The best things to do on the Sunshine Coast

Get up close and personal with one of the world’s gentlest sea creatures on a four-hour whale-watching trip with Sunreef Mooloolaba. Proudly Australia’s first operator for swimming with humpback whales, these guys offer a rare opportunity to float alongside these magnificent giants from July to mid-October. With a 92 per cent success rate, you’ve got the highest chance of a memorable encounter with these ocean giants anywhere in the world. And in the rare chance you don’t get to swim with them, seeing the whales breach and play from the boat is pretty surreal. 

Time Out tip: Prefer to keep your hair dry? Sunreef also runs daily whale-watching cruises aboard the Sunshine Coast’s largest and most comfortable vessel.

Where: The Wharf, 11/123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba 

Price: $249

In 2025, Booking.com named Montville the most welcoming town in Australia. Home to around 1,000 friendly locals, this Sunshine Coast gem charms with its gorgeous galleries, craft shops and small boutiques, showcasing local artworks, handmade goods and the town’s quirky architectural character. You can explore the iconic clock shop, stock up on sweets at Fudgyboombahs and find second-hand gems at Benny The Beagle’s Books. Then mingle with the locals at one of Montville’s cosy cafés – we love The Edge Restaurant for brunch with sweeping valley views – and stay in good company at a rainforest eco-retreat, homely B’n’B, country cabin or mountain-view apartment.

Time Out tip: Kill two birds with one stone and drive 15 minutes to Maleny, crowned Australia’s friendliest town in 2022. Join the laid-back community at the Sunday markets, enjoy a cold brew at the lively Brouhaha Boutique Brewhouse, or go on a farm tour at Maleny Dairies.

Where: Main St, Montville

Tucked away in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Kondalilla National Park feels straight out of a fairytale, with crystal-clear rock pools, sweeping lookouts and a cascading 90-metre waterfall. Kondalilla means ‘rushing waters’ in the local Aboriginal language, and the falls more than deliver on this promise, especially after big rains. The most popular way to explore the forest is by following the relaxed 4.7-kilometre Kondalilla Falls Circuit, which takes roughly 90 minutes. A refreshing dip in the rock pool on the way back is a well-deserved reward for tackling those 300 steps.

Time Out tip: Once you return to the picnic area, you’ll find barbecues with shaded tables – so pack some snacks and make a full day of it. Otherwise, drive five minutes to Montville – named Australia’s most welcoming town for 2025 – and refuel at one of the charming cafés.

Where: Kondalilla Falls Rd, Montville

There’s no better way to soak up the magic of Mooloolaba than with a sunset cruise aboard Saltwater Eco Tours’ beautifully restored 114-year-old sailing vessel. As you glide along the glistening Mooloolah River, local artists set the mood with live acoustic tunes. When the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you’ll be treated to a seasonal grazing box featuring native bush tucker ingredients, while cocktails and Champagne are available from the bar across the two-hour voyage.

Time Out tip: If you’re keen to sample more native ingredients, Saltwater Eco Tours’ Cultural Sailing Adventure serves up six bush tucker-inspired canapés. Think fresh oysters with finger limes, creamy bunya dip with native flatbread and a wattleseed brownie.

Where: The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba 

Price: From $75

Animal lovers from all around the world flock to the Sunshine Coast just to visit Australia Zoo – the country’s most famous wildlife park, best known as the home of the late Steve Irwin (aka the Crocodile Hunter). Spanning more than 700 acres, this absolutely massive zoo is home to thousands of precious native and international animals. Don’t miss the world-famous saltwater croc feeding, along with free daily conservation talks and encounters, from the soaring Birds of Prey show to Africa keeper chats and even echidna feeding time. On the way out, take a peek inside the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, where thousands of native Aussie animals are cared for each year.

Time Out tip: For the ultimate wildlife experience, stay the night at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge – a luxe wilderness retreat just metres from the zoo, complete with an infinity pool, award-winning restaurant and plenty of native animals.

Where: 1,638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah 

Price: $75 for adults, $50 for children

Every Wednesday and Saturday from 7.30am to 2pm, Eumundi’s longstanding market (we’re talking since the eighties here!) becomes a blank canvas that welcomes brushstrokes of both seasoned and budding artisans, performers and creators. The do-it-yourself allure of stallholders and the like-no-other experience of customers have shaped this multi-sensory experience into one of Australia’s richest open-air galleries of handmade goods. Step into their ethos: “Make it, bake it, sew it, grow it” with a gourmet delight in one hand and the opportunity to inspect a treasure trove of desirable possessions in the other. 

Time Out tip: Get there early for easier parking and to beat the crowds, especially on Saturdays.

Where: 80 Memorial Dr, Eumundi

Standing tall at 208 metres above sea level and spanning approximately one kilometre, Mount Coolum is officially the world’s second-largest rock. The climb to the summit of this dome-shaped volcanic rock takes around 45 minutes (one-way), and you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree vistas up and down the Sunshine Coast, across to the Glasshouse Mountains and west out to the Blackall Range. Post-hike, you can easily pop over to the nearby Marcoola or Yaroomba Beach to wash off the sweat.

