Free things to do with teenagers in Sunshine Coast
Teenagers on the Sunshine Coast have a head start, because the lifestyle is built around the outdoors. Noosa Main Beach, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, Coolum and Mudjimba are a few of the places that suit them, and the surf is part of the appeal. Maroochy River Mouth has a laid-back vibe for those who prefer flat water, while Bulcock Beach at Caloundra is a social spot with a long stretch of sand. Surf safety matters more as teenagers gain independence. Swim between the red and yellow flags, and only where patrols are on. No flags means no lifeguards, and rips can be strong, even for good swimmers. A conversation before you go is worth more than a lecture on the sand. Rock fishing and headland walking need care as well, because waves can surprise anyone. There is plenty to do away from the water. The coastal walk in Noosa National Park is a good outing for photography and talk, and the skate parks at Caloundra, Kawana and Baringa give them somewhere to ride. The hinterland offers lookouts and a change of scene. Offer choice, include food and give teens a role. Let them pick the beach, bring the music or carry the picnic. A free day does not need to be a family project. Sometimes the best option is a lift to the beach, a meeting point and a promise of a snack afterwards.
Our picks
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Noosa Main Beach Noosa Heads
Noosa Main Beach at Noosa Heads is a north-facing beach that Noosa Council describes as a sheltered spot for swimming with gentle waves, compared with the more powerful…
Patrolled · ★ 4.7 (5,296)
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Mooloolaba Beach Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba Beach is described by Sunshine Coast Council as a premier swimming beach, popular for body boarding and surfing, and it is patrolled year round; patrol times…
Patrolled All year · All-abilities access
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Coolum Beach Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach is a family friendly patrolled beach with parks and a boardwalk.
Patrolled All year · All-abilities access
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Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct Glass House Mountains
Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct is a council-run, state heritage-listed property at Glass House Mountains, the only remaining Cobb and Co coach stop between Brisbane…
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Eumundi Museum Eumundi
Eumundi Museum, part of the Discover Eumundi Heritage and Visitor Centre, has displays on early Eumundi settlers and industries and on more recent history, including…
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Noosa Regional Gallery Tewantin
Noosa Regional Gallery is Noosa Council's riverside art gallery in Tewantin, open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and weekends 10am to 3pm.
Before you go
Best for which ages
These suggestions are pitched at thirteen and over, and older teens may prefer to bring mates. Younger teens often join in if the family comes along. Each listing is the safest guide to what is there. A mixed-age family can share a day if the oldest child gets to choose the first stop.
What to bring
Water, sunscreen, a hat and a charged phone with a spare battery. Pack swimmers, a towel and a layer for evening. For skating, bring helmets and pads. A camera or phone helps those who enjoy photography. Some money or a card for a snack afterwards is a small motivator, and a bag keeps wet gear apart from dry.
Parking and facilities
Car parks, toilets and shade are patchy, so read the listing before leaving home. Busy beaches fill early in holidays. Agree on a meeting point and a time to check in. Phone coverage can be patchy on some headlands and in the hinterland, so agree a meeting spot before you part ways.
Best time of year
Summer suits swimming and surf, while autumn is often calmer and quieter. Winter days can be clear and good for walks. Skip the water when the surf is big or the flags are down. Summer evenings can be lovely, though anyone going alone should be home before dark and let a parent know.
How to make a day of it
Put two or three ideas on the table, add food and let them pick. Sand in the morning, a ride after lunch and a cold treat is a reliable rhythm. If it rains, a library or gallery works. Share the plan the night before so nothing feels like an ambush, and leave room for them to suggest changes.
Beaches, rock pools and ocean baths
Swim between the red and yellow flags. Patrol seasons and hours on each listing come from the surf club or council page.
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Noosa Main Beach Noosa Heads
Noosa Main Beach at Noosa Heads is a north-facing beach that Noosa Council describes as a sheltered spot for swimming with gentle waves, compared with the more powerful…
Patrolled · ★ 4.7 (5,296)
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Mooloolaba Beach Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba Beach is described by Sunshine Coast Council as a premier swimming beach, popular for body boarding and surfing, and it is patrolled year round; patrol times…
Patrolled All year · All-abilities access
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Coolum Beach Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach is a family friendly patrolled beach with parks and a boardwalk.
Patrolled All year · All-abilities access
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Marcoola Beach Marcoola
Marcoola Beach, between beach accesses 98 and 112, is a quieter open stretch of beach surrounded by parkland and patrolled seasonally.
