17 Group Activities Families Love in Sunshine Coast
Planning trips for larger family groups often involves more than choosing popular attractions. Activities need to work across different ages, energy levels, and daily schedules. On the Sunshine Coast, the mix of accessible beaches, gentle walking trails, and well-managed attractions makes it easier for families to spend time together without rushing. This guide brings together activities families commonly enjoy during a Sunshine Coast family holiday, with practical details to support organisers planning shared stays or group accommodation.
Beach Picnics in Sunshine Coast for Families
Time spent by the sea often becomes the easiest way for family groups to slow the pace of a holiday. Along the Sunshine Coast, several beaches stand out for their facilities, safety and helping families stay together while still doing different things.
Sandcastle competitions at Kings Beach
Rather than focusing only on swimming, Kings Beach encourages creative play through its wide, compact sand that holds shape well. The beach also stands out for its combination of open shoreline and nearby shaded areas, which works well for longer group stays.
Address: Queensland 4551, Australia
Travel experience: The sand near the waterline is firmer and easier for building. Nearby playgrounds allow younger children to rotate activities.
Price: Free
Water balloon toss at Cotton Tree Beach
Some group activities work better in spaces where conditions stay predictable. Cotton Tree Beach offers a calmer setting because it sits alongside the river, which reduces wind and strong waves. This makes simple water-based games easier to manage, especially for families with younger children.
Address: Queensland 4558, Australia
Travel experience: Use biodegradable balloons and stay within calm water zones. Early mornings are quieter for group games.
Price: Free
Play volleyball at Maroochydore Beach
Not every beach activity needs to centre around the water. Maroochydore Beach provides long, open stretches of sand that suit casual group sports, allowing families with older children to stay active without committing to formal facilities. Its layout makes it easier to set up games while remaining close to cafés, toilets, and shaded seating.
Address: Queensland, Australia
Travel experience: Bring a soft volleyball for mixed ages. Choose sections away from flagged swimming areas.
Price: Free
Those who want to balance light sport with relaxed beach time can discover the wider selection of best Sunshine Coast beaches to find locations that offer similar space, nearby amenities, and flexibility for group activities.
Walking Trails & Trekking for Nature Lovers
Walking trails and short treks provide a quieter way to experience the region, where shared views and natural landmarks become natural pause points rather than fixed schedules.
Become sunrise seekers at the top of Mount Coolum
Early starts can shift the pace of a group trip without adding pressure to the rest of the day. Mount Coolum is often chosen by families because the walk is short but rewarding, with a clear summit that allows groups to pause together rather than moving continuously. What makes this walk stand out is the 360-degree coastal and hinterland view reached in under an hour for most groups.
Address: Mount Coolum QLD
Travel experience: Wear sturdy shoes as sections are steep and rocky. Arriving before sunrise avoids heat and crowding at the summit.
Price: Free
Enjoy uninterrupted views of Mount Ngungun Summit Track
Some walks appeal to groups because they provide a clear destination without a long commitment. The Mount Ngungun Summit Track is often selected for its steady climb and open summit, where families can stop, rest, and take in the landscape together. What makes this track different is the balance between moderate effort and wide views across the Glass House Mountains.
Address: 125 Fullertons Rd, Glass House Mountains QLD 4518, Australia
Travel experience: The track includes steps and rocky sections, so closed shoes are recommended. Allow extra time at the top, as the summit area encourages longer stops.
Price: Free
Photography walks in Kondalilla Falls Circuit
Shaded rainforest paths and frequent lookout points make this circuit well suited to slow, observant walks. Kondalilla Falls Circuit allows time for photography without needing to reach a single summit, as visual interest appears throughout the loop. Its defining feature is the mix of waterfall views and enclosed forest sections within a manageable distance.
Address: Montville QLD 4560, Australia
Travel experience: The track includes stairs and uneven surfaces, so allow extra time for breaks and photos. After rain, sections can be slippery.
