Planning to visit the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Southern Queensland and looking for things to do? You’ve landed in the right place!
Families can enjoy a great outdoor escapade at Sunshine Coast’s sandy beaches and pristine coastlines. Beyond beaches, there are also tons of things to do in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. A great time is guaranteed in this sunny region with plenty of things to do, from attractions like Australia Zoo, to theme parks, outdoor activities and museums too!
Here are 35 of the best places to visit and things to do on the Sunshine Coast -
- Eumundi Market - FREE
- Kondalilla Falls - FREE
- Mount Coolum - FREE
- Hastings Street - FREE
- Mooloolaba Esplanade – FREE
- Sunshine Coast beaches – FREE
- The Big Pineapple - FREE
- The Ginger Factory on the Sunshine Coast - from $9
- Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World - $33
- SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium - from $35
- Sunshine Coast Beach Land and Sea Aquaduck Tour - $42
- Australia Zoo & Hospital Wildlife - $55
- Noosa Dolphin Safari Cruise - from $59
- Adventure Tour from Noosa Marina - $60
- Mary Valley Rattler Train Experience from Gympie - $62
- Surfing Course for Beginners at Noosa Heads - $67.5
- Noosa Whale Watching Cruise - from $69
- Noosa Half-Day Everglades Serenity Cruise - $79
- The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour from Noosa or Mooloolaba - $110
- Surf Australia’s Longest Wave and Great Beach Drive Adventure - $120
- Noosa Full-Day Everglades Eco Safari - $130
- Stand Up Paddle Wildlife Tour and Beach Trip - $139
- Noosa Everglades Eco Safari Cruise and Canoe - $145
- Sunshine Coast Rainforest Views and Montville Day Tour - $159
- Maleny Botanic Gardens & Sunshine Coast Hinterland Rainforest Day Trip - $159
- Sunshine Coast Hinterland Scenic Food and Wine Tour - $175
- Sunshine Coast Tandem Skydive Experience - $219
- Sunshine Coast Food, Wine, Beer and Gin Tasting Tour - $229
- Noosa and Surrounds Food and Wine, Gin, Beer Tasting Tour - $249
- Noosa Private Day Tour: Double Island Point Rainbow Beach Wildlife Adventure - $260
- Sunshine Coast Hinterland Food and Wine Tasting Tour - $259
- Noosa Tandem Skydive Experience - from $259
- Glasshouse Mountain Adventure Helicopter Experience in the Sunshine Coast - $274.50
- SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium Shark Dive Xtreme Experience - $290
- Sunshine Coast Coffee, Food and Wine Tour With Cooking Class - $395
1. Eumundi Market - FREE
One of the quintessential things to do in Sunshine Coast is visiting a market. Eumundi Market is a great starting point, which offers artisan goods, arts and crafts, plus local produce too !
2. Kondalilla Falls - FREE
Visit the most popular falls on the Sunshine Coast - Kondalilla Falls! If you're lucky to visit after a heavy summer rainfall, you can witness the waterfall in all its glory. The walking trail going to Kondalilla Falls is about five kilometres long. Don’t forget your walking shoes and to slap on some sunblock before you head off!
3. Mount Coolum - FREE
Catch sight of awe-inspiring coastal views from above the mountains when you hike Mount Coolum. The entire climb takes around two hours, and the path is manageable even for beginners.
4. Hastings Street - FREE
Enjoy a quick stroll and a bit of window-shopping along the bustling Hastings Street. After an exciting day out on the beach, treat yourself to a delicious scoop of ice cream or a relaxing massage at the many day spas lining the street.
5. Mooloolaba Esplanade – FREE
The bustling Mooloolaba Esplanade is perfect for a breezy walk down the esplanade, or even a cheeky little dip in the ocean.
There are also barbecue spots available on the grass, or you can also opt to dine at the many restaurants available.
6. Sunshine Coast beaches – FREE
With over 100 km of Coastline, get out and explore the Sunshine Coast’s sparkling coastline. From Caloundra up to Rainbow Beach, there is no shortage of beautiful beaches to explore!
7. The Big Pineapple - FREE
A trip to Sunshine Coast wouldn’t be complete without a photo op at the Big Pineapple found at Nambour Connection road! Did you know that this pineapple structure is 16 metres high and within the 165-hectare Sunshine Plantation?
