Another year bringing you another birthday – and an important one at that! Whether you are excited to celebrate your 50th birthday with your family and friends or if drinking quietly in a beautiful location is more your style, you can always find a great way to celebrate your 50th birthday in style on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. When edging another year, a birthday is the perfect opportunity to look back at your year and be grateful for all the good things that have happened. Perhaps you’d like to pamper yourself on your special day?
No need to stress about finding the ideal setting and perfect way to blow out your birthday candles, as we have you covered. From high tea to bring your own dinner, here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to help you decide on your birthday plans.
For the Live Music Enthusiast…
Grab your loved ones for an evening of live music, delicious street food and artisan stalls. Every second Friday of the month, from 5 pm to 9 pm, Nights on Ocean delivers up an eclectic mix of artisan stalls, live music, performers and street food to the entertainment hub of Ocean Street, Maroochydore. If you are into live music, you can make a great day out of it by walking along the main street; visiting the adjoining laneways; discovering various street murals and sculptures; and possibly even find the world-famous “Seawall” painting. You and your loved ones are bound to have lots of fun on your birthday.
If You Prefer Country Music…
With more than 100 artists performing in 6 venues over 4 days, Gympie Music Muster is Australia’s original and best camping and music experience. An iconic festival, Gympie Music Muster is widely considered to be one of the best traditions on the Sunshine Coast. Staged deep within the natural surrounds of Amamoor State Forest, Gympie Music Muster proudly showcases Australian talent at all stages of their careers, from those just starting out, to celebrated, established stars. See who is attending this year’s Gympie Music Muster here. While best known as a Country Music Festival, the Muster also features a rich tapestry of music genres including blues, rock, heritage, folk and much, much more. Attending this music festival could be a great way to celebrate your 50th birthday, undoubtedly creating lifelong memories with your family and friends – not to mention the friends you’ve not yet met.
For the Foodie Who Enjoys Night Life…
Discover the best of the Sunshine Coast’s food scene under one roof at NightQuarter, which is open every Friday and Saturday from 4 – 10pm, at Birtinya. Come together for a dining experience from a collection of authentic independent restaurants from Brazilian to Greek to desserts. With eclectic live entertainment every weekend, including themed festivals and the Sunny Coast’s best live performers, from fire shows to live bands to roving performers, see what’s on here at Queensland Music Award’s ‘Best Regional Venue’ in 2019, 2021 and 2022. Celebrate your 50th birthday by relaxing in the Enchanted Garden with a smoke bubble cocktail, grab a craft brew, check out the Sirromet cellar door bar or enjoy non-alcoholic treats like freakshakes, iced tea, coffee and bubble tea.
For the Nature Lover…
If you would much rather spend your special day in a quiet place right within the grasps of nature, the Sunshine Coast has plenty on offer. You could start by taking a dip in the ocean and enjoying the sun and the gentle breeze in Noosa National Park or you and your loved ones could simply wander and discover a secluded beach. Generally, the secluded beaches in this area are well known for spotting dolphins and koalas. You could also look for a more isolated location at the tranquil Noosa Everglades. Here you will find a lot of birds just waiting to wish you a Happy Birthday.
For the Camping Enthusiast…
If you like the idea of a quiet and peaceful birthday, you could easily go camping under the Sunshine Coast stars. There is an abundance of campsites available, with some of Queensland’s best ones being close by. You could enjoy the national parks, hidden hinterlands, and idyllic beachside while pitching a tent, indulging in a drink, and enjoying the company of your family and friends. You could also revel in the cascading waterfalls of Kondalilla National Park. The word Kondalilla literally means ‘rushing waters’ and sums up the perfectly steep 90m drop that the river takes at the Skene Creek’s waterfall.
For the Foodie…
If you are a foodie wanting to celebrate your 50th birthday enjoying delicious local cuisine, the Sunshine Coast has a plethora of choices for you. You can find a few of our favourites here.
