It’s a Saturday afternoon, the sun is shining and the Pacific Ocean literally glistens before us. It’s been a busy week, but sitting here watching the kids kick a soccer ball around, I feel my body slow.
As a young family, we are always out and about, keen to find a beautiful green space to enjoy – we keep a picnic blanket in the back of the car at all times.
Research shows that human connection to the environment can significantly reduce stress, enhance mood and improve overall wellbeing. Studies have found that spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels (the pesky stuff responsible for raising anxiety and stress), blood pressure and heart rate.
Of course, natural environments also promote physical activity and foster social interactions, which all benefit our mental health.
Living on the Sunshine Coast, with an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, makes it easy to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and the benefits it brings. Parks and green spaces are the heart and soul of many Australian communities, and this is particularly true here in southeast Queensland.
The Coast is home to nearly 1300 natural parks and open spaces, each providing unique opportunities to boost fitness and strength and nurture your wellbeing.
Our parks and open spaces are more than just recreational areas; they are an integral part of the community’s identity and offer facilities that promote exercise, relaxation and play, whether that be through a hike, leisurely walk or just a good old playground visit.
And with this beautiful spring weather upon us, there’s no time better than now to explore some of these beautiful green places.
We’ve done the hard work for you and created a list of some of the region’s best parks for relaxing, playing and exercising. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy this piece of paradise!
LET’S RELAX
Buderim Village Park
Church Street, Buderim
Facilities include: Pedestrian pathways, playground with shade sails, barbecues, picnic tables, drinking fountains, toilets
Buderim Village Park is a serene haven perfect for relaxation. With its beautifully landscaped gardens, open grassy areas, and picturesque views, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a quiet afternoon. This popular park offers shaded seating and picnic areas, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely family outing or a peaceful solo retreat.
Buderim Forest Park and Falls
Quorn Close or Harry’s Lane (both off Lindsay Road), Buderim
Facilities: Walking trail, barbecues, picnic tables
Buderim Forest Park is a lush, green sanctuary that provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Known for its beautiful rainforest and waterfall, it offers a picturesque 800-metre circuit walking track suitable for all fitness levels.
Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Trail
Bushland Park, Telco Road, Mons
Facilities: Seating
This park features the Heritage Tramway Walk, a historic 2.1-kilometre trail (one-way) that follows the path of the old Buderim-Palmwoods railway. It’s a beautiful walk through sub-tropical forest and offers a unique blend of exercise and relaxation, with interpretive signage along the trail and seating areas for rest and reflection.
Mapleton Lilyponds PARK
Delicia Road, Mapleton
Facilities include: Playground, dog park, toilets, barbecues, skate park
Mapleton Lilyponds is a tranquil park featuring the serene ponds, greenery and peaceful picnic spots. It’s perfect for a relaxing day out with family and friends. You can enjoy its walking paths and scenic surroundings or let the kids free on the fun playground. It’s a great destination for those seeking a quiet escape.
Picnic Point, Point Arkwright Headlands Park
David Low Way, Point Arkwright
Facilities: Picnic benches, toilets
Picnic Point is a peaceful spot ideal for exactly that – a picnic. It offers stunning views and is perfect for those looking to enjoy a quiet outdoor meal with loved ones while taking in the scenic coastal views and gentle breezes.
GET ACTIVE
Mapleton National Park
Mapleton Forest Road, Mapleton
Facilities: Cycling, hiking, walking, horse riding, barbecues, lookout, toilets
Mapleton National Park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. It includes sections of the 58-kilometre Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, while the one-kilometre Linda Garrett Circuit is a particularly popular trail, offering a mix of rainforest and eucalypt forest. There are opportunities for wildlife observation, making it a top choice for hikers seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Mount Coolum Boardwalk
Breezeway Street, Mount Coolum
Facilities include: Walking, lookout, beach access
The boardwalk offers a scenic 500-metre return walking path through the Marcoola-Yaroomba Foreshore Bushland Conservation Reserve. With breathtaking views of the coastline and the mountain itself, it’s a great spot for a vigorous walk.
Noosa National Park
Park Road, Noosa Heads
Facilities: Barbecues, lookout, picnic tables, toilets
Noosa National Park is a favourite for those hoping to get active. With its extensive network of trails, it offers something for everyone, from casual walkers to serious hikers. Touted as a “wildlife sanctuary”, the park is renowned for its coastal views and abundant wildlife. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, the park’s diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor exercise.
HAVE SOME FUN
Bok Beach Park
Bokarina Boulevard, Bokarina
Facilities: Playground, shelters with barbecues, large open space, seating, toilets
Bok Beach Park is a dynamic space designed for play and recreation. It’s close to the beach and offers a variety of activities for children and families. This park boasts playground equipment (including a great rope bridge and built-in water sprayer that the kids will love!) and open grassy areas perfect for kicking a ball around. It’s a fun environment for kids to burn off energy and explore.
Moffat Beach Park
Seaview Terrace, Moffat Beach
Facilities: Playground, open space, walking path, toilets, barbecues, beach access
Moffat Beach is a versatile park offering something for everyone, from exercise enthusiasts to families looking for a fun day out. There’s exercise equipment, a playground and grassy space for picnicking (and cafés selling coffee nearby!). It’s a wonderful spot to soak up the coastal atmosphere.
Cilento Park and Falls
Waterfall Road, Nambour (off Mapleton Road)
Facilities: Playground, picnic facilities, barbecue, toilets
Home to the Coast’s own hidden waterfall, this park offers family-friendly fun with plenty of space for kids to explore and play. Situated on 10 hectares of land, the park includes a playground and the hidden rainforest walk. The 900-metre bush circuit to the waterfall adds an element of adventure for both kids and adults.
Tip: Always keep the kids close by as the falls are not cordoned off and the rocky track can be slippery at times.
NEED MORE INFO?
For an aerial view or to locate park facilities, visit Sunshine Coast Council’s website and search ‘beaches and park directory’, which includes an interactive map. Alternatively, for outdoor adventure activities, visit adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
DID YOU KNOW?
Our Sunshine Coast community has access to:
1180 recreation parks and open spaces, 374 playgrounds, 74 basketball courts, 55 exercise equipment nodes in parks, 46 dog exercise areas
28 skate parks, 1338 shelters, 370 drinking fountains,
324 barbecues, 196 public amenities, 178 showers.
Source: Sunshine Coast Council.