Family and Budget Friendly Travel on the Sunshine Coast

Morning

On the first day of your journey, it’s time to hit the open road. You’ll be heading north from Brisbane and will take the M1 for most of your journey. It’s worth taking your time on this drive and stop in at the Sunshine Coast for a break around lunchtime before heading for Noosa and the Eco Camp that will be your home base for this trip.

Afternoon

The afternoon is best spent discovering the Eco Camp, there is a wide range of activities for the whole family. Situated on the bank of Lake Cootharaba it is a paradise for water sports or relaxing by the shore.

Evening

The Eco Brewing Company, located within the camp, offers a wonderful variety of world class beers that are brewed right on site! This is the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy the evening before a big day tomorrow.

Where to stay

Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp – Elanda Pt Rd, Como QLD 4571

Morning

It’s time to explore more of Noosa with a trip to Noosa National Park. With boardwalks winding their way along the track, and a variety of viewing platforms and rest stops for those with little legs it’s a wonderful way to see some of the natural beauty that Noosa is famous for.

Afternoon

After a morning exploring, the Noosa Everglades also offers a wonderful spot to take a dip. So grab some swimmers and be prepared to cool off. There are multiple access points to the beach for those inclined to cool off. If you are interested in finding out more about what there is to see at the National Park you can look here.

Evening: Sunset cruise with Saltwater Eco tour

After grabbing dinner at one of the family friendly locations along Hastings Street in Noosa, it’s time to enjoy the sunset. There is no better way to do this than by jumping aboard one the Saltwater Eco Tours for a sunset cruise.

Where to stay

Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp – Elanda Pt Rd, Como QLD 4571

Image: Noosa Main Beach – Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning

Today we are heading on a day-trip to Rainbow Beach. A 90-minute drive from the Eco Camp, Rainbow Beach is a coastal town nestled between K’gari and Cooloola National Park.

You can spend your time wandering the beach or hiking the sub-tropical rainforest that fringes the dunes.

Afternoon

The afternoon is a wonderful time to explore Coloured Sands of Teewah. These rainbow hued cliffs are the reason behind how Rainbow Beach got its name. The Coloured Sands Beach Walk is a 3 hour walk along the shore (where you end the walk back where you began). For more information about the walk and the facilities available visit Parks Queensland.

Evening

After a day spent exploring the sands and rainforests of Rainbow Beach an evening enjoying the Eco Camp gives everyone a chance to recharge their batteries.

Where to stay

Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp – Elanda Pt Rd, Como QLD 4571

Image: Rainbow Beach – Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning

Today we are exploring more of the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast. Even though the coastline is glorious, there is just as much to see inland. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is perfect for an affordable family day out.

Heading south from the Eco Park Mapleton Falls National Park offers a series of mesmerising stops and a backdrop of dense greenery. The walk at Kondalilla Falls is accessible for kids of most ages (but is unfortunately not stroller friendly). However, the walk is worth it for the waterfall at the end – where you can take a splash in the rock pool or even cool off under the waterfall!

Afternoon

Once you have finished up at Mapleton Falls, its time to see some sea creatures up close at the Sea Life Aquarium on the Sunshine Coast. Open daily until 3pm (with last admissions closing at 2pm) it is home to a wide variety of creatures. From seals and penguins to jellyfish and sharks – this aquarium has it all. For opening times and bookings visit the Sea Life Sunshine Coast Website.

Evening
A day as busy as the one you have had has likely summoned up an appetite, and Mooloolaba is the perfect place to grab a bit to eat. There are a host of spots to grab some dinner, or even some fish and chips down by the warf.

Where to stay

Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp – Elanda Pt Rd, Como QLD 4571

Image: SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium – Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning

Now that we have had a taste for all creatures great and small it might be time to go and make some new furry friends at Australia Zoo! Home to the Irwin Family, Australia Zoo encompasses over 700 acres and has over 500 staff, who are all dedicated to keeping the legacy of Steve Irwin alive.

Afternoon: Strawberry picking (June to Oct)

If you are enjoying the Sunshine Coast in the cooler months, you can take the opportunity to stop at McMartins Strawberry Farm in Bli Bli. You can pick your own strawberries, or even just indulge in an award-winning ice cream at the Strawberry Lane Ice Creamery.

Evening: After a day full of fruit and furry friends a quiet evening at the Eco Camp is in order. Enjoy recharging your batteries, as tomorrow will be filled with adventure.

Where to stay

Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp – Elanda Pt Rd, Como QLD 4571

Image: Australia Zoo – Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning

It is time to get our Queensland theme park fix. But we are not looking at one of the traditional parks, we are going to Aussie World. Rated as one of Queensland’s top family friendly theme parks (if you are looking for more information on theme parks, check out this article), Aussie World has plenty of rides for all ages. For those that want a bit of adrenaline, there are rides like the SX360 and Dingo Racer, and for those who like a more sedate experience there are family friendly favourites like the Bug Run, the Bombora Bounce and even Mini Golf.

Afternoon

You will need the afternoon to bring your heart rate back down after all the fun of Aussie World. Just a fifteen-minute drive from the park is the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden. This magnificent 82-hectare garden is a haven for local plants and animals. The gardens give visitors the opportunity to view native plants in both their natural habitat as well as manicured gardens.

Evening

After a full day it is time for your last night on the Sunshine Coast. So why not head to the Noosa Marina. The marina is a hive of activity, with shopping and dining to experience. You can grab a treat or two at Dusty’s Kitchen or the Noosa Gelato House. There are also regular music performances set to the backdrop of the Noosa River.

Where to stay

Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp – Elanda Pt Rd, Como QLD 4571

Image: Aussie World – Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning

No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a trip to the Eumundi Markets. Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30am the Markets offer an amazing range of arts and crafts at one of the biggest and best art and craft markets in Australia.

You can pick up some locally produces food and produce to enjoy and maybe treat yourself to a purchase or two to remember your holiday by.

Afternoon

The afternoon is a wonderful time to travel back to Brisbane. Enjoy the leisurely drive as you soak in all the memories that you have made over the last week.

 Image: The Original Eumundi Markets – Tourism & Events Queensland