8. The Ginger Factory on the Sunshine Coast - from $9
Spend the day hanging out with Gingerbread Men, hopping onboard the Ginger Train and Overboard Boat, plus check out tasty ginger treats at the world’s only ginger-themed amusement park, The Ginger Factory!
9. Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World - $33
Who’s up for a trip filled with scenic views of terraced gardens, waterfalls, and lakes? Head to Maleny Botanic Gardens to experience its splendid walking trails as well as check out Bird World where you can meet and greet majestic avians!
10. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium - from $35.2
Planning a trip to the Sunshine Coast with the whole fam? Visit SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast in Mooloolaba and enjoy all-day access to interactive displays, underwater spectacles and educational talks about vibrant marine life.
11. Sunshine Coast Beach Land and Sea Aquaduck Tour - $42
Enjoy the best of both worlds on land AND the sea on this Sunshine Coast Aquaduck tour. Hop aboard an amphibious Aquaduck that lets you explore along Mooloolaba Beach, the Esplanade, and Sunshine Strip!
12. Australia Zoo & Hospital Wildlife - $55
Home of the Crocodile Hunter, Australia Zoo is one of the best places to visit on the Sunshine Coast. Experience close encounters with local birds and reptiles as you explore 700 acres of the park. You can even get a sneak peek of the zoo’s in-house Wildlife Hospital dedicated to treating sick and injured local creatures.
13. Noosa Dolphin Safari Cruise - from $59
Have a splashing good time while at Sunshine Coast when you join this Dolphin Safari Cruise off Noosa Coast. Get the chance to learn more about dolphins from your friendly skipper and be closer to these gentle creatures in their natural habitat.
14. Adventure Tour from Noosa Marina - $60
Thrill-seekers will definitely enjoy this fast-paced adventure tour along Noosa Coast. Don’t forget to hold onto your seats as your ocean rider Gemini RIB makes tight turns and manoeuvres across ocean swells!
15. Mary Valley Rattler Train Experience from Gympie - $62
Hop on the historic Rattler Steam Train and discover historic towns and lush forests of Queensland’s Mary Valley along the way. The Classic Rattler that goes from Gympie to Amamoor runs every Wednesday and Saturday. Meanwhile, the three-hour All Stations Train is available every Sunday.
16. Surfing Course for Beginners at Noosa Heads - $67.5
Noosa Heads Main Beach is one of the region’s top destinations, and it's no doubt that the top thing to do on the Sunshine Coast is surfing. If you’re a newbie, there is a surfing course for kids and adults. By the end of the class, you’ll be pulling off some hang tens yourself!
17. Noosa Whale Watching Cruise - from $69
Get the chance to spot playful humpbacks breach and lob on their annual migration route with this Noosa Whale Watching Cruise. Available from 1 July 2021 to 30 November 2021, this lovely charter departs from Noosa Marina. If you’re planning to visit in the latter half of the season, you might even see a mother with her calf as they return south towards Antarctica!
18. Noosa Half-Day Everglades Serenity Cruise - $79
Searching for fun things to do on the Sunshine Coast hinterland? Visit the Noosa River system and discover Australia's Everglades on this half-day Serenity Cruise! Observe fantastic wildlife such as kangaroos and indulge in an antipasto platter as you enjoy the nature that surrounds you.
19. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour from Noosa or Mooloolaba - $110
Embark on the ultimate thing to do in the Sunshine Coast hinterland: a seven-hour tour of magical rainforests and lush waterfalls. Soak in stunning nature views as you breathe in the fresh hinterland air.
20. Surf Australia’s Longest Wave and Great Beach Drive Adventure - $120
Get the chance to surf with dolphins and relax in the uncrowded Marine Park on this Surf Australia adventure. Beginners are welcome to join!
21. Noosa Full-Day Everglades Eco Safari - $130
Hop aboard a river cruise tour along the Noosa River and experience one of the most spectacular waterways in the world! Here you’ll explore several highlights of Australia’s Everglades, such as Fig Tree Point and Harry’s Hut.
22. Stand Up Paddle Wildlife Tour and Beach Trip - $139
Experience Sunshine Coast’s hidden tropical wildlife paradise - Double Island Point, on a stand-up paddleboard! Newbies are welcome to join since there will be a guided stand-up paddleboard lesson.
