Queensland’s Sunshine Coast rated as top travel spot for Australian families

Families nationwide have rated Queensland’s stunning Sunshine Coast as a top getaway destination, with leading family travel publication Holidays With Kids revealing three Sunshine Coast locations in its 2016 Top 10 ‘Best Family Resorts’ awards, including Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ vibrant Caloundra property, Oaks Oasis Resort.

Located in South East Queensland and just one hour’s drive north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast stretches along 65km of breathtaking coastline, from Caloundra in the south, to Noosa in the north. The region boasts myriad golden beaches, sprawling national parks and unique natural attractions, making it a wondrous destination for travellers of all ages to discover.  

Where to stay:

There are several, stellar sub-regions that make up the Sunshine Coast. For those seeking a laid-back family playground, the Caloundra to Kawana region is the one for you. With its many beaches, including Golden Beach, Dicky Beach, Bulcock Beach, Shelly Beach, Currimundi, Kings Beach and the popular surf haven of Moffat Beach, this area is perfect for lazy summer days spent by the sea.

Further north in the heart of the Sunshine Coast there are even more destinations to consider – ever-popular Mooloolaba, with its sheltered beaches perfect for little ones; Alexandra Headland and its famous surf break; Maroochydore, the Coast’s riverside hub fronting the calm waters of the Maroochy River; and of course Coolum, a beach and golf lovers paradise.

At the northern-most tip, elegant Noosa beguiles with plenty of upmarket shopping and dining destinations, magnificent beaches and a picturesque riverfront perfect for stand-up paddleboard (SUP)-ing, sailing, and sunning, too!

What to do:

For families with bubs, tweens or teens in tow, there’s plenty to do and see on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. With so many watersports and activities available, families can snorkel a shipwreck, learn to surf, balance atop the crystal-clear waters on a SUP, or even hire out a boat and embark on a fishing adventure.

There are also some great family attractions to visit, such as Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, the SEALIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, Aussie World Theme Park and the Aqua Park Coolum.

For a change of scenery, head into the hinterland and discover the charming villages of Montville or Maleny. Here, you and your family can meander through quaint arts and craft stores, enjoy local fare, visit and swim in waterfalls, and indulge in spectacular views over the iconic Glass House Mountains.

Getting there:

Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar and Air New Zealand all service the Sunshine Coast Airport. Families can fly direct to the Sunshine Coast from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and most recently, Adelaide. Alternatively, families can fly into Brisbane Domestic or International Airport and conveniently transfer onto bus services that offer regular shuttles from both terminals.

A railway line is also accessible, and connects the region to both Brisbane and Gympie, while interstate coach services run daily to Brisbane, which then connect onto the Sunshine Coast.

Visit: Book an executive family room at Oaks Oasis Resort from just $129* per night per room and stay a short distance from the gorgeous Golden Beach, enjoy coastal-inspired accommodation and stellar leisure facilities, including a water park and lagoon pool, and a fun-filled Adventure Zone. Alternatively, choose to stay in a one bedroom apartment at Oaks Seaforth Resort on Alexandra Headland for $189* per room per night for an idyllic family escape just steps from the sea.

For more information on Oaks Hotels & Resorts or to book your holiday, please visit, http://www.oakshotels.com/en/  *Subject to availability and valid for travel in 2017.

(Image courtesy of Visit Sunshine Coast. Copyright © 2017 Sunshine Coast)

ABOUT OAKS HOTELS & RESORTS

Providing the luxury of space, Oaks Hotels & Resorts offers a range of contemporary accommodation, from hotel and resort rooms and suites, to furnished serviced apartments, in central city locations and resort destinations. Oaks Hotels & Resorts is one of Australia’s largest self-contained, accommodation providers, currently incorporating a portfolio of 54 properties spanning Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South and Western Australia as well as New Zealand, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

ABOUT MINOR HOTELS

Minor Hotels (MH) is an international hotel owner, operator and investor currently with 155 hotels in operation. MH passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, AVANI, PER AQUUM, Oaks, Elewana, Tivoli, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Marriott and Minor International properties, MH operates in 23 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and South America. 

With dynamic plans to expand existing brands and explore strategic acquisitions throughout opportunistic markets, MH pursues a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world.  For more information, please visit www.minorhotels.com.