Queensland's Relaxed Coastal Paradise
Stretching from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north, the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia's most beloved holiday regions — and for good reason. More than 30 pristine beaches line 100 kilometres of coastline, from the sheltered north-facing sands of Noosa Main Beach to the family-friendly saltwater pool at Kings Beach in Caloundra. Behind the coast, the hinterland rises into lush subtropical rainforest, dramatic waterfalls, and charming mountain villages where craft galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and boutique wineries sit among rolling green hills with panoramic views of the Pacific.
The region's Indigenous Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) and Jinibara heritage stretches back thousands of years, and the landscape is rich with Dreamtime stories — from the volcanic Glass House Mountains to the headless warrior of Mount Coolum and the rivers and peaks that bear the names of the Dreamtime characters. European settlement brought cane fields and dairy farms, but today the Sunshine Coast is defined by its relaxed lifestyle, world-class food scene, and an outdoor culture that revolves around surfing, hiking, kayaking, and simply being in nature.
Whether you spend a day or a week, the Sunshine Coast delivers: walk the famous Coastal Track in Noosa National Park past dolphins and koalas, browse 600 artisan stalls at Eumundi Markets, hand-feed kangaroos at Australia Zoo, climb the ancient volcanic dome of Mount Coolum at sunrise, paddle the mirror-still waters of the Noosa Everglades, taste the hinterland's finest at a Maleny creamery, or simply find a quiet stretch of sand and let the subtropical warmth do its work. It is a destination that rewards the curious and relaxes the weary in equal measure.
Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast
From coastal national parks and iconic wildlife encounters to artisan markets and volcanic summit hikes — the Sunshine Coast's best experiences.
Noosa National Park
10.8km Coastal Walk from Noosa Heads to Sunshine Beach — dolphins, koalas, whales (Jun–Nov), Fairy Pools, and Hells Gates. Free entry, open 24 hours.
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Glass House Mountains
Thirteen ancient volcanic peaks sacred to the Kabi Kabi people. Summit hikes including Mount Ngungun, Tibrogargan, and Beerwah with panoramic views.
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Eumundi Markets
Australia's premier artisan market — handmade jewellery, clothing, art, gourmet food, and live music every Wednesday and Saturday in the hinterland village of Eumundi.
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Mount Coolum
26-million-year-old volcanic dome rising 208m. Steep stone staircase to panoramic summit views from Noosa to the Glass House Mountains. Spectacular at sunrise.
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SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Queensland's largest aquarium — 80m Ocean Tunnel, 11 zones, Little Blue Penguins, seal shows, shark diving. The Wharf, Mooloolaba.
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The Ginger Factory
Iconic free-admission park in Yandina — ginger tastings, overland train, boat ride, bee show, subtropical gardens, and the Big Ginger. Fun for all ages.
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Mary Valley Rattler
Heritage steam train through the Mary Valley from Gympie to Amamoor — 40km of restored rail, timber bridges, countryside, and historic station stops.
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Australia Zoo
Founded by Steve Irwin. World-renowned wildlife conservation facility — kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, tigers, and the famous Crocoseum shows. Beerwah.
Visit website →30+ Beaches from Caloundra to Noosa
The Sunshine Coast's 100km of coastline includes some of Australia's safest family beaches, world-class surf breaks, and quiet hidden coves.
Noosa Main Beach
North-facing, gentle waves, sheltered. Hastings Street dining steps from the sand. Surf lessons, lifeguard-patrolled, family-friendly. Gateway to Noosa National Park.
Mooloolaba Beach
One of Australia's safest beaches. Vibrant Esplanade lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Boardwalk to the Spit. Near SEA LIFE aquarium and The Wharf.
Kings Beach
Oceanfront saltwater pool with shade sails, splash-zone fountains, playground, and patrolled surf. The heart of Caloundra's coastal strip. Great for families.
Coolum Beach
Wide sandy shores, boardwalks, and grassy parklands beneath Mount Coolum. Consistent surf, beach matting for accessibility, and a laid-back village feel.
Sunshine Beach
Over 3km of white sand with versatile surf breaks. Quieter than Noosa Main Beach. Surf-savvy locals, cafés in the village, and the southern end of the Coastal Walk.
Moffat Beach
Local favourite. Perfect point break for surfers, surf-themed playground, craft beer at Moffat Beach Brewing. Coastal walk to Kings Beach. Dog-friendly sections.
Peregian Beach
Quiet village with patrolled beach. Boutique shops, excellent bakeries, skate park, and playground right off the sand. A chilled alternative to busy Noosa.
Bulcock Beach
Gentle waters backing onto the Maroochy River inlet. Boardwalks, pier, pirate-ship playground, and sunset views over the Glass House Mountains.
Rainforest, Waterfalls & Mountain Villages
Just minutes from the beach, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland rises into lush subtropical rainforest, dramatic waterfalls, and charming villages with panoramic views.
Montville
Storybook village in the Blackall Range — art galleries, craft shops, fudge, cheese, European-style architecture, and sweeping views to the coast. Kondalilla Falls nearby (90m waterfall, rainforest walk).
Maleny
Creative hub surrounded by dairy farms and rainforest. Maleny Food Co (famous cheese and gelato), Gardners Falls, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (rainforest boardwalk with Glass House Mountain views).
Kondalilla Falls
Spectacular 90-metre waterfall plunging into a subtropical valley. The walk descends through towering palms and ancient trees to a freshwater rock pool at the base. Grade 4, 4.7km circuit.
Mapleton & Mapleton Falls
Quiet Blackall Range village with a dramatic waterfall lookout over the Obi Obi Valley. Lilyponds Walk, Mapleton Forest Drive, and some of the hinterland's best cafés and country pubs.
