The Sunshine Coast offers many things to see and do, but it’s also packed with several places to visit. From Noosa’s laid-back beach charm to the fun of Mooloolaba, throw in some Sunshine Coast Hinterland adventures, and check out the outdoors feel of the Gympie Region. There is nothing you will miss here and plenty to gain!
You need to consider where you will base yourself for your vacation in general. The distances between main towns on the Sunshine Coast aren’t huge compared to some across Australia. But they can be up to 100km at the most.
So, you must think carefully about where you want to go and how to get 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 dive a little deeper and understand the places to visit Sunshine Coast.
One of the best Sunshine Coast attractions is Noosa.
Noosa 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 of Sunshine Coast!
Looking for holiday parks to enjoy? Noosa National Park is a must-visit place. Here, you can head out to visit the area’s wildlife and spot a few of your favourite animals. You can find those cute koalas and enjoy the beautiful views of the forests, wide open and stunning Noosa beach, and hills to climb.
Noosa has something for every adventure lover, from swimming, kayaking and mountain biking to surfing. Even if you have nothing to do, you can explore the trails around the Noosa Heads.
Or you can set off the day on one of the country drives, allowing you to see Noosa’s natural wonders, local markets and cafes.
Noosa North Shore is packed with huge white dunes, and you can enjoy camping here to escape your hectic lifestyle.
Of course, there’s plenty of life going on in Noosa. Hastings Street is the central hub of all that. Here, you’ll find cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants where you can indulge in foodie experiences.
You can cruise across the Noosa River and enjoy the spectacular views.
Noosaville is also gaining a fantastic overall reputation for gastronomy and retail therapy in Noosa and is a top spot for a family holiday.
If Noosa has a bit of everything, then Mooloolaba is where you can take the ultimate family break.
From those idyllic and stunning beaches we’re all familiar with to the many action-packed Sunshine Coast activities, Mooloolaba is an excellent choice within the area.
Mooloolaba Beach is a typical white sand offering, and the area has many sheltered coves.
Head down to The Wharf Mooloolaba to experience what it’s like to swim with whales. If you still have a quench for adventure, board a jet boat and enjoy the sparkling waters. Thrill ride on the Hela-Va jet, where an electrifying series of aquatic manoeuvres will give a real adrenalin rush.
The waterfront esplanade is the hub of life, and people can watch, walk, or generally enjoy the vibe here. You’ll find restaurants, shops, cafes, you name it!
SEA LIFE is located here, right on the marina. Sea Life Sunshine Coast is a marine mammal park where you will find beautiful coral reef fish, little blue penguins and different types of marine animals.
In addition, there are many other top attractions just a few miles away that offer a lot of entertainment for both kids and adults.
Maroochydore is an active area, as this is where the region’s heart is considered to be.
You’ll find fantastic shopping here, including Sunshine Plaza, the biggest shopping Mall in the region. You must visit this mall for a fun day out packed with retail therapy and entertainment. There’s even a 12-screen cinema where you can relax and enjoy!
You’re not missing out on beaches here either, as Maroochydore is known for some fantastic waterfront settings and the famous Maroochy River for a more laid-back walking experience.
Enjoy a 20-minute morning coastal walk from Mooloolaba Beach to Alexandra Headland. Augello’s Ristorante 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 place home.
Culture, history, and nature all combine in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Hire a car, head out to view this stunning part, and take in some history and culture at important aboriginal ceremonial sites. You can’t miss this part of the coast.
Want to visit 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, Rainbow Beach, Beerwah (close to Australia Zoo), Coolum Beach, and amazing open views of the glittering Pacific Ocean.
The Glass House Mountains, with a range of mountains, is one of the region’s major tourist attractions. Visiting this mountain is a unique opportunity that you will cherish throughout your life.
In addition, you will also find beautiful rainforests, mountains, and beaches on this part of the Sunshine Coast. The Hinterland also offers a more authentic experience for those wanting to learn more about the true way of life on the Sunshine Coast.
For a lazy holiday, Caloundra offers it all. You can enjoy wandering around the coastal walking trails, chilling on the beautiful sandy beaches, and watching 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 for which the place is so famous!
Caloundra is home to a famous Jazz Festival, held every October. So, if you love music, visit Sunshine Coast around this part of the year.
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 breathtaking views and pass by small cafes and bars for a pitstop. You will also pass close to the rainforest, close to Dicky Beach.
Outdoors, people will definitely find their flavour in the Gympie Region. Full of forests, farmlands, mountains, beaches, and everything you can think of, this place 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 beaches and lack the crowd of the bigger ones.
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 something special to offer. Perhaps you could book a private tour, grab a map and check out the region on your own steam?