Booloumba Falls, Conondale National Park
Reinvigorate your love for life as you experience those things you've always wanted to do but wouldn’t normally make time for. All within easy reach, you can pack many of these thrilling experiences into one action-packed escape, or keep coming back for more.
Forge connections to our ancient land
Saltwater Eco Tours, The Curated Plate. Photo credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Take to the sparkling waters of the Mooloolah River on Gubbi Gubbi | Kabi Kabi Country with Saltwater Eco Tours. You'll hop aboard their gorgeous historic vessel, Spray of the Coral Coast, and set sail on a tour celebrating our local culture, ingredients, and history. The tour provides a front-row seat to some of the Sunshine Coast's most impressive waterfront mansions, while also offering a unique vantage point to the Mooloolaba wharf and scenic landmarks.
Cuddle a camel
Qcamel Dairy
Each Saturday, QCamel opens its farm gates for a unique 'Camel Cuddles' experience. Here, you'll have the opportunity to meet their (very) friendly herd and get the inside knowledge about the world's only certified-organic camel milk. Make sure to bring along your selfie game! Bookings are required for this one, so head across to QCamel's website for more information.
Hike to the summit of Mt Ngungun
Mount Ngungun, Glass House Mountains
Lace up your hiking boots and head for Mt Ngungun, one of our iconic Glass House Mountains. One of the best parts of the Mt Ngungun hike is its relatively short duration (but make sure you're reasonably fit, as the track becomes quite steep). At the top, you're rewarded with sweeping views across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, including the peaks of Mt Coonowrin and Mt Beerwah. For an added touch of golden light, head up in the twilight hours to experience a truly spectacular sunset spot.
Paragliding at Rainbow Beach
Carlo Sandblow, Rainbow Beach. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Looking for some action and adventure? Make memories to last a lifetime by drifting high above the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach with the crew from SEQ Paragliding. Strap on your GoPro and take the tandem approach for a truly magical experience above some of our most spectacular coastal landmarks.
Experience Australia's Craft Beer Capital
Blackflag Brewery and Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours
In case you missed it, the Sunshine Coast is truly the craft beer capital of Australia. At the end of a full day's exploring, you'll be in the best place to grab a coldie from one of our nationally-recognised breweries (or better yet, relax back on a local tour). If beer isn't your thing, local gin distilleries and wineries have been popping up across our coastal shores and hinterland forests. Check out Flame Hill Vineyard in the rolling hills of Montville, or visit the award-winning Sunshine & Sons at The Big Pineapple.
Paddle the Noosa Everglades
Noosa Everglades
Jump in a kayak and carve your way through the glassy waters of the Noosa Everglades. You won't want to miss this one: after all, there are only two everglade systems in the whole world (the other is in Florida). Witness the impressive array of native flora and fauna from your vessel, and allow the rustling of the surrounding bushland to become your new favourite soundtrack. For an informative guided tour through this spectacular stretch of wilderness, check out the offerings from the team at Kanu Kapers.
Head to the kitchen
Cooking classes at Spicers
Up your culinary game by learning from the master chefs at Sunshine Coast's top cooking schools. Add some spice to your life with an immersive lesson at The Spirit House Restaurant and Cooking School, Spicers Tamarind Retreat, or Red Hot Chilli Pepper.
Experience Booloumba Creek
Conondale National Park
Have you truly experienced the Sunshine Coast if you haven't splashed through the pristine turquoise waters of Booloumba Creek in Conondale National Park? This secluded spot is beloved by locals for its stunning natural colours and serene forest backdrop. Plus, if you feel like staying longer, you'll find several camping sites located nearby.
Learn to surf
Surf lesson at Coolum Beach
Have your own Julian Wilson moment and learn to surf at his local beach with Coolum Surf School. From beginners to those more experienced, a day out surfing at Coolum beach is an iconic way to break into the Sunshine Coast way of life. Plus, once you've worked up an appetite, you can head straight for the Coolum Surf Club to enjoy some well-earned local seafood.
