Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast

Located only an hour and a half from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa offer quintessential Queensland scenery, hospitality, and entertainment. Encompassing 200 kilometres of coastline and the scenic Glasshouse Mountains hinterland the Sunshine Coast & Noosa region offers a wide variety of things to see and do.

The traditional owners of this beautiful region are the Kabi Kabi and the Jinibara, and the land and waterways hold deep cultural, social, and spiritual significance. From the songline along Old Gympie Road to the Bunya Nut Festival to the creation of the Glasshouse Mountains, First Nations history is inseparable from this land. To learn more about this history and culture, consider booking a tour with an Aboriginal owned-and-operated business like Biral Tours and Saltwater Eco Tours. You can find more experiences led by First Nations people on the Welcome to Country Website.

If you time your trip right, you can participate in one of the pride festivals that call the Sunshine Coast and Noosa home. Keep your eyes out for updates about the next Sunshine Coast Pride Festival, and mark your calendars for the annual Rangebow Festival which takes place every August. This event includes theatre, cabaret, and, of course, a disco dance party.

If you’ve worked up an appetite after dancing the night away, don’t worry – the Sunshine Coast is home to an array of locally produced foods and beverages, from fresh Maleny dairy to ginger marmalade at The Ginger Factory to seafood straight from the ocean in Mooloolaba. The Sunshine Coast also houses many unique dining experiences, like Dining on the Deck – a perfect brunch spot nestled next to the picturesque Lake Baroon – and Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba – the most luxurious way to enjoy local seafood and spirits. If adventurous culinary experiences are your thing, consider taking a gourmet food tour with Pineapple Tours or a wine tour through the hinterland with Coast to Hinterland Tours.

The Sunshine Coast also has lots to offer for families. Give your kids a chance to be captain of the famous Aquaduck vessel, which traverses land and sea to give you a full tour of the coast! Or push yourself to new heights at Treetops Adventure, a daring ropes course for all ages! For the aspiring marine biologist, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is the perfect destination, featuring interactive animal experiences and an ocean tunnel.

For a longer stay, the Sunshine Coast boasts beautiful beachfront resorts and romantic rainforest retreats. For a central location with easy access to beaches and shopping, Sandcastles Mooloolaba, The Sebel Noosa, and The Lookout Resort should be at the top of your list. For something more secluded in the hills of the hinterland, consider Glass on Glasshouse, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, or Montville Misty View Cottages.

Getting around the Sunshine Coast is easy, whether you fly into the Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), drive up from Brisbane, or take the train. If you have a valid Queensland GoCard, you’ll be good to go! Frequent public buses run from the train stations and airport and service all major suburbs of the Sunshine Coast, including Caloundra, Maroochydore, Buderim, and Noosa. Look on the Translink site for a full list of GoCard retailers.

For a complete list of everything the Sunshine Coast and Noosa have to offer, visit our directory here! Alternatively, have a look on the Visit Sunshine Coast and Visit Noosa websites to get an idea of the broad range of activities available in the region.