Best parks to cool down this summer

Parks with water play, lush forest and cool breezes are the perfect places to escape the summer heat.

From tranquil waterfalls to beachside havens, it’s time to pack a picnic and enjoy some of the 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 some favourites:

Kings Beach Park and Community Precinct

This ‘natural and unique’ part of the Sunshine Coast gained international recognition and has been awarded a Green Flag Award.

Kings Beach Park and Community Precinct has so much to offer, including the popular 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.

The park overlooks Kings Beach so why not take a refreshing dip in the ocean at the patrolled beach or stroll along Council’s stunning Coastal Pathway. Bring a picnic and enjoy the outlook or pop in and enjoy the local cafés and eateries.

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

Buderim Forest Park

In the heart of Buderim you’ll find this 45-hectare subtropical paradise of towering trees, cool streams, meandering tracks and waterfalls that offer the perfect spot to relax on a hot summer’s day.

The waterfall cascades year-round and is surrounded by trees, dramatic strangler figs, ferns and melodious forest birdlife, such as whipbirds and catbirds.

From the Harrys Lane entrance is a wonderful 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

Nestled in the bush and surrounded by a growing urban community, Sippy Downs Forest Park boasts a new playground with a three-level tower, elevated in the tree canopy.

Popular with locals, the park offers green space, shaded grassy areas, nature-inspired play and social spaces for all to enjoy.

Offering a genuine forest experience, the playground can be enjoyed by all ages and the park features contemporary shelters and public amenities designed to complement the natural surrounds, as well as a mixture of established trees and open spaces, social spaces for barbecues and a variety of natural seating options.

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

Martin Rungert Park Mooloolah

Sheltered by spectacular fig trees, this lush park is a hidden hinterland gem. Featuring two decent playgrounds, including a generous fully fenced playground for the little ones, Martin Rungert Park is located close to the Mooloolah township.

Offering plenty of shade for the kids to stay and play during the hot summer months, the colourful train and variety of climbing frames will keep the kids busy. Enjoy a picnic under the tree canopy and spot the wildlife nearby.

Amenities: toilets, barbecues, shelter, picnic tables, playground and drinking fountain
Location:  Neill Road Mooloolah Valley

Cilento Park in Nambour  

Small but mighty, Cilento Park has more than meets the eye. Hidden in a bushland reserve, Nambour has its very own tropical rainforest and secluded waterfall waiting for you to explore this summer.

Cilento Falls greets you with a large open parkland perfect for the pooches and littlies to explore (dogs allowed on a lead). Soak in the wonders of this bushland reserve that is home to 351 different native plant species.

This park includes a small playground and picnic and barbecue facilities to enjoy after taking the trail to see the waterfall.

Why not extend your trip with a visit to the exciting new splash park and adventure water slides at the recently refurbished Nambour Aquatic Centre. Cool down and experience the splash park's zero-depth splash pad, giant adventure slides, toddler slides, water jet features and tipping buckets.

Trail repairs and upgrade works are currently occurring at this location which may restrict public access to some sections of the reserve over the coming weeks.

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

Discover more of the Sunshine Coast’s parks via the Beaches and Parks Directory.

Our Sunshine Coast community has access to:

• 1180 recreation parks and open spaces
• 381 playgrounds
• 75 basketball courts
• 55 exercise equipment nodes in parks
• 46 dog exercise areas
• 29 skate parks
• 1,348 shelters
• 372 drinking fountains
• 324 barbecues
• 201 public amenities
• 179 showers