Winter on the Sunshine Coast is a gorgeous time of year, filled with crisp mornings, clear skies, and a whole raft of epic events and activities worth your time. We’re talking swimming fin-to-fin with whales on the humpback highway, breathing in that fresh mountain air on a forest hike, indulging in a hot chocolate high up amongst the Hinterland hills, and taking to the skies on a serene hot air balloon adventure. To help you find your next #SunshineMoment, we’ve rounded up 30 of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast when the temperatures drop.
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Swim with Whales
Swim with whales with Sunreef, Mooloolaba
This winter, meet some fellow (non-human!) visitors on a spectacular swim-with-whales experience with the crews from Sunreef Mooloolaba (pictured) and The Pressure Project. You'll experience the magic of a close encounter with these majestic mammals while gliding along the cool, deep waters of the humpback highway. Dive into more details about our whale season here.
Go hot air ballooning
Hot air ballooning over Glass House Mountains with Sunshine Coast Ballooning
If there’s one thing our crisp, clear winter mornings are made for, it's hot air ballooning. Rug up warm and feel any regrets around an early start wash away as you witness the peachy sunrise glow spreading over the region with Sunshine Coast Ballooning.
Treat yourself to High Tea
Flaxton Gardens
Give in to the winter comfort food cravings by indulging in a luxurious high tea experience at Flaxton Gardens (pictured), where you'll be treated to a mouthwatering selection of sweet and savoury treats. Save us a seat!
Seek out sunrise (and sunset)
Our sunrises and sunsets REALLY turn it on in winter... so it’s worth setting the alarm early. Rug up warm and take your pick from scenic spots along our 100km of coastline to watch the crisp dawn light spilling out over the ocean. Don’t just linger by the sea, though! Come twilight, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland countryside looks extra magical under the golden glow of the late afternoons. Make sure you bring a camera to the likes of McCarthy’s Lookout and Howell’s Knob Lookout to snap up the sights of the Glass House Mountains in the distance.
Take a coastal stroll
Point Perry, Coolum Beach
Start your winter days on the right note with a coastal stroll, where dreamy ocean views are just the start of the ‘I-spy’ fun. Along with offering up an easy way to see dolphins and turtles flitting beneath the waves, lookout spots such as Point Perry in Coolum (pictured) make fantastic vantage points to catch sight of migrating humpback whales offshore.
Outdoor adventures
Kayak the Everglades with Kanu Kapers
Kanu Kapers, Noosa Everglades, Great Sandy National Park
Switch off Spotify and allow the chorus of local birdsong to become your playlist. More than 40 percent of Australia's bird species call the pristine grounds of the Noosa Everglades home, ensuring they're a 'must-do' during winter if you're a nature lover. One of the best ways to explore the glassy waters is by kayaking with the experienced team at Kanu Kapers.
Learn to Surf
Coolum Learn to Surf School, Coolum Beach
Surf’s up year-round on the Sunshine Coast from the glassy waves of Noosa (a World Surf Reserve), to one of Australia’s longest waves at Double Island Point. Want to polish up your skills? A lesson with Coolum Surf School will have you hanging 10 in no time.
Hike the Glass House Mountains
Mt Ngungun, Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Make the most of our cool winter days and connect with the earth while taking in the sights of our stunning Glass House Mountains: a formation of 11 ancient volcanic peaks that formed more than 25 million years ago. Sunrise is particularly spectacular from the summit of Mount Ngungun, while McCarthy's Lookout in Maleny is a great vantage point to enjoy a breathtaking vista of the mountains without needing to set out on a hike.
Spot wildlife
Noosa Oceanrider
There’s something special about spotting dolphins in the wild, and with Noosa Ocean Rider, you’ll be at one with the creatures of the big blue on their Dolphin Safari or Whale Watching Tour.
Swim with turtles
If you're ready to dip below the surface, make sure you check out the range of turtle snorkelling tour offerings available here, including the Snorkel with Turtles experience with the Blue Tortuga Adventures crew. As you dip below the surface and swim across the beautiful Mudjimba Island reef, be sure to keep an eye out for everything from eagle rays to tropical fish and more.
Fly high over the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Oceanview Helicopters, Sunshine Coast
Strap yourself in for all the incredible scenes with a scenic helicopter flight over the coast and hinterland with Oceanview Helicopters. Oh, and did we mention you can even choose a Fly ‘n’ Dine experience taking you to scenic destinations by air for epic eats? Count us in.
Day trips
Discover the Noosa Hinterland
Pomona Distilling Co.
Pop on the jeans and boots and turn the car towards the Noosa Hinterland: an enchanting region awash with natural beauty, country charm, and culinary delights. We particularly recommend stopping in for a tipple of local gin at Pomona Distilling Co.
Journey to the Mary Valley
The Mary Valley Rattler, Gympie
Filled with ancient forests, clear waterways, music, and charming heritage towns, the Mary Valley is an unmissable destination in winter. Your first stop? Make 'tracks' for the Mary Valley Rattler – a restored heritage steam train that takes you back in time on a scenic rail journey through the countryside.
Head to the Hinterland
Poet's Cafe, Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The dropping mercury and chilly mornings are a sure sign to head for the Hinterland hills. Here, you'll indulge in luxurious escapes, fabulous brews, and celebrated restaurants that will warm you from the inside out.
