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.

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Top attractions

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

  • Nature Reserve

    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…

  • National Park

    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…

  • Market

    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,…

  • Beach

    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…

  • National Park

    Noosa Everglades

    The passage of the Noosa River that cuts into the Great Sandy National Park north of Lake Cootharaba is poetically known as the ‘river of mirrors’ or the…

  • Zoo

    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…

  • National Park

    Kondalilla National Park

    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…

  • Mountain

    Mt Coolum

    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…

  • Beach

    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…

  • Museum

    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'…

  • Museum

    Queensland Air Museum

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

  • Aquarium

    Sea Life Sunshine Coast

    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…

  • Brewery

    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…

  • Gallery

    Caloundra Regional Gallery

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

  • Cinema

    Majestic Theatre

    The charming Majestic is Australia's longest-running commercial theatre. The venue screens films from the silent era – complete with live accompaniment –…

  • Viewpoint

    Glass House Mountains Lookout

    If you're driving, head up to the Glass House Mountains Lookout for a spectacular, sweeping panorama of the Glass House Mountains and beyond. On clear…

  • Landmark

    Big Pineapple

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

  • Factory

    Ginger Factory

    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…

  • Market

    Caloundra Street Fair

    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,…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Sunshine Coast.

  • Activities