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Aerial view of Noosa Heads coastline with turquoise water, golden sand, and lush headland national park
☀️ Subtropical Paradise 📍 1 hr North of Brisbane 🌊 Guided Day Tours 🌿 3 UNESCO Biospheres

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Pristine beaches, lush hinterland rainforest, one of only two everglades systems on Earth, charming villages, and world-class food and wine — Queensland's relaxed coastal paradise just an hour north of Brisbane.

60kmCoastline
1hrFrom Brisbane
3UNESCO Biospheres
600+Eumundi Stalls
Jun–NovWhale Season

The Sunshine Coast stretches from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north — offering pristine beaches, lush hinterland, and a relaxed lifestyle that draws visitors year-round. The region sits within a remarkable three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (Sunshine Coast, Noosa, and Great Sandy), giving visitors easy access to a vast protected landscape. The Indigenous Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples have called this Country home for thousands of years, and their heritage is woven into the landscape and culture. Explore Australia Zoo, Noosa National Park, the iconic Glass House Mountains, and the extraordinary Noosa Everglades.

🌟 Top Attractions

Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast

From coastal walks and world-class surf to hinterland villages, wildlife encounters, and a genuine world wonder.

Panoramic view of Sunshine Coast beaches and hinterland mountains from a coastal lookout
The Sunshine Coast — where 60km of pristine coastline meets lush hinterland rainforest, ancient volcanic peaks, and charming village charm.
Turquoise water and golden sand at Noosa Main Beach with headland national park

Noosa National Park

Coastal WalksDolphins & Koalas

One of Queensland's most visited national parks. The 5.4km Noosa Coastal Walk stretches from Noosa Heads to Sunshine Beach through pristine headland scenery — a spectacular mix of rocky coves, lookouts, and subtropical rainforest. Spot dolphins, koalas, and sea eagles from the clifftop trail. During migration season (June–November), humpback whales are regularly seen offshore. Noosa Main Beach is patrolled and perfect for swimming.

Park info →
River of Mirrors Noosa Everglades kayaking through calm reflective waterways

Noosa Everglades — River of Mirrors

World WonderKayaking

One of the world's most extraordinary experiences — the Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglades systems on Earth (the other is in Florida, but unlike Florida's, you can swim in this one). Known as the "River of Mirrors" for its glassy reflections, this UNESCO-listed waterway within Cooloola National Park is home to 40% of Australia's bird species. Kayak or cruise through winding channels and pristine wilderness.

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Wildlife encounter at Australia Zoo Sunshine Coast — kangaroos and crocodiles

Australia Zoo

WildlifeFamily

Founded by Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, Australia Zoo at Beerwah is one of the world's most renowned wildlife conservation facilities. Get up close to kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and massive crocodiles. The famous Wildlife Warriors Croc-oseum and hand-feeding experiences are unforgettable. An essential full-day outing for families — allow 5–6 hours minimum. Located just off the Bruce Highway.

Visit website →
Dramatic volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains at sunrise with panoramic hinterland views

Glass House Mountains

HikingPhotographySacred

Ancient volcanic plugs rising dramatically from the flat hinterland plain. Sacred to the Kabi Kabi people, these peaks were named by Captain Cook in 1770. Mount Tibrogargan (364m) and Mount Ngungun (253m) offer accessible summit hikes with panoramic views of the coast and the Glasshouse Mountains National Park. Stunning at sunrise. The outlook at Wild Horse Mountain Lookout offers an easy drive-up view.

Explore guide →
Vibrant handmade goods, artisan food, and jewellery stalls at Eumundi Markets Queensland

Eumundi Markets

Wed & Sat600+ StallsArtisan

Australia's premier artisan market — one of the most celebrated open-air markets in the country. Over 600 stalls selling handmade jewellery, clothing, art, gourmet food, local produce, and crafts in the charming hinterland village of Eumundi. Open every Wednesday and Saturday year-round. Saturday is the full experience — arrive early for parking and the best selection. The Wednesday market is smaller and more relaxed. A Cooee Tours day-trip highlight.

