7 nights in the Sunshine Coast
The Sunny Coast. Pretty sunny. Pretty damn beautiful. This was our second time visiting the Sunshine Coast, but the first time as a family- so we did things a little different (eg have coffees at playgrounds and eat dinner at restaurants at 5pm haha). You can read about our first visit to Noosa and what we did (child free) here and ate/drank here.
We chose to stay just out of Noosa in Peregian Beach. A small town with everything we needed, and the perfect base for everything we wanted to see and do, without the hustle and bustle.
It was the perfect little reset for our family, and we already can’t wait to return. Here’s a bit about our stay-
Where we stayed
We stayed at the Glen Eden Beach Resort in Peregian Beach. A short 20 minute drive to Noosa and with it’s own walking trail to the beach, these apartments are cosy, clean and have everything you would need to stay with a family. I was a bit hesitant about booking far away from Noosa, but realistically we were only in Noosa for two days so it worked perfectly for us.
We opted for a 2 bedroom apartment (even though Raven ended up in a portacot on our floor), and found them to be the perfect size. Our apartment had a little alfresco area that faced out onto the pool, so it was the perfect spot to come and go from the spa/pool/bbq area. We stayed in apartment 14, and if you choose to book, this one is in a great location!
Places we ate
I would have loved to eat out more, but realistically the days planned around fancy restaurants and cafes are few and far between. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with platters for dinner and the occasional Uber Eats once the toddler has gone to bed!
SKAL Café- We went here for takeaway coffee every day, and stopped and ate in one morning for brunch. Their bagels were sold out (they look amazing so there’s no doubt why), so we opted for their crumpets and eggs benny. The food was great and the coffee was consistently delicious.
Peregian Beach Bakery – All the types of bakery food you could imagine. Raven loved their Nemo biscuits and I loved their fresh salad rolls- absolutely massive and was like eating a bowl of salad in bread. Their fruit loaf is also a must if you have access to a toaster at home, we ate it most mornings.
Jimmy Fox, Noosaville– We grabbed some juices and coffee from here on the way to the playground and they were lovely. Food menu looked ace and there was a large undercover dining area to relax in.
Eumundi markets– The ultimate foodie heaven. It was REALLY busy when we went and we had a overtired girl on our hands, so didn’t have much time to shop around. We ate Gluten Free Donuts from OMG donuts (they were SO good), Lamb Gozleme from Gozleme Culture (definitely the best food of the day), Queensland Calamari, coffee from Tipple and Bean and ordered a big sourdough from The Wonky Loaf.
The Wharf Mooloolabah– The wharf is opposite the Sealife Aquarium, and is the perfect place to wind down after a busy day. We ordered their famous fish and chips and it did not disappoint. Mine was slightly over battered but the fish itself was lovely. We picked a sunny spot outside and soaked in the beautiful view of the marina, but there was plenty of indoor seating. There is also plenty of other eateries nearby that look like they are worth a try!
The Ginger Factory– We ordered the kids sundaes from here and they were giant. The icecream is delicious and sharing is not recommended. We also stocked up on plenty of non-alcoholic ginger beer and alcoholic ginger beer an ginger beer and spiced rum.
Café de Monde– We’ve visited this café a few times pre and post kids, and the food and coffee has always been consistently good. Booking on the weekends is a good idea as it can get pretty busy!
Providore– Just across the road from Cafe de Monde. You can eat in here but we visited for all the delicious local produce and wares in their providore. Expect to see honey, sauces, cheeses and everything delicious and fancy that you would want to buy on holidays.
Noosa Social– Great coffee and the perfect place to stop in before you walk to the Noosa National Park along Park Road.
Massimo– Some of the best gelato in Noosa. We have never had a bad flavor and the toblerone is to die for.
Happy Pops– Frozen treats that are so much fun. We grabbed one before we headed down to the Esplanade for a stroll along the boardwalk. Make sure you bring some wet wipes as they can get messy!
Moonstruck café– A quaint little café at the end of Hastings street. Really good coffee, fresh juice and a great range of toasties, bagels and a small selection of pastries and breakfast offerings. I had the bacon and egg burger which was SO tasty and Trev had the smoked salmon bagel. We could both eat it again 10 times over.
Drinks at the place on the corner- felt like the I was back in Europe, perfect place for people watching, great drinks list, food looks lovely.
