Best Things to do on the Sunshine Coast

As a Queenslander who lives just a couple of hours away from the Sunshine Coast, I’m fortunate to be able to visit this beautiful region often. Most of the time, my husband, kids and I spend our time on the stunning beaches, dining in delicious restaurants, and experiencing the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast for families.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that it’s one of my favourite places to visit in all of Queensland. Although we love the Gold Coast for a variety of reasons, the vibe on the Sunny Coast is a lot more relaxed. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a frequent visitor like myself, there’s something for everyone on this list. The Sunshine Coast is great for solo travel, trips with friends, romantic getaways with your partner, and of course, great for families and kids as well.

Let’s Go See the Sunshine Coast…

If you’re browsing for ideas on the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast, here are my top suggestions. I have separated the list into FREE things to do on the Sunshine Coast with kids (or without- we do like our occasional child-free getaway), and also tours and activities to book for the Sunshine Coast area. This includes areas like Noosa and Coolum, and Hinterland areas like Maleny and Mapleton.

FREE Things to do on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a nature lovers paradise. My family and I love doing day trips or weekend stays over the summer months, so we can enjoy the beaches, rockpools, the hinterland, and markets. However, in winter, hiking is much more pleasant, the beaches are less crowded, and it’s generally just an amazing destination to relax and unwind.

Spend a Day at the Beach

There is an abundance of pristine beaches on the Sunshine Coast, but these are our favourites:

Third Bay Beach

• Third Bay beach is in our top beaches on the Sunshine Coast list because it is a bit more secluded and lesser-known. Third Bay is very close to Coolum Beach, and features crystal-clear waters, stunning rock pools, and soft white sand. It’s a great spot for swimming and exploring marine wildlife. The rock pools have lots of pretty tropical fish and we’ve even seen a sea turtle at this beach as well! However, the water can be rough, and there are no lifeguards on duty at Third Bay. We generally come here to have some quiet beach time and soak up the sun, so if you are coming for a swim, definitely exercise caution. Also worth noting that there are quite a few stairs to get down to the bay.

Alexandria Bay

• Alexandria Bay is another one of our favourites, and is located within the Noosa National Park. This beach is accessed via a several kilometre walk through the National Park, and because of this, is also more secluded and less crowded that the easy access beaches. It’s a great spot for swimming and body boarding, it can be rough, but we generally find it calmer than third bay beach in Coolum. The walk to get to the beach is beautiful, too. You’ll likely see some wildlife, especially birds (we often see black cockatoos), and there’s lots of native plant-life as well. Watch out for snakes on the track though, they like sunbathing just as much as we do! Sunshine Coast hiking is always a perfect activity for fun and fitness.

Shelley Beach

• Shelley Beach is in Caloundra, on the southern end of the Sunshine Coast. It’s another lesser-known, small crescent-shaped beach, with clear waters, rock pools, and white sand. If you like spotting marine life, there are often Black Sea Cucumbers, Periwinkles and many species of fish to admire. There is also a park with picnic tables, so it is a perfect spot for families to spend a day out.

Explore the National Parks

There are several national parks on the Sunshine Coast that offer a range of outdoor activities and stunning natural scenery that we absolutely adore. When it comes to best FREE things to do on the Sunshine Coast, these are my families top three favourite National Parks:

Noosa National Park

• Noosa National Park had to be on the list, because of course it features one of our favourite beaches! However, even if you aren’t having a beach day, the walking trails are fantastic. I won’t harp on again about the wildlife and native plants, but you won’t regret putting this place on your to-do list!

Glass House Mountains National Park

• Glass House Mountains National Park is located inland from the Sunshine Coast and is known for its iconic volcanic peaks and stunning panoramic views. There are several walking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and the park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas.

Kondalilla National Park

• Kondalilla National Park is in the Sunshine Coast hinterland region, known for its lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and spectacular swimming holes. The park offers lots of walking trails, including the popular Kondalilla Falls Circuit, which takes you past several stunning waterfalls and swimming spots. The park is also home to a range of wildlife, including frogs, lizards, and a variety of bird species.

