50 things to enjoy on the Sunshine Coast
MORE ACTIVITIES THAN YOU CAN DREAM OF - One of the great things about the Sunshine Coast
is that you can do as much or as little as you like. It's home to a number of exceptional attractions
and activities both man-made and natural. In order to make the most of your visit we have outlined
50 things for you to enjoy in the region.
Our locals also share their favourite places and experiences with you - look out for their 'Local
Stories'.
Visit your nearest Visitor Information Centre where knowledgeable staff will make arrangements
for you to visit some or all of these attractions.
If you don’t get time to complete the whole 50 on your first visit, we look forward to welcoming
you back to the Sunshine Coast.
1.
Australia Zoo - Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah .- Crikey! There is no other zoo like Australia Zoo. Open 7 days
from 9am – 5pm
2.
Bird’s eye view - Start your day floating at dawn in a hot air balloon above the majestic Glass House
Mountains or finish the day with the adrenalin-pumping thrill of tandem skydiving over Caloundra, Coolum or
Rainbow Beach. For more bird’s eye views try parasailing off the Carlo Sandblow on the Cooloola Coast or
take a silent glider flight.
3.
Bag a bargain at the markets - Bring a recyclable bag and spend some time at one of our local, hinterland
or seaside markets. Stock up on the freshest produce, specialty fare and original creations.
4.
Buderim Forest Park - When you’ve had enough sand, sun and surf and want to get out of the sun and chill
out, then you must head down to the Buderim Forest Park. It truly is a picture perfect rainforest with shaded
walking tracks from entrance to entrance. There is nothing like taking a dip in the cool Serenity Falls water
hole, it is pure heavenly bliss. There are also picnic areas and barbeques for those wanting to make a day of
it. It is definitely a must if visiting the area and is my favourite place to unwind and get back to nature.
5.
Caloundra Coastal Path - This coastal pathway stretches 25 km along some of the most scenic shorelines
on the Sunshine Coast, at Caloundra. It is a continuous coastal link from Golden Beach in the south to Point
Cartwright in the north.
6.
Big Kart Track - Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough - Looking for action? Big Kart Track has got it all!
Straights, bends, chicanes and hair-raising hairpins. Big Kart Track is the largest commercial go-kart track in
Australia. Open 7 days from 9am - 5pm Sunday to Thursday and 9am - 10pm Friday and Saturday.
7.
Dine out in style - With surf, sun and tranquil hinterland as the backdrop, the pursuit of fabulous food is
high on the agenda on a Sunshine Coast holiday. With many menus featuring local produce, you can literally
taste your way around the Sunshine Coast. Try an award winning restaurant, fish ‘n’ chips fresh from the
trawlers or enjoy a classic Aussie Meal at one of the many Surf Clubs - whatever your taste buds crave,
you’ll be sure to be satisfied.
8.
Dive the Ex-HMAS Brisbane - Dive the site of one of Australia’s most distinguished warships. The exHMAS Brisbane has grown into an impressive artificial reef and lies at a depth of 27 metres off the coastline
of Mooloolaba. Beautiful all year diving conditions and ease of access have made the former destroyer one
of Australia’s most talked about diversities.
9.
Cooloola Wilderness Trail - Found in the Great Sandy National Park the Cooloola Wilderness Trail, is an
excellent 2-4 day camping trip with multiple walking tracks to choose from. There are five campsites
available along the route. The track was created in 1986 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the
rescue of Eliza Fraser. It is an approximation of the route followed by Eliza.
10.
Coast the region by Harley Davison - For the ultimate two-wheel, wind-in-your hair adventure climb
aboard a Harley Davidson and cruise the hills and valleys of the scenic hinterland. Why not drop into a local
winery, cheese factory or art gallery along the way?
11.
Cruise the waterways - Cruise away on a picturesque river cruise exploring some of the natural
wonderlands and harbours of the Sunshine Coast. Multiple operators can help you explore the Noosa
Everglades, Noosa and Mooloolah Rivers and Pumicestone Passage in Caloundra.
12.
Cycle the Noosa Trail Network from Kin Kin - Set off on one of six picturesque hinterland trails that make
up the Noosa Trail Network. Choose to walk, horse ride or mountain bike or for more adventure, why not
combine a few trails together?
