Cool off this summer!

It’s a stinking hot summer, no doubt about it! So where can we escape the heat? Luckily the hinterland and coast both have plenty of parks with shady rainforest, water play, waterfalls and cool breezes.

There are 1180 recreational parks and open spaces maintained by Sunshine Coast Council. 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.

Here are just a few suggestions of lovely local parks to visit:

Cilento Park in Nambour

Cilento Park, hidden in a bushland reserve, has tropical rainforest and a secluded waterfall waiting for you to explore.

Cilento Falls has an expanse of open parkland perfect for kids to explore, and for a dog walk (on a lead), with a trail to the waterfall and over 351 different native plant species to enjoy. There is also a small playground, and picnic and barbecue facilities. 

Amenities: toilets, barbecues, shelter, picnic tables, playground and walking trail.Location:  Waterfall Road, Nambour

Buderim Forest Park

This 45-hectare subtropical paradise features gently winding tracks, waterfalls and streams, and magnificent, soaring trees, along with strangler figs, ferns and forest birdlife, such as whipbirds and catbirds, with their distinct songs and calls.

From the Harrys Lane entrance is a 500-metre wheelchair accessible boardwalk that allows visitors to enter the sensitive wet areas. From the Quorn Close entrance, well designed walking tracks edged with weathered stones follow the line of Martin's Creek and form stepping stones down the slopes and through the trees.

Amenities: toilets, barbecues, shelter, picnic tables and walking trail.Location:  Quorn Close, Buderim or Harry’s Lane, Buderim.

Sippy Downs Forest Park

Sippy Downs Forest Park boasts a new playground with a three-level tower, elevated in the tree canopy.

Popular with locals, Sippy Downs Forest Park offers green space, shaded grassy areas, a new playground elevated in the tree canopy, and social spaces for all to enjoy.

Amenities: toilets, barbecues, shelter, picnic tables, playground and drinking fountainLocation: Corner of Sedge Street and Central Drive, Sippy Downs

Martin Rungert Park Mooloolah

Sheltered by stunning fig trees, this verdant park features two decent playgrounds, including a generous fully fenced playground for the little ones. This is a shady spot perfect for play, with a cheery colourful train and climbing frames – enjoy a picnic under the tress and grab a coffee from the bakery over the road!

Amenities: toilets, barbecues, shelter, picnic tables, playground and drinking fountain

Location:  Neill Road Mooloolah Valley

If you are thinking of a beach visit, you can’t go past Kings Beach Park and Community Precinct.

This popular part of the Sunshine Coast has the much-loved spray water park, multiple playgrounds, exercise equipment, an open and grassy area at the amphitheatre, Kings Beach Pool, picnic tables and natural shade scattered throughout the park.

To top it off, you can go for a cooling dip in the ocean at the patrolled beach or stroll along the Coastal Pathway. It’s also a perfect place for a picnic or a café pit-stop! 

Amenities: toilets, barbecues, shelter, picnic tables, playground, basketball court and exercise equipment.Location: Ormonde Terrace, Esplanade Headland and De Vene Avenue, Caloundra  

Mapleton Lilyponds Park, Mapleton

Behind the characterful main street of Mapleton lies Lilyponds Park, which features a network of walking trails and two beautiful lily-covered ponds, creating a picturesque setting. 

The park's rich biodiversity, including native birdlife and unique plant species, provides nature enthusiasts with an opportunity for delightful exploration. And there is also a playground, flying fox, fenced off-leash dog park, barbecue facilities and a large, grassed area – it’s the perfect place for the whole family.

Amenities: toilets, barbecues, shelter, picnic tables, playground and dog off-leash area.Location: Delicia Road, Mapleton