Visit the Eumundi Markets

We get to these markets at least couple of times a year, and they are a must visit for anyone who hasn’t been. You’ll find a vibrant and bustling marketplace at the Eumundi markets, which are located in the small town of Eumundi in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. It has hundreds of stalls, selling things like handmade and locally produced goods, artisanal food, clothes and accessories, homewares, jewellery, and fresh fruit and veg. The vibe is friendly and colourful, with live music and loads of food trucks adding to the festive atmosphere. Eumundi markets are open every Wednesday and Saturday, and are a perfect spot to get breakfast and pick up souvenirs.

Best Activities, Tours & Things to Book on the Sunshine Coast

Although we spend most of our time on the Sunshine Coast enjoying mother nature, we’ve also experienced a lot of the paid activities, too. Here is a list of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast, that you can book and plan ahead.

Australia Zoo

Anyone that knows me well, knows how passionate I am for animal welfare. This means that I wouldn’t add a zoo to any recommended list of things to do, unless I felt strongly that the facility was an ethically responsible place to visit. I had been to Australia Zoo many times prior to going vegan in 2016, and I have since been multiple times in the years following.

Most people have heard of Steve Irwin the “wildlife warrior”, and his family who have carried on his work since his passing. Australia Zoo has loads of animals to see, as well as the animal hospital, which you can visit to observe the wonderful rescue work they do. Australia Zoo free entry is available to employees of Queensland Police Service, Federal Police Service, International Police, Sunshine Coast Fire Service and Sunshine Coast Ambulance Service. This just makes me love and appreciate them even more.

Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World Sanctuary

I was looking for something to do with my kids and my elderly father when I stumbled across this beautiful place in Maleny. My father struggled with mobility, which made the golf carts at the Botanic Gardens extremely handy. You can visit the various gardens and enjoy the panoramic views, before visiting the Bird World sanctuary which is adjacent.

Bird World is a massive aviary, and I had researched it before visiting, as I don’t like the idea of a bird being caged. I definitely didn’t want to support cruelty. However, the sanctuary residents are all rescues. Sadly, it is mostly from abandonment, parrots have a very long life, and many pet owners do not consider the needs and requirements of a bird before purchasing one. Once a pet, release into the wild is not an option, so these beautiful birds will have a home to live out their days at this well run facility.

Whale Watching Experience

Your adventure begins with a serene cruise down the Noosa River, allowing you to take in the stunning sights and fantastic views of Noosa from a different perspective. From there, your captain will navigate to locations that are inaccessible by land, including hidden coves, emerald forests, natural cliff formations, and sweeping beaches.

As you reach the whales’ habitat, prepare to be amazed by the playful giants as they showcase their grace and power with breaches, tail lobs, and pectoral slaps. You will feel in awe as you watch these majestic creatures frolic and dance in the ocean, which is truly a sight to behold. This nature-focused cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature while also learning about these incredible creatures from experienced guides. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the majesty of the humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Noosa Everglades

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking Noosa Everglades with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. As you cruise through the area, teeming with abundant wildlife, you can savor a glass of sparkling wine or a beer brewed by a local brewery. You’ll have the opportunity to take stunning photos of the river of mirrors and cruise down the Noosa Everglades, which is home to 44% of Australia’s bird species.

At the end of the tour, you’ll have the chance to spot one of the many grey kangaroos that inhabit the Habitat Ecocamp. This experience is perfect for anyone seeking an eco-friendly adventure and a deeper connection with nature.

Aussie World

Not as ginormous as the Gold Coast theme parks, Aussie World is a more quaint experience. As well as the rides and sideshow alley, they also hold special events here, too. We have come to the Aussie World halloween nights several times, and they do other themed occasions as well. It’s one of our favourite things to do on the Sunshine Coast because they have a good selection of rides for all ages, and the atmosphere is less hectic than larger amusement parks.

The Big Pineapple Treetop Challenge

Soar to new heights and push your limits with an exhilarating visit to The Big Pineapple’s TreeTop Challenge. Nestled within eight acres of lush rainforest in the stunning Sunshine Coast, this thrilling adventure park is not for the faint of heart.

With access to 100 challenges, including 12 flying foxes and ziplines that reach an impressive 120 meters, you’ll experience a heart-pumping rush as you fly high through the treetops. At least, my husband and kids would… being quite terrified of heights, I watch from the ground! Five courses await you if you’re braver than me, ranging from easy to the Black Diamond Extreme.