13.
Dive with Grey Nurse Sharks - Cooloola - Add a little more adrenalin to your dive by visiting Wolf Rock,
one of the few places in the world where you can dive with large schools of grey nurse sharks. Wolf Rock is
a formation of four volcanic pinnacles found north of Double Island Point and is considered to be one of
Australia’s top ten diving destinations.
14.
4WD Fun - Create your own itinerary through one of the designated forest drives of the Mary Valley or join a
4x4 adventure tour to the Great Sandy National Park. Catch the ferry from Tewantin and visit Noosa’s North
Shore for some 4WD action along a 50 kilometre beach highway. A choice of camping or luxury
accommodation is also available.
15.
Glass House Mountains - Climb, abseil or simply take in the spectacular view of the Glass House
Mountains. Steeped in Aboriginal Legend, the Glasshouse Mountains are a series of spectacular volcanic
plugs rising dramatically from the coastal plain.
16.
Great Sandy National Park - Visitors can cross the river to camp, fish, ride a horse or join a camel trek in
the Great Sandy National Park. Four-wheel drive vehicles can continue along the 50-kilometre stretch of
beach to Double Island Point and the Teewah Coloured Sands.
17.
Hire a boat - Be your own captain and round up the crew for a fun day out on the water with friends or
family. Boats can be hired from a number of locations across the Sunshine Coast including the Maroochy &
Noosa Rivers, Caloundra, Rainbow Beach & Tin Can Bay. One day not enough? Then hire a house boat
from Tin Can Bay or Rainbow Beach Marinas and explore the Great Sandy Strait at your own pace.
18.
Horse Riding on the beach - Enjoy horse riding along some of Sunshine Coast’s famous beaches
including Noosa North Shore and Rainbow Beach.
19.
Giddy Up! - Experience the glamour and excitement of thoroughbred racing at the Sunshine Coast Turf
Club. This is an excellent day out with friends and family. Twilight racing is held on Saturdays and afternoon
racing on Sundays.
20.
Feed the Dolphins - Tin Can Bay is one of only three places in Australia where you can hand feed the rare
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Feed the wild dolphins at the water’s edge as part of a tour from Rainbow
Beach or self drive to Tin Can Bay. Feeding starts at about 8am and continues until approximately 11am
(unless the dolphins decide to leave beforehand).
21.
Find a hole in your diary - Tee off against spectacular scenic backdrops and test your skills at one of the
Sunshine Coasts five championship golf courses.
22.
Ginger Factory - 50 Pioneer Road Yandina - Visit the home of Buderim Ginger and experience the
authentic tastes of Queensland. Spend the day enjoying the delicious flavours, fabulous shopping and
educational tours or let the kids chase the gingerbread man around the globe on the Overboard ride. The
Ginger Factory is now also home to the Superbee Live Bee Show and The Buderim Ginger Cooking School.
Open 7 days, 9am to 5pm, Free Admission – fees apply for tours and rides.
23.
Indulge in a local drop - Meander through some of the hinterland’s most stunning natural settings and pop
in to a number of gorgeous boutique wineries and cellar doors located in the Blackall Range, Kenilworth and
Traveston areas.
24. Improve your culinary skills - Learn to cook at one of the Sunshine Coast’s famous cooking schools and
impress your friends at your next dinner party.
25.
Kayak Adventures - The Sunshine Coast pristine waterways and beaches provide a perfect playground to
venture out on a kayak. Take a guided kayak tour of the Noosa Everglades or Caloundra’s Pumicestone
Passage Marine Park or hire your own!
26.
Landsborough Museum - Established in 1976, Landsborough Museum is one of the largest social history
museums between Gympie & Brisbane. Exhibiting memorabilia, documents, photographs and stories of
indigenous and non-indigenous peoples whose heritage can be linked to this region. Open from Wednesday
– Sunday 9.00am to 3.00pm.
27.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve - Mountain View Road, Maleny. View the Glasshouse Mountains and
wander through the 52 hectares of subtropical rainforest at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. A remnant
of the rainforests that once covered the Blackall Range, the Reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and
animal life which promises to delight with its tranquility and beauty.
28.
