Transform your lazy beach day into an adrenaline-fuelled adventure at Next Level Park in Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore. At Australia’s largest high ropes course over 140 aerial challenges form a thrill-seeker’s dream. Whether you’re stretching your muscles on the course, gliding over Cornmeal Creek on a zipline or simply soaking in the views from the 22-metre-high observation deck, you’ll feel a renewed sense of self as you rejoice at your decision to trade sand for the skies.
The excitement is in your hands, as you build your own adventure based on your fitness level, experience and relationship with heights.
Courses start easy and only five metres off the ground, then the higher you climb the more challenging the course becomes, as each of the four levels becomes more difficult, culminating in the 18-metre Next Level Ninja Circuit.
If you’re working up a sweat reading this, be assured you’ll be constantly connected to a safety hook, securely attached at all times during your adventure. Ziplines are a favourite – your muscles can take a break as you fly across any of the 16 wires, some stretching over 100 metres.
A standard one-circuit session will take about 90 minutes, which will include a quick, yet comprehensive, training and safety session. All equipment is provided: simply arrive in comfortable clothes suited for physical activity and the rest will be taken care of.
The circuits will have you skipping across bridges, navigating through net tunnels, hoisting yourself onto tight ropes and more. One circuit should provide a more than satisfying dose of adrenaline, but if the ropes keep calling your name, you’ll get a discount for booking more than one circuit.
If you visit during the school holidays with kids aged 6-12, they can participate in KidZip, a school holiday program that will save parents from the perils of supervision.
Maroochydore is the beating heart of the Sunshine Coast and a trip to Next Level Park will leave you perfectly poised to feel its pulse. There is plenty more to check out in Maroochydore before or after your adventure. You can keep the outdoors theme going with a visit to the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, a trip to the truly stunning Serenity Falls in nearby Buderim or a picnic on picturesque Maroochydore Beach.
If your desire for the outdoors has been met, head to Strike for bowling for the kids and cocktails for the adults, browse the shops at Sunshine Plaza or, if you happen to be around on a Sunday, check out Cotton Tree Markets.
If your time on the high ropes has left you hungry, treat yourself at Harvest Breads, Umami Ramen or try Elixiba restaurant for plant-based dining.
If 2020 kept you sitting still and stuck inside for longer than you cared, a high ropes adventure makes up for lost time. Whether you want to inspire a sense of bravery and high-heartbeat living in your children or give yourself a school camp themed flood of nostalgia, a day on the high ropes will provide pure pleasure. The excitement of the adventure park provides the perfect foil to the laidback beaches, and your first swim after your visit will be a well-earned reward.
Take me there
Drive: Next Level Park is nestled in the centre of Maroochydore, a 15-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport, 45 minutes from Noosa and about 90 minutes from Brisbane.
Opening hours: Next Level Park is open daily, except Christmas day, from 9am to 5pm (or until 6pm Thursday-Saturday).
Price: One circuit is $35 for adults, $25 for children (6-17 years old). For a full two days of adventure, purchase an unlocked pass at $80 for adults and $70 for children. A valid student or seniors’ card will get you 10 per cent off, as well bringing a group of 10 or more people.
More thrills: If a taste of excitement has you wanting a full platter, you could try learning to surf in Noosa, diving with grey nurse sharks off Mooloolaba or skydiving from Caloundra or Noosa.
Explore more: nextlevelpark.com.au
