43 Best Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast

Are you looking for the best things to do on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast?

While the Sunshine Coast is known for its beaches, there are so many things to do on the Sunshine Coast that do not even involve sand or the ocean.

When we moved to Australia, we originally moved just north of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Though we did not stay long, we are now in Brisbane, just south of the Sunshine Coast. We have visited many places on the Sunny Coast, both along the coast and in the hinterland.

Whether you are looking for a great way to spend the day on the beach or in the mountains, visiting waterfalls, or seeing wildlife, there are plenty of fun things to do on the Sunshine Coast.

Keep reading for some of the best things to do on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Best Free Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast

Botanic Gardens

There are 2 options for free visits to botanic gardens on the Sunshine Coast. Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden is located in Tanawha. These gardens include plants that are native to the region. There are plenty of places to picnic at the Maroochy Botanic Gardens, and also a cafe.

The Noosa Botanic Garden is located in Cooroy and includes views of Lake Macdonald. The Gardens have plenty of trails to walk and a dinosaur dig for kids.

For more ideas on things to do in Cooroy, read 10 Fun Things to do with Kids in Cooroy.

Rainforest Walk

Walk in the rainforest at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. The reserve has beautiful views of the Glasshouse Mountains, a cafe, a picnic area, and a playground.

There are 3 circuit rainforest walks at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, and they all range from 1.3 to 1.7 kilometers. There is also a boardwalk and a butterfly walk.

See below for more things to do with kids at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

Take a Hike

The Sunshine Coast is known for its beaches, but there are also plenty of places to hike. Here are a few favorites.

Noosa National Park has many hikes of varying lengths, from 1.1 kilometers to 10.8 kilometers. Many of the hikes are along the ocean, and there is an option to stop at the fairy pools.

Mount Tinbeerwah offers a short, easy walk that is kid-friendly, as does Fig Tree Walk.

The Glasshouse Mountains have many options for hikes with varying levels of difficulty. Read about our experience at the Glasshouse Mountains Lookout and Climbing Mount Ngungun.

Walk to a Waterfall

With all of the beautiful parks and hikes on the Sunshine Coast, there are plenty of places to see waterfalls. These are a few favorites.

Buderim Falls can be found inside Buderim Forrest. Two paths lead to Buderim Falls, both with parking nearby. The top parking lot is only about a 5-minute walk to the falls.

It is a short hike to Gardners Falls, a popular swimming spot near Maleny.

The Kondalilla Falls Circuit is almost 5 kilometers long with beautiful views in Kondalilla National Park near Montville.

Swim

Looking for a free and safe place to swim? The beaches on the Sunshine Coast can be rough, and it is important to always swim between the flags and pay attention to the signs.

For those who prefer to swim in a pool, there is a free saltwater “ocean pool” at Kings Beach in Caloundra.

Best Cheap Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast

Kenilworth Country Bakery

Try the 1-kilo donut or the 1-kilo sausage roll at Kenilworth Country Bakery. Want something cheaper? Kenilworth Bakery has lots of options for both savory and sweet items.

Those who do finish the 1-kilo donut get their name on the wall and their money back.

Eumundi Markets

Every Wednesday and Saturday, the Eumundi Markets take place in Eumundi. The largest market in Australia, Eumundi Markets, has both temporary and permanent stalls, including many food options.

Stalls and entertainment vary, though there is often live music and children’s options such as a petting farm or bounce house. The market takes place next to a large playground.

While it is free to enter Eumundi Markets, it is hard not to make a purchase!

Scavenger Hunt

Games are a great way to learn about an area, and with the Sunshine Coast Scavenger Hunt, participants spend 2 hours answering trivia questions and solving clues while walking around landmarks and hidden gems in Caloundra.

This scavenger hunt is self-guided, and each participant plays a different role.

Best Places to See Animals on the Sunshine Coast

Australia Zoo

The largest zoo on the Sunshine Coast is Australia Zoo, best known for Steve Irwin.

The Australia Zoo has a wide variety of animals, including Australian, Asian, and African animals. Guests can join in on animal encounters, get their photos taken with some of the animals, and tour the zoo.