Market info →
Mooloolaba Beach esplanade with palm trees and calm turquoise water at the Sunshine Coast

Mooloolaba Beach & SEA LIFE Aquarium

SwimmingDiningAquarium

A beautiful calm beach perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and waterfront dining along the popular Esplanade. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (at The Wharf) is a multi-award winning all-weather attraction featuring penguins, seals, sharks, turtles, rays, and one of Australia's largest jellyfish collections. In season (June–November), Mooloolaba is a departure point for whale watching cruises and the Sunshine Coast's swim-with-humpbacks program.

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Kondalilla Falls 90m waterfall cascading through subtropical rainforest hinterland

Kondalilla Falls & Montville Village

RainforestWaterfallVillage

A stunning 90-metre waterfall plunging into a crystal pool surrounded by subtropical rainforest in Kondalilla National Park — one of the Sunshine Coast's most spectacular natural attractions. Just minutes away, Montville is a quintessential hinterland village perched atop the Blackall Range with boutique galleries, cafes, and panoramic ocean views stretching to the coast 20km below. The combination makes a perfect half-day or full-day hinterland escape.

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The Ginger Factory Yandina Sunshine Coast hinterland attraction

The Ginger Factory, Yandina

Free EntryFamilyLocal Icon

An iconic Sunshine Coast hinterland destination at Yandina — free admission to a working ginger factory with rides, tropical garden walks, food tastings, and a famous ginger-flavoured ice cream. The Ginger Train takes visitors through the property for a 20-minute ride. It's a relaxed, quintessentially Sunshine Coast experience — pick up ginger beer, ginger candy, and local produce. Note: This is right near Cooee Tours' own base in Yandina!

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Maleny Botanic Gardens with panoramic views of Glass House Mountains

Maleny & Maleny Botanic Gardens

HinterlandBird AviaryViews

The charming village of Maleny sits high on the Blackall Range with a rich farming heritage — famous for its boutique cheese (try Maleny Food Co gelato and local cheese), galleries, and welcoming community spirit. Maleny Botanic Gardens spreads over seven hectares with waterfalls, lakes, ponds, an immersive bird aviary experience, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains. One of the hinterland's most beautiful private gardens.

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📅 Day Tours

Sunshine Coast Day Tours

Cooee Tours runs guided day tours with hotel pickup from Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Sunshine Coast.

Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast Hinterland scenic tour

Hinterland Heritage & Wine Tour

Full DayFrom $139Pickup Included

Glass House Mountains lookout, Montville and Maleny villages, The Ginger Factory, rainforest walks, boutique winery and food tastings, and panoramic hinterland views. Hotel pickup included from Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.

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Noosa Heads beach and headland coastal walk

Noosa & Hinterland Combo

Full DayBeach + Rainforest

Combine Noosa National Park coastal walk (5.4km, koalas, dolphins) with Eumundi Markets (Wed/Sat), Hastings Street dining, and a hinterland village. Best of coast and country in one expertly guided day.

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Boutique winery and food tasting on the Sunshine Coast hinterland wine tour

Hinterland Wine & Food Tour

Full DayWine Tasting

Boutique wineries, craft breweries, cheese and gelato at Maleny Food Co, and gourmet food across the hinterland. Door-to-door pickup and all tastings included. A slow, luxurious day through Queensland's best-kept secret.

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🎯 Custom & Private Tours

All tours are customisable for private groups, couples, families, and corporate events. We also offer golf tours, surfing tours, and multi-day itineraries across the Sunshine Coast region. Contact us with your wish list and we'll tailor the perfect day.

ℹ️ Visitor Tips

Plan Your Sunshine Coast Visit

☀️ Best Time

Year-round subtropical climate. Winter (Jun–Aug) is ideal — dry, mild, 20–25°C. Summer brings warm weather with afternoon storms. Jun–Nov is whale watching season. Spring/autumn are quieter with pleasant conditions.