Time Out tip: For the best photo ops, head to the 500-metre Mount Coolum Boardwalk, easily accessible from Breezeway Street.

Where: Starts at car park on cnr of Tanah St West & Jarnahill Dr, Mount Coolum

With golden beaches at every turn, the Sunshine Coast is a region with nature therapy on tap. And while a splash in the ocean wakes you up, sometimes what you really need is a day of pure relaxation without the crowds or blistering sun. Enter: Tank Bathhouse. Perched on the Mooloolah River, this Riviera-style day spa, bathhouse and restaurant is the place to go to fully switch off (while still being social). You can drift between six botanical-infused magnesium baths, rising in temperature from a cold plunge to a steaming 39 degrees. Cocktails are delivered to you on demand, and you'll also have access to the beautiful artisan dry sauna and wet steam rooms. Go all out and add on a spa treatment, light lunch or boat cruise too. 

Time Out tip: Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap – the baths are outdoors and the Queensland sun doesn’t mess around. 

Where: 209 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba 

Price: $99 for 90 minutes

Noosa is home to one of only two everglade systems in the entire world, with this breathtaking network of mirrored lakes and wetlands best explored on water. You can join Kanu Kapers for a sustainable kayak adventure, where you’ll paddle peacefully among water lilies, reeds and towering melaleuca paperbark trees to a birdsong soundtrack. Not up for paddling? You can jump aboard one of Everglades Eco Safaris’ serene river cruises that showcase the majesty of this world-class national park with fascinating commentary about the ancient lands and waterways. 

Time Out tip: The Everglades are a 30-minute drive from Noosa Heads, so why not make a night of it and stay in the bush? Two of the most popular camping sites on Lake Cootharaba include Habitat Noosa and Boreen Point Campground – both offer a mix of powered and unpowered sites. 

Where: Tours depart from Boreen Point

You can’t visit the Sunshine Coast without exploring one of Australia’s oldest and most visited national parks. An Instagrammer’s paradise, Noosa National Park is home to heavenly slices of coastal scenery, lush rainforest, adorable beaches and thriving wildlife. Plus, there’s not a high rise in sight. From Hastings Street, you can choose from five scenic trails, ranging from the easy one-kilometre Palm Grove Walk to the stunning half-day Coastal Walk. 

Time Out tip: Pack swimmers, as there are plenty of beautiful beaches to drop by for a dip along the way.

Where: Start walks from Noosa Heads Main Beach, Palm Grove Cct

The Sunshine Coast is spoiled with incredible places for bites and bevvies. Once you’ve ticked off all the hot spots on Hastings Street in Noosa (shout out to Bistro C, Moonstruck and Aromas), make your way south to The Doonan, where you can enjoy fire-roasted bread, grilled seafood and cocktail jugs in a sun-soaked beer garden. If it’s a refreshing brew you’re after, hit up Matso’s in Eumundi for mango ginger beers and barramundi burgers, then head next door to the Imperial Hotel for live music on weekends. Further down the coast, Bask Restaurant in Peregian Beach serves up an impressive paddock-to-plate feast, while Market Bistro in Maroochydore does quintessential European-style pasta and wine. For a more laid-back vibe, head to Mooloolaba for fresh seafood at Prawn Star and modern Asian street food at Rice Boi.

Time Out tip: Explore more of the best eats on the Sunshine Coast here. 

Sure, Victoria has the Great Ocean Road, but Queensland is home to the Great Beach Drive – one of the longest ‘sand highways’ in the entire world. You’ll need a 4WD to tackle this spectacular 380-kilometre route that connects Noosa to Hervey Bay. Wind down the windows and feel the breeze in your hair as you cruise down the sandy roads of the Great Sandy National Park, and look out for whales and dingoes as you drive along 75 Mile Beach on K’gari – the world’s largest sand island.

Time Out tip: While it takes around five days to complete the full journey (including a few barge rides), you can easily explore smaller sections at your own pace!

Where: Start your drive at the vehicle ferry for Noosa to Noosa North Shore (Moorindil St, Tewantin)

If scaling up a 50-metre cliff tickles your fancy, Mount Tinbeerwah is the place for you. Join the rock hoppers at Adventure Tribe for an exhilarating climbing tour, with both group and private sessions available for all experience levels. As you climb up Mount Tinbeerwah, you’ll experience spectacular views of the Noosa Hinterland, with unlimited climbing during the two-hour session. Oh, and don’t worry, you’ll be securely connected to a rope the whole time.

Time Out tip: Adventure Tribe is currently running sessions only on Saturday mornings, so plan your itinerary around it. 