Australia Zoo has lots for children, including a jumping pad and a splash park.

Wildlife HQ

Located by the Big Pineapple is Wildlife HQ, a small zoo with native and exotic animals from around the world. There are plenty of animals to see at Wildlife HQ and lots of ways to learn about the animals, including keeper talks, photo sessions, and feeding encounters.

Compare the Australia Zoo with Wildlife HQ, as well as Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, here.

Seasonally, Wildlife HQ opens up at nighttime with a Night Zoo. Check their website to see if the Night Zoo will be on during your visit to the Sunshine Coast.

My family attended the night zoo at Wildlife HQ and learned a lot of interesting things. It was our first visit to a zoo after dark, and it is a different way to view the animals for sure.

Our visit to the Night Zoo at Wildlife HQ on the Sunshine Coast

Sea Life Aquarium

See under the sea at Sea Life Aquarium in Mooloolaba. There is a wide variety of sea life at the Sea Life Aquarium, including fish, turtles, seals, sharks, and penguins.

Visitors can touch sea stars and sea urchins in the touch tank, dive with sharks, and take a photograph with a seal, among other activities, both included and additional.

Pre-purchase discounted tickets to Sea Life Aquarium through Viator or Get Your Guide.

Whale Watching

Whale watching season runs from June through October on the Sunshine Coast, and there are many different boat rides available for those who wish to spot whales from the water.

• Only 22 or fewer people can join in on Whale Watching Without Crowds, a 3-hour journey that includes drinks and snacks.
• The Adventure Whale Watching small group tour includes up to 9 people on a 1.5-hour-long high-speed boat ride.
• Up to 20 passengers can ride aboard the Mooloolaba Whale Watching Tour and listen to whale sounds via a hydrophone during a 2-hour tour.
• Another 2-hour-long Mooloolaba Whale Watching Tour offers underwater HD cameras to view the whales below and a hydrophone to listen to them. Our family of 4 enjoyed this tour, and while it took a while to see our first whale, we were thrilled to see a mother and baby whale, as well as other whales, breaching. The video above is from this whale-watching tour.
• A maximum of 22 passengers can join this 3-hour Whale Watching Cruise from Mooloolaba that includes drinks and snacks.

Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World

A beautiful garden with aviaries, a rainforest walk, and lots of ponds and lakes, Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World have everything needed to spend a few hours outside enjoying nature.

No one can enter the aviary without an Aviary Tour. Golf carts, or buggies, can be rented for 4-6 people to drive through the 6 kilometers of trails inside the gardens. There is a cafe in the gardens, and food can be taken to the lawn for a picnic.

Maleny Dairy

Maleny Dairy offers 1.5-hour-long tours of their farm and processing plant. Taste tests are included in the tour. Tours must be booked online in advance.

Milkbar, their cafe, is open for coffee, drinks, ice cream, and snacks, as well as take-home Maleny Dairy products.

I visited Maleny Dairy with my daughter when she first started school. She joined year 1 during term 4 and almost immediately went on an excursion to tour the farm. I was so excited to be able to join in!

The tour is interesting for all ages, and of course, it is always fun to try food samples.

Looking for a tour around Maleny?  This Montville and Maleny tour from Noosa includes unique shops, a visit to a winery, and plenty of time to wander and enjoy the mountain views.

Adventurous Activities on the Sunshine Coast

Tree Top Adventures Zip Lining

Tree Top Adventures at the Big Pineapple has zip lining for all ages, starting as young as 3 years old.

The junior course at TreeTop Adventures at the Big Pineapple is for kids ages 3-9, and the general course is available for those 8+. Each course includes a combination of ropes courses and zip-lining courses, and each course is self-paced.

High Ropes Course

Another place to zipline on the Sunshine Coast is at the Next Level High Ropes Course at Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore. There are 7 different levels and kids as young as 6 can participate in Next Level High Ropes and ziplining.

Next Level is located just outside of the shopping centre and it does not have shade, which is something to be aware of, especially in the summer months.

Surfing Lessons

Surfing is a popular thing to do on the Sunshine Coast, and there are many options for lessons for those who wish to learn how to surf.

