From getting lost in a hedge maze to exploring the wetlands and flying high on a ropes course, the fun doesn’t stop at the water's edge in Maroochydore.
Find your inner zen at Serenity Falls
Couple above Serenity Falls
Serenity Falls is tucked away right in the bustling suburb of Buderim, within Buderim Forest Park, a 45-hectare pocket of dense rainforest, boardwalks over bubbling creeks, and towering ancient trees.
Stop and soak up the soothing babble of a creek, take a dip under the waterfall, and absorb the huge array of native bird sounds. You could spend an hour or a day finding your inner Zen here.
Take off with Paradise Seaplanes
Mooloolaba Beach from Paradise Seaplanes
Up, up, and awayyyyy… It’s only from the air that we can truly get a sense of the immense beauty and vastness of the Sunshine Coast region.
The pilots at Paradise Seaplanes have been making this possible for years, with joy flights in their historic Wilga 80 warbird, flying low and slow so you don’t miss a thing.
Feel the air whipping around your face and the whoosh of water beneath you as you take off for a bird’s eye view of the aqua waters, pristine coastlines, and dramatic headlands that make up the region. Maybe you’ll face off with a sea eagle or two!
Get lost at Amaze World
Amaze World, Tanawha
Take yourself on an enchanted adventure at the award-winning Amaze World, a living hedge maze, bursting with mind-bending surprises and a lot of laughter.
In this secret garden, you’ll solve the puzzles, riddles, and tricks you find on your adventure, as you twist and turn and backtrack your way around the maze.
Take comfort in knowing that if there’s one place in the world you’ll enjoy getting lost, it’s here.
Go mini-golfing with a cocktail
Forget traditional mini golf, at Holey Moley, a multi-sensory labyrinth will have you putting your way through shark-infested waters and iconic pop culture scenes like The Simpsons couch, right into the Nine Iron Throne itself.
Inspired by everything from the every day to the fun of your childhood favourites, it’s nice, it’s nostalgic, it’s ‘80s and ‘90s. Do it all with your cocktail of choice in hand and you’re set for a fun night!
If ten-pin bowling is more your bag, pop over to Holey Moley’s sister of fun-zone Strike Bowling Alley. Knock 'em’ down in style with your crew in the high-octane lanes with pumping music, American-style eats and the beer flowing to keep the competition nice and even.
Meander through Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens
An ecological wonderland, Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens is a treasure trove of curated gardens and wild bushland, set on 82 hectares of rejuvenated ex-farming land.
Meander through the dry forests and rainforest sections that make up more than 75% of the site, with secret lagoons, palm-filled gullies, and an abundant mix of native flora and bird song along the way.
There’s a good chance you’ll spot a kangaroo grazing on one of the grassy areas of the gardens too or maybe a wedding party gathering under one of the gazebos.
Challenge your limits at Next Level High Ropes Adventure Park
Next Level - High Ropes Adventure Park
With 145 aerial challenges, 16 zipline circuits, and seven high-energy circuits, your limits will be tested to the max at Next Level High Ropes Adventure Park right next to the Sunshine Plaza.
As Australia’s largest high ropes course on poles, push through your fear of heights and challenge yourself to move up the different levels of difficulty from beginner to expert.
Zig-zag, slide, and take giant steps to the next stable foothold, and don’t forget to pause and enjoy the epic 360-degree views of the coast as you venture higher and higher. Keep going! You can do this!
Stand-up paddle board on the river
Stand Up Paddleboard on the river at Cotton Tree
Watch the world glide by as you coast along the calm, clear waters of the Maroochy River at Cotton Tree on a Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP).
SUP’ing has become hugely popular on the Sunshine Coast building your core strength while toning your arms, legs, back, and abs – plus it’s loads of fun!
Ocean Addicts at Cotton Tree hires the boards and even provides a free introductory lesson on the beach. No matter what your fitness level is, SUP’ing is super fun and super easy.
Have a skateboard sesh with a view at Alex Beach
Alexandra Headlands skatepark
Take your ollies and 360s to the next level at Alex Skate Park, right beside the pumping surf of Alexandra Headlands Beach!
There are SO many things to do here. Master your backside kickflips on the mini bowl, or challenge your skills in the large bowl with a nine-foot deep end, before perfecting your street cred on the kicker-to-kicker and rail, a wall-mounted handrail, stair set, and more.
Alex Skate Park attracts a huge range of skaters from newbies to pros, so it’s a top place to sit and watch the action too. Plus, after you’ve worked up a sweat skating or people-watching, just take a few footsteps to cool off in the surf.
Discover the cool critters of the Maroochy Wetlands
With its rainforest areas melaleucas, salt marsh, mangroves and more, Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit on the Sunshine Coast.
A wonderful way to get here and explore is by boat. Cruise Maroochy offers nature cruises, including Devonshire tea and a BBQ lunch with an hour dedicated to exploring the wetlands.
Don’t forget your camera to capture the 200+ different bird species, butterflies, and unusual organisms that call the wetlands home.
