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Matt Munro

Sunshine Coast

A place of flawless beaches, coveted surf and laid-back, sun-kissed locals, the Sunshine Coast spreads a golden 100km from the tip of Bribie Island to the Cooloola Coast. Resort towns dot the coast, each with its own appeal and vibe, from chic, cosmopolitan Noosa to easy, hip Caloundra. For tens of thousands of years, these coastal plains have belonged to the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) people, known as the mwoirnewar (the saltwater people) to the Jinibara people of the neighbouring hinterland.

Lush and cool, the Sunshine Coast hinterland is where you'll find the ethereal Glass House Mountains, dramatic volcanic plugs shrouded in ancient mythology. The spirit of modern Australian icon Steve Irwin lives on at nearby Australia Zoo, while further north, the Blackall Range serves up thick forests, lush pastures and quaint villages alive with artisanal food shops and crafty boutiques.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Sunshine Coast.

  • See

    Noosa National Park

    Noosa's unmissable national park delivers spectacular coastal views (expect to see dolphins) and ambrosial beaches like Tea Tree Bay. The most scenic way to reach it is on the accoya-tree boardwalk along the coast from town. At the entrance, the Noosa National Park Information Centre has free walking maps and information on the day's koala sightings; the adjoining kiosk brews great coffee. The most popular trail is the Coastal Walk; allow at least 1½ hours for the return trip.

  • See

    Eumundi Markets

    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, bohemian wonderland of hand-crafted furniture, jewellery, clothing and accessories, art, fresh local produce, gourmet provisions and more. Get your muscles pummelled, your tarot cards read or simply tuck into a world's worth of street food, from gözleme (Turkish stuffed flatbread), empanadas and gyoza to local artisan pastries.

  • See

    Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

    The ethereal, 55-hectare Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve wraps visitors in a remnant of the subtropical rainforests that once blanketed the Blackall Range. Its state-of-the-art Rainforest Discovery Centre leads visitors through interactive exhibitions and out onto easy walking tracks that snake through the rainforest. Boasting over 120 species of birds the forest is rarely silent. The cool, shaded forest floor is also home to a healthy number of unbearably cute red-legged pademelons. Beside the Rainforest Discovery Centre is a cafe serving light snacks and more substantial meals plus magnificent views overlooking the spectacular Glass House Mountains.

  • See

    Tea Tree Bay

    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. Unlike Noosa's Main Beach, Tea Tree Bay is not patrolled, so consider swimming at the former if you are not a strong swimmer. Public toilets are available within easy walking distance. To reach the bay, follow the coastal walking track from the entrance to Noosa National Park.

  • See

    Australia Zoo

    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 Irwin. The park has an amazing menagerie, with a Cambodian-style Tiger Temple, the famous Crocoseum and a dizzying array of critters, including native dingoes, Tasmanian devils and hairy-nosed wombats. Various companies offer tours from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. The zoo operates a free bus to/from the Beerwah train station. Plan to spend a full day here.

  • See

    Noosa Main Beach

    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 few north-facing beaches, offering gentle to moderate waves ideal for families and rookie surfers.

  • See

    Abbey Museum

    The Abbey Museum houses an eclectic collection of art and archaeology that spans some 500,000 years. Once the private collection of Englishman 'Reverend' John Ward, the pieces include neolithic tools, ancient earthenware, sculpture and burial artefacts from across the Mediterranean, medieval manuscripts, and even an ancient Greek foot-guard (one of only four worldwide). The neighbouring church has more original stained glass from Winchester Cathedral than is actually left in England. Free guided tours of the church run at 11am on Tuesday and Thursday (staff and availability permitting). In July, Australia’s largest medieval festival is held on the grounds.

  • See

    Eumundi Brewery

    The Imperial Hotel is now also home to the state-of-the-art Eumundi Brewery, maker of the town's eponymous beer. Those interested in the brewing process can book a 20-minute tour of the site, which includes beer tastings. Tours run on Wednesday and Saturday, the town's market days, and are only available to those aged 18 and over. Participants must wear closed-in shoes.

  • See

    Majestic Theatre

    The charming Majestic is Australia's longest-running commercial theatre. The venue screens films from the silent era – complete with live accompaniment – twice a month. It also hosts other events, from screenings of modern film classics to live music; see the website. You'll find the theatre in the town of Pomona, roughly 10km northwest of Eumundi.