Looking at what travellers and locals have to say about the Sunshine Coast, it seems the leading inside tip is... get outside! With the great climate in this part of Queensland it's not a hard ask to enjoy the outdoors. There are mountains to climb, open-air markets to browse and beaches, beaches, beaches. Between these you have plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to discover and yep, most of them involve dining and drinking.... outside.
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Not exactly hidden, because you can see the 13 peaks of the Glass House Mountains from afar, but full of hidden wonders. There are well-trodden and off-the-beaten-track walking trails and you can climb peaks and explore caves and forests. There are small villages and roadside stalls and farms where you can buy sweet treats, fresh produce and drinks. The perfect place to be when the coastal areas around Brisbane get too busy during the…
Maroochydore, Queensland
Another fully vegan menu and everything is incredible!
Noosa, Queensland
This is such a great location at the start of the Noosa strip. They often have live music and open air dining under umbrellas. The menu selection is great, with lots of Italian-influenced items. It's a nice spot for a late dessert too.
Noosa Heads, Queensland
This is the perfect spot for a sunset in the Noosa area. Hike up or down from Noosa Main Beach and look for Koalas in the jungle (not likely). At the top is a pleasant spot to sit, maybe have a picnic, and watch the sky change colors. When we were there a pair of Kookaburras were sitting overhead in the gum tree. Neat! It's possible to drive up too.
Noosaville, Queensland
Eumundi says they "make it, bake it, sew it, grow it." And they do. Go early in the morning for coffee and breakfast and then wander around for all kinds of local handicrafts,
Noosa, Queensland
This is a great spot for hiking. We were looking for koalas, but they're pretty scarce in the wild these days. Instead we found a couple goannas, huge lizards (4 feet long). Fortunately they're not as dangerous as Monitors, but still...We also saw brush turkeys and the big piles of leaves they push together to lay their eggs and let them stay warm until they hatch. Plus some nice views of the ocean.
Eumundi, Queensland
Sure this is the main attraction of Eumundi but you still need to make the effort to get to this Sunshine Coast market. Once here you'll be able to shop for one-of-a-kind art, children's toys, cosmetics, jewelry, textiles and more. It takes place on Wednesday and Saturday.
Coolum Beach, Queensland
This is my favourite beach town in all of QLD. Close to Mt Coolum and Emu Mountain, you can spend time taking in the natural beauty on inland Sunshine Coast, and you can spend days exploring the surrounding coastlines and beaches. It remains a bit of a secret gem only attracting a few tourists, instead this town prefers to promote a simpler beach life. Great quiet escape
$149
Spend a day in the paradise of Moreton Island, where you can enjoy one of the most spectacular spots off the Australian coast. Relax on the golden beaches,
Discover Fraser Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a 2-day guided tour. Explore the largest sand island in the world and visit Tin Can Bay, swim in Lake
$150
Spend a day exploring UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island off Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. This nature-fueled
$229
Create your own itinerary on this 2-day kayaking and camping adventure in the Noosa Everglades. Paddle your way through the exquisite waterways of the region,
$48
Set off on a 2-day wildlife adventure at Australia Zoo to meet thousands of animals and see live shows. Encounter the huge diversity of creatures that call
$195
Pull on your scuba gear and descend to a world-class wreck site found just off the Sunshine Coast. On this guided expedition to the decommissioned guided
$807
Take a scenic tour through the history of Brisbane and the unique wildlife of Australia with 4 days in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Meet the animals at
$325
Explore hidden nooks and secluded spots in the Noosa Everglades on this flexible 3-day kayaking adventure. Charter your own course through the beauty of the
$545
Explore Fraser Island on this 3-day eco tour and hike by towering trees, swim in beautiful freshwater lakes, and spot scenic natural wonders. Drive along one
$32
Australia Zoo is the most interactive conservation destination on the planet, offering visitors the chance to get up-close and personal with amazing animals
$117
See the wonders of the Australia Zoo and the Australia's splendid Sunshine Coast all in one day on this tour. Spend time exploring the educational and
$149
An ancient volcanic plug gives Glass House Mountains National Park a unique landscape that you can best admire from high above the bush. Go rock climbing at
$149
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you go abseiling on an ancient volcanic plug in Glass House Mountains National Park. Rappel from the top of Mount
$189
Immerse yourself in the remarkable beauty of the Noosa Everglades on this intimate kayaking trip. A guide takes you paddling across Lake Coothoraba to Kinaba
$67
The Serenity everglades ecosafari cruise allows you to discover the Noosa Everglades while watching the afternoon sunset. Your tour starts at Habitat Noosa
$120
Hone your surf skills and unlock the secrets of the glittering Sunshine Coast during a private surf lesson on Coolum Beach. Allow a passionate instructor to
$94
Venture into the pristine wilderness of the Noosa Everglades—an ecological treasure trove with thousands of species of birds, animals, and plants. This
$99
The alluring waterways of the Noosa Everglades are yours to discover during this self-guided kayak experience. Lead your own adventure through the glorious
$30
Feel the excitement of stand-up paddleboarding on the best waves of Sandgate Beach. No prior experience is needed for you to enjoy this casually paced
The summer months are a great time to visit this beautiful stretch of coastline, although it can get pretty hot! Want to clear your mind? The Wanderlust Festival is the perfect blend of music, food and yoga. Winter visitors will find mild temperatures and plenty of other fun events, like May's Big Pineapple Music Festival.
