Stays done right
Drum roll, please. The doors to Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel open in April this year, perfectly positioned within walking distance of the ocean. Need we say more? Rising high over 12 levels, and with 17 accessible rooms, this dreamy spot knows how to turn on the luxe coastal charm. You’ll want to take the elevator up to the rooftop for the real stars of the show: a sparkling pool and a spacious restaurant and bar with sweeping views across the Sunshine Coast.
If a Noosa jaunt is calling your name in 2026, make sure you take a peek at Elysium Noosa Resort. Nestled along the iconic Hastings Street, freshly redesigned rooms and suites await in this chic base for your holiday adventures. There’s extra good news for the foodies, too, with celebrated restauranteurs Alessandro and Anna Pavoni making their Queensland debut with the award-winning Italian dining experience, Cibaria, plus a coastal-inspired Bar Capri.
Elysium Noosa Resort. Photographer: Elise Hassey
For a luxurious farm stay done right, Sixty6 Acres in Woombye has got you covered. You can now unwind in their six new mineral plunge pools, get set up at one of their new 93 powered sites for caravans and campers, plus enjoy a taste of the Sunshine Coast’s rich local produce at The Farmhouse, their onsite hilltop restaurant.
Magnesium pools at Sixty6 Acres, Woombye, Sunshine Coast
Picture this: you’re relaxing in a private cabin with views out towards the lush beauty of Conondale National Park, home to the iconic turquoise waters of Booloumba Creek. Sound good? Better yet, the all-new Seven Hills Estate isn’t just surrounded by greenery: it’s also green at heart. This regenerative eco farm-stay invites you to slow down, reconnect, and discover the rhythm of nature.
New restaurants you’ll love
There’s a new Mexican restaurant in town, and it’s time to pull up a seat at the table. Located in the buzzing Bokarina Beach, Playa Mexican delivers a fresh, coastal-inspired take on authentic Mexican cuisine.
We’re talking corn ribs, reef fish ceviche, mushroom tacos and more. Save us some guac, and we’ll see you there.
Dining at Playa Mexican, Bokarina
Located one of the prettiest settings on the Sunshine Coast, you’ll find Alsahwa Estate. You’ll quickly discover loads to love about this new farm-to-fork hinterland hotspot in Palmwoods – from its spectacular gardens through to the restaurant, ēthos, which features a Mediterranean inspired menu crafted with ingredients sourced from the grounds and local farmers.
If you haven’t already, make 2026 the year you visit The Woodshed at the Kin Kin Hotel. The Head Chef here has a culinary background spanning Michelin-starred kitchens in the UK, so from the moment you step through the candlelit doorway into the old agricultural shed, you know you’re going to be in for a treat. At the restaurant’s heart is an open fire kitchen where you can sit back, relax, and watch the action.
Dining at The Woodshed, Kin Kin. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Think surf and turf, but better. Delicious seafood meets dry-aged steak with a Japanese fusion twist at a new Mooloolaba waterfront restaurant, Fish House Steak & Grill. Tuck into some of the finest ocean delights, some of which has been delivered daily from the Mooloolaba wharves, before sinking your teeth into a premium grilled, dry-aged steak. We don’t blame you for feeling hungry already.
Situated right near the Noosa River, Colombo Foodies Noosa is a new ‘must-taste’ for all things Sri Lankan street food. Fill up on a spread of clay pot coconut fish curry, fresh local mud crab, mutton pan rolls, plantain chips and more.
Take a tour
When the sun slips below the horizon and the stars come out to play, the Sunshine Coast is the place to be for some spectacular night sky scenes. Thanks to the minimal light pollution in our elevated hinterland areas, we’re in the prime position for catching a glimpse of distant constellations, shooting stars, and even the shimmering arc of the Milky Way. Don’t miss the chance to head out on a new Night Sky Journey experience (weather permitting) offered by Mystic Mountain Tours. With local experts to guide the way, you’ll get taken to the best vantage points to soak up the sights.
Stargazing in Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Credit: Dr Ken Wishaw
Next, you’ll want to set aside a full day in your itinerary for Tasty Tours’ new Tasty Tucker culinary journey. The line-up includes a deep dive into the history and customs of the Kabi Kabi people, the Traditional Owners of the land, a Bushtucker Cruise with Saltwater Eco Tours, and a stop-off at Beachtree Distilling Co – Australia's most awarded organic distillery.
Combine our legendary surf culture with five epic days of lessons across some of our most iconic spots with an all-new Sunshine Coast Surf Camp. Hosted by the Australian Surf Bus, you can hone your skills on the board at local gems like Noosa and Double Island Point, while still getting time to enjoy sunset walks and stargazing from some of our region’s most scenic campsites.
Australian Surf Bus, Sunshine Coast
With a First Nations tour guide leading the way, the Saltwater Canoe Tour shines a special spotlight on the glistening Mooloolah River as you paddle along. Everyone can enjoy the experience, too, thanks to pioneering equipment that allows access for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility challenges.
Canoe Tours with Saltwater Eco Tours. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Immerse yourself in nature
Dial your forest bathing game up a notch in 2026 with Held Outside. Immersed in the Sunshine Coast’s most beautiful national parks, Held Outside offers nature connection experiences with a local guide that’ll help you slow down, develop your senses, and tune in with nature. And... breathe.
Fans of outdoor baths will find plenty to love in the newly opened Kin Kin Spring Bathhouses, tucked away in the lush Kin Kin valley. As you kick back in one of two rustic hillside bathhouses, keep an eye out for the neighbours... the cows, horses, and native wildlife, that is!
Kin Kin Spring Bathhouses, Noosa Hinterland
The Sunshine Coast’s most stylish new floating venue, The Boat Mooloolaba, has set sail. Offering sunset cruises, private events, cocktails, and unforgettable coastal vibes, float away from The Wharf Mooloolaba and enjoy local musicians with a golden hour backdrop on a sunset session cruise. Cheers.
Sunset on The Boat, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Holiday on the Sunshine Coast... with your dog
Pet lovers, this one’s for you. In case you missed the headlines, the Sunshine Coast is one of the FIRST destinations in the Virgin Australia network to welcome pets on board. With Virgin’s new in-cabin option, small dogs and cats can now fly alongside their owners in approved carriers. If you’ve ever wanted to show your furry friend why you love the Sunshine Coast so much, now is your chance.
Events to stick around for
Long Table Lunch, The Curated Plate.. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Horizon Festival (1-10 May) - Celebrating 10 artistic years in 2026, Horizon Festival is BACK with new contemporary art experiences that showcase the Sunshine Coast’s diversity and connect local stories with global conversations.
The Curated Plate (24 July – 2 August) - 10 delicious days await at The Curated Plate, the Sunshine Coast’s hugely popular celebration of our local food scene. Renowned chef and Festival Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita will be returning this year to cook up an even bigger festival, so stay tuned.
For more Sunshine Coast event details, check out our guide.
By Visit Sunshine Coast
Published 19 days ago