Prepare to be Amazed at Amaze World
Nestled in the lush subtropical Sunshine Coast Hinterland sits a magical place where your imagination and inner child can run wild, an enchanted world bursting with wonder, excitement and amaze-ment! Jodie Cameron gets lost exploring all the puzzles, riddles, and twists and turns at every corner of Amaze World!
One of the best parts about being a parent is living vicariously through your children so when we arrived at Amaze World in Tanawah, and the first thing we saw was a Magical Waterfall that we didn’t get wet walking through… we knew our AMAZE-ing family day out had officially begun! My mum Kathy, aka Nanny, loves riddles, crosswords, sudoku, anything to keep her mind turning over, so we took her along to make sure someone knew how to get us back to the car.
Amaze World Acting General Manager, Myra Williams said there’s plenty of good old-fashioned fun to be had, with giant puzzles, riddles and interactive challenges dotted around the grounds – providing both physical and mental stimulation for bodies and brains of all ages and stages.
“Most activities are accessible for all abilities, and have been designed to test your skills and your mind, while having a laugh and connecting with loved ones,” Myra says. “We encourage families to take their time, and really get lost so they can enjoy quality time together, while working as a team.
“Amaze World is all about making funtastic memories for the whole family, and we challenge you to embark on a journey that will literally leave you aMAZED!”
As we meandered through the dense rainforest, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife in preparation of entering a world of amazement, my eldest son Ari couldn’t contain his excitement as he spotted the mini-golf – so we started our adventure here. As a seasoned mini-golfer, my three hole-in-ones were wasted on my children who are still learning the rules. The fun continued in the fully fenced children’s playground, complete with water play area and giant puzzles, so we took some time out (and a coffee for mum and I) before gearing up for the labyrinth of Lilly Pillys!
Set over an acre and half, the incredible hedged Bellingham Maze is by far the ‘star’ attraction, with its ethereal foliage and picturesque windmill – it’s the ideal place to let the kids run free, but not too far ahead! As a first-time mazer and extremely competitive person, I was eager to show my boys (and my mum) we were NOT going to get lost!
“Mazey is our forest trickster who calls the pristine hedge his home, he loves to test your knowledge and try to distract you from your mission of navigating your way to the central viewing deck, and out again,” Myra smiles.
The addition of an immersive augmented reality app experience – featuring dinosaurs, dragons, unicorns, trolls and fairies in an enchanted forest that comes to life via your phone – not only takes Amaze World into the 21st Century, but also brings some fun for the teenagers too.
Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition? The Rope Maze is easy to play, but not so easy to win – the object is to twist and turn Keanu Reeves Matrix style through a maze of ropes to get to the middle – this one really tested the ol’ limbo skills! As did the Tyre Maze, which Ari and Finley mastered quickly before running ahead to discover what was around the next corner.
Amaze World has been part of the Sunshine Coast community for several decades before Adam and Robyn Cheshire purchased it six years ago and launched a significant renovation with Myra saying that Stage Three of the renovations would commence in late 2025 and will include expanding the café to incorporate a souvenir and gift shop, as well as plans to open on Friday and Saturday nights.
Voted Number One Thing To Do on the Sunshine Coast in 2021, it’s easy to see why the team have been awarded winners of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards in the Experiences (large business) category for the past two years and Business of the Year last year! This year, they’re going for another gong and entry into the Hall of Fame and are also nominated in the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards, Amaze World is clearly more than amazing!
We end our amazing day with a much-earned rest at the Maze Café while indulging in a decadent feast of loaded milkshakes – think salted caramel, Oreo or strawberry – slushies, hot dogs, nachos, burgers and more, when in Amaze World right! While a cuppa and a fresh scone with jam and cream hit the spot for Nanny. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own packaged food and enjoy the shaded grassed areas and picnic tables around the grounds.
So why not unleash your inner child and get lost in the magnificence, and wonderment of Amaze World. Make a day of it, or purchase a membership and let Amaze World grow with your family!
Our Amaze World favourites:
Ari, 5: “Walking through the magic waterfall and the mini-golf. Best day ever!”
Finley, 2: “Playing the giant puzzle games with my Nanny.”
Nanny, 71: “The interactive skills tester – I couldn’t quite get past the last turn, but I won’t let it beat me next time!”
Me, 41: “I really enjoyed the hedge maze, we had lots of laughs – and made it out!”
BE AMAZED!
September School Holidays
Come and play ALL day, with extended opening hours from 9.30am until 4.30pm.
Book ahead on weekends & school holidays and avoid the queues!
Halloween
Saturday 26 October,
5-8pm
Roaming characters, trick or treat, games, prizes, costume competition and more!
Membership Options
School Day Membership (cannot be used during holidays or weekends)
Adults $60 Children $48
Annual Membership (excluding Christmas Day) Adults $89 Children $72
Use discount code 5OFF at the checkout to receive 5% off General Admission prices online.
Visit www.amazeworld.com.au to book your tickets!
