Mt Ngungun, Glass House Mountains National Park
Animals and adventure
Whale watching on the Sunshine Coast
If getting up close with incredible wildlife is your thing, the Sunshine Coast has some of the country’s most iconic animal encounters. In the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, home of the Crocodile Hunter - Australia Zoo - is as wild as life gets, with daily crocodile shows, hands-on animal encounters and interactive animal demonstrations. Wildlife HQ also offers amazing intimate animal encounters with a wide variety of animals, both native to Australia and exotic.
To stay closer to the beach and get a little bit closer to its residents, head to Sea Life Sunshine Coast or go on a whale watching cruise/humpback whale swim and get acquainted with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
For thrills over chills, Aussie World and Big Kart Track offer excitement for the whole family and are easy half day experiences, giving you time to explore other areas of the Sunshine Coast. Spend your morning at any one of these amazing attractions to work yourself up to the next main event: lunch.
Foodie culture
Imperial Hotel / Eumundi Brewery, Eumundi
Unique local craft brews
Challenge your taste buds by experiencing the Sunshine Coast’s incredible innovative food. A range of world-class restaurant and cafés means foodie paradise for hungry bellies.
With markets that offer locally farmed produce and paddock to plate experiences in abundance, it’s no wonder the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s favourite food destinations. What better way to enjoy food than to wash it down with a cold one? The Sunshine Coast’s thriving craft beer scene means you're spoilt for choice when it comes to getting a taste of the region. Some favourites include Brouhaha Brewery, Your Mates Brewing Co, Moffat Beach Brewing Co and The Imperial Hotel Eumundi, just to name a few.
To get really involved in the foodie scene, join a cooking class for the day and experience the best and freshest produce on offer in the region. Learn from the masters at, Spicers Tamarind, The Long Apron, Spirit House and Amytis Gardens Retreat.
With your tummies full and satisfied, the next step is to work it all off by exploring the wonders of nature on the Sunshine Coast.
Exploration station
Hinterland exploring
With 100 km of white sandy beaches, rainforests and beachside trails, you’ll never get through it all in just a day on the Sunshine Coast, so we’ve picked out some highlights to explore if you have a few hours to spend within the region.
A favourite among locals and tourists alike is Kondalilla National Park which has a variety of walking tracks that are different grades and distances. Our favourite is the Kondalilla Falls Circuit which takes you to the base of the waterfall on a scenic hike through the rainforest.
For something a little more central to the coast but just as captivating, we recommend Buderim Forest Park, home to Serenity Falls and one of the most peaceful and natural bush walks in the region.
If you are looking for those postcard views of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, a trek up one of the Glass House Mountains should be on your agenda. With iconic lookouts from all angles, this is something to add to the bucket list when visiting the region.
After sweating it out with some hiking, what better way to cool off than by jumping in the ocean for a swim; the next stop on your day!
Life’s a beach
Kings Beach and pool
Relaxing on the sand with cooling waters lapping at its shores is what the Sunshine Coast does best. After a busy day exploring the region, what better way to close of the day than by spreading your towel and lying down to relax in the sunshine. With scenic drives hugging the coastline tightly, everywhere you stop will be a sparkling beach and perfect blue waters inviting you in for a refreshing dip!
Some of the most popular spots include, Bulcock Beach, Moffat Beach, Mooloolaba Beach and Cotton Tree Beach. Remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
