Sea Life Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast

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Kids will love this tropical oceanarium, complete with an 80m-long transparent underwater tunnel for close-up views of rays, reef fish and several species of shark. There’s interactive exhibits, live shows, presentations and – during school holidays – the option of sleeping at the aquarium overnight ($99 per person). Book online for discounted admission.

While visitors can also swim with seals, it's worth considering that animal-welfare groups believe captivity is debilitating and stressful for marine animals and exacerbated by human interaction.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Pandanus palms creep almost to the shore at Noosa National Park.

    Noosa National Park

    20.7 MILES

    Noosa's unmissable national park delivers spectacular coastal views (expect to see dolphins) and ambrosial beaches like Tea Tree Bay. The most scenic way…

  • Eumundi Markets.

    Eumundi Markets

    17.64 MILES

    This is one of Australia's most atmospheric artisan markets, attracting over 1.6-million visitors a year to its 600-plus stalls. Dive into a leafy,…

  • Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

    Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

    16.29 MILES

    The ethereal, 55-hectare Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve wraps visitors in a remnant of the subtropical rainforests that once blanketed the Blackall Range…

  • Tea Tree Bay

    Tea Tree Bay

    20.92 MILES

    Framed by spiky pandanus, Tea Tree Bay is one of Noosa's most idyllic beaches, with wild bushland emerging onto a broad sweep of sand and pellucid waves…

  • Koala at the Australia Zoo near Brisbane

    Australia Zoo

    14.65 MILES

    Just north of Beerwah is one of Queensland’s most famous tourist attractions. Australia Zoo is a fitting homage to its founder, wildlife enthusiast Steve…

  • Kondalilla National Park

    Kondalilla National Park

    15.57 MILES

    Some 2.3km north of hilltop hamlet Montville lies Kondalilla National Park, home to swimmable rock pools, spectacular views, and a 90m waterfall. If you…

  • Mt Coolum

    Mt Coolum

    8.57 MILES

    Looming 4km south of Coolum Beach is Mt Coolum (208m), an ancient volcanic dome whose peak offers spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast and its…

  • Noosa Main Beach

    Noosa Main Beach

    20.54 MILES

    Only steps away from the restaurants, bars and boutiques of Hastings St, Noosa's most popular beach is patrolled year-round. It's one of the east coast's…

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Nearby Sunshine Coast attractions

1. Queensland Air Museum

7.95 MILES

Occupying two hangars beside Caloundra airport, the volunteer-run QAM houses about 100 civilian and military aircraft, including a mid-century Douglas DC…

2. Wildlife HQ

8.03 MILES

Located at the Big Pineapple, this 8-hectare zoo houses native Australian, African, South American and rare Asian critters, among them binturongs, red…

3. Big Pineapple

8.04 MILES

Sprouting 10km west of Maroochydore, the 16m-high, fibreglass Big Pineapple is one of Queensland's most iconic and thoroughly underwhelming tourist…

4. Caloundra Regional Gallery

8.32 MILES

When you're done with catching rays and waves, sidestep to this small, sophisticated gallery. Rotating exhibitions showcase quality local and national…

5. Caloundra Street Fair

8.41 MILES

On Sunday mornings, crowds flock to Bulcock St to browse Caloundra's market stalls. You'll find everything from international street food to local art,…

6. Mt Coolum

8.57 MILES

Looming 4km south of Coolum Beach is Mt Coolum (208m), an ancient volcanic dome whose peak offers spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast and its…

7. Ginger Factory

13.34 MILES

Great for young families, this isn't so much a factory as a veritable temple to that most glorious of spices: ginger. Factory tours offer insight into how…

8. Australia Zoo

14.65 MILES

Just north of Beerwah is one of Queensland’s most famous tourist attractions. Australia Zoo is a fitting homage to its founder, wildlife enthusiast Steve…