Mary Valley Rattler - Old Railway Station Tozer Street, Gympie - All aboard! - “The Valley Rattler” steam
heritage tours run every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesdays. The Rattler’s spectacular journey begins at
historic Gympie Railway Station and travels through the scenic Mary Valley, stopping at the fully restored,
landscaped and original stations of Dagun, Amamoor, Kandanga and Imbil - where good, old fashioned
country hospitality can be enjoyed.
29.
Meet the growers - Meet the producers, stock up on fresh food or buy handmade creations at the local
farmers markets? Every Saturday at the Nambour Showgrounds and every Sunday at Noosa AFL grounds,
the farmers markets sell fresh, locally grown, organic and seasonal produce, freshly baked bread,
preserves, smoked meats, herbs and spices and plants. Or why not join a tour or venture out at your own
pace along the Noosa Food Trail and sample some of the best local food and wine at farm gates, cellar
doors, and eateries?
30.
Kings Beach Playground – Caloundra - The children love it. There’s the grass area, lovely beach, outdoor
sea water pool, BBQ area, trampoline, water jets and it’s the perfect family day out at Kings Beach. This is
one of our favourite family places.
31.
Jet Ski on our beautiful waterways - Jet Ski along our pristine waters on a fully instructed and guided eco
tour or simply hire one by the hour. No license is required. Experience the freedom of gliding your machine
along mangrove lined waterways & channels, past protected wetlands, birdlife and uninhabited islands,
while taking in the many and diverse views across the coast. We promise not only thrills and excitement, but
also unsurpassed natural beauty, isolation and a real Jet Ski adventure journey. It’s SERIOUS RIDING and
SERIOUS FUN.
32.
Location, location, location - My favourite space on the Sunshine Coast is the secluded and scenic Mt
Tinbeerwah.. One of the Sunshine Coast’s secluded lookouts; it provides 360 degree views of the coastline
and hinterland. Make it even better by watching the sun set with a bottle of wine. Just marvelous.
33.
Queensland Air Museum - Caloundra Aerodrome - The Queensland Air Museum is a fascinating collection
of all aspects of aviation heritage with special emphasis on Australia and Queensland. The museum is
comprised of over thirty aircraft with various displays and other aviation memorabilia. Open daily 10 - 4
34. Relax in a day spa - Indulge and recharge at one of the Sunshine Coast’s soothing day spas or have a
relaxing and invigorating therapeutic massage.
35.
Shop up a storm - Indulge in some holiday retail therapy.- Choose from dazzling boutiques and specialty
stores found on Noosa’s Hastings Street and Mooloolaba Esplanade. Find something truly unique at the
outdoor markets or in the quaint Hinterland village of Montville, or enjoy an all-in-one retail precinct at the
Sunshine Coast Plaza.
36.
Spot a koala in Noosa National Park - A short stroll from Noosa’s fashionable Hastings Street you’ll find
the sublime Noosa National Park, one of Queensland’s few coastal national parks. Perfect for bushwalkers,
nature lovers, picnickers and surfers. Stroll through the park and spot resident koalas dozing in the trees,
swim or surf at coves and beaches found around the scenic headlands, and retreat into the cool forests of
the inland tracks.
37.
Step back in time with a Silent Movie - 3 Factory Street, Pomona - Take in an original silent movie at the
Majestic Theatre in Pomona, built in 1928 and regarded today as the world’s only continuously running silent
movie theatre. Silent movies are shown 2-3 times per week and are sometimes accompanied by Ron West,
a living legend who plays the eight rank theatre organ.
38.
Sunshine Coast Gallery Trail - The Sunshine Coast is home to many quality art galleries that showcase
the work of leading local, national and international artists and craftspeople. Pick up your copy of the
Sunshine Coast Gallery Trail brochure from your local Visitor Information Centre and explore these
exceptional galleries.
39.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk - As one of the 6 designated Great Walks in Queensland why not
challenge yourself to complete the 58 km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk? If a leisurely pace is more
your style book yourself into a local bed and breakfast as many will drop you at the beginning of the walk
and pick you up four hours later at the end of the first section. However you choose to take it on you will
enjoy spectacular views of the hinterland and sub-tropical rainforest.
40.
