So you’ve got the dates booked, time off work, and the little ones organised for your Sunshine Coast family holiday. All that remains is choosing where to go.
Fortunately, holidayers looking to spend their time on the Sunny Coast are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation options. From hinterland farm stays to heavenly beachside resorts, here are Urban List’s top picks for family friendly accommodation on the Sunshine Coast/Gubbi Gubbi country.
Sunshine Coast Family-Friendly Resorts
Oaks Oasis Resort
2 Landsborough Parade, Caloundra QLD 4551
Image Credit: Oaks Oasis Resort | Booking.com
The Oaks Oasis Resort is one of the best family getaways on the Sunshine Coast, if not Australia. The kids will be in holiday heaven thanks to a massive heated water park with slides, giant jumping pillow, mini golf, tennis court, beach volley-ball, playground, pool and heated spa. Well, mum and dad might enjoy the heated spa, too. The on-site bar and restaurant Reflections caters for the whole family, with a dedicated kids menu.
Just one street back from the sands of Golden Beach, Oaks Oasis is just a couple of minutes away from the centre of Caloundra, so you really couldn’t find a better location.There are plenty of rooms on offer, including studios, one and two bedroom apartments and three-bedroom family villas.Not that you’ll be spending much time in the room, with everything on offer. Book here.
RACV Noosa Resort
94 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Image Credit: RACV Noosa Resort | Booking.com
Voted ‘People's Choice Award' for Best Accommodation in Queensland for four years, RACV Noosa Resort is the perfect family-friendly Sunshine Coast getaway. Noosa’s main attractions are easily accessible—immerse yourself in the heart of bustling Hastings Street or head to the rolling hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Inside the resort, there’s a huge splash park to keep the kids entertained in summer months, featuring a heated pool and two waterslides. There’s also a games room featuring arcade and table games for kids of all ages, and even a professional Kids Club Care service during school holidays so mum and dad can hit the infinity pool bar, knowing the kids are happy campers. Book here.
Pelican Waters Resort
38 Mahogany Dr, Pelican Waters QLD 4551
Image Credit: Pelican Waters Resort| Booking.com
Golf-loving parents will love winging their way to Pelican Waters Resort, situated just a few minutes away from Caloundra Beach. Two and three bedroom apartments will comfortably house the fam for your break, and include full kitchens and dining areas, spacious living, air conditioning, and furnished balconies to allow for a bit of space and sprawl.
The lagoon-style family pool is fun for all ages to have a splash in, while serious swimmers can hit up the lap pool. Older kids might like to have a hit on the tennis court while mum and dad are on the green, and everyone will love the delicious in-house restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hey, it’s the holidays, after all. Book here.
Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park
Beerburrum St, Dicky Beach QLD 4551
Image Credit: Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park | Booking.com
Well, it’s right there in the name. Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park was definitely designed with family holidays in mind. There is a variety of accommodation to choose from, ranging from camping to caravans as well as studio units for the anti-campers in the bunch. Facilities include a swimming pool, full size tennis court, children’s playground and a recreation room.
If you’re heading out for the day, it’s only a couple of minutes away from the surrounding Caloundra beaches; Kings Beach, Bullcock Beach and Golden Beach—all patrolled—with fabulous fishing and bike paths around. Kids are allowed to bring their scooters along, and you may even want to sling the skateboards in the back, with a skate park just 50 metres away from the park. Book here.
BreakFree Alexandra Beach Resort
180 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland QLD 4572
Image Credit: Breakfree Alexandra Beach Resort | Booking.com
BreakFree Alexandra Beach Resort offers fabulous facilities for the fussiest of families. The kids can spend hours in the children's playground, lagoon pool or on the waterslide while the adults chill out in the pool or spa. There's also a gym, BBQ area and tour desk, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Grab the kids, umbrella and surf boards and hit the patrolled beach just across the road and for lunch cook up a storm at one of the nearby BBQ and park areas. If you’re staying in-house, there are three epic pools to choose from, so the kids will never get bored. Book here.
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Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
270 Ocean Dr, Twin Waters QLD 4564
Image Credit: Novotel Twin Waters | Booking.com
Novotel Twin Waters has to be one of the most popular best family friendly resorts on the Sunny Coast. Blending contemporary style with kid-friendly comforts, the massive property boasts over 300 rooms, including one and two bedroom suites and overwater bungalows, perfect for families.
