From shooting along the Pumicestone Passage’s sparkling azure blue waters on a Jet Ski to skydiving over our sugar-white sand beaches, there is no shortage of bucket list experiences to get the blood pumping and create picture perfect moments for the ‘gram.
Jump behind the wheel of a 4WD and swap the bitumen for sand with a cruise along the beach, where the only traffic jam you’ll experience is a flock of seagulls chasing a crab.
Rainbow Beach Horse Rides
Or live out your best period drama fantasy with a horse ride through the waves, the foamy water nipping at your ankles. Stretch your legs with a hike – or a multi-day hike - through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland as you meander amongst towering trees, thundering waterfalls and natural pools.
Oceanview Heli
Gain a whole new perspective flying in a unique seaplane, soaring above in a helicopter or ziplining through the rainforest on Australia’s largest high ropes course. You can even challenge yourself and tackle Mount Tinbeerwah, which at 110 metres, happens to also be the tallest ‘natural surfaces’ abseil in the world.
There is an endless list of exhilarating water-based adventures to tackle too, from waterskiing, fishing charters to stand up paddle (SUP) tours or learning to sail. Explore below the surface with a snorkel or dive with sharks (if you dare) at some of Sunshine Coast’s most beautiful landmarks and wrecks.
Learn to surf at Julian Wilson’s home beach, paddle your way along the 'River of Mirrors' in the Noosa Everglades or spot a platypus while kayaking on the Mary River.
Dial up the smiles per miles on countless mountain bike trails, take on the stretch of coastal paths via two wheels or for more speed opt for a Quad Bike Tour.
On the Sunshine Coast, it’s all about choosing your next adventure because the possibilities are endless.
Hiking
Pull on your hiking boots, pop your phone on aeroplane mode and soak up the best nature has to offer as you wander among tall open forests, skirting waterfalls and sparkling creeks. If you’re up for a challenge take on a steep uphill trail on the rugged volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains and Mount Coolum National Parks. If you've a few days to spare, the 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk and the 102km Cooloola Great walk will see you weaving through 500,000 year old towering sand dunes, amongst coastal woodland and alongside pristine rivers - the sound of rustling trees, crashing waves and native birds providing the perfect soundtrack.
Hiking
Great Beach Drive
Deep within the spectacular Great Sandy National Park - and only accessible by 4WD along Teewah beach - Double Island Point is the pot of gold you’ll find just beyond the rainbow (Rainbow Beach that is). Have a ‘pinch me’ moment kayaking with the area’s friendliest locals - the dolphins, feel total euphoria catching the perfect wave on a surf lesson or have a stand-up paddle sesh in the pristine water.
Swimming with whales
Explore our big blue front yard and the locals who call it home. The Sunshine Coast’s stretch of coastline forms part of the ‘humpback highway’ where the gentle giants congregate in the calm, shallow waters, en route from the Antarctic to the northern tropics. From July to October you can get up close and personal with these incredible creatures on this epic tour - this is the kind of bucket list experience you’ll remember for years to come.