• Surf Lesson Noosa includes a 5-hour surf lesson and a 4WD trip to Rainbow Beach.
• Learn to Surf Noosa offers 2-hour surfing lessons for all ages and skill levels.
• Take a Beginner Surf Lesson in Coolum and learn the basics in this 2-hour lesson.

Climb Mount Coolum

Though the climb is just 1.5 kilometers long, it is ranked a grade 4 hike due to its steepness.

Mount Coolum formed from a volcano about 26 million years ago.

Bli Bli Aqua Park

Jump on a trampoline in the water, swing into the lake, and climb obstacles at Bli Bli Aqua Park. Sessions are 1 to 2 hours long, and kids 7+ can participate without a grown-up.

On the other side of Bli Bli Aquapark is a wakeboarding lake. Even those with absolutely no wakeboarding experience can hold onto a rope and board over obstacles and on the lake. Wakeboarding classes are available.

Skydive

Skydive over the Sunshine Coast with a beach landing with Skydive Australia. Tandem skydiving includes 60 seconds of free falling and 5-7 minutes of floating under a canopy.

Abseiling

Abseil down the cliffs at sunset on a sunset abseiling trip on Mount Tinbeerwah in Tewantin National Park.

Sea Plane Ride

Enjoy gorgeous beach views from above in a seaplane on a 10-minute-long private flight.

Jetski

Join a half-day Jetski Tour through both smooth and ocean water. Passengers must be at least 8 years old and only those 16+ are able to drive a jet ski.

Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)

Visit Double Point Island, ride in a 4WD, and take a small group SUP lesson with this Double Island Adventure.

For a shorter SUP experience, explore the waterways of Pumicestone Passage with Golden Beach 1-hour SUP hire.

Stand-up paddleboards are available for hire by the hour along the Sunshine Coast for those who don’t wish to take a tour or lesson.

Best Things to Do with Kids on the Sunshine Coast

Ginger Factory

Learn about how ginger is grown and manufactured, ride on an indoor boat ride, and on a train around the Ginger Factory.

Entry into the Ginger Factory is free, and guests can purchase tickets for each event that they wish to participate. There is a cafe and ice cream shop at the Ginger Factory, lots of shops, a rainforest walk, and a playground.

We have been to the Ginger Factory countless times. When we lived in Cooroy, we even had annual passes.

Still, we visit occasionally, as the kids love to walk around the rainforest walk and eat ginger scones in the cafe.

Rather take a tour?  Check out this Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa day trip that includes visits to the Ginger Factory and Eumundi Markets.

Aussie World

Purchase a pass for unlimited rides at Aussie World. Each pass includes access to more than 30 rides and shows plus miniature golf.

There are multiple choices for food and drinks at Aussie World, including the Banana Bender Pub.

Amaze World (Bellingham Maze)

A secret garden with clues to solve, mazes to wander, and lots of twists, Amaze World has lots of mazes, miniature golf, and a nature playground with water play.

Reserve 2-6 hours to see all that there is to see at Amaze World.

Sandcastle Workshop

Want to learn the secrets of making incredible sandcastles? Take a Sandcastle Workshop to learn the tips and tricks of sandcastle building.

Aqua Duck Boat Ride

Ride on land and water on a 1-hour long aqua duck boat ride. The tours include both a city tour and a cruise along the water.

Nature Discovery Centre

Besides the beautiful rainforest walks and the playground at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (see above under free things to do on the Sunshine Coast), there is also a Discovery Centre with Junior Ranger Explorer kits.

Junior Ranger Explorer kits are able to be borrowed free of charge. Kits include a magnifying glass, binoculars, a sketchbook, and a challenge.

Kids can also head into the Rainforest Discovery Centre for hands-on exhibits.

Mine for Gems at Opals Down Under

Along the Bruce Highway on the Sunshine Coast is a shop called Opals Down Under where you can find beautiful gems.

Besides shopping for jewelry, Opals Down Under has gem fossicking. Unlike any gem fossicking that we have done before, their “gem patch gem fossicking” is made up of lots of rocks on the ground.

Containers can be purchased and filled with whatever gems you find and want to keep.