El Capitano– One of our favourite restaurants in Noosa. 72 hour fermented sourdough pizzas, delicious starters and sides, great alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks. The place oozes good vibes, is lots of fun and is always packed. Be sure to book a table in advance as it can be really hard to get in.
Depot café– A great café at Noosaville, with a huge menu, great kids options and lots of fresh healthy choices. The coffees were great and the juices were giant.
Things to do-
There is seriously so many things to do and see in the Sunny Coast. I’ve written about our trip pre kids here when we stayed in Noosa, so that may give you some different ideas. This trip was very kid focused, which was perfect, as Trev and I are VERY big kids at heart.
Eumundi markets- Eclectic, busy and lots to see and do. You’ll find amazing food, homewares, home made goodies and everything you can think of. Make sure you head there around lunch time as there are so many delicious food options.
Sealife Aquarium– We absolutely loved the aquarium and it was a hit with Raven too. Prices are pretty steep but that is to be expected (if you book online it is cheaper). We loved the seals and penguins and the Finding Dory interactive space.
The Rainforest walk, Noosa National Park- If you are going with young kids, be sure to bring something to carry them in (or be prepared to carry them), otherwise you’ll send up having to carry a pram the whole way around. The walk itself is lovely, less than half an hour and takes in so many lovely landscapes. Not overly hilly, but lots of exposed tree roots and a few stairs and fallen trees. Recommended for those who want a trail to explore without the exhaustion.
The Big Pineapple- We only went as I wanted to relive nostalgia from when I was a kid. Unless you are going for the same then don’t waste your time- it is dilapidated and run down, and they are in the process of a rebrand. We spent 5 minutes taking selfies and were on our way.
Noosaville River- So much to see and do along the river. See the big pelican, walk along the river (its nice and flat), stop off at one of the cafes or eateries for a snack or lunch. We took a loaf of bread on our last day that we were going to bin and fed the ducks and seagulls near the Noosa Boathouse- it was so much fun. The last time we visited we also saw a huge flock of Pelicans but weren’t so lucky this time.
The Ginger Factory– One of our highlights of our visit. We loved the giant kids sundaes, ginger beer, playground, train ride and the umbrella walk. There was also a Gruffalo walk that looked like heaps of fun but was probably a bit too grown up for Raven. A nice place to visit to break up the day and for a feed.
Australia Zoo- Make sure you wear very comfy shoes and allow for a full day of exploring. The Zoo was one of the highlights for us of the trip- the animals were amazing, the enclosures were huge so it didnt feel like we were at a zoo and there was so much fun stuff for the kids. The down downside was the food was very average and overpriced, so I would recommend packing your own and finding a sunny spot on the lawn to enjoy it- there are so many great places for a picnic at the zoo!
Peregian Beach- We visited here every day as it was walking distance from our apartment. We didnt swim as the water was very cold, but it was the perfect beach to build sandcastles and collect shells to take home.
Coolum Beach- This patrolled beach is in the perfect spot- right next to cafes, a huge playground on the Esplanade and a beautiful outlook.
Playgrounds
Now that I am a mum, I’ve realised that playgrounds are life (especially when they are near a cafe). We found plenty of playgrounds on our stay, but these were our favourites-
Peregian Beach– opposite the bakery, next to a great cafe, huge grassed area and a 2 second walk to the beach. What more could you need?!
Lions Park Playground, Noosaville– Perfect for young and old, mobility friendly and an easy stroll along the footpath that follows the Noosaville River. We visited it a few times as it was a firm favourite.
Eumundi Playground– Divided into two sections, this play ground is great for all ages (the tower and giant slide looked so cool!). Because we went on market days it was super busy, but we still had a blast. Right next to the markets, with shady trees and loads of grass, its the perfect place to bring a picnic and hang out.
Lions Park Noosa Heads- On Noosa Drive, just across from Deus Ex Machina and the public carpark, this little park is hidden away but is a winner. Next to the bank of the river, under loads of shady trees, with picnic benches and plenty of grass to run around on. We stumbled across this park and ended up spending a good hour there.
Tickle Park Coolum Beach– Climbing frame, a smaller area for younger kids, swings and all sorts. Coupled with a grassed area on one side and plenty of shade and the beautiful beach on the other, it’s definitely one to visit.
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