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Things To Do

30 Of The Best Cheap Things To Do On The Sunshine Coast

8th Oct 2025
Written by:
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List

From golden beaches and rainforest retreats to local flavours and outdoor adventures, the Sunshine Coast brings that holiday feeling to life.

There's a plethora of free and cheap things to do on the Sunshine Coast. Phew for us all. Yes, I, too, am a sucker for saving pennies yet still living life large. So on days when I have but a 20 in my pocket and a heart full of dreams, I'm always pleasantly surprised by the variety of cheap thrills to get amongst on the Sunshine Coast/Gubbi Gubbi Country. 

So if you want to let the good times roll but still keep money to last through 'til payday, you're in luck. The Sunshine Coast really does have something for all tastes. 

I, for one, love checking out festivals, tuning into live music and heading to one of the many vibrant community activations. Plus, cheap eats are basically my love language. Then again, if the whole crew's penny-pinching and I'm in charge of a catch-up, a group-and-budget-friendly shenanigan is always a winner in my books.

With that in mind, I've emptied my pockets, picked out the lint and stacked up the glistening coins that are 30 cheap things to do on the Sunshine Coast in 2025. They're all-round good times, tasty and maybe even free.

Best cheap things to do on Sunshine Coast at a glance:

Best Foodie Things To Do

1. Take the 1kg donut or sausage roll challenge

Kenilworth Bakery whips up a whole lot of iconic pastries. Like their coffee donut, where the donut is your cup (hello cheap bev and bite). They're also the home of the 1kg donut or sausage roll challenge.

Head in-store for the latest record, though at time of writing if you finish your 1kg in one sitting, you'll get your money back. That's a free feed or simply $30 for your kilo donut or sausage roll. Only for the brave.

2. Sip through a tasting paddle at a brewery

Did you know that Sunshine Coast is the craft beer capital of Australia? Pretty impressive stuff. So as you can imagine, there's no shortage of top, award-winning breweries to sip your way around. And bonus points, many croon with local tunes on weekends.

You don’t need a fat wallet to explore the Sunshine Coast’s burgeoning craft beer scene. Soak up the brewhouse atmosphere and order a tipple from as many local breweries as you can.

DIY a cheap beer trail with a stop at:

  • Your Mates - Mondays kids eat free, Sundays from 3pm $1 wings, free pool and darts
  • Crackerjack - Your Mates' additional venue offers $6.50 beer, wine and spirits 3-5pm weekdays
  • 10 Toes Brewery - Sunday live music 2-5pm, just grab a bev and listen in
  • Brouhaha Brewery - Sample 10 brews for a little over $30 with their Tasting Card

the interior of a breweryImage Credit: Brouhaha Brewery | Supplied

3. Chow down on cheap eats

It might sound loco in the coco, but sometimes it works out cheaper to eat out than it does to cook at home. Any grocery receipt can attest to that. And it's exactly why I love the deals and specials that so many Sunshine Coast restaurants and eateries sling out every week.

So if your bank balance is looking dismal until payday, I have news for you. Make it your personal mission to eat your way through this scrumptious list of the best cheap eats on the Sunshine Coast.

My fave cheap eat inclusions:

  • Taps Mooloolaba - $1 wings all of Wednesday (they're often voted best wings in the region)
  • Dirty Moes - $17 burger and chips every Thursday (get the smashed beef cheeseburger)
  • Paradise Arcade - $5 tacos everyday 3-5pm (smash the siesta and your hunger)

4. Devour deals at Sol Bar

If you're in the mood for an evening bevvy but can’t afford to splurge on a big night out with the rest of the crew, Sol Bar has you covered. In the heart of Ocean Street, these guys will fix you up with a food and drink deal just about every night of the week.

Cheap eats look like:

  • Tuesdays - 2 burgers for $30
  • Wednesdays - pizzas from $10
  • Thursdays - all sangas $20 
  • Fridays - loaded fries for $20

5. Throw back an espresso

Ah, the morning brew. It's one of life's simple pleasures. And sure, you could settle for the dirt in a cup that is instant coffee. Especially since the dollars are tight. But why would you when a good old fashioned espresso comes in at just a few bucks, and will fuel you for a good few hours? Get your buzz on and soak up the Sunshine Coast’s vibrant cafe culture at one of 50 cafes on the Sunshine Coast.

