Sunshine Castle
Sunshine Castle
3.7
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3.7
281 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
78
Average
47
Poor
18
Terrible
37
Tiamarama
118 contributions
Apr 2021
Something to look at with the family. We enjoyed the courtyard area with information about old medieval days. In the castle it’s self there is not much to do. millions of old dolls and set ups of old tales like little miss riding hood e.g hi But all other rooms or entry ways are blocked off. Other then that nothing else to do...$8 is an ok price but for what they are offering.... even just a gold coin donation would be worth it.
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndyP80
Scarborough, Australia371 contributions
July 2020 • Family
A very impressive structure and fun to have a look around. My 6 year old enjoyed climbing to the top of the lookout and tower and doing the treasure hunt. We managed to impart a little history Thor the various displays. For adults and older kids there’s some good educational aspects if you can hold their attention.
This place does have potential to be much more, hopefully visitor numbers let them invest in the future.
This place does have potential to be much more, hopefully visitor numbers let them invest in the future.
Written 19 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your visit and taking the time to leave some feedback!
We are happy to hear you and your little one had a great time at the Sunshine Castle!
We hope to see you again soon!
The Wenches
Written 4 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bronniegirl
Ascot18 contributions
June 2020 • Family
I really wanted to love this place but somehow it doesn't quite get there. Perhaps they should totally reinvent the interior of this castle, especially downstairs. I can just image it to be turn into a Harry Potter themed museum/shop And cafe. There's so much potential in here but a sense of lethargic enthusiasm pervades. Can you image Harry Potter theme weddings, birthday parties and other celebrations plus a cafe/bar area with HP theme.
Even a wedding canopy/church thing/cross out in the front yard with white chairs even taking on a medieval or harry potter or even haunted house theme.
Staff were nice.
Even a wedding canopy/church thing/cross out in the front yard with white chairs even taking on a medieval or harry potter or even haunted house theme.
Staff were nice.
Written 26 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your feedback and sharing your ideas with us.
We hope to see you back for your Harry Potter party :-)
The Wenches
Written 4 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynn M
Brisbane, Australia61 contributions
Feb 2021
Most of the castle is now closed due to structural problems.
You pay $8pp to walk around a small court yard and then go through a dolls museum. The dolls museum was quite frankly past its best - once upon a time someone put a lot of time into making clothes for those dolls, but that was a long time ago. We were wandering around in the dark because we didn't know there were light switches - which lit some of the displays but not all.
If it wasn't for the fact that the castle obviously needs the money I would have asked for a refund. Very very disappointing and usually if something is not good I don't spend my time rating it, but I feel the castle need to read this. They need to understand that $8 is too much money for what they are currently offering.
Perhaps focus on weddings and children's parties etc. (if the area they hold these is open)
The only thing that kept us in there for more than 10 mins was the treasure hunt for kids, which produced a fun size milky way upon completion. Expensive milky way.
If you consider Australia Zoo is $60pp and you can stay all day, and see and do so many things, $8 to look at some dolls for 10 mins makes the castle a very expensive form of entertainment.
Not at all suitable for anyone who can't easily climb up and down steps.
You pay $8pp to walk around a small court yard and then go through a dolls museum. The dolls museum was quite frankly past its best - once upon a time someone put a lot of time into making clothes for those dolls, but that was a long time ago. We were wandering around in the dark because we didn't know there were light switches - which lit some of the displays but not all.
If it wasn't for the fact that the castle obviously needs the money I would have asked for a refund. Very very disappointing and usually if something is not good I don't spend my time rating it, but I feel the castle need to read this. They need to understand that $8 is too much money for what they are currently offering.
Perhaps focus on weddings and children's parties etc. (if the area they hold these is open)
The only thing that kept us in there for more than 10 mins was the treasure hunt for kids, which produced a fun size milky way upon completion. Expensive milky way.
If you consider Australia Zoo is $60pp and you can stay all day, and see and do so many things, $8 to look at some dolls for 10 mins makes the castle a very expensive form of entertainment.
Not at all suitable for anyone who can't easily climb up and down steps.
Written 20 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha S
Sunshine Coast, Australia1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Solo
Not much to do there and definitely not worth the $10 they charge to look at some scary looking dolls. So sad that this castle could be something so beautiful but it's just looking run down and sad. Hard to get around if in a wheelchair or have a pram not much accessibility.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Imogen T
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Family
Not worth visiting or wasting money! Does not represent a castle at all! You can not go into the dungeon, towers or great hall which are all the main features of a castle!! it is a creepy doll ‘museum’ ie- 5 rooms of dolls. It is also in desperate need of a Reno, I cannot believe they charge people to see this dump. Needs to be closed down, it’s embarrassing.
Written 2 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HlPPYatHEART
Buderim, Australia106 contributions
Sept 2021
I wish I had read the reviews before wasting our time and money. We found the place very dirty and it was all over in 10 minutes. The place needs a good clean and some maintenance. Most of the the dolls on display are very cheap and nasty. My 7 year old granddaughter and I were very disappointed.
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael
7 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Not sure why the reviews are so negative, though they do help to set the expectations accordingly.
For $8, I thought this was quite enjoyable.
