Planning a summer break in 2026 and looking for fun things to do on the Sunshine Coast and nearby Moreton Bay? Base yourself at Caboolture Motel, and you can reach beaches, lookouts, markets, and festivals in minutes.
This guide shares easy day plans with drive times from Caboolture, simple budget tips and local advice for hot days. You will also find a few of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast for families, plus a taste of what’s on Moreton Bay over summer.
Things to do with kids on the Sunshine Coast
Butterfly House and Woorim Beach
Start with the Bribie Island Butterfly House, which is usually open a few days a week. Kids love the walk-through enclosure and the friendly volunteers. Bring a small donation and a camera. After your visit, head to Woorim Beach on the surf side of Bribie.
It is about 25 to 30 minutes from Caboolture. Swim between the flags, wear rash shirts, and reapply reef-safe sunscreen. Parking fills quickly on weekends, so arrive before 9 am. Pack a picnic or grab fish and chips near the beach.
Caloundra boardwalks and play
Caloundra is an easy 35 to 40-minute drive. Kings Beach has a seawater pool, a gentle surf break, and shaded grass for prams and picnics. Walk the Bulcock Esplanade for a simple taste of Sunshine Coast sightseeing with kids. Bring water and hats, then plan shaded breaks through the middle of the day.
Sunshine Coast Sightseeing
Glass House Mountains Lookouts
The Glass House Mountains deliver sweeping views without hard walks. Try Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve for a short rainforest loop and views to the peaks.
Aim for early morning or golden hour to avoid heat and crowds. These scenic stops are some of the most photogenic tourist attractions Sunshine Coast, Queensland, offers, and they are about 30 to 40 minutes from Caboolture.
Caloundra Coastal Photo Spots
Short on time? Park near the Caloundra Coastal Walk and collect a few easy viewpoints in one go. You will find rock pools, timber boardwalks, and sea lookouts. Check parking signs and meters. This route is perfect if you want a relaxed version of places to visit in the Sunshine Coast without a full day in the sun.
Places to Go in the Sunshine Coast
Woorim versus Bongaree and Red Beach
Woorim suits confident swimmers and teens who like small waves. Bongaree and Red Beach on the Pumicestone Passage side are calmer and better for toddlers. Both are within 25 to 30 minutes of Caboolture.
Swim where lifesavers patrol, carry extra water, and watch summer stinger signage. Beach days are free. If you want a little extra, hire boards from licensed operators and make it one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast on a hot day.
Things to do in Caboolture
Caboolture Country Markets
If you are here on a Sunday morning, the Caboolture Country Markets are a local favourite, about 5 to 10 minutes from the motel. Go early for easier parking and cooler weather.
Expect fresh produce, plants, food trucks, crafts, and live animals some weeks. Grab ingredients for a picnic at Centenary Lakes after your shop. For current dates, check what’s on Moreton Bay before you go.
Caboolture Historical Village
The Caboolture Historical Village is close by and a great option for hot days. Many displays are indoors or shaded. Allow two to three hours for school holiday visits. It is a gentle way to add learning to your break and suits grandparents and kids together.
Sunshine Coast Day Trips
Caloundra foreshore
This is a simple day trip under 40 minutes. Swim at Kings Beach, then walk to cafes for lunch. In the afternoon, find shade at the park or browse shops along Bulcock Street. Pack hats, a light towel, and a refillable bottle.
Add a sunset walk if the kids still have energy. It is one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast when you want variety without long drives.
Glass House Mountains and Hinterland
Pair a lookout stop with a taste of the hinterland. Maleny and Montville bring cooler air, local cheese, chocolate, and small boutiques. Keep walking short in summer, then take an ice cream break. This plan delivers Sunshine Coast sightseeing without a full hike and stays within the 30 to 40 minute range from Caboolture.
What’s on Moreton Bay
Woodford Folk Festival
Woodford Folk Festival usually runs from late December into early January and is about 30 to 35 minutes from Caboolture. Book day passes in advance, wear a hat and light clothing, and carry more water than you think you need.
Check shuttle options and parking updates on the official site. If you are deciding what to do in Queensland over New Year, this is a standout.
Markets, Gigs and Summer Pop-ups
Summer brings twilight markets, small concerts, and family events around the region. Check the Moreton Bay events calendar before you travel, then build a flexible plan around forecast temperatures. Indoor or shaded options are your friend on hot days.
Moreton Island Activities
Moreton Island is a beautiful add-on, yet it needs extra planning. Travel involves a ferry and often a 4WD or a guided tour, so treat it as a dedicated day or overnight rather than a quick drive.
Popular Moreton Island activities include snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, sand tobogganing on the dunes, and guided wildlife tours.
If you are researching Moreton Island activities in Australia or Moreton Island things to do, book with licensed operators and check ferry times carefully. Bring sun protection, water shoes, and a dry bag for your phone.
Caboolture Motel Accommodation
When you are mapping what to do in Queensland this summer, staying central saves time and energy. Caboolture Motel gives you ground-floor rooms, undercover parking for trailers and boats, free Wi Fi, smart TVs, and a pool for a cool down after the beach.
Breakfast is available seven days a week, which helps with early starts to beat the heat at Woorim or the crowds in Caloundra. Trains and highways are closed, so both the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay are easy to reach.
Use our internal guides to plan your trip. See our Accommodation Caboolture page for room types and inclusions. Open our Caboolture Local Area Guide to find nearby food, parks, and services.
If you are comparing value for Queensland holidays, remember that direct bookings often include the best add-ons. Many travellers search for Queensland holiday deals, but flexible dates and booking directly can be just as effective.
Plan your Escape
Summer 2026 can be simple. Base yourself in Caboolture, then choose a mix of fun things to do on the Sunshine Coast and relaxed Moreton Bay days. Try a family morning at the Butterfly House, swim at Woorim or Kings Beach, collect a few scenic lookouts, then close with a festival day if it suits your dates. Keep drives to 40 minutes or less so you spend more time playing and less time in the car.
Ready to start? Check dates and availability at Caboolture Motel, read our Caboolture Local Area Guide, and pencil in the events you do not want to miss. Pack sunscreen, water, a hat, and patience for holiday traffic. With a simple plan and a comfy base, your Queensland holidays will feel easy and full of good moments.
Image Credit: Woorim Beach, Bribie Island