Whether you're looking forward to swimming with humpback whales, sipping on a craft beer in one of our epic breweries, or savouring a tranquil escape in the Hinterland, there are plenty of ways to experience our stunning winter season. Ahead, we've crafted a list of 'must-do' activities that'll have you forging rich connections with nature, sampling the delights of Queensland's Sunshine Pantry, and settling into our luxurious accommodation hotspots.
Go swimming with whales
Swimming with Whales
During winter, you’ll share our blue front yard with the humpbacks as they migrate northwards. While there are plenty of vantage points along the coast to keep watch, make sure you check out the offerings from Sunreef Mooloolaba or The Pressure Project, where you'll be able to see the beauty of these creatures up close in the water. If you’d prefer to stay dry and rugged up, Sunreef and Sunshine Coast Afloat also offer incredible whale-watching experiences that provide ‘pinch me’ moments in abundance.
Go on a Craft Beer Tour
Moffat Beach Brewery tour
The Sunshine Coast has well and truly earned its title as Australia’s Craft Beer Capital, with a slew of award-winning spots dotted along the coastline and nestled in the Hinterland. Head to a taproom, order a tasting paddle and settle in for a cosy afternoon. Loads of our breweries also have onsite restaurants slinging tasty meals (think: Mooloolaba prawns, towering burgers, and pizzas), plus live music. You can sip your way around the region with this craft beer trail, or book yourself a spot on one of these awesome tours.
Book a Hinterland escape
Spicers Clovelly
If curling up by a crackling fire and sipping vino in the middle of the rainforest sounds like the ultimate winter escape, then book in some annual leave and make tracks to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Spend your days hiking through the lush Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and the Glass House Mountains, picnic beneath the dappled sunlight at Gardners Falls, and drift to sleep in luxurious surrounds with a backdrop of native birdsong and babbling creeks. Check out some popular choices here: Scandi at Maleny, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Spicers Clovelly Estate and Lillypilly’s Cottages and Day Spa.
Eat your weight in cheese
Kenilworth Dairies, Kenilworth
Did someone say cheese? If you love all things creamy, gooey and oozy, then we have just the winter activity for you! Take the scenic countryside drive out to Kenilworth Dairies, where you'll be set to enjoy croissants bursting with all the good things (we're talking smoked ham, camembert, bush chutney, and more) and a warming coffee at Poppa's Cafe. Make sure to then load up your basket with some cheesy goodies to-go from the Cellar Door, before heading up the range towards Maleny Cheese and Maleny Food Co. The offerings are plentiful at these Sunshine Coast institutions, where you can choose from hundreds of local and international cheeses, plus award-winning gelato and baked goods.
Go artistic with a sip n paint session
Rug up on one of our cold winter nights, gather your mates, and flex your creativity with a trip to Frida’s Sip n Paint in Mooloolaba. This luxe studio is nothing like your high school art classroom! Think chandeliers, chic timber benches, and fancy glassware for you to pour your BYO bubbles and booze into. You can also bring along any nibbles you want (so, yes, that means you can bring an epic cheese board to showcase your goodies from Kenilworth and Maleny). You’ll be set up with your own paints and canvas as an instructor guides you step-by-step to create your own masterpiece to take home.
Cuddle a koala at Australia Zoo
Koala cuddles at Australia Zoo, Beerwah
There’s no better way to warm up in winter than with a cuddle from a koala (after all, it’s how we like to do things on the Sunshine Coast). Head to Australia Zoo where you can have a snuggle with one of these precious creatures, get a photo or two, and gain a whole new wealth of knowledge from the expert keepers. Want more animal encounters? No worries! You can also mingle with red pandas, rhinos, meerkats, wombats, lemurs, otters, and more.
Up your skills with a cooking class
Cooking classes at Spicers
A fun way to bring the heat this winter is with one of the Sunshine Coast’s best cooking classes. Learn a new skill, taste some decadent dishes and have a laugh with your mates while chopping, flipping and sautéing your way to a tasty meal. Learn how to blend spices at Red Hot Chilli Pepper Cooking School, discover the joys of French cuisine with a cooking class at Spicers Tamarind Retreat, and whip up Thai curries, stir-fries and plant-based feasts at Spirit House.