Get creative in Eumundi
The Original Eumundi Markets, Eumundi
From shopping at the Eumundi Markets to finding your next page-turner at Berkelouw Book Barn, Eumundi is a haven for local creatives. Make sure to time your trip around the markets held each Wednesday and Saturday, while keeping room in your diary for a trip to Matso's across the road for a glass of their classic ginger beer.
Explore Buderim Forest Park
Experience another side of the Sunshine Coast with a stroll through pockets of sub-tropical rainforest at Buderim Forest Park. You'll find it hard to believe that this lush sanctuary of cascading waterfalls is barely ten minutes away from the coastal beauty of Mooloolaba.
Eat
Enjoy a meal at Warrior Restaurant & Bar
Warrior Restaurant & Bar
Escape the winter chill and take your pick from an enticing menu that spotlights local flavours at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge's Warrior Restaurant & Bar. As you settle back in the cosy surroundings with a cocktail in hand, you'll be in the ideal spot to unwind after a busy day of adventures exploring Australia Zoo. Cheers!
Do a wine tasting at Flame Hill Vineyard
Wine tasting at Flame Hill Vineyard, Montville, Queensland
Perched on one of the highest points in Montville, Flame Hill Vineyard is the perfect place to kick back with a vino (or two) and dig into a local cheese platter while you soak in the views over the estate’s vines.
Go farm to fork with a food tour
Creative Tours
Discover the stories and local secrets behind some of our most popular products on a guided food tour. Taste your way through Queensland's Sunshine Pantry, with tours offering samples featuring everything from fermented goodness (who doesn't love kimchi?) to chocolate. Check out our guide to the best food tours on the Sunshine Coast here.
Spirit House Cooking School
If the cool winter weather makes you feel a little *extra* hungry, channel your appetite into some new skills at the Spirit House Cooking School. Here, you'll gain a new understanding of the delicious complexities of Asian ingredients and methods. The experience also includes a feed, and a wine: a double win!
Stock up on cheese at Maleny
Cheese platter at Maleny Food Co, Maleny. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Since as far back as the late 1800s, Maleny has been a hub of dairy production with small farmers and creameries dotting the countryside. Today, Maleny still remains a hotspot for all things cheese. Taste your way through some of the best in the business with visits to Maleny Cheese and Maleny Food Co.
Go gin tasting
Sunshine & Sons, Woombye, Sunshine Coast
No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a visit to some of our local distilleries, including Sunshine and Sons in Woombye (Nambour region). The crew here craft their gin using a blend of locally sourced botanicals like lemon myrtle and finger lime, and have previously scooped the title of World's Best (Botanical Vodka category) at the World Vodka Awards. Meanwhile, BeachTree Distilling Co in Caloundra took home World's Best Craft Producer at the 2024 Icons of Gin Awards.
Explore Australia’s Craft Beer Capital
Brouhaha tasting paddle
Did you know? The Sunshine Coast is home to more craft breweries per capita than any state or territory in Australia, which has earned us the title of Australia’s Craft Beer Capital. From hoppy IPAs to crisp lagers, our region's breweries are producing some of the country’s best craft beer. Jump on a tour or follow our craft beer map to get a proper taste of what's on offer.
Enjoy a cosy stay
Embrace all the winter vibes by cosying up in one of the Sunshine Coast's luxurious stays. Discover our abundance of boutique accommodation spots, farm stays, and more right here.
Events
Hone your green thumb at the Queensland Garden Show
Queensland Garden Show, Nambour
The multi-day Queensland Garden Show is a must-visit winter event for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts from all over Australia. Held annually at the expansive Nambour Showgrounds, this celebration of plants and the outdoors features hundreds of exhibitors all showcasing the latest trends, tips, and tricks in the gardening world. With entertainment for the kids, plenty of food trucks, and live talks from celebrity experts (previous speakers have included Costa Georgiadis from Gardening Australia), this is an event you won't want to miss.
Discover Noosa Alive! Festival
With outdoor stages and multiple pop-up installations, there's always something new and exciting to enjoy at the Noosa Alive! Festival in July. Discover Noosa's unique blend of creativity and natural beauty at this entertaining arts and culture festival. Whether you're a seasoned culture vulture or a first-time festival-goer, Noosa Alive! is an unforgettable experience.
Eat your way through The Curated Plate
Long Table Lunch, The Curated Plate. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
The Curated Plate is the Sunshine Coast’s leading food festival that brings together some of the world's most talented chefs and local producers. The festival offers a series of mouthwatering culinary events – from intimate masterclasses to epic food and drink experiences, all set against the stunning backdrop of the region's beaches, forests, and farms.
Dust off your cowboy boots and head to Gympie Music Muster
Held annually in the rolling hills of the Mary Valley, this four-day festival is a true celebration of all things country. With multiple stages hosting the best in local and international country music, as well as a packed program of workshops, markets, and other activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy at the Gympie Music Muster.
Celebrate diversity at The Rangebow Festival
Under the themes of diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability and reconciliation, The Rangebow Festival celebrates the glittering creative community of the Blackall Range. Come along to enjoy a range of performances, music, First Nations food, and more.
The Australian Wearable Art Festival
Fashionistas, this one's for you! The Australian Wearable Art Festival is a unique experience celebrating artistic creativity and avant-garde designs. Sit back and admire the dramatic creations as models strut down the catwalk, with entries from across Australia and overseas on display.
Keep the fun times rolling by discovering more things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
