Best Sunshine Coast Parks for the whole family
The school holidays are here and it’s time to pack a picnic and head out and discover some of the Sunshine Coast’s best family parks.
There will be something for everyone with our region’s parks offering beautiful, shaded areas to kick a ball around, playgrounds that spark kids’ imaginations, BBQ and picnic areas to enjoy lunch out in nature and even dog friendly locations.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the region’s best family parks that are worth travelling for:
Glass House Mountains District Park
Combining a mix of open space, bushland and wetlands this district park is home to the much-loved treetop suspension playground.
This hinterland park has something for dog lovers, exercise enthusiasts and fun-seeking kids.
The treetop playground includes rope bridges suspended high above the ground, multiple slippery-slides designed for maximum speed and enough swings, merry-go-rounds, climbing gyms and cubby-houses to entertain kids young and old.
With plenty of space for dogs to run and rummage, park-goers can access the fully fenced dog-off-leash area via Page Street.
Facilities: bike path, picnic tables, barbecues, drinking fountain, shelters and toilets.
Location: Page Street, Glass House Mountains
Albany Lakes Park, Sippy Downs
Hidden in suburbia and surrounded by lakes, Albany Lakes Park has recently undergone major upgrades including an impressive multi-level play tower, slides and shade sails.
The playground equipment encourages fun, adventure and sensory experiences through quiet nooks, climbing nets, swings, slides and more.
Relax and enjoy a picnic by the lake or take a stroll along the many connecting pathways in this lakeside community.
Facilities: picnic tables, barbecues, drinking fountain and shelters.
Location: Albany Street Sippy Downs
Quota Park, Nambour
Boasting an epic youth precinct and huge seven metre high ‘Spire Gear Tower’, Quota Park really has it all.
This popular park is great for families with varying aged children and has been redesigned so the layout is accessible for all and includes rubber soft fall in and around all the play elements. Including contoured rock wall, climbing rope net, banister slide, internal climbers with various levels of challenge, a rope elevator, and a huge spiral slide.
The Youth Precinct also includes an award-winning skate park, basketball half-court, shade structures, terrace seating, pathways, shade trees, climbing structures, a fenced playground and community event spaces.
Nearby there’s plenty of open grassed areas to kick a ball and plenty of trees that will grow to provide great shade areas. The area includes dog agility equipment and a large off leash area for dogs.
Facilities: picnic tables, barbecues, drinking fountain, toilets and shelters.
Location: 16 Mathew Street, Nambour
Mooloolah Recreation Reserve
Hidden away and surrounded by bush this park has more to offer than meets the eye.
The playground and skate park are located within close proximity to one another, along with sheltered picnic and barbeque facilities.
With plenty of open green space to kick a ball around or enjoy a game of cricket on the pitch. No need to leave the dog at home as the Reserve includes an unfenced dog-off-leash area.
Facilities: picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and shelters.
Location: Way Street Mooloolah Valley
Kings Beach Park and Community Precinct
This ‘natural and unique’ part of the Sunshine Coast gained international recognition and been awarded a Green Flag Award.
Kings Beach Park and Community Precinct has so much offer including the popular spray and water park, multiple playgrounds, exercise equipment, open and grassy area at the amphitheatre, Kings Beach Pool, picnic tables and natural shade scattered throughout the park.
The park overlooks Kings Beach so why not take a dip in the ocean at the patrolled beach or stroll along the stunning Coastal Pathway. Bring a picnic and enjoy the outlook or pop in and enjoy the local café’s and eateries.
Facilities: picnic tables, drinking fountain, toilets and shelters.
Location: Ormonde Terrace, Esplanade Headland and De Vene Avenue, Caloundra
Federation Park, Palmwoods
Hidden behind the main street of Palmwoods this park offers endless green space that’s suitable for the whole family.
Stroll along the banks of Paynter’s Creek and take in the lush green setting. The wide, flat path makes it the ideal location for kids to ride a bike or scoot along.
The park includes a large, covered picnic area, exercise park, a playground with swings and slides.
Bring along your furry friend and enjoy the fully fenced dog-off-leash area.
Facilities: picnic tables, barbecues, drinking fountain, shelters and toilets.
Location: 21-23 Primrose Court, Palmwoods
Our Sunshine Coast community has access to:
- 1180 recreation parks and open spaces
- 45 kilometres of beaches and foreshore
- 306 barbecues
- 917 shelters
- 360 playgrounds
- 29 skate parks
- 55 dog exercise areas
- 71 basketball courts
- 51 fitness areas in parks
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.