Sometimes it's the most obvious items you forget to pack...
Hop aboard the Sunbus, which can connect you with all the towns within the Noosa, Maroochydore and Caloundra areas. There's also heaps of taxis happy to help you get from Point A to Point B.
From Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), you'll be 6.2km from Maroochydore, 40.9km from Noosa and 15.4km from Mooloolaba. Why not score some wheels to cruise through the Glass House Mountains?
Located in Noosa Heads, this luxury resort is within a 5-minute walk of Yunaman Bushland Reserve and Hastings Street. Noosa Beach is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) away.
Located in Mooloolaba, this luxury aparthotel is steps from Mooloolaba Esplanade and Mooloolaba Beach. Alex Beach and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast are also within 15 minutes.
Well located with good sized 2 bedroom apartments and great pool. Just across the beach and very close to Noosa National Park - perfect for a Noosa getaway!
Offering direct access to the beach, this Noosa Heads aparthotel is in the city center, steps from Hastings Street and Noosa Beach. Noosa National Park and Noosa Marina are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Located in Golden Beach, this luxury aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Bulcock Beach, Caloundra Events Center, and Queensland Air Museum. Kings Beach and Moffat Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Located in Twin Waters, this beachfront hotel is next to a golf course and within a 15-minute walk of Mudjimba Beach and Twin Waters Golf Club. Marcoola Beach and Sunshine Plaza are also within 6 mi (10 km).
This family-friendly Sunshine Coast aparthotel is located on a river, within a 5-minute walk of Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North, Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve South, and Keyser Island Conservation Park. Noosa Beach and Hastings Street are also within 2 mi (3 km).
This family-friendly Sunshine Coast aparthotel is located near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Alex Beach and Mooloolaba Esplanade. Mooloolaba Beach is 1 mi (1.5 km) away.
Located in Noosa Heads, this luxury apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North, Hastings Street, and Noosa Beach. Yunaman Bushland Reserve and Noosa National Park are also within 15 minutes.
Nestled on the beach, this Marcoola hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Marcoola Beach, Mount Coolum National Park, and Mudjimba Beach. Twin Waters Golf Club and Mt Coolum Golf Club are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Located in Noosa Heads, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Hastings Street and Noosa Beach. Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve and Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North are also within 10 minutes.
Located in Noosaville, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North, Hastings Street, and Noosa Beach. Keyser Island Conservation Park and Weyba Creek Conservation Park are also within 5 minutes.
Located in Alexandra Headland, this luxury apartment building is within 1 mi (2 km) of Suncity Tenpin and Mooloolaba Esplanade. Mooloolaba Beach is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) away.
Located in Maroochydore, this luxury apartment building is within 2 mi (3 km) of Maroochydore Beach, Mooloolaba Esplanade, and Mooloolaba Beach. Alex Beach and Alex Skate Park are also within 15 minutes.
Located in Pelican Waters, this luxury hotel is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Pelican Waters Golf Club and within 6 mi (10 km) of Queensland Air Museum and Bulcock Beach. Caloundra Events Center and Shelly Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).
This family-friendly Sunshine Coast aparthotel is located near the beach, within a 10-minute walk of Keyser Island Conservation Park and Reef Street Bushland Reserve. Hastings Street and Noosa Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).
This family-friendly Sunshine Coast aparthotel is located near the beach, just steps from Golden Beach and Golden Beach. Bulcock Beach and Moffat Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Located in Mooloolaba, this luxury apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Mooloolaba Beach and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
Located in Mooloolaba, this apartment building is steps from SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and Mooloolaba Beach. Mooloolaba Esplanade is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) away.
Located in Noosa Heads, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Yunaman Bushland Reserve, Hastings Street, and Noosa Beach. Noosa National Park and Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North are also within 10 minutes.
Located in Noosa Heads, this beachfront apartment building is in a national park and within 1 mi (2 km) of Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve, Hastings Street, and Noosa Beach. Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North and Weyba Creek Conservation Park are also within 15 minutes.
Located in Mooloolaba, this apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Mooloolaba Beach and Mooloolaba Esplanade. Kawana Beach is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away.
This family-friendly Sunshine Coast apartment building is located near the airport, within a 5-minute walk of Mooloolaba Esplanade and Mooloolaba Beach. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and The Wharf Mooloolaba are also within 10 minutes.
Located in Noosa Heads, this luxury apartment building is within 1 mi (2 km) of Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North, Noosa Beach, and Hastings Street. Yunaman Bushland Reserve and Noosa National Park are also within 15 minutes.
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