A Foodie's Paradise
The Sunshine Coast has quietly become one of Australia's most exciting food regions. Noosa's Hastings Street is a nationally renowned dining strip, while the hinterland is dotted with boutique wineries, craft breweries, creameries, and farm-to-table restaurants using produce grown in the rich volcanic soil. The annual Noosa Food and Wine Festival draws visitors from around the country.
Highlights include the Spirit House in Yandina (Thai fine dining in a tropical garden), Maleny Food Co (artisan cheese and gelato), Moffat Beach Brewing Co (craft beer with ocean views), Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny, Flame Hill Vineyard, and dozens of farm-gate experiences where you can taste the freshest produce direct from the paddock. Our Hinterland Food & Wine Tours guide covers the best of them.
Active Experiences
Whale Watching
Humpback whale migration from June to November. Cruises depart Mooloolaba and Noosa. Breaches, tail slaps, and mother-calf pairs. Swim-with-whale experiences available.
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Water Activities
Kayak the Noosa Everglades, paddleboard the Maroochy River, surf Coolum and Alexandra Headland, dive the HMAS Brisbane wreck, or jet ski along the coast.
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TreeTop Challenge
Australia's largest adventure park — ziplines, high ropes, and aerial courses through the forest canopy near the Big Pineapple. Courses for ages 3 to adult.
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Cooloola Great Walk
102km wilderness trail through Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park. Ancient rainforest, coloured sands, and pristine coastline. 4–6 days.
Full guide →Coast, Hinterland & Everything Between
Everything You Need to Know
Getting There
Fly into Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) at Marcoola — direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Auckland. Or drive ~1 hour north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway (M1). Car hire recommended for flexibility.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round subtropical climate. Winter (Jun–Aug) is ideal — dry, mild, 15–25°C, whale season. Summer (Dec–Feb) is warm (22–30°C) with afternoon storms. Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions with fewer crowds.
Where to Stay
Noosa for boutique luxury and Hastings Street dining. Mooloolaba for beachfront convenience and The Wharf. Caloundra for families and value. Maleny or Montville for hinterland retreats and rainforest escapes.
Getting Around
A car is the best way to explore — coast to hinterland in 30 minutes. Sunbus runs regular services between major towns. Cooee Tours offers guided day tours with hotel pickup from Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Sunshine Coast.
Family-Friendly
Very. Australia Zoo, SEA LIFE Mooloolaba, The Ginger Factory, patrolled beaches with saltwater pools, hinterland walks, TreeTop Challenge, and Eumundi Markets are all excellent for families with children of all ages.
How Long to Stay
A day trip covers one area well. 2–3 days lets you combine coast and hinterland. A week or more is ideal for exploring the full region at the relaxed pace it deserves — beaches, hikes, markets, food, and wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular experiences include the Noosa National Park Coastal Walk, Glass House Mountains summit hikes, Eumundi Markets (Wednesday and Saturday), Australia Zoo, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast aquarium, Mount Coolum sunrise climb, whale watching (Jun–Nov), and the hinterland villages of Montville and Maleny. The Ginger Factory, Mary Valley Rattler, Cooloola Great Walk, and hinterland food and wine experiences are also highlights.
Drive approximately 1 hour north via the Bruce Highway (M1) — Caloundra is the first major town, Mooloolaba is about 1 hour 15 minutes, and Noosa is about 1 hour 40 minutes. You can also fly into Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) at Marcoola with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Auckland. Queensland Rail Citytrain runs to Landsborough and Nambour with connecting bus services.
The Sunshine Coast is a year-round destination with a subtropical climate. Winter (June–August) is widely considered ideal — dry, mild (15–25°C), and coincides with whale season. Summer (December–February) is warm (22–30°C) with afternoon storms but great for beaches. Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions with fewer crowds. School holidays and long weekends are the busiest periods.
Very. Australia Zoo, SEA LIFE Mooloolaba, The Ginger Factory (free entry), patrolled beaches with saltwater pools (Kings Beach), hinterland walks, TreeTop Challenge, and Eumundi Markets are all excellent for families. The region has a relaxed, safe atmosphere, and most attractions cater well to children of all ages. Caloundra and Mooloolaba are particularly popular family bases.
For families: Noosa Main Beach (gentle waves, north-facing), Mooloolaba Beach (one of Australia's safest), and Kings Beach Caloundra (saltwater pool, playground). For surfing: Alexandra Headland, Coolum Beach, and Sunshine Beach. For quiet escapes: Little Cove, Peregian Beach, and Moffat Beach. For walking: the Caloundra Coastal Pathway links multiple beaches over 25km.
The hinterland is home to boutique wineries (Flame Hill, Maleny Mountain Wines), craft breweries (Brouhaha, Moffat Beach Brewing, Land & Sea), creameries (Maleny Food Co), and acclaimed restaurants (Spirit House Yandina, Spicers Tamarind). Noosa's Hastings Street is a nationally renowned dining strip. The annual Noosa Food and Wine Festival is a highlight. Eumundi Markets also have exceptional gourmet food stalls.
Noosa Heads for boutique luxury, fine dining, and the national park. Mooloolaba for beachfront convenience, The Wharf dining precinct, and SEA LIFE. Caloundra for families — multiple beaches, saltwater pool, and good value. Coolum Beach for a quieter surf-town feel. Maleny or Montville for hinterland retreats with rainforest, waterfalls, and panoramic views. Maroochydore is a good central base for exploring all areas.
Sunshine Coast Attraction Guides
Detailed guides for every major Sunshine Coast attraction — practical info, insider tips, and everything you need to plan your visit.
Your Sunshine Coast Adventure Starts Here
One hundred kilometres of coastline, lush hinterland rainforest, world-class food, and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The hardest part is choosing where to begin.