Catering for young and old, the resort sits around a central lagoon and offers guests an array of complimentary water sports. Kids will love swimming in the heated outdoor pool, can join in the Kidz Cover kids club fun or clock up some hours in the tropical escape games room. The resort is moments away from the protected waters of Mudjimba Beach, and if you can tear yourself away, is only a seven-minute drive to the Bli Bli Watersports Complex. Fun and fancy, all in one. Book here.
Caribbean Resort
17 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Image Credit: Caribbean Resort | Booking.com
One of Mooloolaba’s most popular kid-friendly resort accommodations, Caribbean Resort is a dream when it comes to family vacays on the Sunny Coast. Resort facilities include a heated pool, rock spa, children's wading pool, gym, steam room and games room complete with air hockey, pool table, pinball and car racing kiosks.
Just moments from the beach, Caribbean Resort Mooloolaba is nestled between Mooloolaba's patrolled surf beach, the Mooloolaba Surf Club, the Wharf Mooloolaba, and the beachfront shopping esplanade. The newly renovated rooftop BBQ area has seating, sunbathing lounges and an enclosed play area for younger children. Add complimentary Wi-Fi in every room, and you’ve got one happy family. Book here.
Endless Summer Resort
9-21 Frank St, Coolum Beach QLD 4573
Image Credit: Endless Summer Resort | Booking.com
Endless Summer Resort is a haven for parents looking for a break where the kids can be kept entertained all day long. The heated pool features a waterslide and a sweet little cave with a small waterfall for the bigger kids, while the littles take over the shallower splash pool. There’s a mini putt putt course and kids playground on site for some wholesome family fun, and a heated spa.
Borrow some boogie boards, buckets and spades from the friendly resort staff and spend a day at the beach before coming back and cooking up a sausage sizzle at one of the BBQ areas. The two and three bedroom apartments contain everything you need, including balconies, free Wi-Fi, and full laundry and kitchen facilities. It’ll be your home away from home—book here.
Sunshine Coast Family-Friendly Airbnbs
110 Acre Farm Stay
Conondale | Sleeps 6
Never mind devices. At this family-friendly farm stay in Conondale, the kids will have a whopping 110 acres of farm, forests, creeks and cattle to explore. This is an actual working farm, so it’s filled to the brim with all the things little ones love to gawk at and explore.
Go back to the good old days and enjoy a game of cricket, golf or just fly some kites (all of which are supplied). There are swimming holes, puzzles, a trampoline, and loads of friendly cows. The buildings are modern with a brand new kitchen and lounge and three big bedrooms to sleep the whole family comfortably. Book here.
Belltree Ridge Airbnb
Witta | Sleeps 8
Image Credit: Belltree Ridge | Airbnb
Step back into a bygone era at Belltree Ridge which is a one-of-a-kind, traditionally handcrafted homestead. Winter holidays are as cozy as can be with a wood burning fireplace, outdoor fire pit, and ducted air con and heating in the bedrooms.
In summer, the wide verandah is the perfect place to soak up the views across the Conondale Ranges and the Witta Wildlife Conservation Block. With sleeping arrangements for up to eight and a big, fully equipped country kitchen, those extended family gatherings are a breeze. Enjoy the view of Paddy’s Mountain from the clawfoot bathtub and explore the farm buildings to help feed the cattle and chickens. On rainy days, kids will love the boardgames, books and toys. Book here.
Ocean View Road Retreat
Mount Mellum | Sleeps 5
Ocean View Road Retreat is a secluded family getaway nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. This three bedroom, architecturally designed home is styled with a retro-inspired charm that will take you back in time, albeit with modern touches throughout. With a half-acre of well-maintained gardens and overlooking 100 acres of natural bushland—as well as a fully-fenced back garden—there are views for days, and plenty of space for the kids and pets.
Three bedrooms equals plenty of space, and the ping pong and pool tables are sure to get some heavy use during your stay. For chilled out moments, enjoy the nostalgia of the record player or the huge selection of books on offer. A haven for the whole fam. Book here.
Looking for more? Check out:
- The Sunshine Coast's Best Airbnbs
- Maroochydore's Best Accommodation
- Mooloolaba's Best Accommodation
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