Why it's time to explore these picture-perfect parks

The Sunshine Coast’s pristine natural environment and vibrant villages offer endless opportunities to get out and explore.

Our region features 1293 parks, 356 playgrounds, 39 dedicated off-leash dog areas, and 16 dog exercise parks with something for all ages and abilities to enjoy.

From the sparkling new Northern Parkland on Mooloolaba’s famed foreshore to hidden hinterland gems like Turner Park in Beerwah, we invite you to grab your family, friends, and fur-babies for a fun day out.

Here are nine picture-perfect parks and playgrounds that received a special upgrade this year:

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, 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.

Looking for more parks? Check out these fenced playgrounds, wheelie-cool skate parks or look up Sunshine Coast Council’s Park Directory.