The 20 best things to do on the Sunshine Coast

Standing tall at 208 metres above sea level and spanning approximately one kilometre, Mount Coolum is officially the world’s second-largest rock. The climb to the summit of this dome-shaped volcanic rock takes around 45 minutes (one-way), and you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree vistas up and down the Sunshine Coast, across to the Glasshouse Mountains and west out to the Blackall Range. Post-hike, you can easily pop over to the nearby Marcoola or Yaroomba Beach to wash off the sweat. For the best photo ops, head to the 500-metre Mount Coolum Boardwalk, easily accessible from Breezeway Street.

Get up close and personal with one of the world’s gentlest sea creatures on a four-hour whale-watching trip with Sunreef Mooloolaba. Proudly Australia’s first operator for swimming with humpback whales, these guys offer a special opportunity to float alongside these magnificent giants using a rope attached to the boat. With a 92 per cent success rate, you’re almost guaranteed to make some amazing memories. Sunreef runs whale-watching tours and swims from July to mid-October, along with diving experiences at the Ex-HMAS Brisbane and Flinders Reef.

Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, Eumundi’s longstanding market (we’re talking since the eighties here!) becomes a blank canvas that welcomes brushstrokes of both seasoned and budding artisans, performers and creators. The do-it-yourself allure of stallholders and the like-no-other experience of customers have shaped this multi-sensory experience into one of Australia’s richest open-air galleries of handmade goods. Step into their ethos: “Make it, bake it, sew it, grow it” with a gourmet delight in one hand and the opportunity to inspect a treasure trove of desirable possessions in the other. 

Breathe in the fresh tang of salt water and listen to the soothing sounds of waves as you ride along Teewah Beach, surrounded by the natural beauty of Noosa’s bush-fringed North Shore. Equathon Horse Riding Adventures offers one- or two-hour private tours tailored to all abilities, from nervous first-timers to seasoned riders. Giddy up!

Noosa is home to one of only two everglade systems in the entire world, with this breathtaking network of mirrored lakes and wetlands best explored on water. You can join Kanu Kapers for a sustainable kayak adventure, where you’ll paddle peacefully among water lilies, reeds and towering melaleuca paperbark trees to a birdsong soundtrack. Not up for paddling? You can jump aboard one of Everglades Eco Safaris’ serene river cruises that showcase the majesty of this world-class national park with fascinating commentary about the ancient lands and waterways. 

You can’t visit the Sunshine Coast without exploring one of Australia’s oldest and most visited national parks. An Instagrammer’s paradise, Noosa National Park is home to heavenly slices of coastal scenery, lush rainforest, adorable beaches and thriving wildlife. Plus, there’s not a high rise in sight. From Hastings Street, you can choose from five scenic trails, ranging from the easy one-kilometre Palm Grove Walk to the stunning half-day Coastal Walk. 

Sure, Victoria has the Great Ocean Road, but Queensland is home to the Great Beach Drive – one of the longest ‘sand highways’ in the entire world. You’ll need a 4WD to tackle this spectacular 380-kilometre route that connects Noosa to Hervey Bay. Wind down the windows and feel the breeze in your hair as you cruise down the sandy roads of the Great Sandy National Park, and look out for whales and dingoes as you drive along 75 Mile Beach on K’gari – the world’s largest sand island. While it takes around five days to complete the full journey (including a few barge rides), you can easily explore smaller sections at your own pace!

If scaling up a 50-metre cliff tickles your fancy, Mount Tinbeerwah is the place for you. Join the rock hoppers at Adventure Tribe for an exhilarating climbing tour, with both group and private sessions available for all experience levels. As you climb up Mount Tinbeerwah, you’ll experience spectacular views of Noosa Hinterland, with unlimited climbing during the two-hour session. Oh and don’t worry, you’ll be securely connected to a rope the whole time.

The Sunshine Coast is spoiled with incredible places for bites and bevvies. Once you’ve ticked off all the hot spots on Hastings Street in Noosa (shout out to Bistro C, Moonstruck and Aromas), make your way south to The Doonan, where you can enjoy fire-roasted bread, grilled seafood and cocktail jugs in a sun-soaked beer garden. If it’s a refreshing brew you’re after, hit up Matso’s in Eumundi for mango ginger beers and barramundi burgers, then head next door to the Imperial Hotel for live music on weekends. Further down the coast, Bask Restaurant in Peregian Beach serves up an impressive paddock-to-plate feast, while Market Bistro in Maroochydore does quintessential European-style pasta and wine. For a more laid-back vibe, head to Mooloolaba for fresh seafood at Prawn Star and modern Asian street food at Rice Boi.

Surrounded by rainforested beauty in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Kondalilla Falls is one of Montville’s hidden gems. Kondalilla means ‘rushing waters’ in the local Aboriginal language, and the falls more than deliver on this promise, especially after big rains. The main waterfall boasts a drop of over 90 metres into a lush rainforest valley, and there is also a smaller four-metre waterfall with a deep pool for swimming in. With plenty of picnic tables nearby, make sure you take refreshments as the 45-minute circuit walk has over 300 stairs and can be tiring, especially for little legs. 

