There's always so much to do on the Sunshine Coast; a new restaurant opening, a funky weekend market or the never-ending hinterland hikes that beckon you for a sweet weekend escape. With so many options, it can be a little overwhelming, so we've narrowed it down for you.
A little food, a lot of adventure and some cliche sightseeing spots for the tourists at heart. If you're visiting the Sunshine Coast/Gubbi Gubbi country for the first time, consider this your spotter's guide. Here are 25 of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast in 2023.
Lace Up Your Boots For A Hike
If you’ve done your research, you’ve probably already seen the likes of Mount Coolum splattered across Instagram or on postcards. So, surprise yourself with a jaunt (okay, a tough-ish hike) up Mt Cooroora instead. Affectionately called Mount Pomona, this Sunshine Coast hike will reward you with stunning 360-degree vista views.
Sip Your Way Through A Brewery Crawl
Image Credit: Brouhaha Brewery | Supplied
Sunshine Coast’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, so plan an afternoon of brewery hopping at the Sunshine Coast's best breweries. Start at Noosa's iconic Land & Sea Brewery, then head to the stellar Maleny-based Brouhaha Brewery, and end with a pop-up pizza stall feed at Alex Headland’s 10 Toes. Fridays are your best bet, if you’re eager to hit all three.
Take A Dip In Noosa's Tea Tree Bay
Want to discover the most breathtaking beachy precinct on the Coast? Our pick would be a splash in the shallows at Noosa's Tea Tree Bay, with a front row seat to the wave-slaying action of the Noosa points. It's only twenty minutes from Noosa National Park's entrance, so if you don't have much time to spare, this secluded beach is for you.
Caffeinate Yourself
Image Credit: White Picket Fence | Instagram
We would definitely make it a priority to visit the incredible number of trendy roasteries-slash-cafes dotted across the Sunshine Coast. With the majority of our coffee roasted onsite or locally, you won't find a bad cup of coffee around here. Sip your way through 50 of the best Sunshine Coast cafes in 2023.
Soak Up Views And Brews At A Local Surf Club
Sure, this isn’t really something we need to tell you to do, but if stunning ocean views, a good feed, and cold beers mean anything to you, then take yourself to the nearest surf club. We have a whole lotta faves, and if you’ve already ticked off Noosa Surf Club, head south and try the award-winning Coolum, Mooloolaba, and Kings Surf Clubs. Those panoramic vistas will get you good.
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Take Yourself Out To Dinner
After all this adventuring you're going to need to sit down for a drink and a top-tier meal. From white linen fine dining to cosy neighbourhood eateries, there are a lot of contenders for the Sunshine Coast's best restaurant. Here are our favourite Sunshine Coast restaurants.
Conquer Kenilworth Bakery's 1kg Donut Challenge
Image Credit: Kenilworth Bakery | Instagram
Sure, you like donuts but how much do you like them? Could you eat a 1kg cream-loaded donut? Test your mettle at Kenilworth Country Bakery's 1kg donut challenge or if you're more of a savoury lover, you can attempt to beat the 1kg sausage roll challenge. Coffee lover? Take your brew in a donut with Kenilworth's famous coffee in a donut.
Fill Your Bag At A Local Market
Nothing says 'we’re locals' like a weekly grocery shop at the local’s farmers market. If bigger is better, head to Noosa or Kawana Farmer's Markets. Hit up our top Sunshine Coast markets of the month for night markets, farmer's markets and artisan markets.
Score A Cheap Feed
On the topic of cheap eats, check out our seriously cheeky lineup of the Sunshine Coast's cheap eats. Go forth and be thrifty.
Browse Through Eumundi Markets
Image Credit: Eumundi Markets | TEQ
Perhaps the most well-known market in the Sunny Coast, after 41 years of operating, Eumundi Markets has rightfully created a name for itself as a market like no other. Eumundi Markets is the biggest arts and craft market in Australia (absolutely bucket list worthy) and attracts an array of talented locals displaying handcrafted furniture, artworks, jewellery and fashion.
Road Trip To Maleny And Montville
Take it slow and head up into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to the ever-lush country towns of Maleny and Montville. From walks and hikes to tasty eats and the Sunshine Coast’s most scenic mountain view, here are the best things to do in Maleny and Montville.
Grab The Binoculars For Whale Watching
Although this one is only relevant from June to November, the Sunshine Coast offers some of the best whale watching in Australia, so it's absolutely worth adding this to your bucket list. Grab your binoculars for the best whale watching spots on the Sunshine Coast.
Pack The Camera For A Scenic Bush Walk
Image Credit: Kondalilla Falls | TEQ
Now that you've devoured cheap eats without breaking the bank, it's time to work up a sweat. Get outside and soak up the natural paradise we live in, by hitting up the Sunshine Coast's prettiest walks. Our favourite? Kondalilla Falls in Montville.
