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The Sunshine Coast is best known for its white sand beaches, vibrant food and drink scene, and rich culture and history. With so much on offer, it’s no surprise that millions of tourists flock here each year. What many visitors don’t know, however, is just how many hidden gems are hiding here in plain sight!
If you’d like to explore the lesser-known attractions of this beautiful part of Australia, bookmark this list of 15 can’t miss hidden gems on the Sunshine Coast.
1. Wild Horse Mountain Lookout
- Address: Glass House Mountains Rd, Coochin Creek QLD 4519
- Opening hours: 24/7
Many tourists flock to Mt. Coolum — and with good reason. But if you’re looking for an alternative trail, check out Wild Horse Mountain Lookout. This short but steep trail is closer to Brisbane between Bribie Island and Caloundra and offers incredible views across the Glass House Mountains. Aim to get there at sunset for the most impressive vistas.
2. Mothar Rock Pools
- Website: visitnoosa.com.au/directory/mothar-mountain-rockpools
- Address: Hill Rd, Mothar Mountain QLD 4570
- Opening hours: 24/7
The rock pools at Kings Beach in Caloundra are extremely popular with visitors, but Mothar Mountain Rock Pools is a relaxing and scenic alternative. Located in the Woondum National Park, there are several hiking routes to tackle en route to the rock pools, from 20-minute strolls to 2-hour treks. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, there’s no better feeling than cooling off in the natural granite pools.
3. Lake MacDonald
- Website: visitnoosa.com.au/directory/lake-macdonald
- Address: Queensland 4563
- Opening hours: 24/7
Lake MacDonald is near Cooroy in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and is a perfect day trip from the city. There’s plenty to do here — from fishing and wildlife viewing to BBQing and picnicking. There’s also a children’s playground for kids to blow off steam, and the lush Noosa Botanic Gardens are just next door.
4. Take a Road Trip to the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is just 115 miles away and can be driven in around 2.5 hours, making it an ideal road trip from the Sunshine Coast. You can either head straight to the Golden Coast in a straight shot or make an adventure of it and stop off along the way to see more of Australia’s beauty. Check out Brisbane, Palm Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Stradbroke Island if you have the time.
5. Mudjimba Island
Just 15 minutes off the coast of Mooloolaba is the island of Mudjimba. Considered to be one of the best surfing spots in the region, big breaks are common here. The vibrant coral reefs that create these breaks are also popular for snorkeling and diving, and dolphins, turtles, starfish, and stingrays are relatively common here, too.
Although it might seem a swimmable distance, hiring a boat to get to Mudjimba Island is highly recommended due to the large swells off the island.
6. Chenrezig Institute
- Website: chenrezig.com.au
- Address: 33 Johnsons Road, Eudlo, QLD 4554
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Established in 1974, the Chenrezig Institute is a Buddhist retreat where you can experience the lives and teachings of Tibetan Monks. Join the free guided tour each Saturday to learn more about this fascinating place and the teachings and ceremonies that happen here.
There’s also a superb vegetarian cafe on-site, plus an extensive library, memorial gardens, and lush rainforest grounds to explore. Be sure to spend a couple of hours here to make the most of this special site.
7. Kenilworth Country Bakery
- Website: kenilworthbakery.com
- Address: 8 Elizabeth Street, Kenilworth QLD 4574
- Opening hours: 7 am – 1 pm daily
Kenilworth Country Bakery is a World Heritage-listed site that has been in operation since 1924. People travel for hours to visit this bucket list location and to try the famous pastries, pies, and breads. Don’t miss the delicious donuts in various flavors! There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available, too.
8. Explore on a Jetski
The Sunshine Coast boasts some of the most beautiful waterways in the country, and cruising around on a jet ski is the perfect way to experience them. Three of the best options are as follows.
Caloundra Jetski
- Website: caloundrajetski.com.au
- Address: Unit 2/38 Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra QLD 4551
- Opening hours: 7 am – 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday / 7 am – 4 pm Sunday
This water-based safari company offers fast-paced, informative tours to see the ancient volcanos and diverse wildlife of Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay Marine Parks. Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a jetski before — the guide will teach you how to do so before you zip off to explore this unique environment.
Maroochy River Jetski
- Website: maroochyjetski.com.au
- Address: 75 Bradman Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558
- Opening hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily
This outfit offers a sheltered freestyle circuit where you can run laps independently, or you can join a river and ocean tour of the Maroochy River. The tour begins at Chambers Island and goes up the river past Bli Bli and Coolum Creek up to the foothills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Sunreef Hire
- Website: sunreef.com.au/hire/jet-ski/
- Address: Shop 11-12, The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
- Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
Hire a jetski from Sunreef and zoom out off Mooloolaba Beach’s coast to freely ride around in almost two square miles of ocean. This is the largest and fastest jet skiing experience on the Sunshine Coast, so it is a top pick for speed demons, but you can also take it at a slower pace if you prefer.