Where: Meet at Mount Tinbeerwah car park at the end of Mount Tinbeerwah Rd

Price: $120

Experience the old-world charm of silent films at The Majestic Theatre, believed to be the longest-running silent movie theatre in the world. Built in the 1920s as a social hall, this grand old cinema continues to screen silent films, along with live acoustic music performances, themed movie nights, sing-a-longs and tributes throughout the week.

Time Out tip: Every Saturday at midday, audiences can tap their toes to classic flicks like Singin’ in the Rain, with each silent screening accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Chris Rose playing the fabulous 1937 Compton organ. There’s truly nothing like it!

Where: 3 Factory St, Pomona

Price: $15 for adults, free for children under 13

If bathwater-warm ocean temps, glittering blue waves and long, tropical days are what you're seeking for your next surf sesh, look no further than Noosa – a globally recognised 'World Surfing Reserve'. If you're just starting out or have been surfing for 30 years, Noosa has everything you need. Crystal clear water, an abundance of marine life and world-famous surfing breaks await you here.

Time Out tip: The Main Beach is spilling with long, smooth waves that are perfect for beginners, while around the corner at Noosa Groyne, you'll find an abundance of surf schools that'll have you shredding in no time.

Where: Noosa Main Beach & Noosa Groyne

While there’s a pretty renowned stretch of big theme parks on the Gold Coast, it’s worth venturing north to Palmview, where you’ll find the smaller but mighty Aussie World. Try your hand at the hoops or laughing clown heads for sideshow plushies and show bags galore, or really test your bladder in the haunted Mayhem Maze. When you’re all buggered out from bouncing up and down Australia’s 'tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum', you can grab a bite to eat at the cartoon-like Banana Bender pub.

Time Out tip: Pack swimmers, as there are some water play areas for the kids! 

Where: 1 Downunder Drive, Palmview

Price: From $49.50

The Sunshine Coast is good for more than just glittering beaches and tropical rainforests. It’s also the stage for one of Queensland’s premier culinary festivals, The Curated Plate, which dishes up 90 food and drink events over ten days every winter. You can expect a multi-course menu of events, including tastings with the best Sunny Coast breweries and distilleries; the ever-popular Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival; and special panel discussions with celebrity chefs.

Time Out tip: Discover more of Australia's best food and drink festivals here.

Where: Across the Sunshine Coast

Price: Mix of free and ticketed events

Love plane spotting? Fly over to Queensland Air Museum to explore the country’s largest and most diverse historic aviation display. You can walk through a huge Caribou transporter, marvel at helicopters, or prepare for take-off in a Boeing 737 simulator. Ironically, General Douglas MacArthur (the famous American leader of Allied forces in the Pacific during World War II) hated flying, but even non-aviation buffs will enjoy this hands-on museum.

Time Out tip: The museum opens daily from 10am to 4pm, making for the perfect rainy day activity.

Where: 7 Pathfinder Dr, Caloundra West 

Price: $25 for adults, $12.50 for children

The Sunshine Coast’s picturesque volcanic plugs are must-dos for bushwalkers, but the choice of which mountain to hike up is challenging. Mount Ngungun (pronounced “noo noo”) is a moderately easy pick for first-timers and will take you an hour or so to reach the top. Here, you’ll get fabulous views of the other mountain peaks, including Mounts Coonowrin and Beerwah. By the time you get back to your car, you may still feel like another easy walk. Luckily, there are lots nearby, so try Wild Horse Mountain (700 metres up a fully concreted path for more great views), or do the circuit walk around the base of Mount Tibrogargan (three kilometres through forests with mountain views) to fill your day.

Time Out tip: Those who are more capable could set their sights higher and go up Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Ngungun or Mount Beerwah.

Where: Glass House Mountains, Beerwah

Pineapples are the king of the fruit bowl for a reason. Take a royal trip east to the charming town of Woombye, where you’ll find this 16-metre-high fruit sculpture that’s about 57 times bigger than a regular pineapple. Bonus fact: it’s also believed to be the world’s largest pineapple. Like the Big Banana, the icon (hey, it is on the Queensland heritage register) features attractions like miniature train rides, a café, zoo and high ropes course. The Big Pineapple even hosts its own music festival every October. 

Time Out tip: Discover more of the best 'big things' in Australia here.

Where: 76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye

Price: Free

No boat license? No worries! You can cruise down the Maroochy River on a motorised pontoon, known locally as a BBQ Boat. Available for rent from Swan Boat Hire, this floating fry-up combines three Aussie favourites: fishing, barbecues and beer. With picnic table seating for eight, two burner barbecues, a pizza oven and even an onboard toilet, you’ll have everything you need for a perfect day out. Toss a few prawns on the barbie, kick back, and soak up the good times.

Time Out tip: Don't worry – you don't need a boating license for this one. The team will give you a full run-down on navigation and speed limits. Just bring a car license or a passport.

Where: Hire Van parked opposite, 71 Bradman Ave, Maroochydore

Price: From $220 for two hours