What to do in Sunshine Coast

Activities, attractions and tours

Sunshine Coast which includes a river or creek, a house and boating
Noosaville which includes boating and general coastal views
Glasshouse Mountains National Park featuring tranquil scenes, mountains and landscape views
Noosa National Park featuring landscape views and general coastal views
Maleny which includes farmland, landscape views and tranquil scenes

Sunshine Coast Attractions

Stretching for over 60 miles from Bribie Island to the Cooloola Coast, the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most popular destinations. Boasting mile upon mile of golden sandy beaches, a selection of vibrant towns and a fantastic choice of activities, the region is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience outdoor Aussie life at its best. Go hiking in one of the region’s picturesque national parks, relax with a drink in a waterside eatery or head into the Hinterlands to discover an alternative side to this sun-soaked region.

Areas & Neighbourhoods on the Sunshine Coast

Noosa – One of the most popular hubs on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is home to a wealth of cafes, a pretty pedestrianized centre and a choice of excellent beaches. Spend a day relaxing on the soft sand, swimming in the clear waters and sampling local cuisine or, if you’re feeling energetic, head to the nearby Noosa National Park and explore its varied choice of hiking routes.

Mooloolaba – A great destination for a family day out, Mooloolaba offers pure white sands, sheltered seas and great eateries. Walk along the town’s esplanade, enjoy a meal out in a local seafood restaurant or cycle to Mooloolaba Spit where you’ll find a great choice of picturesque beaches and coves.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland – Forming the dramatic backdrop of the Sunshine Coast, the Hinterland is made up of lush rainforest, volcanic peaks and picturesque waterfalls. Great for hiking and getting close to nature, the Hinterland makes an interesting alternative to the beaches of the coast.

Caloundra – One of the most laidback destinations on the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is known for its beaches, water sports and welcoming atmosphere. Have a go at kayaking, fishing and sailing, or, if you’re feeling brave, skydiving is also on offer in the town.

Things to See on the Sunshine Coast

There are lots of sights to see up and down the Sunshine Coast. The mountains of the Hinterland are well worth a visit during your time in the area, with Mt Beerwah, Mt Coolum and Mt Tibrogargan among the most recognisable. The region’s beaches are also iconic sights, so make sure you visit Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach and Kings Beach during your stay.

Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast

Whether you want to spend a relaxing day by the beach, an energetic afternoon in the mountains or an exciting night on the town, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertain in the Sunshine Coast. For great hiking routes, head to the Hinterland or the Noosa National Park, for nightlife and an excellent choice of restaurants, visit Noosa or Mooloolaba or for a fantastic choice of water sports, head to any one of the action packed beaches along the coast. Boat trips are available from many points on the Sunshine Coast, giving you the chance to get out and see this stunning region from a different point of view.

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Top places to visit

1. Hastings Street

Day or night, find exciting events, shopping and dining along Noosa’s Hastings Street, a central hub in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular destinations. Wander along the pedestrian-friendly street that is lined with an eclectic array of boutique shops, luxury accommodation and diverse restaurants. Hastings Street is very close to the white sand and crystal-clear water of Noosa Beach.
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Hastings Street showing street scenes and night scenes

2. Noosa Beach

Noosa has rainforest, cosmopolitan shops and cafés, an internationally renowned dining scene and some of the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast.
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Noosa Beach which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach as well as a family

3. Mooloolaba Esplanade

Come to the bustling Mooloolaba Esplanade to dine or shop with a view of the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Along with the beach, the boat harbor and rock wall of The Spit, this central strip is a highlight along the scenic Mooloolaba waterfront.
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Mooloolaba showing landscape views, views and a beach

4. Bulcock Beach

This flawless beach, with its picturesque waterfront and views of Bribie Island, is a perfect spot to enjoy the serenity of the Sunshine Coast. Warm waters lead south into the Pumicestone Passage, between the mainland and Bribie Island. The beach is popular with families because of its shallow waters, grassy knolls and seaside picnic areas. Away from the water enjoy the esplanade’s shade, viewing platforms and seats to rest upon.
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Bulcock Beach which includes a beach

5. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium

Discover the array of creatures that live below the surface of the ocean at Underwater World SEA LIFE Mooloolaba. This indoor marine park has 16 themed zones and habitats, from Jellyfish Kingdom to Seal Island. Walk through a tunnel surrounded by deadly sharks and colourful fish. You can touch starfish and other friendly creatures in a shallow pool. Watch your favourite animals being fed and seals interact with their trainers.
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Underwater World Sea Life which includes interior views and marine life as well as a couple

6. Noosa National Park

Noosa National Park is an area of protected bushland with beaches, walking trails and a large population of koalas. Stop at lookouts dotted throughout the park to spot dolphins in the ocean and surfers riding the breaks.
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Noosa National Park which includes landscape views and a beach

Recommended things to do in Sunshine Coast

Number of things to do
127
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Sunshine Coast: Luggage Storage in Noosa Beach: £7
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Sunshine Coast

Popular places to visit

Hastings Street featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

Hastings Street

4.5/5(43 reviews)

Located in the heart of Noosa Heads, this beachside street is a chic enclave of cosmopolitan cafés, resort-style accommodation and designer shopping.

