Thanks to the Sunshine Coast being a major tourist mecca there are a variety of attractions to keep you entertained on a day off from the books. Be it nature, adrenaline, food or wildlife that you are after there is plenty to do.
Here are seven favourite student hangs:
Treetop Challenge
Push your fears to the limit and get your adrenaline racing. The challenge is the highest adventure course in Australia taking you sky-high into the stunning rainforest. There are 100 challenges and 12 ziplines sitting in the trees at more than 25m above the ground. There is a course for all levels ranging from easy to heart-pumping extreme. Expect to have a thrilling day out in nature as you conquer personal goals, have a whole lot of fun and soak in stunning views from the tree canopy.
The Treetop Challenge is located at the iconic Big Pineapple near Nambour.
SEA LIFE
Ocean lovers unite. This has to be the best place to get up close and personal with some of our wonderful sea creatures. The seals are a big attraction and you can even go swimming with them. Who can resist a seal kiss?! There are 11 themed zones to explore including billabongs and a jelly fish kingdom. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is committed to protecting Australia’s unique aquatic animals and their habitats. This is a great place to go if you are interested in learning more about aquatic creatures including seahorses, turtles and freshwater species.
You may even decide its worth investing in an annual pass which gives you unlimited entry for 12 months.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo is nestled in over 70 acres of natural Australian bushland. It is home to over 1,000 native and exotic species. There are a stack of spectacular animal enclosures, lush gardens and beautiful wildlife. It’s the perfect place to get up close and personal with
Australian native animals including cuddly koalas, wombats, snakes and cute kangaroos.
You can also see majestic tigers, cheetahs, Asian elephants, and rhinos, get your photo taken with a baby alligator or watch a crocodile launch its strike from the water’s edge.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors show is a highlight where you can join snakes, birds and crocs live in the world-famous Crocoseum.
Big Kart Track
Looking for something different? Unleash your adrenaline at Australia’s largest commercial race-track. The 1.2km international standard Big Kart Track features hair raising hairpins and supercharged straights and there is a track for all conditions including wet weather. On Friday and Saturday, the flood lights are on so you can night race until 10pm. There is a large viewing deck and the Pit-Stop Café for food and refreshments. You can also bring your own food and do a cook up at one of the barbeque spots.
Aussie World
It’s all about fun at Aussie World with 30 rides and attractions to choose from ranging from the sedate to wild. Try out the newest ride – The Wasp. It will fling you around at a rapid pace on its own but if you grab the joystick you take control, shooting yourself sideways into the air! If you are looking for an entertaining way to cool off on a hot Queensland day climb aboard The Plunge. The hollowed-out logs are propelled by flowing water through a waterway before climbing upwards then plunging down a ramp at great speed.
The Aussie World Café has a great menu including its popular burgers or you can pop into the pub for a cold beer on your way home.
The Ginger Factory
Did you know that the Sunshine Coast produces the world’s finest ginger? The Ginger Factory is a fascinating insight into this unique industry. Take a tour around the factory and see how ginger is grown, harvested and turned into a delicious range of Buderim Ginger products. There is also a unique retail precinct and you can enjoy a train ride through the rainforest. The live bee show is fabulous too. Led by an experienced beekeeper, you can learn all about life in the hive, see different bee species and taste some delicious varieties of honey. Entry is free and it is open seven days.
Mary Valley Rattler
Travel back in time with a ride on the historic Mary Valley Rattler train. The Mary Valley Rattler is a historic rail experience operating a fleet of locomotives and carriages, each with their own unique story. With return trips taking three hours from Gympie and four hours from Amamoor, Mary Valley Rattler passengers can rediscover the magic of a bygone era with a rail journey through one of the most beautiful parts of Queensland. Dotted with quaint country towns and known for its high-quality produce, the scenic Mary Valley is home to descendants of the original pioneers of the area and is an ideal place to experience the friendly laidback atmosphere of rural living at its best.