🚗 Getting There

Fly into Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) at Marcoola, or drive 1 hour north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway (M1). Cooee Tours offers hotel pickup from Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast accommodation.

🏠 Where to Stay

Noosa for boutique luxury and Hastings Street dining. Mooloolaba for beachfront convenience. Caloundra for families. Maleny or Montville for peaceful hinterland retreats. Maroochydore for central access.

💡 Pro Tips

Visit Eumundi Markets on Saturday for the full 600-stall experience — arrive before 9am for parking. At Noosa National Park, walk early morning for best wildlife. For Australia Zoo, allow a full day minimum.

🍽️ Food & Drink

Noosa's Hastings Street is Queensland's most celebrated dining strip. The hinterland has boutique wineries, breweries, cheese factories, and farm-to-table restaurants. Maleny Food Co for gelato and local cheese. Noosa Farmers Market on Sundays.

🌊 Water Activities

Surfing at Sunshine Beach and Coolum. Snorkelling at Mudjimba (Old Woman) Island. Kayaking the Noosa Everglades. Aquaduck amphibious tours at Mooloolaba. Whale watching cruises and swim-with-humpbacks (Jun–Nov).

🌏 More Experiences

More Queensland Adventures

Pair your Sunshine Coast visit with these nearby experiences.

❓ FAQs

Sunshine Coast FAQs

What are the top things to do on the Sunshine Coast?+
Noosa National Park (5.4km Coastal Walk, dolphins, koalas), Australia Zoo, Eumundi Markets (600+ stalls, Wed & Sat), Glass House Mountains, Noosa Everglades kayaking (one of only two everglades on Earth), Mooloolaba Beach and SEA LIFE Aquarium, The Ginger Factory (Yandina), and Montville and Maleny hinterland villages.
What is the Noosa Everglades?+
The Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglades systems on Earth — the other is in Florida, but unlike Florida's, you can swim in this one. Known as the "River of Mirrors" for its glassy reflections, it's part of Cooloola National Park and is home to 40% of Australia's bird species. Kayak or take a guided cruise through the winding channels and pristine wilderness. A true natural wonder that many Sunshine Coast visitors overlook.
How do I get to the Sunshine Coast?+
Fly into Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) at Marcoola, or drive about 1 hour north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway. There are also regular Translink train and bus services from Brisbane. Cooee Tours offers hotel pickup transfers from Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast accommodation.
When is the best time to visit?+
The Sunshine Coast is a year-round destination. Winter (June–August) is ideal — dry, mild days of 20–25°C, blue skies, and no humidity. This is also the start of whale watching season (June–November). Summer is warm with afternoon storms but great for the beach. Spring and autumn have fewer crowds and very pleasant conditions. Eumundi Markets run every Wednesday and Saturday year-round.
What Sunshine Coast tours does Cooee Tours offer?+
Our Sunshine Coast tours include: Hinterland Heritage & Wine Tour (Glass House Mountains, Montville, Maleny, The Ginger Factory, winery tastings), Noosa & Hinterland Combo (Noosa Coastal Walk, Eumundi Markets, hinterland villages), and Wine & Food Tours through the hinterland. All include hotel pickup from Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Book your tour or call us on (07) 4194 3333.
Is the Sunshine Coast family-friendly?+
Very. Australia Zoo (full day, wildlife encounters), SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (penguins, sharks, jellyfish, all-weather attraction), calm patrolled beaches at Mooloolaba and Caloundra, The Ginger Factory (free entry, Ginger Train), Eumundi Markets, and hinterland waterfall walks are all excellent for families. The region has a relaxed, safe atmosphere with abundant family-friendly dining.

Explore the Sunshine Coast with Cooee Tours

Expert local guides, hotel pickup from Brisbane and Gold Coast, small groups, and the very best of coast, hinterland, and village charm in one perfect day.

Book Your Sunshine Coast Tour →