Price: Free
When planning walks that focus on scenery rather than speed, comparing other walking trails and trekking in our suggested list can help balance visual interest with track conditions and time commitments.
Water Parks & Activities on the Sunshine Coast
On the Sunshine Coast, water parks and ticketed attractions give families a more structured alternative to beach days, while still allowing groups to split and regroup easily. The activities below suit mixed ages and help organisers manage time and budget in one place.
Floating on the Aqua Park Coolum
Warm coastal days often call for activities that keep everyone moving without needing complex planning. Aqua Park Coolum offers an inflatable obstacle course set on the water, allowing participants to join in at their own pace rather than following a fixed schedule. What makes this experience different is the clearly marked zones and lifeguard supervision, which help manage mixed-age participation.
Travel experience: Basic swimming ability is required, and life jackets are provided. Morning sessions are usually less crowded and easier to manage for larger parties.
Price: From AUD $20 per person (prices vary by session length)
Explore Aussie World’s exciting attractions
Theme parks often work well when groups want flexibility rather than fixed schedules. Aussie World allows visitors to choose rides individually, which means people can participate at different paces without committing to a full-day program. What sets this attraction apart is its open-entry model combined with a mix of classic rides and family-friendly zones.
Address: 1 Downunder Dr, Palmview QLD 4553, Australia
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Aussie+World+Sunshine+CoastTravel experience: Entry to the park is free, with rides purchased individually. This suits groups where not everyone wants to ride at the same time.
Price: Free entry; rides priced individually
Catch the view at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium
Indoor attractions often help balance busy outdoor schedules, especially on warmer days. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium offers a self-paced layout where visitors can move between exhibits independently and regroup easily. Its key difference lies in the underwater tunnel, which provides a shared viewing experience without requiring long periods of standing or walking.
Travel experience: Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to move through exhibits comfortably. Early sessions tend to be quieter, particularly during school holidays.
Price: From AUD $42.40 (adult), $32.40 (child)
When deciding between water-based attractions that suit different confidence levels, browsing other water parks and activities can help narrow down options that align with timing, budget, and group size.
Have a Cozy Dinner in Sunshine Coast’s Restaurant
Evenings tend to bring everyone back together after a day of moving between beaches, walks, and attractions. The following dining spots are commonly chosen for their balance of atmosphere and group-friendly layouts.
Try the modern Australian cuisine at Gusto Riverfront Restaurant
Riverside settings often create a more relaxed dinner pace without feeling isolated. Gusto Riverfront Restaurant stands out for its waterfront location and spacious layout, which allows larger tables without crowding. The menu focuses on modern Australian dishes with clear options rather than overly complex combinations.
Travel experience: Request outdoor seating near sunset for river views. Booking ahead is recommended for groups, especially on weekends.
Price: Mains generally range from AUD $32–$48
Cozy and intimate dining experience at The Humble on Duke
Quieter dining environments often suit evenings when conversation matters more than activity. The Humble on Duke is known for its small dining room and carefully paced service, which creates a more settled atmosphere for adults within a larger family group. What differentiates this venue is its limited seating, encouraging attentive service rather than high turnover.
Address: Shop 4/48-54 Duke St, Sunshine Beach QLD 4567, Australia
Travel experience: Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited tables. This venue is better suited to smaller sub-groups within a larger family stay.
Price: From AUD $35–$50
Have relaxed dining in the Viet Haus Restaurant
Casual dining can make evenings easier when groups want to eat well without extending the schedule. Viet Haus Restaurant offers a straightforward Vietnamese menu in a relaxed setting, allowing diners to share dishes without formality. What sets this venue apart is its focus on familiar flavours served efficiently, which suits mixed-age groups and varied appetites.
Travel experience: Dishes are well suited for sharing, making it easier to order for larger tables. Peak dinner hours can be busy, so arriving earlier helps reduce wait times.
Price: Main dishes generally range from AUD $18–$30
For evenings that prioritise easy sharing and a relaxed pace, reviewing similar eateries can help confirm which venues best suit informal group dining plans.
