Eumundi markets family walking
There’s also less traffic making it the ideal time to enjoy a leisurely drive along the coast or into the beautiful hinterland.
Our travel sleuths have spoken to the locals and have come up with some pretty good reasons to book that mid-week escape.
Accommodation specials
Everyone needs a break from the daily routine, and who says you should wait until the weekend to take one? A midweek getaway gives you the chance to reboot, recharge and reconnect. What's more, travelling on a week day will usually save you time, money & hassle. Mid-week is a great time to take advantage of accommodation specials. Make sure you check out our deals page to help you find the best value. There will be something to suit your taste including entire homes, apartments, boutique hotels, villas and B&Bs. Book your for real stay here.
Strolling through Montville
Visit the Eumundi Markets
One of the highlights of a trip to the Sunshine Coast is definitely a visit to Eumundi. This famous market town has a unique, creative atmosphere and the markets held on Saturday and Wednesday every week are jam packed with crafts, clothing and food made by local artisans. If you want to avoid the crowds at these very popular markets, Wednesday is the day to visit. The locals are at work, there are less tourists – and you will get a park. While you’re in town don’t forget to check out what’s happening in the street. Check out the fabulous Berkelouw Book store across the road; or you can book in for a Wednesday Eumundi Brewery Tasting Tour at the Imperial Hotel where you can learn about the beer making process and enjoy a ‘tasting log’ (Eumundi is an old timber town after all!).
The Eumundi Markets
Hiking, biking and gardens
The Sunshine Coast coastal pathways are generally flat terrain, making a bicycle a great way to explore the area. Rusty’s bike hire services the coast and delivers across from Mooloolaba to Alexandra Headland, Cotton Tree, Maroochydoore, Marcoola and Caloundra. You can choose from a range of bicycles including e-bikes, cruisers and fat tyre bikes which are great for beach riding.
Maleny Botanical Gardens
There are endless hiking trails and if you are lucky you may just get the tracks all to yourself, particularly if you head into the Hinterland. Just ten minutes from Mooloolaba is the Mooloolah River National Park. It protects valuable remnants of coastal lowland habitat—rainforest, open eucalypt woodlands, melaleuca forests, wallum banksia woodlands, scribbly gum open forests, wallum heath and sedgelands. If you are looking for serenity this spot is definitely worth exploring.
There are also some stunning gardens waiting to be explored. The Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden is a hidden gem. While you’re there take a stroll around the Sculpture Garden which features around 30 works that were created at the International Stone Sculpture Symposium held in 2005. If you are looking for a view of the Glasshouse Mountains its worth a trip to the Maleny Botanic Gardens or Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
Wine and dine
Dining out doesn’t need to wait until the weekend! Ninth Street at Mooloolaba Wharf has a special cheap Tuesday chicken wings and beer combo for $10. And you can’t go past Monday nights at Three Bar & Grill in Dicky Beach. For $33 you can feast on a 300-gram steak (you choose between rib fillet, wagyu rump or porterhouse), two sides, a sauce and a drink to wash it all down. It’s also worth checking out Coolum restaurant, Canteen’s weekly special menu – for $55 from Sunday to Thursday, you’ll score two main meals and a bottle of sauvignon blanc or cabernet sauvignon.
Sunset at the Wharf
For something special you could book in for a cooking school at the Spirit House in Yandina or take a tour at one of the region’s craft brewerys where you can meet the makers while you taste the local beer.
No queues!
Let’s be honest life is better without queues. Mid-week is a great time to check out the wildlife attractions such as Australia Zoo or SEALIFE and get up close with a Koala or feed the meerkats. There’s also great Whale Watching with Sunshine Coast Afloat who also do fishing tours, or if you are feeling adventurous you can even go swimming with the whales at Sunreef from July to November.
If you want to experience the Sunshine Coast at its best, have the beach to yourself and take it all in at a leisurely pace its worth considering a Monday to Thursday break. While you’re at it book in a few long lunches too!
Swim with whales, Mooloolaba