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Australia’s Sunshine Coast is wildly diverse and has something practically any visitor can enjoy. From white sand beach resorts and world-class shopping to rural hinterland and unique ecosystems, you’ll never find yourself short of activities and entertainment.
If you’re wondering how to spend your time here, this list of the 15 best things to do on the Sunshine Coast is a great place to start.
1. Explore the Maroochy River
The Maroochy River offers plenty to do, and visitors can easily spend a full day hanging out and having fun here. First, head to Bli Bli Aqua Park to enjoy some thrills and spills on the inflatable adventure park. For more high-octane water sports activities, try wakeboarding or jet skiing, or hop aboard a paddleboarding to enjoy the calm waters in peace.
If you’d prefer to stay dry, hire a BBQ boat and take your family and friends out for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. Swan Boat Hire is one of the outfits on the river that offers large boats complete with a BBQ, dining area, toilet, and safety equipment. There’s no better way to enjoy a DIY sunset cruise!
2. Climb Mount Coolum
Mount Coolum National Park is a 25-million-year-old volcanic dome that rises over the Sunshine Coast and is an iconic climb that should be on every hiker’s bucket list. From the summit, it’s possible to see all the way down the coast to Caloundra as well as across the hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
3. See Queensland From Above
The Sunshine Coast is beautiful from any angle, but don’t miss an opportunity to see it from above.
Sky Diving
Adrenaline junkies flock to Queensland to skydive, and it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After a 60-second freefall, you’ll settle into 5-7 minutes of soaring to the ground while you take in the incredible views in every direction. Many of the most reputable skydiving outfits set out from Noosa and touch down in Coolum Beach, so head there if you want to give it a try.
Seaplane Sightseeing
If you’d prefer to come back down to Earth inside the aircraft, consider a seaplane ride instead. The special design of these planes offers unobstructed views of the scenery below, and itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your particular interests.
Helicopter Tour
Charter a helicopter for a unique and luxurious way to see the Sunshine Coast. Options range from short scenic flights to longer trips that explore the likes of Maleny, Noosa, and the Glass House Mountains. For an extra special day, why not do a winery tour by helicopter?
4. Explore the Ocean’s Depths
The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the most famous dive sites in the country and is a dream scuba diving destination. The HMAS Brisbane wreck is one of the most popular spots to explore, and the three large subtropical reefs off Mooloolaba are abundant with incredible marine life. Snorkeling is also a popular pursuit if you’d prefer to stay on the ocean’s surface.
5. Go Horseback Riding along Rainbow Beach
Horseback riding along a beach is always a memorable experience, but doing it on one of the best beaches in the world makes it all the most special. Rainbow Beach is renowned for its red, orange, and yellow-hued sand, and Rainbow Beach Horse Rides are the only outfit permitted to run tours here. No experience is necessary, and full instructions are given before heading out.
6. Experience the Noosa Everglades
Noosa Everglades is one of only two ecosystems like it in the world. This UNESCO Biosphere is an award-winning eco-tourism destination, and visitors can kayak or take a cruise along the maze of pristine waterways. The landscape has remained unchanged for thousands of years, making it the perfect day trip escape from the surrounding urban areas.
7. Explore the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery Trail
Art galleries are a hidden gem on the Sunshine Coast and are a perfect way to immerse yourself in the region’s diverse cultural scene. Here are some of the best spots to explore Australian art:
Art Nuvo
Discover carefully curated artworks by local and interstate Australians in this small gallery. Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and prints are available to purchase and make a unique souvenir from your time as an honorary Queenslander.
Illume Creations
This Montville institution has been showcasing works by glass artist Tina Cooper for the past 15 years. You can pick up jewelry and hand-blown decorations here. Don’t miss The Edge Cafe that sits directly behind the gallery — the panoramic views of Montville are stunning.
Montville Art Gallery
While in Montville, be sure to swing by this cultural establishment, too. Featuring more than 50 emerging and established Australian artists, this art gallery has its finger firmly on the pulse of the country’s dynamic art scene.
Ben Messina Photography
Local, award-winning landscape photographer Ben Messina displays his works in four galleries, and his Maleny location is the largest of them. Head here to see local natural landmarks through Messina’s expert lens.
Nissarana Galleries
This Hastings Street Gallery in Noosa Heads shows artworks with culture and spirituality at their heart. Expect to see works from Australian and international artists, ranging from established award winners to emerging talent.
8. Drive 75 Mile Beach on Fraser Island
Fraser Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest sand island in the world. Less than 200 people live on Fraser Island and the landscape of rainforests, mangroves, and white sand beaches is a world away from the urbanized areas of the Sunshine Coast.