9. Discover the Thriving Craft Beer Scene
Tourists often don’t know this, but the Sunshine Coast has one of Australia’s best craft beer scenes. You’ll easily find boutique breweries and beer bars in the hinterland and along the beaches, but for a true tasting experience, join a craft beer tour.
The Coastal Hop Tour is a popular option that starts at Moffat Beach Brewing Co. and finishes at 10 Toes Brewery (don’t miss the vanilla porter here). The Hinterland ExBeerience is another great option that visits three breweries and includes a fabulous lunch in Maleny.
Pro Tip: If beer isn’t your thing, don’t worry — there are plenty of wineries and gin distilleries to explore instead. Flame Hill Vineyard in Montville is a great day out for anyone wanting to taste local Australian grape varieties.
10. Booloumba Creek
- Website: parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/conondale
- Address: Conondale QLD 4552
- Opening hours: 24/7
Conondale National Park is a natural hidden gem where visitors can go hiking and swimming in stunning surroundings. A short walk through the lush rainforest leads to Booloumba Falls, where you can swim in the creek at the foot of the majestic waterfall. Camping is possible inside the national park if you’d like to make a weekend of it and explore the many hiking trails in the area.
11. Kawana Farmers Markets
- Website: facebook.com/kawanawatersfarmersmarket
- Address: 119 Sportsmans Parade, Birtinya QLD 4575
- Opening hours: 6 am – 12 pm Saturday
Noosa and Eumundi Markets are the best-known markets on the Sunshine Coast, but Kawana is a hidden gem that is equally as enjoyable to visit (and with fewer tourists!). Here, you can grab coffee and breakfast before stocking up on bread, meat, cheese, and fresh produce. There’s usually live music, too, which creates a great atmosphere to shop in.
12. Noosa Everglades
- Website: visitnoosa.com.au/destinations/noosa-country/noosa-everglades
- Address: Queensland 4571
- Opening hours: 24/7
Noosa Everglades is one of only two places in the world with this rare ecosystem, making it a top item on most visitors’ vacation to-do lists. What many visitors don’t realize, though, is that it’s possible to paddle board and kayak through the winding waterways.
This unique vantage point will allow you to see flora and fauna, including water lilies, tea trees, pelicans, and eagles. There are more than a dozen campsites along the waterway, too, should you want to turn your trip into a multi-day adventure to remember.
13. Buderim Forest Park
- Website: buderim.com/buderim-forest
- Address: Quorn Cl, Buderim QLD 4556
- Opening hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily
Buderim Forest Park is a haven of bush tracks, cascading waterfalls, and a rock pool for swimming, but few visitors make the time to come here. That means it’s very possible to get the place pretty much to yourself! Head out there in the morning, then treat yourself to a tasty lunch at Harry’s on Buderim for a special meal to remember.
14. Happy Pops
- Website: happypops.com.au
- Address: Noosa on the Beach, Shop 6/49 Hastings St, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
- Opening hours: 9.30 am – 9.30 pm Tuesday to Sunday / 12 pm – 7.30 pm Monday
Happy Pops has a cult following among locals and is a fun (and delicious) place to head for dessert after a day at Noosa Beach. There’s a ‘choose your own adventure’ vibe to this ice cream spot — first, take your pick from sorbet, yogurt, gelato, waffle, or brownie, then select a ‘dripping’ and as many toppings as you can squeeze on.
15. Kondalilla National Park
- Website: parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/kondalilla
- Address: Kondalilla Falls Rd, Flaxton QLD 4560
- Opening hours: 24/7
Kondalilla is extremely popular with bird watchers and animal lovers, and there is an abundance of native flora and fauna to discover here. This includes five threatened species of frog and the extremely rare Bopple Nut. A dramatic waterfall, freshwater creeks, and charming rock pools are also found in this park, and there’s plenty of hiking to be enjoyed, including a tough 300-stair climb on the popular Kondalilla Falls Circuit. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Which Sunshine Coast Hidden Gems Will You Explore?
Australia’s Sunshine Coast is a truly special place, and whether you’re traveling there to go whale watching or beach hopping, don’t miss exploring some of these incredible hidden gems. Which jewel will you visit first?
