Fun Things To Do on the Sunshine Coast in Winter with Kids

What is there to do when the Sunny Coast isn’t so… sunny? Well, it’s probably sunny, just not that warm. A lot, actually! In winter, there are plenty of things to do in the Sunshine Coast with kids. Make for cheery cooler months with these action-packed activities.

 

Encounter Majestic Giants

How lucky are we? In winter, more than 13,000 humpback whales stopover at the Sunshine Coast before breeding in tropical North Queensland. Can you believe they’ve travelled 10,000km – all the way from Antartica? Catch them singing and swimming in and out of the oceans. Prime whale watching spots include Dolphin Point, Point Perry, Point Arkwright, Point Cartwright and Moffat Headland. Why not make a day trip of it? Tackle some coastal trekking, bring hearty picnic food and keep warm with active games (and cheeky wine for the parents!) Or try a whale watching cruise with Whale One at The Wharf Mooloolaba. Who can spot the whales first?

 

The Sweetest Strawberries

With up to 60 million punnets produced in winter, ’tis the season of ‘mmmmm!’ Embark on a strawesome adventure at Strawberry Fields, Palmview, Rolin Strawberry Farms, Elimbah and McMartins Farm. Strawberry Fields even has tractor rides, a playground and hay bale climbing. Picking is a great way to teach the kids how this plump red goodness is grown. And be sure to try local treats like fresh strawberry ice-cream too. Besides, it’s very Sunshine Coast to embrace the ‘paddock to plate’ lifestyle. Bring a camera to capture those giggling faces smeared with berrylicious juice.

 

Discover Life Underwater

Single-digit temperatures outside but don’t want to dial down the fun? Why not visit your local aquarium; an all-time family-favourite pastime? Whatever the weather, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (formerly Underwater World) will keep everyone’s eyes, minds and hands busy with 11 activity-filled zones. Give a slimy high-five to a cute seal or get lost in-between hundreds of enchanting, ghost-like jellyfish. The huge 80-metre long Ocean Tunnel with toothy Grey Nurse sharks is not to be missed. Check out special feed and talk times for a close encounter with your favourite sea animals on the day. Whether you’re 2 or 60, the aquarium has something for everyone.

 

Hike an Epic Mountain

‘Winter’ doesn’t have to mean fireplaces, hot chocolates, and Netflix. Make the most of the cooler weather by tackling family-friendly summits. The 25-million-year-old ‘laccolith’ (a mass of volcanic rock), otherwise known as Mount Coolum, will wake up the wintry sloth in anyone. Plus, the magical views from the top overlook Point Cartwright and the Glass House Mountains to Blackall Range, Noosa Heads and beyond. Got tough big kids to satisfy? The unrelenting climbs of Mount Beerburrum and Mount Cooroora will keep them happy. Otherwise, take it easy at Wild Horse Mountain, a short 1.4km return stroll. If it’s a clear day, make an effort to see sunrise or sunset; scientists have argued they look more vivid in winter.

 

Winter isn’t all about hibernating at home, so when the mercury drops – get out there – you won’t be disappointed. Rug the kids up and hit these great spots for some incredible experiences; from mountain tops to the bottom of the sea, the Sunshine Coast is a winter wonderland.