The great outdoors of the Sunshine Coast

Getting there is easy. Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) receives direct flights from more than a dozen airports in Australia and New Zealand, making it an easy addition to any Down Under itinerary. Alternatively, visitors can head straight to the beaches with direct international flights to Brisbane from Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, or Dubai. Bus and rail services or private transfers from Brisbane are available for those who choose not to drive, and the Sunshine Coast makes a fantastic first or last stop on an epic journey between Brisbane and Cairns.

With over 300 sunny days a year, there’s always an excuse to hit the beach on the Sunshine Coast, and there are plenty to choose from.

Caloundra, one of the first beaches you reach when arriving from Brisbane, is home to the family-friendly Kings Beach, calm waters await swimmers at Bulcock Beach, and let’s not forget the creekside cove of Moffat Beach, home to Australia’s longest-running surf competition. Further north, energetic Mooloolaba Beach and its surrounding streets form a classic summer holiday resort with fantastic al fresco eateries, entertainment for all ages, and the inspiring SEA LIFE aquarium. Marcoola Beach invites you to take a gentle stroll along its tree-lined boardwalk while some of the Sunshine Coast’s best surfing or whale watching can be found at nearby Coolum Beach.

Noosa’s vibrant Main Beach rests beside the boutiques and cafés of Hastings Street. Nearby, the snorkeler’s paradise of Tea Tree Bay and the tucked-away marine life sanctuary of Alexandria Bay offer local wildlife encounters. For a unique beach experience, swap the road for sand on the spectacular 30-mile Great Beach Drive and race across the dunes from Noosa to Rainbow Beach on a 4WD tour.

Beaches are not the only outdoor attraction on the Sunshine Coast. Noosa National Park is a stunning headland spot containing forests, wetlands, heathlands, rainforests and a six-mile coastal track with sweeping ocean views. Nearby, the pristine waterways of the Noosa Everglades are one of only two such systems on Earth, the other being in Florida. These tree-lined channels are alligator-free and perfect for long days of canoeing, kitesurfing, or swimming as you enjoy the sounds of nature and some of the best bird spotting in Australia.

Running from Noosa to Rainbow Beach, the Great Sandy National Park features clear lakes, coastal cliffs, and undulating dunes at the access point to K’gari, the largest sand island in the world, where dingoes roam free on road-free shores.

Inland, the Sunshine Coast national parks are no less spectacular. Hike through the distinctive volcanic peaks of the sacred Glass House Mountains and find trails for every fitness level, unveiling some of the region’s most breathtaking views. Wildlife and nature lovers will adore the rainforest ranges of Mapleton and Kondalilla Falls, where cascading waterfalls and freshwater pools are found dotted among tropical valleys that make you feel like you’re in another world.

Thanks to the late great Steve Irwin, Beerwah Reptile Park became Australia Zoo in the early 90s before growing into one of the world’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. Today, it is a must-visit attraction for anyone spending time in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast. 700 acres of award-winning zoo at the edge of the Glass House Mountains invites visitors to experience up-close animal encounters and dramatic crocodile feedings as they learn about amazing animals from all over Australia and the wider world.

Though it may be at the top of the list, Australia Zoo isn’t the only place for incredible wildlife experiences on the Sunshine Coast; there are also the endless waters of the Pacific Ocean. From June to November, humpback whales gather in the warm water beside Queensland to give birth. During this time, whale spotting cruises depart each day, with some offering the extraordinary opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent creatures. If you prefer to stay dry, whales can often be spotted from several onshore lookouts, including Point Arkwright, Point Cartwright, and the headlands at Moffat and Alexandra.

Even if the humpbacks aren’t in town, the Sunshine Coast has one of Australia’s largest dolphin populations, plus a wealth of beautiful coral reefs and underwater shipwrecks where you can dive among colourful tropical fish and other fascinating sea creatures.

If you’re looking for a lively resort with plenty to do, Caloundra, Mooloolaba, and Noosa are the Sunshine Coast’s most popular places to stay. Caloundra is relaxed, family-friendly, and home to incredible beaches and watersports with plenty of local cafés and breweries. Mooloolaba is a fantastic all-rounder with laidback bars mingled with sophisticated restaurants and a coastal path perfect for an evening stroll. At the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, fashionable Noosa attracts discerning crowds keen to indulge in high-quality al fresco dining at Hastings Street’s celebrated outlets. City lovers will find a home in the central town of Maroochydore, while those who prefer things a little quieter should consider getting slightly off the beaten track and making a base in Coolum. 

Looking for somewhere completely different? Try a romantic stay at a former plantation or luxury lodge in Montville, an isolated eco-lodge in the shadows of the Glass Mountains, or a tranquil castaway retreat on the heart-shaped Makepeace Island.