Things to do in Sunshine Coast

More about Sunshine Coast

Things to do in Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is the kind of place that is full of winning combos. Surfing the waves with sunrise. Hinterland hikes with winery lunches. A cool glass from one of the Sunshine Coast’s best wineries as the sun dips over the Glasshouse Mountains. 

You’ve got Noosa’s saltwater mornings, Mooloolaba’s cruisy esplanade, and rainforest trails that smell like eucalyptus and adventure. Whether you’re road-tripping up for the weekend or clocking off for a longer unwind, this slice of southeast Queensland has plenty of

Unique Sunshine Coast things you can’t do anywhere else

• Ride the Sunshine Coast Aquaduck: Cruise the Esplanade by road … then keep going straight into the water. This duck drives straight into Mooloolaba River for a splashy estuary ride, all without leaving your seat.
• Explore the Noosa Everglades: Glide along still water, dark with tannins and edged by paperbarks. Paddle solo or take an eco-certified cruise.
• Join a Bushtucker Cultural Cruise: Drift along calm waterways with native teas in hand. Hear Traditional Owner stories, taste bush food, and see Country from a new perspective.
• Coolum Beach scenic helicopter flight: Soar above surf and sandstone formations, looking down on winding beaches and hinterland ridgelines.
• Swim at Moffat Beach: Morning dip, rockpool wander, picnic under the pandanus. It’s low-key and local, with a rhythm that’s easy to fall into.

Best Sunshine Coast attractions to see

• SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium: Step into the deep with sharks overhead and seals straight ahead. Ocean tunnels, touch pools and the perfect mix of splash and science.
• Ride the Croc Express to Australia Zoo: Skip the drive and go straight to the crocs. This return coach from Brisbane drops you at the gates of Steve Irwin’s wildlife wonderland. What a beaut.
• Amaze World Sunshine Coast: Get lost (on purpose) in hedge mazes, cool off in splash zones, then tee off on mini-golf. Big kid energy, whatever your age.
• The Ginger Factory: Hop the Ginger Train, taste your way through sweet shops, and stroll gardens that feel part farm, part theme park.

Best Sunshine Coast day trips and tours

• Skydive over Noosa: Leap from 15,000 feet with coastal curves and hinterland greens spinning below. Land with sandy toes and bragging rights.
• Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World: Stroll past lily ponds and open-air aviaries, with Glass House peaks rising in the distance and parrots flashing overhead.
• Mooloolaba Seafood Lunch Cruise: Glide past waterfront homes while the seafood is still at the perfect temperature. It’s serious trawler-to-table with river views on the side.
• Whale Watching from Mooloolaba (seasonal): Between June and October, the ocean gets lively. Head out to spot humpbacks breaching and waving as they go.
• Noosa Dolphin-Spotting Cruise: Calm seas, curious dolphins and your camera in hand. Watch them ride the bow wave while you sail past sandbanks and bays.

Free things to do in Sunshine Coast

• Explore the Glass House Mountains lookouts: Drive right up, then wander a little further. These ancient volcanic peaks deliver big views with minimal effort.
• Walk the Noosa National Park headland track: Dolphins offshore, surfers below, and the odd koala in the trees. A coastal trail that earns its reputation.
• Browse the Eumundi Markets: Live music, handmade goods and the smell of street food in the air. It’s a vibe, even if you leave empty-handed.
• Wander the Mooloolaba Esplanade: Window shop, people-watch, or just follow the sea breeze. It’s the Coast’s front porch, and the view’s always on.
• Chill at Kings Beach rock pool: Tidal and kid-friendly, this ocean-fed pool is made for slow swims and shady breaks between sandy toes.

Budgeting for things to do in Sunshine Coast

From AU$28 ginger trains to AU$785 helicopter flights, the Sunshine Coast runs the full spectrum. Most days out land around AU$40–130, like with cruises, aquariums, ropes courses and mazes. There’s solid bang-for-buck in spots like SEA LIFE (from AU$36) or Amaze World (AU$33), where a little goes a long way. And the best bits? They’re often free. Pack swimmers for a Moffat dip, hike out to a Glass House lookout or just follow the dolphins along Noosa’s headland track. No ticket required.