Pick Birthday Berries Off the Fields Yourself…
Cooloola Berries is a working farm located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Pick your own sweet, ripe, delicious strawberries and blueberries fresh from the farm. PYO strawberries is available June to November (depending on the season) and PYO Blueberries from December-January each year. Their café serves delicious local produce including ice cream made from their own berries. If you like paella, do yourself a favour and visit on one of their Paella in the Paddock days… yummm!! Twice a year, the farm takes part in the Cooloola Farm Trail where they open to showcase their farm to the public. Definitely a wonderful place to celebrate your special birthday!
Visit the Famous Eumundi Markets…
Renowned for its locally made artisan treasures there’s no other market quite like it. The Original Eumundi Markets is the biggest and the best artisan market in Australia. With a stellar line-up of musicians and street performers, it’s an experience like no other. Step into an ever-evolving collaboration of talented locals seeking to share their gifts with the world. Market days are Saturdays (7am to 2pm) and Wednesdays (8am to 2pm). With a huge selection of delicious foods to choose from, make sure you bring your appetite. A visit to the Eumundi Markets will definitely make your 50th Birthday a memorable one and, especially if you’d like a few extra drinks, you won’t even need a car.
Spend Your Special Day Climbing Mount Coolum *****
If you’d like an active birthday, you could climb to the top of Mount Coolum. This two-hour hike offers refreshing views along the way and is definitely worth the effort. You might need a degree of determination and muscular strength in climbing up this iconic 25 million-year-old volcanic dome yet. If you and your family and friends are in at least half decent physical shape, you will easily accomplish it. Once you get to the top, you can find a complete 360 degrees view of Mount Coolum National Park and Coolum Beach. The perfect spot for a group photo!!
Visit the Ginger Factory
If you want to have fun with your entire family exploring the Sunshine Coast and everything that it has to offer for your birthday, There is no fee for admission, and you can kick off the day walking in the sub-tropical parks and exploring the world-famous Ginger factory before you round out with brilliant tastings at the local café. As you are already here, you can also walk around Moreton, which is the booming 120-year-old Ginger train and get a rich tour of the entire area.
Spend your birthday diving
You can also get up personal and close with the incredibly rich marine life of Queensland at Sunreef Mooloolaba. This is the biggest diving centre located in South East Queensland. You can swim alongside whales, dive off local reefs such as the brilliant HMAS Brisbane, go snorkelling, or even get a PADI license for diving. If you are an explorer at heart, this is the ultimate way to spend your birthday on the Sunshine Coast.
Sail off on a sunset cruise in the Noosa River for your birthday
You can also explore a new side of the Noosa area by boarding the M.V. Noosa Queen and getting a sunset cruise in the Noosa River. You can start at the Marina and take in spectacular views of the lush mangroves located in the Makepeace Island when you earn your way right towards Lake Cooroibah when it’s time for the sun to set. You can even sail back just in time to get onboard the historical yacht offered by Saltwater Eco Tours. Going sailing in Mooloolaba on your birthday while listening to the local stories regarding the Kabi Kabi people, leawine
rning about their connections with the ocean, and obtaining some traditional hands-on sailing skills while enjoying a tasty bush tucker is the perfect way to celebrate your 50th birthday.
Conclusion
The Sunshine Coast is not just the sleepy coastal brother to the incredible Gold Coast and the Northern Coast. There is everything for everyone here, and it is an excellent place to spend your 50th birthday with your family. You can enjoy the coast with a drink, feast on fresh seafood, or pay a visit to the hinterland region in the Sunshine Coast.
No matter what your ideal birthday looks like, from sacred Aboriginal sites, spectacular landscapes, and award-winning dining alternatives, Sunshine Coast is here to make your 50th birthday one to remember for ages. You can start your day enjoying your interests and passions in various establishments around the Sunshine Coast. There is a lot here for everyone. Whether you may be a foodie, an explorer, an exercise enthusiast, a nature and animal lover, or a live music enthusiast, you can find your perfect birthday and share the day with your loved ones on the Sunshine Coast.