Yes, it's disappointing how little off the castle can be explored - I snuck up some of of bounds stairs to have a look, and while not being able to actually go much further, i could see many interesting rooms, and a really nice (and large) castle balcony with a great view. They also had a very tall speak 6 staircase leading up one of the castles... tall extrusions (can't remember what they are called). It would be fantastic if some of these areas open up in the future, because there is a lot more to see.
That being said, you do have a very limited area to explore.
The courtyard is somewhat small. The walls are covered in weapons and equipment, with some detailed information about them.
Plenty of photo taking opportunities, and they have some costumes for you to wear.
You can also put on some armour, including a large chest piece, chainmail, coats, and gauntlets. Very heavy and cumbersome, which is great.
The majority of the currently open castle is full of dolls. The lower floor has a little people of world exhibit, showing old styling of most of the bigger nation. Parts of the exhibit move and light up, but you have to press a button (most people didn't notice this. Could have been clearer)
The upstairs section has multiple displays setup. Mostly showing popular fairy tales. Each has a button to light up. A large model train set can also be found.
Lastly you can see many more collectable looking dolls, made from ceramics and China.
Again, for $16 for my girlfriend and myself, i thought it was fine. I find it interesting and had a good time despite expecting it to be bad.
The dolls aren't not as scary as people are claiming. I'll attach pictures of the "scariest", and a couple others i took for giggles
For $8, I thought this was quite enjoyable.
Yes, it's disappointing how little off the castle can be explored - I snuck up some of of bounds stairs to have a look, and while not being able to actually go much further, i could see many interesting rooms, and a really nice (and large) castle balcony with a great view. They also had a very tall speak 6 staircase leading up one of the castles... tall extrusions (can't remember what they are called). It would be fantastic if some of these areas open up in the future, because there is a lot more to see.
That being said, you do have a very limited area to explore.
The courtyard is somewhat small. The walls are covered in weapons and equipment, with some detailed information about them.
Plenty of photo taking opportunities, and they have some costumes for you to wear.
You can also put on some armour, including a large chest piece, chainmail, coats, and gauntlets. Very heavy and cumbersome, which is great.
The majority of the currently open castle is full of dolls. The lower floor has a little people of world exhibit, showing old styling of most of the bigger nation. Parts of the exhibit move and light up, but you have to press a button (most people didn't notice this. Could have been clearer)
The upstairs section has multiple displays setup. Mostly showing popular fairy tales. Each has a button to light up. A large model train set can also be found.
Lastly you can see many more collectable looking dolls, made from ceramics and China.
Again, for $16 for my girlfriend and myself, i thought it was fine. I find it interesting and had a good time despite expecting it to be bad.
The dolls aren't not as scary as people are claiming. I'll attach pictures of the "scariest", and a couple others i took for giggles
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren B
Sydney, Australia55 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Do not waste your time or money at this place.
Most of the castle is closed due to structural damage.
It took us less than 5 minutes from start to finish.
There was nothing to do, nothing to see
Its old, its dirty, its just an absolute disgrace of a place
Nothing like it once was
The worst part is, that even though three quarters of it is closed, they still have the nerve to charge you full price to enter.
Keep away from the place.
Most of the castle is closed due to structural damage.
It took us less than 5 minutes from start to finish.
There was nothing to do, nothing to see
Its old, its dirty, its just an absolute disgrace of a place
Nothing like it once was
The worst part is, that even though three quarters of it is closed, they still have the nerve to charge you full price to enter.
Keep away from the place.
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trisha W
Bundaberg, Australia25 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
I wished I had of read the reviews before visiting.
As most of the castle is closed, due to structural problems, you’re left with very little to do. The venue is in desperate need of attention.
The courtyard water feature (or moat) was more pond scum than water.
The doll museum was nothing short of creepy. Hard to call it a “fairytale walk”. Some of the dolls are in such bad condition, I’m sure my children will have nightmares (check out Alice in Wonderland).
My 5yr old enjoyed the treasure hunt, only to fish a fun size chocolate out of the treasure chest, which also contained some “leftover” Easter eggs 🤦🏻♀️
We stayed for an hour, about 40mins too long.
Certainly wouldn’t recommend wasting the drive, or the money to visit.
As most of the castle is closed, due to structural problems, you’re left with very little to do. The venue is in desperate need of attention.
The courtyard water feature (or moat) was more pond scum than water.
The doll museum was nothing short of creepy. Hard to call it a “fairytale walk”. Some of the dolls are in such bad condition, I’m sure my children will have nightmares (check out Alice in Wonderland).
My 5yr old enjoyed the treasure hunt, only to fish a fun size chocolate out of the treasure chest, which also contained some “leftover” Easter eggs 🤦🏻♀️
We stayed for an hour, about 40mins too long.
Certainly wouldn’t recommend wasting the drive, or the money to visit.
Written 14 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laurel p
Brisbane, Australia
We are attending the Opera in the Castle on Sunday - is there an entry. Fee for the castle prior to attending the concert?
Written 25 October 2017
trmartin123
Bli Bli, Australia
As I understand it the underground opera is an entirely different entity which simply uses the castle as a venue. The castle itself would be closed during the performance. If you check out the underground opera company website it should give you all the details including costs which from memory are about $70-$80. I have not been to a performance at the castle but the reviews look great. Hope you have a good night out.
Written 26 October 2017
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