I'm a big fan of:

  • White Picket Fence - sit outside, order the pancake stack for a neat $18
  • Criminal Coffee - the loaded sangas are worth the hype. The Game Changer espresso rules
  • Nurcher - vegan goodies and epic cuppas. Can never resist a Nutty Professor Smoothie for $10.95, basically a meal in a cup

6. Eat Mooloolaba prawns by the sea

Okay, this one's pretty fancy for a cheap list. But hear me out, if fresh seafood split between friends is wrong, I don't want to be right. So my suggestion is to buy a kilo of fresh Aussie prawns from Fisheries On The Spit in Mooloolaba, lay down a rug beachside and soak up those sub-tropical vibes. And the next round's on them. With such an iconic food up for grabs, you've gotta do this at least once.

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7. Rip into fish and chips 

Still hungry or seagulls stole all your prawns? Grab some chippies and more fresh fish from one of the best fish and chipperies across the Sunshine Coast. The team at Urban List have curated a bit of a cheat sheet for the best spots for fresh seafood so you can enjoy the very best budget-friendly Friday night favourites. You're welcome.

8. See the sunset from a rooftop bar

If you’d never be caught in the early morning hours, opt to bask in the day's final rays at one of the best rooftop bars on the Sunshine Coast. Catch the sunset, sip cocktails and have a yap with your crew. Bliss.

9. Wrap your mouth around a bargain burger

Got a craving only a stacked, cheesy burger will cure? I know just the thing. Chow down on the Sunshine Coast’s best burgers which will satisfy all your cravings and won’t break the bank.

Some of my favourite cheap deals include:

10. Order an espresso martini with a side of golf 

​Holey Moley is where cocktails and bar snacks collide with putt putt golf and good times galore. Located in Maroochydore, nine holes here will set you back $20, just bring extra cash for beers and burgs. 

11. Scout out happy hours

I am a sucker for a sunset sip, and better yet, right across the Sunshine Coast there are happy hours dripping in deals. Yes, always drink responsibly, even when there are savings on the table.

My top picks for sunset hours:

Outdoorsy Things To Do On Sunshine Coast

12. Take a dip in Booloumba Creek

With the weekend fast approaching and the summer heat levels slowly rising, I couldn't think of anything better than a secluded dip at the Sunshine Coast’s best natural swimming hole. Yes, there are some further abroad, but our picturesque Booloumba Creek is a hot contender for one of the best.

13. Catch the sunrise from an epic spot

This one’s for those 5am early risers that are ready to seize the day without a moment to spare. So set those alarms and have your keep cups ready to go as you hunt down the perfect spot for your next sunrise. 

14. Get amongst a bush walk

Lace up your sneakers and explore any of these incredible national parks in our immediate backyard. While you’re at it, these stellar local bush walks will get you amongst nature—because the best things in life are free.

15. Hit the beach

A simple one—yes, impossible to leave off this round up, also yes. With literally dozens of sandy spots the entire length of the city, it's hard to find a better way to spend a cash-free day than with a good book and a beach towel. Here are some of the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast.

If you time your beach day right, you might even catch one of the many free beach activations that grace our shores each year.

Cheap beach events include:

16. Head out on a hike

Take on of the best hikes found on the Sunshine Coast. All you'll need are a pair of sneakers, an old hat, a slap of sunscreen and your emotional support water bottle.

Here are a few of my favourites hikes to replace the shopping centre stroll that always ends in impulse purchases.

  • Kondalilla Falls - 2 hours - This little slice of paradise is hidden among some lush southeast Queensland greenery and is the perfect place to chill out and swim without being attacked by a vicious wave. 
  • Bribie Island Beach Walk - 1.5 hours - Park at Bongaree Jetty and stop for a swim at Woorim. The terrain is bordered by bush so its a good idea to pack shoes.
  • Dularcha Tunnel Track - 2 hours - An easy walk with views that are a little different. The heritage-listed Dularcha Tunnel is kind of eery but extra cool and you may like to bring a torch. A perfect escape from the heat in summer, though watch out for bats (not kidding).

17. ​Picnic at Alexandra Headland

It's iconic. It's sundrenched. it's the kind of view that'll have your out of town mates on real estate websites, dreaming of their move.

This is my absolute weekend afternoon go-to with mates. Unless you hate crowds and looking for a place to park, in which case it could be the worst. In my opinion, the sweeping views from Alexandra Headland up to Mount Coolum, and the ‘always Sunday’ mood make it well worth the effort.

18. Venture out on a pretty walk

Swap the thongs for a pair of Nikes and pound the beachfront bush track through the Noosa National Park, or any of these pretty walks. Stunning views and increased heart rate come complimentary, making this one of the best free things to do on the Sunshine Coast.  

