Adventure | Beach | City | Family | Road Trip 21 September 2022

3 Fun Family Drives To Take Around The Sunshine Coast

There’s nothing quite like the freedom and endless possibilities of the open road. Jump in the car, pile the kids in the back, pack a box full of snacks and explore the best of the Sunshine Coast together with one of these three great road trips. 

From lush, green hinterland drives to calm coastal adventures, squeeze one or all of these short drives into your long weekend or week-long vacation on the Sunshine Coast. Start the ignition and let’s go!

Currimundi to Kings Beach

8.2km \\ 19-minute drive

This short is one to be savoured as you bounce from beach to beach, enjoying time on the sand, dips in the ocean and the slower pace of life while on holiday. Only a short drive from Oaks Seaforth or Oaks Oasis Resort, start this trip in the morning at Currimundi and explore the picture-perfect lake-meets-ocean, which is calm and ideal for littlelies and any water sports like stand up paddle boarding or kayaking. Once you’re done there, return to the car and drive south past Dicky’s Beach towards Moffat. 

Moffat Beach is a gem with a village feeling. You can take a walk up the hill to the lookout, stop for a spot of lunch at one of the cafes, or grab a crafty brew at Moffat Beach Brewing Co. Pile the kids back into the car for the last drive south to Kings Beach. Aim your bonnet for Shelly Beach and round the headland road for the best views. Here at Kings Beach kids will love the playground, waterpark, pool and beach for hours of non-stop fun. When you’re ready, head back to the hotel for a well-deserved afternoon nap.

Kings Beach horizon in Queensland

Eumundi to Yandina

35km \\ 45-minute drive

Take the road less travelled and forgo the Bruce Highway for the winding mountain backroads of the Sunshine Coast. If it’s Saturday, spend the morning at the famous Eumundi Markets exploring the stalls, street food and fun for a few hours before jumping in the car and making off-road tracks for Point Glorious Lookout. Take a million photos of the view from up here before returning to the car and continuing south through the beautiful countryside. 

Once in Yandina, check out the brilliant Ginger Factory. Go on a factory tour, ride the ginger train, explore the rainforest, float through the Overboard show in a boat, or let kids loose in the play areas. If that’s not enough fun, extend the road trip south to the iconic The Big Pineapple. More than just fruity fun, there’s Zoo HQ where you can meet wildlife and TreeTop Challenge high ropes adventure course where older kids will love ziplining through the rainforest.

Children having fun at the play areas with their parents

Maleny to Mapleton

24km \\ 23-minute drive

The Maleny to Mapleton drive is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most famous day trips and road trips, and for very good reason. Between Maleny, Montville and Mapleton the lush hinterland hides incredible walks, amazing waterfalls, cute cafes and quaint boutiques and bookstores to get lost in. Beyond magical nature, food is the star of this trip so arrive hungry and ready to hop between cafes, farm gates, cellar doors and producers. 

Starting at Maleny, make time to check out the privately-owned Maleny Botanic Gardens and drop by the Maleny Cheese Factory or Brouhaha Brewery. Nearby, seek out Gardners Falls where shallow rock pools are perfect for small kids, but if you venture downstream you’ll find larger pools including one beneath cascading falls. 

Onwards to charming Montville, an artistic and creative town in the hinterland. Grab a coffee or bite to eat at Little May Espresso, before browsing the galleries and boutiques or diving into Kondalilla National Park where you’ll find the cascading Kondalilla Falls. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic – and an excuse to crack into that cheese souvenir from Maleny.

Lastly, Mapleton calls. If you’ve not yet stopped for lunch try the Mapleton Tavern before seeking out the well-known Mapleton Falls. It’s a very short walk to the falls, perfect for kids. 

Group of friends enjoying and relaxing at the Gardners Falls

Ready for a Sunshine Coast holiday? Check out our beautiful resorts located on the Sunshine Coast here.