Patrolled Summer
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Kings Beach Ocean Pool Kings Beach
The Kings Beach Ocean Pool (also called the Sir Francis Nicklin Memorial Pool) sits on the rocks at the northern end of Kings Beach, Caloundra.
Patrolled Summer
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Twin Waters Beach (Maroochy North Shore) Twin Waters
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Twin Waters Beach all year round from the tower at beach access 131.
Patrolled All year
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Bulcock Beach Caloundra
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Bulcock Beach on weekends, school holidays and public holidays from September to May.
Patrolled September to May
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Mudjimba Beach Mudjimba
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Mudjimba Beach all year, and Mudjimba Surf Life Saving Club volunteers add weekend and public holiday patrols from 7am to 5pm (6pm over…
Patrolled September school holidays to early May (volunteers)
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Mooloolaba Spit Beach Mooloolaba
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Mooloolaba Spit all year round, and Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club volunteers patrol the main beach on weekends and public holidays…
Patrolled All year (council lifeguards)
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Kings Beach Kings Beach
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Kings Beach all year, and Metropolitan Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club volunteers add weekend and public holiday patrols from 7am to…
Patrolled All year (council lifeguards) · All-abilities access
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Maroochydore Beach Maroochydore
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Maroochydore Beach all year, and Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club volunteers patrol on weekends and public holidays from 7am to about…
Patrolled September school holidays to May long weekend (volunteers)
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Maroochy River Mouth Cotton Tree
The beach at the Maroochy River mouth (beach accesses 140 to 143) has a newer holiday patrol service.
Patrolled Queensland school holidays in September, Christmas and Easter
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Yaroomba Beach Yaroomba
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Yaroomba Beach near Birrahl Park during the school holidays between September and May only.
Patrolled School holidays between September and May only
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Alexandra Headland Beach Alexandra Headland
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Alexandra Headland all year, and Alex Surf Life Saving Club volunteers add weekend and public holiday patrols from 7am to 5pm (6pm over…
Patrolled All year (council lifeguards) · All-abilities access
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Currimundi Beach Currimundi
Currimundi Beach lies south of Currimundi Lake, with two main spots at Watson Street and Buderim Street joined by the Coastal Pathway.
Patrolled
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Dicky Beach Dicky Beach
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Dicky Beach all year, and Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving Club volunteers patrol on weekends and public holidays from 7am to 5pm (6pm in…
Patrolled All year (council lifeguards) · All-abilities access
Free museums, galleries and science
Permanent collections with free entry. Special exhibitions can be ticketed; the listing says so.
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Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct Glass House Mountains
Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct is a council-run, state heritage-listed property at Glass House Mountains, the only remaining Cobb and Co coach stop between Brisbane…
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Eumundi Museum Eumundi
Eumundi Museum, part of the Discover Eumundi Heritage and Visitor Centre, has displays on early Eumundi settlers and industries and on more recent history, including…
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Noosa Regional Gallery Tewantin
Noosa Regional Gallery is Noosa Council's riverside art gallery in Tewantin, open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and weekends 10am to 3pm.
Skate parks, pump tracks and bike paths
Council-run and free. Bring helmets; the listing notes lighting, shade and whether there is a beginner area.
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Baringa Town Square Skate Plaza Baringa
The skate plaza at Baringa Town Square has well spaced street obstacles for all rider types, ages and abilities, including ledges, rails, stair sets, hubbas and large…
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Caloundra Skate Park Caloundra
Caloundra Skate Park is part of the Central Park Complex on Arthur Street.
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Kawana Skate Park Bokarina
Kawana Skate Park on Sportsmans Parade is designed for a range of skill levels with a mix of street and transition elements of different heights and sizes.
All skate parks and bike tracks in Sunshine Coast, free and paid
Questions parents ask
- What free things can teenagers do on the Sunshine Coast?
- Beaches, coastal walks, skate parks, lookouts and libraries are all good choices. The listings describe what each place offers.
- Is it safe for teenagers to surf or swim at Sunshine Coast beaches?
- Only between the flags on a patrolled beach, and only when they feel confident about the surf. Rips can be strong, so talk it through.
- Should teenagers be allowed to go to the beach with friends?
- Every family sees this differently. If you say yes, settle the plan, a meeting spot and a check-in time, and revisit how flags work.
- How do I get a teen to join a family day?
- Give them a say, feed them well and hand over a job. A loose, short outing beats a packed program.