From Greg Norman-designed golf courses to horse riding and mountain biking, the Sunshine Coast has something for everyone!
Explore the region from a different perspective with horse riding through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland or along the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, tackle the tracks at Sugarbag Road Mountain Biking Trails, cast a line at some local fishing spots or tee off at one of the many golf courses across the region.
The options are limitless, from sailing, scuba or free diving for water lovers, to a bird watching adventure in the Noosa Everglades – the choice is yours
Golf
The Sunshine Coast is home to some of Australia’s most picturesque golf courses.
On the southern-end of the region, Pelican Waters Golf Club was designed by Greg Norman, offering 18 holes and spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. Further north, Twin Waters Golf Club is a world-class 18-hole, par 72 championship course designed by five times British Open champion Peter Thomson and partner Mike Wolveridge.
Peregian Golf Club is a premium golfing facility while Maroochy River Golf Club offers views of iconic Mount Coolum and was designed by Graham Marsh and a short drive north is Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort’s 18-hole course is a must-visit.
If you’re looking for a truly Sunshine Coast experience, enjoy a round at the award-winning Maleny Golf Club; a public golf course operating within a picturesque links-style setting bounded by the Obi Obi Creek. Each of the 18 holes presents its own challenge and the Graham Papworth-designed course is maintained to a very high standard.
Horse riding and mountain biking
Whether on two wheels or four legs, take in the Sunshine Coast from a different perspective with a mountain biking or horse riding adventure!
Sugarbag Road Mountain Biking Trails offers more than 50 built timber features across 12km of trails, perfect for those with a bit of experience under their belt.
You can also explore the region on horseback. Rainbow Beach Horse Rides offer incredible beach riding experiences with views of the coloured sands on Rainbow Beach, while Mary Valley Adventure Trails will take you through beautiful countryside in the state forests.
Fishing
With more than 100km of sparkling blue coastline, beautiful rivers and hinterland lakes, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect place to cast a line.
As well as beach fishing, there are a number of fishing spots the locals love, from Caloundra Boardwalk to Golden Beach, Pumicestone Passage or the Maroochy or Noosa Rivers where you can fish from the banks or take out a tinny.
Inland, try your luck at Baroon Pocket Dam, Ewan Maddock Dam or Lake McDonald that are teeming with Australian Bass.
For those with more experience, there are a number of charters offering deep-sea fishing adventures off the coast that will take you out for the day or even overnight adventures.
Birdwatching
The Sunshine Coast’s pristine natural environment makes it one of the best places in Australia to go bird watching.
Did you know the Noosa Everglades - which is one of only two everglades systems in the world - is home to 44 per cent of Australian bird species that visit or live in the area? Expect to see everything from pelicans to ducks, cormorants, eagles or a rare jabiru.
Further north in Tin Can Bay, the Great Sandy Strait supports 38 species of shorebirds including 18 migratory species.
For a real hidden gem, Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary is home to more than 200 different types of birds, explore the boardwalk, and make sure to pop in to the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary Visitor Information Centre.
A number of Sunshine Coast attractions also celebrate native and exotic bird species, such as Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World whose aviaries are home to more than 700 birds, and Australia Zoo that holds regular Birds of Prey and Parrot conservation shows.