Hastings Street
Noosa Beach which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach as well as a family

Noosa Beach

5/5(48 reviews)

Pristine white-sand shores, calm waters and lush forest alongside cosmopolitan shopping and dining await in this fashionable beachside town.

Noosa Beach
Mooloolaba showing a beach and a coastal town

Mooloolaba Esplanade

5/5(10 reviews)

Walk along the waterfront, have a barbecue on the grassy parklands, let the kids enjoy the playground and shop in the boutique shops after a swim in the ocean.

Mooloolaba Esplanade
Mooloolaba Beach which includes a beach and a bay or harbour as well as a large group of people

Mooloolaba Beach

4.5/5(17 reviews)

Cool off in the water, stroll along the coastal esplanade and scuba dive among military shipwrecks.

Mooloolaba Beach
Bulcock Beach which includes a beach

Bulcock Beach

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Clear ocean waters, a dazzling stretch of sandy shore, warm paddling pools and a beachside boardwalk combine to make this a classic seaside getaway.

Bulcock Beach
Underwater World Sea Life which includes interior views and marine life as well as a couple

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium

Watch seals play with their trainers, sharks swim above your head and dolphins jump out of the water at this award-winning marine park.

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium
Noosa National Park which includes landscape views, rugged coastline and tropical scenes

Noosa National Park

4.5/5(17 reviews)

Hike between secluded beaches through rainforest and grasslands in this beautiful national park, where koalas live in trees and dolphins play in the bays.

Noosa National Park
Dessert comes first.

Sunshine Plaza

4.5/5(19 reviews)

During your visit to Sunshine Coast, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Sunshine Plaza. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or seek out the surfing spots.

Sunshine Plaza
Mooloolaba which includes a beach and landscape views

Point Cartwright

Take in sweeping views over the land and sea, walk along the beach or just relax in the sun on this slice of land between river and sea.

Point Cartwright

Explore areas of Sunshine Coast

Noosa Heads featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Noosa Heads

Some of the east coast's best beaches, beautiful hinterland and stylish restaurants make this upmarket, ocean-front town one of Australia's favourite destinations.

Noosa Heads
Mooloolaba showing landscape views, views and a beach

Mooloolaba

Picturesque beaches, stylish shops, elegant dining and a serene beachside atmosphere make this an ideal Sunshine Coast destination.

Mooloolaba
Kawana Beach showing a beach and landscape views

Caloundra

Choose from six different beaches and a range of watersports including surfing, Jet Skiing and kayaking at this friendly coastal city.

Caloundra
Maroochydore showing landscape views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Maroochydore

Swim in the surf, fish from the Maroochy River, dive a sunken warship, or just relax with the pelicans at this laid-back beach town.

Maroochydore
Coolum Beach showing landscape views and a beach as well as a couple

Coolum Beach

Play a round of golf on world-famous courses and gaze across the coastline from the top of a mountain at this resort town south of Noosa.

Coolum Beach
Noosaville featuring general coastal views and a coastal town

Noosaville

Enjoy freedom and relaxation in this small Queensland neighborhood. Meet local residents and sample international food while gazing upon the wide Noosa River.

Noosaville

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Sunshine Coast

Roma Street Parkland showing a high-rise building, a park and a river or creek

Brisbane

Beerwah showing street scenes

Beerwah

Aussie World showing signage and street scenes

Palmview

Mount Tibrogargan, Glasshouse Mountains, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia.

Landsborough

Kondalilla National Park

Witta

Kondalilla National Park

Flaxton

Kondalilla National Park

North Maleny

Frequently asked questions

Is Sunshine Coast worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Sunshine Coast is explore Aussie World. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of this area's surfing and coastal beaches.
How do I spend a day in Sunshine Coast?
Aussie World and Palmview Conservation Park are two awesome places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Sunshine Coast while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sunshine Coast?
You can't leave without checking out Aussie World, ranked the top tourist attraction in Sunshine Coast.
Is three days enough to stay in Sunshine Coast?
Three days is plenty for a quick getaway to Sunshine Coast — you'll tick off the main sights and get a feel for the vibe of the place. But if you want to truly soak it all in, hang around for at least a week to check out the surrounding areas too.
What are some activities to do in Sunshine Coast with kids?
Deciding what to do in Sunshine Coast with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Sunshine Coast for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Sunshine Coast. Whether you're into the arts, outdoor pursuits or just enjoy visiting new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Sunshine Coast?
There are many free things to do in Sunshine Coast. Unwind in the parks or check out free events and festivals. Sunshine Coast offers loads of budget-friendly activities that let you discover the area without breaking the bank.

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