Castle in Sunshine Coast

Taking the kids to an old place with dolls is the ideal way to spend a holiday. So, we decided to visit Sunshine Castle. It first opened as a Fairytale Castle, but was later known as Bli Bli Castle.

City of Sunshine Coast

The castle is in the city of Sunshine Coast. Stretching over 60km (40 km) along the Queensland coast, the Sunshine Coast is amazing, but it's also accessible. Rich rainforests,  public parks, white sand beaches, and beautiful streams are all nearby, interspersed with charming, unforgettable towns. With fresh fish from the area and so many excellent vineyards and bottling companies, you'll be overwhelmed with options. When you combine a subtropical climate with fantastic environmental experiences, you've found the ideal year-round goal.

History    

In 1971, Ian and Marcia Hayne purchased land in Bli Bli, which is the Centre of the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. In 1972, work was commenced to build a Norman, medieval-style castle. Its first stage was completed and opened in March 1973.

Where does the name Bli Bli come from

The Aboriginal name for Bli Bli means "many swamp oak trees," and it's a verdant sanctuary that's simply begging to be discovered. Known for housing the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary, the ideal activity is to get lost in the maze-like network of boardwalks that meander through mangroves, wetlands, and casuarina woodland.

What is happening to Bli Bli Castle

The Castle has been serving this town for almost 50 years, but in January 2020 it was forced to close several of its original structures. It now only allows entry for a brief tour that includes historical shields, armour displays in its evocative courtyard, and recognizable dolls and fairytales.

The day of our visit

It was a hot and sunny day. We purchased tickets upon arrival. Kids got excited when they saw a treasure box. Kids can choose a treat from the king's treasures. They can represent themselves as a Lord or Lady, a knight, Pirate or Princes. To act like a knight guarding the castle, my boy had the opportunity to try on a helmet. Most of the original buildings are closed. We can have only a short trip to the courtyard, dancing dolls, Fairytale walk and Model Train display.

 

 

Dolls  Museum

It felt like entering a magical and amazing world when you walked into Sunshine Castle's Dolls Museum. After stepping in, we found an endless display of beautiful dolls. We had the impression that we had entered a fantastical world where dolls could talk and have lives of their own. It shows a lot of dolls dressed up in different clothes. Just by clicking a button, they started to dance.

Sun Shine Castle Courtyard

It includes a king, table, fireplace, pillory, stage and moat. The castle has a dungeon too. Castle of the Words display in the gallery; castle siege and James cooks travel displays. Lieutenant James Cook, chief of HMB Attempt, asserted the eastern part of the Australian landmass for the English Crown in 1770, naming it New South Wales.

Fairytale display 

Fairytale decorations around the upper walkaway bring back memories of bedtime stories. My kid's favourite one was the display of the Red Riding Hood story. Displays of Goldilocks Three Bears and Alice in Wonderland were amazing. It looked like we were watching real characters in front of us. The detailed setup, down to the perfectly painted backdrops and furnishings, surprised me.

Children were fascinated by the tiny model railway. Sunshine Castle can also be booked for weddings and events. Children can get a chance to win a gift from a gift box. The staff was so friendly that they offered gifts to both kids. Usually, only one child is eligible to win a gift.

Castle Café

There is a refreshment area for visitors.

The Castle café is essential for the Daylight Castle and offers a choice of sweet and exquisite snacks while partaking in the view.  

It was an excellent tour. This was the first time kids visited a Castle. They enjoyed a lot and had fun. The castle is known to my kids as ‘dolls own a castle.