Aquaduck Safaris

Why choose between a bus or boat tour when you can have both with an Aquaduck tour! The one-hour adventure starts on the beach before transforming into a watercraft and taking you through the canals, waterways, and local streets.

Learn all about the history and culture of the Sunshine Coast from the informative commentary, while enjoying the thrill of riding in a special amphibious vehicle. This tour is perfect for those who want an overview of the Sunshine Coast, and kids will even receive a captain’s certificate to remember the experience.

The Ginger Factory

Explore the history of Buderim Ginger, Australia’s only working ginger factory. Discover the story of how a small farming cooperative grew to become a leading exporter of ginger products across the world. On a tour, you’ll get to see firsthand how the farmers on the Sunshine Coast grow the finest ginger in Australia and how it’s transformed into the delicious range of Buderim Ginger products.

The Ginger Factory also offers fun rides, fascinating tours, and a gorgeous café surrounded by beautiful sub-tropical gardens

Skydive over the Sunshine Coast

So, even though I’m terrified of heights, I’ve jumped out of a perfectly good plane before. You can do this crazy activity too, by skydiving tandem from 15,000 feet above Noosa… with professional training and guidance from experienced instructors, of course! You’ll experience up to 60 seconds of thrilling freefall, reaching speeds of up to 200 kph, while taking in spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast.

Once your instructor pulls the chute, you’ll soar serenely for up to 7 minutes, during which you can even take control and steer the parachute yourself if you’re feeling brave. Your adventure will end with a beach landing on soft sands of Coolum Beach.

Kayak with Dolphins

Experience a thrilling 6-hour program of beach driving and kayaking in Great Sandy National Park. Head to Double Island Point to admire the colorful Rainbow Beach and the stunning views of Fraser Island. Take a guided kayak tour around the headland to see bottlenose dolphins feeding on fish, and enjoy sightings of humpback whales, turtles, manta rays, and sea birds. The program includes a 4WD experience, equipment hire, national park entry fee, and snacks and refreshments. Admire the natural beauty of the area from a unique perspective and create unforgettable memories.

Paintball Skirmish

Enjoy an action-packed game of paintball in the bushlands of the Sunshine Coast. Skirmish Sunshine Coast Outdoor Paintball offers a safe and thrilling experience for all fitness levels, perfect for a day out with friends or family. The course features a variety of obstacles and barricades to hide behind as players are divided into two teams and battle it out in five 20-minute games.*Note – Paintball is age restricted to those over 15 years old. Also note, ouch. Because I have experienced those paintball welts!

Surf Lessons

Experience the rush of a 2-hour surf lesson at the world-famous Noosa Heads Beach on the Sunshine Coast. Immerse yourself in the warm water and gentle waves of the waist-deep water for your first surf lesson. Knowledgeable instructors will guide you through the process, ensuring that you stand on the board in your very first lesson.

Noosa Brewery & Distillery Tour

Indulge in the world of craft beer on a half-day brewery tour in the Noosa resort area. With a maximum of 11 passengers, you’ll visit three unique breweries on the Sunshine Coast, where you can chat with the brewers and witness the brewing process. This tour provides an opportunity to taste a range of freshly crafted local beers while enjoying a provided brewpub lunch. You don’t have to worry about organizing transportation, as your driver-guide will take care of everything.

Cultural Tour

Join Saltwater Eco Tours for a unique and authentic experience that connects you to maritime history, the stunning Mooloolah River, and Indigenous culture. As one of the leading cultural tourism companies in the region, Saltwater Eco Tours offers a two-hour tour where friendly crew take care of all your needs. From the moment you board, you’ll feel a part of maritime history and immerse yourself in the beauty of the river. Don’t miss this opportunity to forge a deeper connection with the Sunshine Coast’s rich cultural heritage.

Sunshine Coast: Rainforest, Views, and Montville

Experience a day of nature and local delicacies on a Sunshine Coast Hinterland day tour, featuring panoramic views from three different lookouts. Visit Nutworks, a renowned Australian company that supplies macadamia nuts and other nut products, then pop into the Buderim Ginger Factory, where you can tour the factory or ride the steam train through the rainforest gardens, and sample unique ginger-based products. Spend an hour exploring the charming village of Montville before enjoying a delicious 2-course lunch. Check out the breathtaking panoramic views from Gerrard’s Lookout and take a walk through the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

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