Locals and visitors have endless options to make the most of the summer holidays on the Sunshine Coast.
Among the attractions are 1293 parks, 356 playgrounds, 39 dedicated off-leash dog areas and 16 dog exercise parks with something for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
They range from the new Northern Parkland on Mooloolaba’s famed foreshore to hidden hinterland gems like Turner Park in Beerwah.
Upgraded parks and playgrounds
Ship Ahoy Pirate Maties! – Kevin Asmus Park, 20 Nanyima Street, Buddina
Bright, bold and nautical in theme, kids will love playing pirate for the day at the upgraded Kevin Asmus Park, Buddina. A new slide, ship bow, climbing ropes, swing set and shade sails are among the new highlights for little scallywags, with plenty of hidey-holes for exploration and imaginary play at ‘treasure island’. Be sure to pack the scooters and snacks as there’s plenty of pathways to discover, and shaded picnic tables to enjoy your grub.
Quiet Coastal Hideout – Cordellia Street Park, 10 Cordellia Street, Coolum Beach
Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Coolum Beach, the lush green Cordellia Street Park is back – bigger and better than before. The funky new multi-play set will have little ones sliding, climbing, rocking, and swinging out the sillies with loads of lovely, grassed areas to safely run free.
Waterfront Wonderland – Northern Parkland, Mooloolaba Esplanade
Just when you thought Mooloolaba had it all, along comes the brand-new Northern Parkland. The primo beachfront space is luring visitors from across the region and beyond to soak up some relaxation and recreation. Highlights include a ‘southern-hemisphere first’ children’s playground, beachfront barbecue pavilion, expansive coastal pathways and grassed areas, and a stunning elevated boardwalk with viewing platforms. And it’s not just Sunshine Coast residents singing the parklands praises! The revitalised community space has been crowned Project of the Year by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, and also received the Green Space Urban Award by the Australian Institute of Horticulture for environmental responsibility and ‘greening’ the built landscape.
Don’t forget, you can park all day for only $5 at the Mooloolaba Central Park N Go, accessible via Brisbane Road and Smith Street.
Park with a Panorama – Buderim Village Park, 2 King Street, Buderim
Renowned for its stunning coastal views and rolling greens, Buderim Village Park keeps getting even better. The picturesque space, which already offers more than three hectares of manicured parkland, barbecue and picnic areas and a covered stage for community events and concerts, now offers a brand-new children’s playground too! The multi-level rainforest themed play tower features slides, swings, seesaw, tipi carousel, lorikeet springer, log climber, sensory play and climbing elements. Bordered by Buderim’s quaint shopping and dining precinct, this is certainly one to includes in your holiday plans.
Hinterland Family Hub – Quota Memorial Park, 16 Mathew Street, Nambour
Nambour has received some seriously cool new additions this year! First, an impressive new community waterpark, and now hectares of upgraded parks and playgrounds. The Petrie Creek Parkland was the first for a facelift with new pathways, open grassed space, a dedicated off-leash dog area and lots of fresh landscaping. Now, Quota Memorial Park is making headlines for its vibrant new children’s playground which features a huge play tower, spiral slide, climbing ropes and sensory multi-level play activities. Popular for its existing skate park and Youth Activity Precinct, Quota Park is certainly a great family hub for the hinterland.
Lakeside Parkland – Albany Lakes Park, Albany Street Sippy Downs
Albany Lakes Park in the heart of Sippy Downs has received many wonderful upgrades over recent times including an epic multi-level play tower, mega slides, barbecue shelters, new pathways to ride, walk and scoot, and extra shade sails. Make a morning of it by exploring the interlinked lakeside areas and quiet open spaces to sit, relax and picnic.
Glass House Gem – Turner Park, 25 Peachester Road, Beerwah
Oozing with open space, wonderful wetlands, native gardens, and cute places to picnic, Beerwah’s Turner Park is one to have on your to-do-list. This is the place to meet the extended family for a leisurely lunch in the park. There are large, shaded picnic areas, lots of space to run, ride and kick a ball with plenty of exciting playground equipment to keep kids of all ages occupied. The park forms part of Beerwah’s Heart precinct which also includes community event space and the Beerwah Library.