While I put this under the things to do with kids section, there were actually quite a few adults fossicking without kids while we were there.

Best Things to Do When It’s Raining on the Sunshine Coast

Play Inside

Head inside the Big Top Shopping Center in Maroochydore for many ways for all ages to spend the day when it is raining on the Sunshine Coast.

Play 18 themed holes of miniature golf inside at Holey Moley. Each hole has a different theme and Holey Moley has a bar with snacks and meals available.

Next door, Archie Brothers Cirque Electric has video games with the chance to win tickets for prizes. Plus there is a restaurant and bar at Archie Brothers.

Strike Bowling is located near Holey Moley and Archie Brothers. Strike has bowling and private karaoke rooms as well as a restaurant and bar. Escape Rooms are also available at Strike on the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Plaza

A large shopping plaza located in Maroochydore, Sunshine Plaza has plenty of things to do inside on rainy days. Besides the many shops and restaurants at Sunshine Plaza, there is a children’s play area, a TimeZone arcade, and a movie theatre.

Rush Adventureland

An indoor playground with Australia’s first indoor roller coaster, Rush Adventureland is a fun place to spend a day rain or shine.

With ninja and high ropes courses, climbing walls, bumper cars, virtual reality, and a place for parents to relax and order a coffee or a meal, Rush Adventureland provides the perfect setting for a rainy day on the Sunshine Coast.

Jujuba

Younger kids, ages 0-6, can play indoors at Jujuba, a new play cafe in Caloundra.

With a cafe inside, parents can enjoy a coffee or treat while the kids play.

More of the Best Things to do on the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Stadium

Watch a sports match, concert, festival, or a variety of events at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Noosa Everglades

Discover the Noosa Everglades on a boat tour. Choose from a safari cruise through the Everglades, an afternoon cruise, a cruise and canoe, or a self-guided kayak trip.

Read about our boat tour through the Noosa Everglades.

Noosa Ferry

The Noosa Ferry is available daily and for sunset cruises between Tewantin and Noosaville. Read about our experience on the sunset cruise on the Noosa Ferry.

Breweries

The Sunshine Coast has many options for breweries and some include tours. Of course, you can visit each place individually, but for those who wish to take a tour, there are a few options.

• Go behind the scenes at 3 breweries on the Half-Day Craft Brewery Tour
• Taste 3 types of gin, 4 beers, and wine on an all-day Food and Wine Tour
• Explore the breweries of Noosa, Eumundi, and Cooroy on a Craft Brewery Tour
• Prefer a private tour? Choose from a Wine, Beer, and Whisky Tour or a Craft Brewery Tour with Tastings

Gin and Vodka Masterclass

Create your own bottle of gin or vodka to take home at a Gin and Vodka Masterclass. After creating and tasting your drink, bottle, label it, and seal it to bring home.

Go Grape Stomping

Check to see when the grape stomping event is on at Flame Hill Winery.

In addition to literally stomping on grapes, attendees get to listen to live music, enjoy delicious wine, and have an outdoor lunch.

Queensland Air Museum

One of the largest aviation museums, the Queensland Air Museum has almost 100 aircraft on display. Tours are available.

Go to the Theatre

The Sunshine Coast has great options for seeing performances at the theatre. Here are several to check out:

• Noosa Arts Theatre
• The J Noosa
• The Events Centre
• BATS Theatre Company
• Little Seed Theatre Company
• Coolum Theatre Players

Mystery Picnic

AmazingCo has multiple options for mystery picnics on the Sunshine Coast.

They offer a date night picnic in the Hinterland with stops in Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton. Couples will solve clues and riddles to pick up gourmet picnic supplies and will end at a scenic spot.

A mystery picnic for friends takes place in Noosa. This picnic is appropriate for children.

Sunshine Coast FAQ

Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast Wrap-Up

As you can see, there are plenty of fun things to do on the Sunshine Coast, both with and without kids.

The Sunshine Coast is a family-friendly area with plenty of activities for all ages.

Whether you are looking to see Australian wildlife, enjoy a beach day, or shop in a small town in the hinterland, there are plenty of options on the Sunshine Coast.

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