ALEX HILL (THE BLUFF BEACH), ALEXANDRA HEADLAND
From the coolest cocktail bars to live music and night markets, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to hot summer nights.
There’s something for everyone with plenty of entertainment for the whole family, date night or an evening with friends – so here’s to a good night!
Crack a cold one at one of our 21 craft breweries
The Sunshine Coast is Australia’s Craft Beer Capital, and many would argue there’s no better place to spend a hot summer night than at one of our 21 breweries. We recommend cooling down with beachside brews at Moffat Beach Brewery or BlackFlag Mooloolaba, or heading to the hills for a sundowner at Brouhaha Brewery or Eumundi Brewery.
Brouhaha Brewery, Maleny
Cool down at these cocktail bars
Nothing says ‘summer’ like a refreshing spritz, and the Sunshine Coast is home to a number of cool cocktail lounges and rooftop bars. Try Kiki Bar in Maroochydore for an incredible cocktail list and snacks, or Boston Shaker Bar at The Wharf Mooloolaba which is all 1920s art deco glamour. Catch the sunset at the Mooloolaba Pavilion, Rooftop Bar and Garden, Circa Rooftop Lounge Bar and Restaurant in Maroochydore, or head to Miss Moneypenny’s Noosa who even hold cocktail making classes!
Mooloolaba Pavilion
Dance the night away to live music
No summer session is complete without live music, you’ll find venues across the Sunshine Coast have acoustic tunes setting the scene. For a night to remember, make sure to check out The Imperial Eumundi and Solbar in Maroochydore who frequently host some of Australia’s top talent for live gigs.
Shop up a storm at our night markets
The Sunshine Coast’s market trail continues after hours over summer with some of the region’s biggest and best opening their doors at twilight. Make sure to check out the Caloundra Twilight Markets on the foreshore at Bulcock Beach, Marcoola Night Markets for a relaxed night of good food and live music, Mooloolaba Sunset Markets on the esplanade and Currimundi Lake Twilight Markets for a true local vibe. The Original Eumundi Markets also holds a monthly Foodie Night Market for those summer nights.
Fire twirler at Eumundi Markets
Take a sunset cruise
Summer sunsets are worth savoring, especially when they’re over the water. Saltwater Eco Tours offer a sunset cruise with live music on board their fully-restored 100-year-old timber sailing vessel – Spray of the Coral Coast - on the beautiful Mooloolah River canals. Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba also operate there, and offer a sunset and seafood cruise. Further north, the Catalina Noosa takes you out on the pristine Noosa River for a night of cocktails and dancing.
Sunset cruise in the Mooloolah river with Coastal Cruises
See marine life after hours on a night dive
Ever wanted to go for a late-night dip? With Sunreef Mooloolaba you can! The experienced team hold night dives at some of the Sunshine Coast’s best marine hot-spots, including local reefs and the ex-HMAS Brisbane scuttled off the coast. See our marine animals as you have never seen them before as the team provide you with an ultraviolet light. Expect to see octopus, eels, lobsters, crayfish and turtles who come alive in the night time.
Snorkelling at Old Woman Island / Mudjimba Island with Sunreef
Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves
There’s something special about falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean, and on the Sunshine Coast you’re spoilt for choice. The beachside towns of Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Coolum and Noosa are home to a number of beautifully appointed beachfront apartments offering uninterrupted views and the sound of the ocean gently lapping the shore. There’s also a number of camping and caravanning parks along the coastline, perfect for those who are looking to reconnect with nature.
Camping under the stars