23. Noosa Everglades Eco Safari Cruise and Canoe - $145
Another tour of the Noosa Everglades is this eco safari cruise aboard a trusty canoe. Try your luck to spot exotic bird species along the way!
24. Sunshine Coast Rainforest Views and Montville Day Tour - $159
On this Sunshine Coast Tour, you’ll get to explore the Sunshine Coast hinterland and hit up all the must-see stops, including the Ginger Factory, Blackall Range, Montville town, Gerrard’s lookout, and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
25. Maleny Botanic Gardens & Sunshine Coast Hinterland Rainforest Day Trip - $159
A refreshing nature escape awaits on this day trip from Maleny Botanic Gardens up to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Listen to beautiful bird songs and nature sounds as you walk along the Forest Trail. We recommend wearing comfortable kicks for this one!
26. Sunshine Coast Hinterland Scenic Food and Wine Tour - $175
This one is for the foodies out there - try a variety of award-winning local and international fine cheeses, great wine samples, and tasty chocolate treats while touring around the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
27. Sunshine Coast Tandem Skydive Experience - $219
Take your vacation to new heights as you soak in the picturesque Sunshine Coast from up above! Jump from 14,000 feet above the ground and experience up to 60 seconds free fall before gliding towards the beach.
28. Sunshine Coast Food, Wine, Beer, and Gin Tasting Tour - $229
Explore Sunshine Coast one pub at a time on this food and drink tasting tour. It has four stops: Sunshine & Sons Distillery, Boiling Pot Brewing Co, Pomona Distilling Co, and Dingo Creek Vineyard. Enjoy tasting samples of spirits, wines, and beers throughout the trip!
29. Noosa and Surrounds Food and Wine, Gin, Beer Tasting Tour - $249
Upgrade your tasty Sunshine Coast tour with a tour around Noosa National Park to learn about the Noosa Everglades. You’ll visit Dingo Creek Vineyard, Pomona Distilling Co, 20 20 Distillery, and Land & Sea Brewery for a taste of their fine wine, craft beers, and gin.
30. Noosa Private Day Tour: Double Island Point Rainbow Beach Wildlife Adventure - $260
Spend the day learning about one of the most diverse National Parks on this private National Park aquatic adventure. Try surfing, spot local wildlife, or lounge by the beach—there are tons of things to do on Sunshine Coast’s Rainbow Beach's iconic Double Island Point.
31. Sunshine Coast Hinterland Food and Wine Tasting Tour - $259
Get to visit QCamel Dairy Farm, The Barrel Clouds Vineyard, Brouhaha Brewery, and Maleny Chocolate Co on this one-day tour of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. You’ll also have the chance to feast your eyes on sweeping views of Baroon Pocket Dam as well as the ancient volcanic peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains!
32. Noosa Tandem Skydive Experience - from $259
Seeking out a heart-pumping activity and things to do on the Sunshine Coast? Reach greater heights when you take on this 15,000-feet tandem skydive experience above the crystal-clear waters and beach of Noosa! There’s also a 10,000-feet option if you want to take it easy and start with a lower option.
33. Glasshouse Mountain Adventure Helicopter Experience on the Sunshine Coast - $274.50
Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring ancient volcanic aerial tour and see the iconic views of Australia from above on this chopper experience! Experience the spectacular coastline of Northern Bribie Island and the famous Caloundra beaches in a whole new way.
Your professional guide will take you over the ancient Glasshouse Mountains on this 30-minute flight, where you can marvel over one of Australia's best natural landmarks. Take in the magnificent mountainous remnants of volcanic activity, unique sand patterns of Golden Beach and the pristine clear waters of Caloundra!
34. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium Shark Dive Xtreme Experience - $290
If you're looking for something memorable to do on the sunshine coast, might we suggest going face-to-face with giant sharks and stingrays? This is the ultimate test of courage and truly a one of a kind experience as there are no cages and you can get really up close and personal with these majestic creatures. You'll be in the safe hands of seasoned instructors, and no prior diving experience is required!
35. Sunshine Coast Coffee, Food and Wine Tour With Cooking Class - $395
Engage in a fun cooking class that comes with a unique coffee tasting experience and wine tasting session at Sunshine Coast. Topics include Pasta Making, Easy Asian Dinner Party, Moroccan Magic, and Plant-Based for Health & Taste!
More Sunshine Coast Inspo -