Welcome to Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast – the 100 golden kilometres stretching from the tip of Bribie Island to the Cooloola Coast – is aglow with perfect beaches, coveted surf and a laid-back, sun-kissed populace who will quickly tell you how lucky they are. Resort towns dot the coast, each with its own appeal and vibe, from upmarket, cosmopolitan Noosa to newly hip, evolving Caloundra.
Top experiences in Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast activities
Fraser Island 4WD Tour from Noosa or Rainbow Beach
Your Fraser Island adventure begins with pickup from your Sunshine Coast accommodation in locations from Mooloolaba to Noosa. Traveling by 4WD you'll head across the Noosa River towards the Cooloola National Park, a significant Aboriginal site and the gateway to Fraser Island. At 75 miles (120 km) long and 15 miles (24 km) wide, Fraser Island is considered to be the largest sand island in the world. It’s home to a diverse range of birds, reptiles and amphibians, including the occasional saltwater crocodile. Stop to collect fellow travelers joining in Rainbow Beach and for morning tea. Next, cross by ferry on to Fraser Island , and drive through beaches and rainforest before arriving at Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Your purpose-built 4WD Warrior allows great off-road access and has large windows, so you won’t miss a thing.Satisfy the hunger pangs you worked up with a healthy lunch of salads, cold meats and wraps before embarking on a self-guided walk through the Pile Valley Rainforest - home of the Fraser Island Satinay. Then jump back into the Warrior and travel down sandy tracks through towering brushbox trees to a remote beach, where you’ll enjoy afternoon tea before returning to Rainbow Beach or the Sunshine Coast.
Noosa Everglades Eco Wilderness Cruise Including Lunch
You'll be picked up from your centrally located pickup point in Noosa to board the wilderness cruise through the Noosa Everglades. Your tour starts at habitatnoosa just 30 minutes outside of Noosa. You will board your purpose-built vessel for a cruise along the pristine lake Cootharaba, before moving into the dark, tranquil, mirrored waterways of the Everglades. A short stop and guided boardwalk at Fig Tree Point before moving further into the Everglades and stopping at historic Harry’s Hut – a relic of the early timber cutting days. Explore, take a swim in pristine waters, photograph the abundant wildlife or simply relax in this unique natural environment. After morning tea, enjoy a leisurely river cruise with your tour group back to habitatnoosa, where a roast lunch* will be ready. (*vegetarian + vegan also available upon request). Enjoy the beautiful views of lake Cootharaba whilst eating and maybe even spot a few kangaroos before heading back to Noosa.
Australia Zoo 1-Day or 2-Day Admission Ticket
Australia Zoo, 1 hour north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast, was made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. The 105 acre zoo is the most interactive conservation destination on the planet, where you can get up close to animals, including koalas, wombats and kangaroos! Check out giraffes, rhinos, zebras, cheetahs and our new meerkats at the African Savannah, and majestic tigers and red pandas in South-East Asia. See free-roaming ring-tailed lemurs, giant Aldabra tortoises, colourful macaws and more on Bindi's Island! Watch a saltwater crocodile strike from the water’s edge in the daily Wildlife Warriors show, and explore the world’s busiest Wildlife Hospital, where you can watch vets saving endangered Australian animals.
Eumundi Markets Round-Trip Shuttle
After pickup from your Sunshine Coast hotel in the morning, your comfortable air-conditioned minicoach whisks you to the Eumundi Markets, about a 30-minute drive from the coast. The shuttle drops you off at a central meeting point and you get the next four hours to explore the market’s treasures. Amble along a shaded walking path lined with some 600 stalls that showcase artwork, furniture, handcrafted toys, cutting-edge jewelry, and clothing by local designers, among other one-of-a-kind items. If you’re a foodie, stock up on freshly baked breads, colorful produce, local cheeses and yogurt. You can also enjoy snacks and drinks from a variety of vendors serving up fresh salads, homemade chocolates, quality coffees and more. The market is open on Wednesdays from 8am to 1:30pm and on Saturdays from 7am to 2pm. When you want to take a break from shopping, listen to live music performed by a stellar line-up of local talent, or book a massage. After spending a full morning at Eumundi Markets, meet your minicoach at the designated departure point. Sit back and relax in air-conditioned comfort on your shuttle that delivers you back at your hotel.
Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise
Your tour starts at habitatnoosa just 30 min outside of Noosa. Complimentary pickup is offered at locations between Sunshine Beach and Noosa before the tour. Once you arrive at Habitatnoosa, you will board your purpose-built vessel for a cruise across pristine lake Cootharaba, before moving into the dark, tranquil, mirrored waterways of the Noosa Everglades. Here, you will enjoy a leisurely cruise through the everglades guided by your experienced and knowledgeable skippers with a complementary glass of sparkling wine or coffee.The Noosa Everglades, part of the Cooloola National Park, is recognised as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’. Experience the Cooloola National Park in all its glory and discover one of the truly remarkable wilderness areas of the world. Over 44% of all Australia’s bird species reside within this spectacular region, with 1,365 species of plants having been identified and boasting over 700 native animals co-existing here. Abundant wildlife spotting and photographic opportunities lie await. Simply sit back and relax in this unique natural environment.After your everglades experience, you will be welcomed back at Habitatnoosa where you will enjoy an antipasto banquet in the new CootharaBar Bistro and Brewery. CootharaBar is overlooking Lake Cootharaba in a beautiful natural parkland. You may spot a few kangaroos before heading back to noosa on the courtesy shuttle bus.
Shared Arrival Transfer: Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotel
After your arrival in Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), your private driver will be waiting for you at the transfer counter next to baggage claim. You’ll tell the staff at the transfer counter that you have arrived and your driver can help your with your luggage. Relax in the comfortable minicoach as you are transferred to your Sunshine Coast hotel or other accommodation.