One of the best ways to explore the island is by driving the 75 Mile Beach — Fraser’s national highway. A four-wheel drive is best for tackling a road trip across this varied terrain. Be sure to check the tides before heading out as it’s easy to get stuck or cut off if you head out at the wrong time.
Tip: Time your visit to coincide with whale watching season for a chance to see humpback whales breaching while you cruise along the coast.
9. Spot Exotic Birds at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld
Maleny Botanic Gardens is home to Birdworld — an aviary that is home to more than 700 rescued exotic birds. Guided tours inside the aviary are available that will allow you to learn about various species, from cockatoos to macaws. Birds may perch on your shoulders to say hi, but if you’re nervous about that then don’t worry — you’ll be provided with a feather duster to gently move them along.
For more animal fun after your visit to Birdworld, add Australia Zoo and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast to your itinerary.
10. Tour Sunshine Coast’s Fun Parks
The Gold Coast may be more widely associated with theme parks, but the Sunshine Coast has plenty of thrills for the whole family. Here are a few of the best spots.
Aussie World
Aussie World theme park is home to more than 30 rides and games and is especially suited to families with children. Ride the Ferris Wheel, hit the Leaking Logs water ride, and check out the high-flying Redback.
Big Kart Track
Zip around this high-speed kart track on Steve Irwin Way and see who’s the speediest in your group. The track is only open to drivers over the age of 12 but adults can ride with younger kids so they don’t miss out on the fun.
The Ginger Factory
Located in Yandina, The Ginger Factory offers visitors a little bit of everything — all themed around delicious ginger. Enjoy educational tours, fun rides, and the opportunity for a spot of shopping.
11. Ride the Mary Valley Rattler
This heritage rail experience gives train fans a chance to ride aboard a fleet of restored diesel and steam locomotives. As you travel through Mary Valley inside lovingly restored carriages, you’ll see some of the most beautiful parts of Queensland, including the historical town of Amamoor.
12. Trek to Kondalilla Falls
Kondalilla Falls is a favorite swimming hole among locals and tourists because it’s completely safe — despite sitting atop a 90-meter waterfall. The hike from the car park is just 20 minutes, making it easily accessible for most people.
13. Take a Surf Lesson
With great sunny weather, crystal clear water, and great breaks for surfers at all levels of experience, surfing on the Sunshine Coast is a must. There are countless surf schools dotted up and down the coast – XL Surfing Academy in Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headlands is a reputable outfit, and Go Ride a Wave operates close to Noosa National Park making it a great option for outdoorsy folks who are looking for adventures both on and off the water.
If you’re eager to get out on the water but don’t want to surf, head to Golden Beach to take advantage of its calm waters instead.
14. Go Shopping
Retail therapy fans will be pleased to discover that there’s plenty of great shopping available in and around the Sunshine Coast. Here are some of our favorite spots:
Sunshine Plaza
This indoor/outdoor mall in Maroochydore has a great mix of boutiques and big-name chains plus a cinema and several dining options. You could easily spend a full afternoon here.
Eumundi Markets
Eumundi Markets is arguably the best place in the entire country to pick up arts and crafts by local artists and creatives. Expect to see clothing, homeware, gifts, and food at the 500+ stalls. The market is fully accessible and pet-friendly, so nobody has to miss out on the fun.
Tip: Imperial Hotel & Eumundi Brewery is nearby and is Queensland’s first craft brewery — be sure to pop in for a refreshing local craft beer.
Hastings Street
Wander along Hastings Street to enjoy the mix of boutiques, cafes, and galleries. This cultural hotpot is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon shopping and eating before heading to a beachside bar or a Noosa River cafe to toast a day well spent.
Caloundra Street Fair
Head to Bulcock Street on Sunday morning to discover a craft fair with over 120 stalls. This is a great spot for foodies, and there’s plenty of global cuisine on offer, including German bratwurst, French crepes, and Dutch poffertjes.
Cotton Tree Markets
These markets near Maroochydore Beach have been running for almost 40 years and feature over 70 stalls selling everything from indoor plants to second-hand books. There are plenty of quirky cafes in the area to grab a bite once you’ve worked up an appetite.
15. Go Sightseeing on the Aquaduck
For a sightseeing tour with a difference, hop aboard the Aquaduck. This tour takes place aboard a land and sea vehicle — it starts by driving along the coast before taking to the water to offer two completely different vantage points. Friendly guides share stories of the area’s indigenous culture and native wildlife — Australia is home to many more creatures than koalas alone, and you can find out about them all here.
Enjoy an Action-packed Getaway on the Sunshine Coast
There are plenty of things for the whole family to enjoy on a trip to Sunshine Coast. However you choose to spend your time, you’re guaranteed a vacation that you’ll never forget.