Chow Down On Burgs At Rick's Diner
Start an afternoon downing barrel-aged whisky at Rick’s Diner’s iconic whisky bar. Then, end it by sipping a few schooners in the beer garden complete with a plate full of smokey ribs or the tallest burger you ever did see.
Browse Through Marcoola Twilight Markets
Speaking of markets, Friday nights are known for one thing on the northern side of the bridge—Marcoola Markets. Held every Friday night, market stalls pop up in the centre of town and attract hungry locals ready to feast on some of the best cheap eats on the Sunshine Coast.
Soak Up Rays
Of course, we couldn't talk about the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast without talking about beach swims. From secluded reserves to bustling tourist hotspots, here's the Sunshine Coast's best beaches.
Pitch Under The Stars
Image Credit: Sunshine Coast Beachfront | TEQ
It's true some may complain about camping, and to them we say move on with your whinging and let us enjoy sleeping to the sounds of cicadas and waking up at 5.30am with the first light. The Sunshine Coast abounds in natural beauty, but camping takes getting back to nature to a whole new level.
Score A Hole In One
If you love big putts and you cannot lie, book a slot at Holey Moley Golf Club on Maroochydore’s Ocean Street. Destroying the retirement game stereotype, Holey Moley takes mini golf on the Sunshine Coast to new heights with its pop culture-inspired amusement course and onsite bar, The Caddyshack.
Puzzle Your Way Out Of An Escape Room
Dinner and drinks is so not original for a night out—thanks to the plethora of escape rooms on the Sunshine Coast, there's plenty of quirky puzzle rooms to keep your brain ticking and heart pumping. It’s time to take your crime-solving skills to the next level.
Test Your Balance On A SUP
SUP-ing was pretty much made for the Sunshine Coast. Seriously, have you seen the place? Rent some boards from Golden Beach Hire and float along the protected Pumicestone Passage. With Caloundra on one side and Bribie Island on the other, this channel is teeming with underwater life, so keep your eyes peeled.
Go On A Sunset Cruise Aboard Catalina Noosa
Image Credit: Catalina Noosa | Instagram
Hit the water in style with a sunset cruise aboard Catalina Noosa. This stunning boat is photoshoot material and hosts weekly events, so dress to impress, and get snapping. This is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
Visit A Local Farm
Embark on a farm hopping expedition for sunflower selfies, pick-your-own fruit and veggies, stunning rural views and soul-warming country air. We've done the hard work for you, with our wrap up of six local farms you can visit which are all within easy driving distance of the Sunshine Coast.
Go Back In Time At An Old-School Pub
Let’s not forget we’re in the Sunshine State so embrace the architecture-style that dominates the region, aka Queenslanders with an old-school pub hop. From Yandina to Eumundi and Kin Kin, this roundup will take you on a picture-perfect daytrip through the inland towns.
Take It Slow In Kenilworth
Image Credit: Kenilworth Homestead | Instagram
We all need a little escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life so why not seek some rest and recuperation in a lush rainforest surrounded by rolling hills? Camping may not be for everyone but camping in Kenilworth is sure to slow your pace.
Dive Into Snorkelling
Let’s make the most of the great outdoors, especially in a place as naturally beautiful as the Sunshine Coast. Instead of a brunch date this weekend, how about a spot of snorkelling? Dive into the Sunshine Coast's best snorkelling spots.
Lace Up For A Coastal Walk
One of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast is tackle the Happy Valley to Moffat Beach coastal walk, and then reward yourself with a super fruity acai bowl in Moffat Beach. We're a healthy bunch, us Sunny Coasters.
Sip Sky-High Cocktails At A Rooftop Bar
Image Credit: The Rooftop Bar | Instagram
It's golden hour. The sun is gently setting and that means one thing—it's time to hit up a Sunshine Coast rooftop bar for prime golden hour views. Sip sky-high cocktails at The Rooftop Bar in Maroochydore and you'll even sneak a peek of Old Woman Island in the distance.
Get Your Cycle On
Rent two wheels from Noosa Bicycle Hire and peddle from Noosa all the way down to Coolum Beach. There’s an easy pathway that travels along the beach for the most part meaning you’ll get a side of wave-watching while working on your booty.
Soak Up Views At A Hidden Lookout
Despite not having wings, we have a fascination with getting a birdseye view of just about everything. And there’s really no better way to experience this patch of paradise with fresh eyes than by planting yourself at one of the best hidden lookouts on the Sunshine Coast. With views that go on forever, you won’t be the only one pointing out your dream bit of land.
Take Your Pooch On A Dog-Friendly Walk
Dive head first into Sunshine Coast’s most-loved coastal nature reserve with a stroll through the Noosa National Park. Keep going when you get to Hell’s Gates and trudge along Alexandria Beach for seriously stunning beachfront views. This walk isn't dog-friendly, so if you've got a fur baby in tow, hit up the Sunshine Coast's best dog-friendly walks.
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