That's right... the Easter season is nearly here! With the weather cooling down and the humidity dropping away, we're gearing up for a fabulous time of kid-friendly fun, markets, and autumnal foodie adventures.
Read on for our tips and tricks about how the whole family can make the most of a mini break on the Sunshine Coast this Easter.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo, Beerwah
Be it cuddling koalas, feeding kangaroos or walking a furry wombat, Australia Zoo is the place for family fun this Easter. Bindi’s Island is a must for any avid climbers and features a three-storey treehouse and for those who like to sit back and watch the action unfold, the Wildlife Warriors Show has more jaw-snapping and scaly displays than you can imagine.
Sunshine Coat Exhibition
For the arty folk out there, you cannot miss this epic little slow fashion and photography exhibition, all organised by the legendary Nambour community. Here you’ll find a collection of visual stories and works directed by Queensland creatives, Shaye Hardisty and Ketaki Jewson-Bown, and you’ll be privy to a display of coats which use materials like second-hand fabrics, salvaged waste and recycled and organic cotton.
Amaze World
Amaze World
If you’re looking for the ultimate Easter long weekend activity, Amaze World is the action-packed destination for you and the whole family. You’ll find this oasis just 20 minutes inland from Maroochydore, and spoiler, it’s quite literally a-maze-ing. Stocked with lush labyrinths, rope and wooden mazes, an 18-hole mini golf course and even an augmented reality adventure (with fairies, trolls, unicorns and enchanted dragons galore), this one is an absolute no-brainer.
Aussie World
Aussie World
Easily one of Australia’s favourite theme parks, Aussie World is an adrenaline-pumping whirlwind of spinning coasters, giant slides, Ferris wheels, 1920s carousels, arcade games, and mirror mazes all perfect for serious thrill-seekers (of all ages, of course). There’s bountiful entertainment for tiny tots (including the Leak’n Logs play area and the Giggle Go’Round) but for kidults at hand, you can’t go past the freshly installed Dingo Racer, the second new major attraction to open at Aussie World sporting an extreme thrill level. Elsewhere, the SX360 is calling your name and it just so happens to be Australia’s tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum, clocking in as the Sunshine Coast’s very first tier one thrill ride.
Mary Valley Rattler
Mary Valley Rattler, Gympie
This Easter weekend, dip your toe deep into nostalgia and take a classic Rattler run through the Gympie region. As one of Queensland’s most iconic heritage steam trains, this stellar route takes you on a three-hour return trip around agricultural farmland and straight into the heart of the Mary Valley (think ancient rainforests, unspoiled waterways and a legacy town like no other). You’ll be able to make a quick pit stop at Amamoor Village Green and we highly suggest fuelling up on the juicy brunch burger at Village Green Cafe.
Saltwater Eco Tours
Not much beats cruising around blissful waterways and tucking into delicious eats packed with native ingredients, right? Saltwater Eco Tours is all about connecting you to Australia's Indigenous culture through maritime history and some seriously unforgettable feeds. The kid-friendly Native Bushfood and Seafood Cruise tour is a two-hour journey through Mooloolaba canals featuring a complimentary champagne or beer on arrival, a variety of canapes and licensed bar with everything you need including signature cocktails.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
The award-winning SEA LIFE is a completely unmissable experience boasting incredible underwater displays, touch tanks, an 80-metre walk through tunnel and a whole heap of immersive activities celebrating everything under the sea. This Easter, the aquarium has introduced the Rock Pool Explorer experience and it goes without saying, if you’ve got a handful of minis in your presence, this is the place to be. Here, little ones will get to discover some of the coolest creatures in the resident rock pool including knobby sea stars, banded coral shrimp and sea cucumbers.
Eumundi Markets
The Original Eumundi Markets
Open rain, hail or shine the Eumundi Markets are an Easter staple for the entire family. As the biggest and best art and craft market in Australia, you can expect a whole lot of Easter goodness with handcrafted artisan treasures, live music, tasty baked goods (save room for dessert crepes, fresh bagels, hot pies and fermented sourdough) and a whole lot more. Not to mention, this market ticks all the boxes—it’s dog-friendly and kid-friendly to the max.
Blackall Range
For bushwalks, scenic views of valleys and quiet country towns, steer the car west for a road trip to remember this Easter and check out the rolling hills of the Blackall Range. Load the car up with snacks, slap on your best walking shoes and make haste towards Blackall Range Tourist Drive. The route – which can easily be done in a day - takes you through the three ‘M’s of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton. Make sure to stop at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve along the way, go for a dip at Kondalilla Falls and explore the galleries of Montville.
Everglades Eco Safari
Everglades Eco Safari
When it comes to exploring the Sunshine Coast in all its glory, it goes without saying that Everglades Eco Safaris is one of the best ways to do it. Whether you’re keen to swim in tea tree-infused waters or canoe through glassy waterways so reflective they’ve been dubbed the ‘river of mirrors’, the Noosa Everglades is truly one of our region’s natural wonders. The everglades is one of only two everglades systems in the world and home to 44 per cent of native birdlife found in Australia.