Shopping Malls & Markets in Sunshine Coast
Shopping stops often serve as natural reset points during a busy itinerary. Large centres and local marketplaces on the Sunshine Coast allow groups to split up briefly and regroup without needing transport changes. These locations are commonly used to combine meals, errands, and relaxed time indoors.
Sunshine Plaza – your one-stop shopping destination
Centralised shopping centres tend to work best when time is limited and needs vary. Sunshine Plaza stands out for its size and layout, bringing retail stores, dining, and entertainment together in one location. Its riverfront setting also makes it easier to step outside without leaving the precinct.
Address: 154/164 Horton Parade, Maroochydore QLD 4558, Australia
Travel experience: The centre includes major supermarkets, cinemas, and casual dining options, allowing different plans within the same visit. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded.
Price: Free entry
A family-friendly shopping stop at Kawana Shoppingworld
Smaller shopping centres can make visits feel more manageable when time and energy are limited. Kawana Shoppingworld offers a compact layout with essential retail, dining, and services grouped closely together, reducing long walking distances. Its defining feature is convenience, with parking and major stores positioned for quick access.
Address: 119 Point Cartwright Dr, Buddina QLD 4575, Australia
Travel experience: The centre is easy to navigate in under a few hours. It suits shorter visits focused on essentials rather than extended browsing.
Price: Free entry
Spend quality family time at Parklands Marketplace
Open-air shopping spaces often feel less rushed than enclosed malls. Parklands Marketplace combines retail, casual dining, and open walkways, making it easier to move between stops without long indoor stretches. What distinguishes this location is its relaxed layout, which encourages short visits and informal catch-ups rather than extended shopping sessions.
Address: 238 Parklands Blvd, Meridan Plains QLD 4551, Australia
Travel experience: Cafés and food outlets are spread across the centre, allowing flexible meal timing. This location works well for daytime visits rather than late evenings.
Price: Free entry
If you prefer shopping stops that feel more open and informal rather than time-consuming mall visits, browsing other Sunshine Coast shopping malls & markets can help narrow down places that suit short, relaxed group breaks.
Explore Top Sunshine Coast Attractions
Larger attractions often help anchor a group itinerary by giving everyone a shared reference point for the day. These attractions are commonly included in family trips because they combine clear facilities, predictable timing, and broad age appeal.
Discover wildlife together at Australia Zoo
Wildlife parks can simplify planning by keeping multiple interests in one location. Australia Zoo is designed around wide paths and open enclosures, allowing groups to explore independently and regroup throughout the day. What distinguishes this attraction is its strong focus on conservation messaging alongside close-up animal viewing.
Address: 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD
Travel experience: Allow a full day to move comfortably between exhibits. Live shows run at scheduled times, so checking the daily program on arrival helps with pacing.
Price: AUD $59 (adult), $35 (child)
A playful stop families love at The Ginger Factory
Hands-on attractions often suit groups that want to mix short activities with rest breaks. The Ginger Factory combines food experiences, gentle rides, and open spaces, allowing visitors to move through the site without following a strict sequence. What makes this stop different is the variety packed into a compact area, which helps keep visits engaging without becoming tiring.
Address: 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina QLD
Travel experience: Entry to the grounds is free, with optional rides and tastings available inside. Allow 2–3 hours to explore comfortably without rushing.
Price: Free entry (rides and experiences priced separately)
Blending smaller attractions with casual food stops often creates a more comfortable pace, and exploring more attractions for all ages, can help balance full-day highlights with lighter visits.
Where to Unwind After a Day Out
After full days of exploring, having a quieter place to return to can make the stay feel more balanced. Space to slow down, spend time outdoors, and enjoy unplanned moments often becomes just as important as the activities themselves.
For those looking for a calm base on the Sunshine Coast, LOEA Boutique Hotel is a boutique option that suits travellers who prefer a relaxed setting with outdoor areas and pool time. When it makes sense for your plans, it is worth choosing the book direct option to check current availability and any direct-booking benefits.