Coast’s newest off-leash Dog Park – Lilyponds Park, 10 Delicia Road, Mapleton
We love our furry friends here on the Sunshine Coast, so it’s no surprise that locals and their loyal pals are barking mad for Mapleton’s new off-leash dog park. The new doggy area at Lilyponds Park now offers a dedicated space to safely enjoy our active and healthy lifestyle, while still being close to town and community. The tranquil country-style park is also a beautiful spot to appreciate lush natural surrounds with a quiet cuppa and meandering along pretty ponds and pathways. ‘Walkies’ anyone?
Urban Park Forest – Botanica & Central Drive, Sippy Downs
Forest Park in Sippy Downs has sprung from the ground, providing a lush green heart in the burgeoning urban precinct. It offers shaded meadows, nature experiences, an outdoor classroom, and a sensational three-level play tower which is elevated in the tree canopy! The exciting new community space will soon be the perfect spot to recharge and reenergise. You won’t have to wait long as the park is expected to open early in the new year.
Hidden gem playgrounds
Pack a picnic and discover some of the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gem playgrounds.
Spark kids’ imagination and keep them active with fortresses, pirate ships, huge climbing structures, flying foxes and more! Plus, furry friend can go along for the adventure at a couple of the parks.
Little Mountain Common – Raintree Boulevard, Little Mountain
This playground and park has something for the whole family. You can even bring the family dog along to this outdoor adventure. This large district park is perfect for a picnic or birthday celebration, with plenty of shade and facilities. It features a host of play and sporting activities that suit children of all ages. The park features multiple playgrounds with a flying fox, swings, castle and drawbridge, as well as an educational bike track, cricket oval, half basketball court, exercise equipment and skate park. A large fenced off-leash dog park, is located at the northern end of the park and includes dog agility equipment.
Kingfisher Drive Park Bli Bli – 125 Parklakes Drive, Bli Bli
Popular among locals, this hidden gem is sure to become a new favourite for all. Connected by pathways and a nature trail, the playground is set along the lake and includes a large open space to kick-around a ball, as well as an epic climbing structure and play equipment for all ages and abilities. The unique climbing structure, known as the “beehive”, offers a periscope and amazing views of the whole park. With several climbing structures, even for the little ones, the playground includes swings, flying fox, spinner toy, hammock and climbing equipment set around the lush trees. The café next to the playground includes plenty of seating and a large viewing deck so parents will be sure to enjoy a coffee watching the kids play.
Russell Family Park – 196-198 Main Street, Montville
This hinterland favourite will not disappoint! Russell Family Park is located in Montville only a short stroll to the popular main street cafes and shops. This newly developed park is the perfect place for families, friends and visitors to enjoy all year round. It includes an exhilarating 10-metre super slide, climbing tower, flying fox and swing. Plus, the park offers lots of opportunity for play in a natural setting, with large grassy hills, mature trees, an environmental walk, and a range of wildlife for children to experience. Russell Family Park is a place that actively connects park-goers to their environment – giving children the opportunity to explore the outdoors and build on their social skills. There’s a dry creek bed, rock seating walls, and interweaving pathways for children to explore.
Turner Park Beerwah – Turner Street andPeachester Road, Beerwah.
Turner Park is situated in the heart of Beerwah and offers plenty of open space for children to run Surrounded by fig trees and gardens, the playground includes a winding spiral slide, impressive climbing tower, flying fox, swings, and accessible carousel, imaginative play shop and car, perfect for, the little ones. Take your time and explore the area that includes the Beerwah Library, ANZAC memorial and Beerwah Heart Precinct and pack a picnic to enjoy in the shaded picnic areas.
The Avenue Park – The Avenue, Peregian Springs
Tucked away in a quiet street in Peregian Springs, The Avenue Park is the perfect place for a family picnic and adventure. The playground is conveniently fenced and includes swings, dual slide, rock climbing frame and a chain climbing net. The highlight of this park is the natural landscape, where you can take a stroll around the lake or kick a ball around the grassy areas. Keep an eye out for the beautiful birdlife around the waterlily covered pond as you enjoy a walk or scoot along the paths and bridges. Bring along the family dog and enjoy the fenced off leash dog park opposite The Avenue Playground.
Looking for more parks? Check out these fenced playgrounds, wheelie-cool skate parks or look up Sunshine Coast Council’s Park Directory.
For an aerial view of a park or to locate park facilities, visit Council’s website and search “Beaches and Park Directory” which includes an interactive map.
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