Emu Mountain, Noosa National Park
With our award-winning restaurants, immersive cultural experiences and walking trails in abundance, winter on the Sunshine Coast will have you booking your next holiday here before you even leave! Read on to find out how you can fill your days over a long-weekend (or mid-week escape) in this spectacular part of Australia.
Day one: Caloundra
The Pocket Espresso Bar, Moffat Beach
Kick start your winter getaway at the Sunshine Coast’s southern belle, Caloundra. Pop on a jumper to beat the early morning chill and start your day with a warming breakfast at local favourite, The Pocket Espresso Bar. They’re here famous for slinging smooth coffee and delicious eats: think trendy avo toast with beetroot hummus and maple-candied walnuts, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes served alongside hokey pokey ice-cream.
Kings Beach
Walk off your brekky with a stroll along the scenic coastal pathway. You’ll meander along the
Norfolk pine-fringed cliff tops of Caloundra, starting at Moffat Beach and making your way to the northern end of King’s Beach. Reward yourself with a light lunch and drink at the Kings Beach Bar, where you'll find everything from fish tacos to Aperol Spritz on the menu.
Moffat Beach Brewing Co, Moffat Beach
Back in downtown Caloundra, it’s time to scope out the street art trail (find out more here), or head to Caloundra's award-winning distillery, Beachtree Distilling Co., to pick up a souvenir or two. Be sure to grab a bottle of their Organic Koala Gin (with notes of lemon myrtle, marshmallow leaf, lime and vanilla) to take home with you. Still thirsty? You won’t regret a visit to Moffat Beach Brewing Co.
After a big day out, rest your head at Rumba Beach Resort. The luxury, beachfront apartment will be your base for the next two nights and trust us, you won’t want to leave.
Day two: Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba Spit
Arrive in Mooloolaba hungry because you’re going to be in a fabulous foodie hotspot here. Start your culinary tour at The Velo Project where the vibes are always high and the meals are always tasty. Next, it’s time to check out Kenilworth Bakery’s new outpost on the Mooloolaba Wharf. Grab a coffee and a donut while strolling around the precinct’s boardwalk, before making your way to Sunreef Mooloolaba for a spot of whale watching. Rug up and climb aboard Sunreef’s boat for the ultimate guided tour that will see you getting up close and personal with our migrating humpbacks.
Rice Boi, Mooloolaba
Back on dry land, stick around The Wharf for lunch at the mouthwatering Rice Boi. This Asian fusion eatery serves up plenty of umami flavour bombs: we're talking 10-hour coconut braised beef, spring rolls, and katsu curry fries.
When the sun sets and the temperature drops, channel your inner art buff at Frida’s Sip n’ Paint Mooloolaba studio. Take in the elegant interior of this swanky spot, adorned with chandeliers and timber benches, while your host guides you step by step to create an artistic masterpiece. Bring your own snacks (a cheeseboard is a great idea) and booze: you’re on holiday after all!
Day three: Coolum Beach
Paddleboard at Coolum Beach
Jump in the car and head north to the laid-back town of Coolum Beach. Here you’ll find a stunning strip of sugar-white sand and sparkling azure water that's patrolled all year round: bonus points for you if you brave the winter water temperatures and start your day with a refreshing dip! Post sandy stroll, head to Canteen Kitchen + Bar for brunch. This relaxed seaside eatery serves delicious dishes like a sunrise papaya boat, and jalapeno corn hotcackes... all with a side of ocean breeze.
Sunrise from Mt Coolum
Next get your body moving (and warmed up) with a visit to Mount Coolum National Park. Mount Coolum offers 360-degree views of the region with vistas stretching from Point Cartwright and the Glass House Mountains, to Blackall Range and Noosa Heads. Climb the 800-metre track just before sunset for the best views.
Come dinner time you can’t go wrong with a meal at the Coolum Surf Club. All of their melt-in-your-mouth steaks are cooked over an ironbark-fuelled coal pit, giving them a sweet and smokey taste you won’t easily forget. Rest your head for the night at The Beach Retreat. Perched on the edge of Coolum’s beachfront, it’s got a heated outdoor swimming pool, two spa pools, and a sauna to warm you up on those cooler winter nights.
Day four: Noosa
Kayaking down the Noosa Everglades. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Round out your winter vacay with a day spent strolling around the streets of gorgeous Noosa. A great way to start the day here is hiking through Noosa National Park or visiting the Noosa Everglades. One of only two everglade systems in the world, this stunning spot is often referred to as the River of Mirrors thanks to the stunning reflections in the water. Stretching 60 km of narrow waterways and native flora and fauna, this is an ideal spot to jump on a sustainable kayak tour with Kanu Kapers for an epic insight into this incredible place.
Land & Sea Brewery, Noosaville
Feeling thirsty? Head to Land & Sea Brewery for one of their refreshing ales. Jump on a brewery tour, learn all about the brewing process, and finish with a tasting paddle and meal at their onsite restaurant. We're talking loaded nachos, halloumi fries, burgers, and more. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing treatment at Ikatan Day Spa, before making your way to dinner at Sum Yung Guys: a popular, modern Asian eatery run by celebrity chef Matt Sinclair.