Tackle the Great Walk
Kondalilla Falls
Spend your evenings beneath the stars by setting out on the 58km, four-day Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. Along the way, keep watch for the 100+ species of birds which reside in the encompassing subtropical rainforest, and dip your toes into the cooling waterholes spilling out from spectacular gushing falls.
Jump out of a plane
Skydive Noosa
Get your heart rate pumping as you leap out of an aeroplane with the team from Skydive Noosa. Embrace the adrenaline rush during 60 exhilarating seconds of free-fall, before drifting into a magical glide across our magnificent blue coastline.
Try a Hinterland hike
Baxter Falls
Not keen on a multi-day adventure, but still want to check out some epic views? We've got an abundance of idyllic hikes across the Sunshine Coast region to suit a range of fitness levels. In the Hinterland, you'll want to traverse the trail through the lush forest down towards Kondalilla Falls, or seek out the suspension bridge at Baxter Falls. Meanwhile, at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, you'll find the picturesque Glider Gallery boardwalk, which features a wheelchair-compliant pathway.
Dinner at an award-winning restaurant
Market Bistro
Tantalise your tastebuds and indulge in an award-winning meal at one of our acclaimed Hatted restaurants. We're talking Mooloolaba prawn toast from Sum Yung Guys, eggplant parmigiana from Market Bistro and sumptuous contemporary Asian fusion cuisine at Spice Bar.
Chase a magical beach sunrise
Sunrise at Point Cartwright Beach, Kawana Region
Whether it's summer, autumn, winter or spring, you'll be in for a treat if you rise early to catch sunrise at one of our beaches. Local favourite spots include watching the golden light extending across the Pacific Ocean from Point Cartwright, Little Cove (Noosa), and Mudjimba Beach.
Experience our nightlife
WAT Den. Credit @chevaunehindley
Nightlife on the Sunshine Coast? We've got you covered. Discover our diverse range of twilight markets, live performances, and delightful cocktails available at our cosy wine bars. If you're keen to party into the night, head down to Ocean Street in Maroochydore and Mooloolaba.
Embrace tee-time
Golfers are spoilt for choice on the Sunshine Coast, with world-class resort and public access courses set alongside stunning national parks and waterways. Explore championship courses at Pelican Waters, Twin Waters, or check out the offerings at Beerwah, Caloundra, Buderim, Mt Coolum or Maleny.
Spend the night in a treehouse
Step into a real-life fairytale-style setting at Secrets on the Lake in Montville. Nestled amongst a lush forest setting along the shores of Lake Baroon, Secrets is a truly secluded getaway location. Here, you'll find stunning hand-carved treehouses set high above the ground, connected by a series of suspended walkways. Enjoy your lunch with lakeside views, or take a kayak out for a paddle on the water, before settling into a hot spa bath teeming with bubbles.
Make a new furry friend
Meet the wildlife at Australia Zoo
Feed a giraffe, cuddle a koala, or pat a wombat while participating in one of the beautiful animal encounters on offer at Australia Zoo. Wildlife HQ also offers a range of different animal experiences, including popular primate, reptile and meerkat encounters. Alternatively, dive in and swim with seals at Sea Life Sunshine Coast in Mooloolaba.
Picnic at Cotton Tree
Cotton Tree beach
It mightn't sound too exciting, but picnics get taken to a whole new level at the coastal hub of Cotton Tree in Maroochydore. Here, you'll find plenty of green open space right next to the sparkling river as it channels out towards the ocean. With a massive playground for the kids, SUP-board hire nearby, and the scent of hot fish and chips drifting through the breeze from The Boat Shed, you'll be set for a classic holiday afternoon here.
Climb Mount Coolum
Sunrise at Mount Coolum
Tick this massive monolith off your list and hike the 800m track to the summit of Mount Coolum's impressive dome, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding coast and hinterland. Sunrise is a particularly popular time to experience our region adorned in all its golden beauty.