Waking up with the waves is pure bliss, but waking up to the gentle rustle of rainforest leaves and the soft twitter of birds is a whole new level of serenity. This is a reality at the Secluded Retreat in Noosa Hinterland, a gorgeous four-bedroom tucked just ten minutes from the charming town of Eumundi and twenty minutes from the hustle and bustle of Noosa. Sure, you might not have the beach at your doorstep, but you won’t be complaining when you’re unwinding by the pool in your own private slice of rainforest paradise.

Experience the old-world charm of silent films at The Majestic Theatre, believed to be the longest-running silent movie theatre in the world. Built in the 1920s as a social hall, this grand old cinema continues to screen silent films, along with live acoustic music performances, themed movie nights, sing-a-longs and tributes throughout the week. Every Saturday at midday, audiences can tap their toes to classic flicks like Singin’ in the Rain, with each silent screening accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Chris Rose playing the fabulous 1937 Compton organ. There’s truly nothing like it!

If bathwater-warm ocean temps, glittering blue waves and long, tropical days are what you're seeking for your next surf sesh, look no further than Noosa – a globally recognised 'World Surfing Reserve'. If you're just starting out, or have been surfing for 30 years, Noosa has everything you need. Crystal clear water, an abundance of marine life and world-famous surfing breaks await you here. The Main Beach is spilling with long, smooth waves that are perfect for beginners, while around the corner at Noosa Groyne, you'll find an abundance of surf schools that'll have you shredding in no time.

While there’s a pretty renowned stretch of big theme parks on the Gold Coast, it’s worth venturing north to Palmview where you’ll find the smaller but mighty Aussie World. Try your hand at the hoops or laughing clown heads for sideshow plushies and show bags galore, or really test your bladder in the haunted Mayhem Maze. When you’re all buggered out from bouncing up and down Australia’s 'tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum', you can grab a bite to eat at the cartoon-like Banana Bender pub.

The Sunshine Coast is good for more than just glittering beaches and tropical rainforests. It’s also the stage for one of Queensland’s premier culinary festivals, The Curated Plate, which dishes up 90 food and drink events over ten days every winter. You can expect a multi-course menu of events, including tastings with the best Sunny Coast breweries and distilleries; the ever-popular Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival; and special panel discussions with celebrity chefs.

Love plane spotting? Fly over to Queensland Air Museum to explore the country’s largest and most diverse historic aviation display. You can walk through a huge Caribou transporter, marvel at helicopters, or prepare for take-off in a Boeing 737 simulator. Ironically, General Douglas MacArthur (the famous American leader of Allied forces in the Pacific during World War II) hated flying, but even non-aviation buffs will enjoy this hands-on museum.

The Sunshine Coast’s picturesque volcanic plugs are must-dos for bushwalkers, but the choice of which mountain to hike up is challenging. Mount Ngungun (pronounced “noo noo”) is a moderately easy pick for first-timers and will take you an hour or so to reach the top. Here, you’ll get fabulous views of the other mountain peaks, including Mounts Coonowrin and Beerwah. By the time you get back to your car you may still feel like another easy walk. Luckily there's lots nearby, so try Wild Horse Mountain (700 metres up a fully concreted path for more great views), or do the circuit walk around the base of Mount Tibrogargan (three kilometres through forests with mountain views) to fill your day. Those who are more capable could set their sights higher and go up Mount Tibrogargan or Mount Beerwah.

Pineapples are the king of the fruit bowl for a reason. Take a royal trip east to the charming town of Woombye, where you’ll find this 16-metre-high fruit sculpture that’s about 57 times bigger than a regular pineapple. Bonus fact, it’s also believed to be the world’s largest pineapple. Like the Big Banana, the icon (hey, it is on the Queensland heritage register) features attractions like miniature train rides, a café, zoo and high ropes course. The Big Pineapple even hosts its own music festival every October. 

No boat license? No worries! You can cruise down the Maroochy River on a motorised pontoon, known locally as a BBQ Boat. Available for rent from Swan Boat Hire, this floating fry-up combines three Aussie favourites: fishing, barbecues and beer. With picnic table seating for eight, two burner barbecues, a pizza oven, and even an onboard toilet, you’ll have everything you need for a perfect day out. Toss a few prawns on the barbie, kick back, and soak up the good times.

The Sunshine Coast has some of the most popular beaches in Queensland, but it's still possible to find a few hidden gems. Just 15 minutes south of Mooloolaba, Currimundi Lake Conservation Park combines coastal heathland with gentle lagoons and prime surf beach. The tracks leading through the park are accessible and offer up the chance to spot plenty of unique flora and fauna. Currimundi Lake itself is the perfect spot for families, with plenty of calm, shallow water for paddling. Hire kayaks and stand-up paddle boards from the nearby surf shop, or take a picnic to enjoy in the shade of the trees. Just beyond the sand dunes, you’ll find Currimundi Surf Beach, which can get some pretty decent surf breaks and is patrolled on weekends and school holidays.