The pretty walks at the top of my list are:

  • Noosa Headland to Sunshine Beach - 2 hours - I did this walk while 8 months pregnant and let me tell you, the beach destination was welcomed. The path is super wide and has heaps of places to stop and take in the view. The trees are even worked into the track which makes it extra spesh.
  • Buderim Forest Park - 45 minute loop - This waterhole is particularly beautiful after rains and has an onsite BBQ for a post-walk lunch. 

19. Swim under a waterfall

The best way to see anywhere is from great heights, so test your conquering skills and tackle these Sunshine Coast waterfall walks. Where you'll scale new heights or maybe just look up from below after one heck of a trek. There will be sweat and maybe some tears, but those mountain-high views, cool streams welcoming you in and chilled pools will make every step worth it, promise!

20. Pitch a tent

Skip the cabin or holiday house, and pitch a tent at the Sunshine Coast’s best camping spots. From beach to bush, our picture-perfect region was made for exploring and what better way to cap off a day adventuring than sleeping under the stars. 

21. Wander around Maleny Botanic Gardens

Head to Maleny Botanic Gardens and for $27 for adults, and $17 for children 3-14, to spend all day lapping up the serenity of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. It might not be a jam-packed day, full of adventure and adrenaline, but you will leave feeling refreshed and content.

There are 8 kilometres of trails, ancient rainforests, Glasshouse Mountain views, a whole range of diverse landscapes, flora and fauna that makes for a truly delightful full day out. 

22. Head out on a roadtrip

Pack the car and hit up these weekend-ready Sunshine Coast road trips. Whether you're keen to ride sand dunes down at Rainbow Beach or drive a 4WD along Bribie Island, get your mates to chip in for some fuel and you’ve got a full day of discovering some of the best natural wonders a few short hours from the Sunshine Coast.  There are also heaps of hinterland road trip options about. 

23. Take a dog-friendly walk

What could be better than enjoying some of the best walks here on the Sunshine Coast? Bringing your best furry pal and maybe their closest furry friend for a sweet day of discovering some of the best dog-friendly walks.  

24. Go to The Big Pineapple

I don't mean to alarm you, but if you haven't been to The Big Pineapple since you were a kid, you'll be pleased to know that entry is actually free. It's iconic, it's outdoorsy and it offers a whole heap of entertainment. For $12 you can climb the pineapple, head on a little bus tour or ride a train. 

Cultured Things To Do On Sunshine Coast

25. Score at a book store

Pick up a second-hand read and enjoy wandering through the towering aisles at the Sunshine Coast’s best bookstores.

26. Check out an escape room

You’ve binged all the latest crime dramas and are ready to take your newly acquired crime-loving, mystery-solving skills to the streets. Round up your mates for an afternoon of puzzle-solving at the best escape rooms on the Sunshine Coast.   

Surprisingly, Strike Bowling offers the cheapest escape room, coming in at $18 per person. 

27. Get amongst festivals

Look out, Melbourne. The Sunshine Coast is making a serious splash when it comes to art and culture. There's a whole swag of community activations, festivals and inspiring events that in many cases cost you absolutely zilch. Check the event's calendar to see which free fest or exhibition is rolling into town next. 

My favourites are:

28. Browse a market

The Sunshine Coast is home to a ridiculous selection of markets, and market-hopping is without question one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast if you’re on a budget. For cheap street eats, vintage finds, free live entertainment and all those feel-good community vibes, start with this list of some of the region’s top markets.

29. Watch whales May to November

Dust off the binoculars (or just create two circles with your hands and hold them over your eyes. We're going cheap, remember?). With deep waters off our beaches, there’s ample opportunity to spot majestic whales during their migration journey from north and south.

For epic whale-watching views, head directly to:

30. Thrift a bargain

Throw a sickie and spend a weekday trawling the best op shops on the Sunshine Coast. There are a whole swag of bargains hanging for you to take them home with you. Better yet, keep your eyes pealed for goods that aren't necessarily your taste but could be flipped for a pretty penny on Marketplace and make you a profit. Hey, you've got to be savvy these days.

Some top picks for cheap finds:

  • Lifeline - bi-annual bookfest offer books and clothes from $2.50
  • Beautiful you - frequent sales, like 50% off linen (because you can never have too many throws)
  • Bloomhill - nine stores across Sunshine Coast, there's likely one near you (AKA save on fuel too)

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Image credit: Amy Higg for The Urban List & Supplied