Surf and sail - Take on the role of student and sign up for surf or sail class. Try your hand at a learn to surf
lesson at one of the many beach locations across the Sunshine Coast with waves perfect for beginners.
Learn to put up your sail and enjoy the views off the magnificent Mooloolaba coast.
41.
Panning for gold! - By Olivia - We often take the whole family to Gympie for the day. First stop is at the
Gympie Information Centre where we purchase our fossicking license and hire some tools. Then we drive to
the designated gold panning area to have a go at panning for gold. It is wonderful to be out in the fresh air
doing what many did years ago to earn a living. The kids enjoy digging and panning, splashing and exploring
the area. Afterwards with often no gold reward, we share a nice picnic lunch and the kids play in the
playground. Also worthwhile is a visit to the Gold Mining Museum.
42.
The famous Ettamogah Pub & Aussie World - Bruce Highway, Palmview - The Aussie World family funpark is reminiscent of the old Australian fairgrounds and has over thirty rides and games, guaranteed to
please every one of all ages! - While you’re there, have your photo taken in front of the Ettamogah Pub – the
most photographed pub in the world! It has an interesting history and a bar and grill upstairs that serves up
favourite Aussie meals. Look out for the 1927 Chevy truck on top of a bright red roof just off the Bruce
Highway – you can’t miss it! Open 9am – 5pm everyday
43.
Take a Gondola to dinner - One of the most romantic ways to spoil your loved one is to cruise the Noosa
River in a Gondola at Sunset. Arrive at dinner in style or simply enjoy a sunset sipping on champagne.
44.
Take in the calm behind the coast - The Sunshine Coast hinterland stretches from the world-heritage
listed Glass House Mountains, through the Blackall Range and up to the scenic and unspoiled Mary Valley.
Home to stunning views, rainforest walks, fresh produce, local wines, cheeses, fine arts and crafts and cozy
B&Bs and cottages it is worth not only a day trip but a getaway in its own right.
45.
Tell the kids to ‘Get Lost’! - Tanawha Tourist Drive, Tanawha Valley - Bellingham Maze is a unique
outdoor maze and puzzle attraction with activities for the whole family. The main attraction is the giant living
hedge maze but with a picnic area and aviary housing around 100 beautiful birds, it is also a great place for
a family picnic. Open 7 days from 9am – 5pm.
46.
Throw in a line - The calm waters of Mooloolaba Spit and Golden Beach are perfect for kids to make a
splash & learn to fish. Try your hand at surf fishing at the Inskip Peninsula Recreation area and Noosa North
Shore. Or head out on a deep sea fishing charter trolling for snapper, coral trout, marlin and mackerel. The
river mouths of the Noosa and Maroochy Rivers are also the perfect spot to hire a boat and drop a line.
47.
Whale Watching - From June to November experience the majestic migration of some 8,000 humpback
whales off the Sunshine Coast shoreline. Observe the migration from various viewing points across the
Sunshine Coast including Point Cartwright, Noosa National Park and Coolum.
48.
Visit a World Heritage Listed Icon - Fraser Island begins just off the tip of the Sunshine Coast. It is
accessible as a day or overnight trip from Noosa or with your own 4WD from Noosa & Rainbow Beach.
Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island steeped not only in Australian history but natural beauty that
will leave you breathless.
49.
Visit a Surf Club - After a day enjoying the beach & soaking up the sun, kick back and enjoy a cool
beverage at one of the many beach front Surf Clubs and immerse yourself in the Queensland coastal
lifestyle.
50.
UnderWater World - UnderWater World is a multi-award winning all weather tourist attraction located at the
Wharf, Mooloolaba. Take a journey to another world at Queensland’s largest Oceanarium and aquarium. Be
enticed by over 5,500 sea creatures! See sharks, sting rays, seals, otters and so much more, as you are
swept over four thrilling, interactive levels. Be amazed by the billabongs, coral reefs, rock pools, QLD’s best
seal show, and our world-famous 2.5 million litre Oceanarium tunnel. You can also book ‘a once in a lifetime‘
experience like a Behind the Scenes Tour, a Seal Swim, Seal Encounter or Shark Dive!
Our friendly staff at the Information Office can give you further details on these activities
The Information Office is open 9-00am to 5-00pm each day