Sunshine Castle — Attraction in Sunshine Coast Regional

What an eerie yet fascinating experience.

My friend and I came up to the Sunshine Coast for the weekend and after looking up things to do, the Sunshine Castle came up and was very close to where we were staying, so we went to check it out.

Originally, we looked through the toy store and then enquired about the Castle tour. Before we knew it, we were climbing up and down stairs (you get your daily exercise out of the way!) and got to experience breathtaking views! (There is one staircase that is super narrow that freaked me the hell out being afraid of hights! But the best thing about this place is there is no time limits to your stay, so you can take your time absorbing the atmosphere and in this case, getting out of your comfort zone.)

I hadn't read up about it being a doll museum in the past, so we got a very big surprise when we saw the collection. We ended up spending most of the time at the Castle looking at all of these magnificent collector items and appreciating them as doll enthusiasts ourselves. (Have to admit though, some were a little creepy! But given the history behind some of them, that creeped out eerie feeling soon turned into intrigue.)

Overall, it is a fun and stimulating environment. I've read some of the past reviews on here and can see it has a couple of mixed responses, however I would say give it a go!

Thanks for the great experience Sunshine...

The Sunshine Castle (formerly known as the Bli Bli Castle) is a tourist attraction on the Sunshine Coast that has seen better days. It is a bit run down now and could do with being rethought and revitalised. The core concept of the castle is fractured as it tries to appeal to those with an interest in the medieval, yet it also has a massive doll collection. There are also some dinosaurs in the front garden. This makes no sense. They need to pull the key theme of the castle together if they want to sell a cohesive experience for customers.

It is best suited for visits by young children (especially girls) aged 3-8 years old. The castle's large doll collection is... extensive. If dolls are your thing, then this is the place to go. The Medieval theme they have is somewhat lacklustre, and the dinosaurs seem like a whimsical afterthought.

I have heard that they hold special events like banquets and weddings.

The overall experience is neither great nor terrible. I have been to the castle a few times now as my daughters love it (the eldest being 4yo). I find it rather underwhelming and a shade...

Sunshine Castle – Not What It Once Was!

Sunshine Castle has been a staple visiting spot for Sunshine Coast locals for as long as my wife has been alive. In fact, there are photos of her at this castle as a baby! Just before we got married, we visited the castle together. But due to its age and (I imagine) financial struggles, it’s now falling into a bit of disrepair. I’d say 50% of it is closed down.

They do offer a substantial discount—$10 per person—to visit. This lets you see the doll museum and wander around the castle’s exterior. I love this place and have fond memories of what it once was.

It’s been a tourist attraction on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for the last 50 years. In 2020, the castle was forced to close part of its original buildings and now restricts access to a mini-tour (which is what we did).

It’s still a great space to walk around. Dusty had fun dressing up as a knight, and we enjoyed the little quiz scattered throughout.

I wish I’d taken more photos in the doll display area—the only way I can describe it is creepy and...