As school holidays hit, Noosa’s town centre fills with holiday-goers and travellers spending their days by the ocean and nights between the bustling restaurants and bars. When planning a family holiday in the Noosa area, you won’t have any problem filling your days with plenty of activities, keeping the kids entertained and the whole family happy.
Here is the ultimate school holiday guide for the Noosa region, making special memories that last a life time:
The Ginger Factory
For those with younger children or simply people who love gingerbread, take a day trip to the Ginger Factory in Buderim. Just 30 minutes from Noosa’s head, this makes for a great day trip or somewhere to pop in en route if you are travelling from Brisbane. On the 100-year-old train, tour the grounds while finding out about the area’s history. Will the hungry chefs catch the gingerbread man? Find out on the musical boat ride, which is fun for the whole family. Explore the rainforest and be lucky enough to spot the Gruffalo, watch one of the live bee shows or decorate your own gingerbread man. Fun for all in noosa school holidays.
Hire E-Bikes
You can really cover some ground on e-bikes, so if you have kids with good bike skills, there are many bikeways with amazing scenery in the Noosa area to explore. Try Ecotekk in Tewantin or Noosa E-bike Hire in Noosa Heads, then get pedalling! There’s nothing better than feeling the wind on your face and the sense of freedom cycling brings. The most popular and scenic ride would be the Surf Beaches Ride from Peregian Beach to Noosa Junction, a 23km return and should take between 2 – 4 hrs. There is beach access all the way along this section of the Pacific coastline, so why not take a rest on the beach or stop for a coffee.
Learn to Surf
Noosa’s Laguna Bay and its sheltered proximity give way to gentle lapping waves, making it the perfect place for the whole family to learn to surf. You’ll be standing up on the board, catching waves in no time! Hire a board from Noosa Beach Surf Hire and give it a go or for that extra confidence boost, try some lessons with Merrick’s Learn to Surf Noosa.
Free meals for Kids
We all love getting things for free, reduce the cost of your holiday by making the most of special offers in the region. Buy a main meal at Coolum Beach Surf Club and get a kids meal for free on a Monday between 5.30 pm and 7. Caloundra RSL Club offers a similar deal for every main meal you purchase; over $12.95, you will get a kids meal for free.
Hire a BBQ or Pizza Boat
Explore Noosa River and waterways the right way by hiring a pontoon complete with a pizza oven or BBQ. Spend a morning or afternoon cruising, catching up with friends and satisfy that hunger, growing from all the fresh air. Anchor down on the sandy spit and let the kids run off some energy, making sure you keep an eye on the tide. There are a number of boat hire companies on Noosa River, including O Boat Hire, T Boat Hire, Pelican Boat Hire in Noosaville or Ready 2 Go Boat Hire at Noosa Marina in Tewantin. Most shops also hire out bait, tackle and water sports equipment such as Kayaks, Standup Paddleboards and Jet Skis. You could spend your whole school holidays on Noosa river, and you wouldn’t get bored.
Sea Life Mooloolaba
Over the summer season, Sea Life Aquarium has a range of entertainment to spend your days exploring. With interactive experiences centred around Disney films, intertwining nature and box office concepts into one. Plan your journey around the events and exhibitions, or visit to explore the underwater life on display. Either way, Sea Life is a fun experience for the whole family.
Australia Zoo
Encounter native Australian wildlife at Australia Zoo. A visit to the zoo will be a memorable experience, bringing you up close with kangaroos, koalas and other incredible reptiles and animals. Australia Zoo is located in Beerwah and is just less than an hour drive south of Noosa Heads. Plan your day around the organised shows to learn about crocodiles and other animals, and learn about wildlife conservation from the experts.
Kiah Park & Horse Camp
Kiah Park is an excellent way to learn or increase horse lovers riding skills. The seven-day camps are an unusual school holiday activity for kids; otherwise, visit for the day instead. Set in Beenaam Valley, the park is nestled within the scenic countryside and is an ideal opportunity for children to learn how to care for, feed or ride horses; as well as interact with other farm animals.
Take a Walk
Choose from many short walks suitable for kids with great views and plenty of wildlife to spot. Try the 1km return Mt Tinbeerwah Lookout track for an impressive 360-degree panorama of the shire of Noosa with its volcanic plugs jutting out on the horizon, the numerous saltwater lakes and the winding Noosa River.
If you are more of a sea creature, Noosa National Park provides many trails with world-class views across the Pacific Ocean. Look out for dolphins and humpback whales, and look up to see a cuddly Koala if you are lucky. If the kids have it in them, keep walking to get away from the crowds on Hastings Street, through the National Park past Hells Gate to the crowd-free, more remote, sweeping white sands of Alexandria Bay.
Aqua Park Coolum
During summer in the roaring heat, a visit to the Aqua Park is in order. Cool off and try out the many obstacles, climbers and floating vessels on the water. To enjoy a full day at the park there are also barbecues, tables and a shady beach to relax on. Suitable for ages 3+ it is a great idea for kids parties or events too.
Local Government Facilities
The Noosa Leisure Centre and Noosa Aquatic Centre each host various activities to entertain the kids. The program at the leisure centre varies each year, with previous entertainment including a kids’ playground, jungle dance and yoga workshop, and NDBA basketball clinic. At the Noosa Aquatic Centre, programs like Intensive Learn to Swim and Inflatable Fun are available. Both of these facilities have a creche, so if you want some time off from entertaining the little ones, this is a good option for a break.
The Noosa Library hosts a mix of free events, while the Noosa Regional Gallery provides an excellent opportunity to learn about art and different media.
The Noosa region is extremely family-friendly and a charming escape for everyone of any age. For more ideas, go to https://www.noosa.com/top-things-to-do-in-noosa-with-kids/.
