greek – Forest Glen
- The Boat shed take away – Fish burger
