Places to go Sunshine Coast

The Coast is packed with things to see and do, but it’s also packed with Places to go Sunshine Coast. From Noosa’s laid back beach charm, to the fun of Mooloolaba, throw in some Hinterland adventures, and check out the outdoors feel of the Gympie Region. There is nothing you will miss here, and plenty to gain!

You do need to think about where you’re going to base yourself for your vacation in general. The distances between main towns aren’t huge compared to some across Australia, but they can be up to 100km at the most, so you need to think carefully about where you want to go, and how you’re planning on getting there. The good news is there are plenty of options, so it’s simply a case of research.

To help you understand a little more about the main towns and regions within the beautiful Sunshine Coast region, let’s explore a little deeper.

Noosa

One of the best places to go Sunshine Coast if you’re into the laid-back surfer vibe is Noosa, it’s the place for you! This region encompasses several smaller towns and areas, such as Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Tewantin, Peregian Beach, and Sunshine Beach. This is a very natural area, although you could say that about the entire region!

Noosa National Park is a must visit, and here you can head out to visit the wildlife of the area, including those cute koalas, as well as enjoying stunning views, with forests, beaches, and hills to climb.

Noosa has something for every adventure lover, from kayaking, mountain biking to surfing. Even if you have nothing to do, you can explore the trails around the town. Or you can set off the day on one of the country drives giving you an opportunity to explore natural wonders, local markets and cafes.

Noosa North Shore is packed with huge white sand dunes, and you can enjoy camping here if you want a get away from it vibe to your break.

Of course, there’s plenty of life going on in Noosa too, and Hastings Street is the main hub of all that. Here you’ll find cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants, leading down to the main beach area.

Noosaville is also gaining a fantastic overall reputation for gastronomy and retail therapy, as well as being a top spot for family breaks.

Mooloolaba

If Noosa has a bit of everything, then Mooloolaba is the ultimate family break on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. From those idyllic Sunshine Coast beaches we’re all so familiar with, to many action packed activities on offer, Mooloolaba is a great choice of destination within the area. Mooloolaba Beach is a typical white sand offering, and there are many sheltered coves in the area too.

Head down to The Wharf Mooloolaba to experience what it’s like to swim with whales. If you have still a quench for adventure, board a jet boat Thrill ride on the Hela-Va jet where electrifying series of aquatic manoeuvres will give a real adrenaline rush.

The waterfront esplanade is the hub of life, and you can people watch, walk, or generally enjoy the vibe here. You’ll find restaurants, shops, cafes, you name it! SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is located here, right on the marina, and there are many other top attractions just within a few miles away.

Maroochydore

Maroochydore is an active area, as this is where the heart of the region is considered to be. You’ll find fantastic shopping here, including Sunshine Plaza, the biggest shopping Mall on the Sunshine Coast. For a fun day out, packed with retail therapy and entertainment, you need to visit this mall, and there’s even a 12 screen cinema!

You’re not missing out on beaches here either, as Maroochydore is known for some fantastic waterfront settings, as well as winding rivers for a more laid back walking experience.Enjoy a 20 minutes morning coastal walk from Mooloolaba Beach to Alexandra Headland. Augello’sRistorante and Pizzeria Restaurant serves one of the best pizzas in the world.

Nightlife here is very vibrant, as you would expect from the main area within the region, however wildlife is also a major point, with many different types of river birds calling the region home.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Culture, history, and nature all combines together in the Hinterland. Hire a car and head out to explore this stunning part of the region, as well as taking in some history and culture at important aboriginal ceremonial sites. You can’t miss this part of the coast.

Want to explore hidden places? Off to Kenilworth (delicious donuts), Amamoor State Forest, Cooroy and Boloumba Creek Falls.

The views will make your jaw drop, and you’ll take in such areas as the Glass House Mountains, Beerwah (close to Australia Zoo), Yandina, and of course, amazing open views of the glittering Pacific Ocean. Rainforests, mountains, distance beaches, this part of the region has it all. The Hinterland also offers a more authentic experience for this wanting to learn more about the true way of life in the region, as well as offering Sunshine Coast attractions in close proximity, such as the Ginger Factory.

Caloundra

For a lazy holiday, Caloundra offers it all. You can enjoy wandering around the coastal walk ways, chill out on the beautiful sandy beaches, and watch locals playing cricket or football with their families on the many large grassy fields. Of course, the beaches are ideal for surfing here too, so you get that laid-back vibe the region overall is so famous for!

Caloundra is home to a famous Jazz Festival, held every October, so if you love music, certainly make October four time to visit this part of the coast. If walking is your thing, the Caloundra to Kawana walkway is for you. This is a 25km path, which although long, isn’t particularly challenging in terms of terrain. Along the way you’ll see some breath-taking views, as well as passing by small cafes and bars for a pitstop. You will also pass close to the rainforest, close to Dicky Beach.

Maleny Country Drive, Sunshine Coast | Coast to Hinterland Tours

Gympie Region

Outdoors people will definitely find their flavour in the Gympie Region. Full of forests, farm lands, mountains, beaches, everything you can think of, this is the part of the Sunshine Coast which has a bit of everything, and is far away from modern tech-laden life.

You can skydive, cycle, surf, walk, hike, horse ride, and even swim with grey nurse sharks! Rainbow Beach is a top spot to visit, and you’ll find many other smaller beaches around the area, which are a little more secluded and lack the crowds of the bigger beaches in areas like Mooloolaba or Noosa.

As you can see, there is plenty to see and do on the Sunshine Coast, and more than enough areas to check out, filling a very busy and action-packed vacation!

Where you go depends on your preference, but each area has a special little something to offer. Perhaps you could book a private tour, grab a Sunshine Coast map and check out the region on your own steam?

If that doesn’t grab you, how about a private or charter tour. You can plan your own itinerary, and someone else does the driving for you!