Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is a complete indulgence of the senses. With a postcard-perfect coastline and a hinterland of rolling rainforests, this region is awash with vibrant color. The fresh seafood scene will have you drooling every time you reminisce about your first taste of a Moreton Bay Bug – as scrumptious as they are hideous-looking – while the sun-kissed stretches of land are accompanied by soundtracks of crashing waves and the droning of cicadas.
Travellers can’t go wrong in this laidback wonderland, whether it’s diving the depths to discover shipwrecks, hitting the beach on horseback, trekking into the tropics, or sampling the best of the coast’s cuisine.
Mellow out in Mooloolaba
This mellow seaside town is an idyllic place to base yourself while exploring all that the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Moreover, Mooloolaba is within 40 minutes of most must-see attractions, making it a dreamy place to spend time with abundant brunch spots, friendly locals, and a stretch of pristine beach.
A plethora of seaside accommodation means minimum effort in getting from bed to beach. Stop by the famous Mooloolaba Surf Club on your way, where you’ll find a delightful breakfast buffet to enjoy while checking out the incredible collection of retro lifesaving and surfing memorabilia. Mooloolaba promenade buzzes from dawn to dusk with sun-visor-sporting power walkers, lycra-clad joggers, and gym buffs using the free equipment dotted along the coast. You could easily while away the hours people watching, yet if you seek adventure, this stretch of coast is overloaded with water-based activities. Check out Robbie Sherwell’s XL Surfing Academy for surfing lessons; dive to the famous sunken shipwreck, HMAS Brisbane, with Scuba World; or head to the calmer waters of Cotton Tree Beach to try some paddleboarding.
Brisbane Road is the place to be in the evening. Here, you can experience local favorite Gainsbourg for good eats and friendly vibes or visit Your Place to refuel with the perfect stone-oven pizza and an espresso martini.
Get in touch with nature at Great Sandy National Park
The Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park is an incredible amalgamation of diverse landscapes, colors, and textures. If you’re short on time, the best way to experience this magnificent stretch of land in a day is on a guided 4WD tour, or you could cover less ground while wearing your best cowboy outfit on horseback.
Topographical highlights in the park include Rainbow Beach (aptly named for its colorful sand cliffs), where you can safely swim in sheltered seawater pools, and Double Island Point, where you can hike up to the lighthouse for panoramic views of the park. If you’re visiting between June and October, keep an eye out for breaching humpback whales who travel to the warmer waters to give birth.
If you’ve rented a 4WD to explore the park and are not used to driving on sand, visit the Rainbow Beach Hotel to get some firsthand advice and witness their wall of shame, showcasing how people have managed to get into trouble driving on the beach. To avoid any mishaps, ensure you do thorough research before heading out on one of the most surreal and beautiful drives this earth has to offer. The hotel is also a lovely spot to grab a bite to eat and meet some real salt-of-the-earth locals.
Feast your eyes on the hinterland
The Sunshine Coast is surrounded by undulating hills with patches of subtropical rainforests teeming with wildlife and flora that will captivate both city-slickers and nature enthusiasts alike. At Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, which has a breathtaking vantage point of the arresting Glass House Mountains, you can enjoy a guided tour around the 55 hectares filled with diverse plant species, fungi, and wildlife. The visitor centre on the reserve is both beautiful and fully stocked with literature, interactive displays, and extremely knowledgeable staff. If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, Tropical Treks offers tailored tours to accommodate a range of birdwatching desires.
Tour the Sunshine Coast’s townships
There are several townships on the Sunshine Coast, each with something distinctly worth discovering. Prepare for your ears to pop while making the journey up to miniature Maleny, enveloped by its surrounding, lush green hills. Make cool Brouhaha microbrewery your first port of call—its tasting paddle is impressively extensive. Chill out with frothy beers, tasty bar snacks, and rainforest views, creating a perfect recipe for a good time. The town’s musical and artistic offerings belie its size; there are air-conditioned galleries offering unique finds, and the Maleny Village Artisan Market is worth seeking out for live music, welcoming locals, and quirky food stalls.
Another hinterland gem, the town of Montville, is set amongst jaw-dropping natural beauty – be sure to visit Fudgyboombahs for a sweet treat, while Caloundra, the Sunshine Coast’s southernmost town, offers stunning coastal paths and culinary delights that make it a worthwhile road trip.
Trips for your taste buds
Mooloolaba is known for its incredible seafood, particularly sashimi-grade tuna. Head to The Spit – just a short walk from the Surf Club – for an array of fresh fish with a view, and don’t miss Sakana Sushi Bar’s extensive and mouth-watering menu.
Less than a 40-minute drive north of Mooloolaba is ‘the relaxation capital of Australia’, Noosa. This town knows how to unwind in style, and days here revolve around delicious food. Stroll along Hastings Street, where you’ll find eateries with seating that faces the street—this is very much a town for keeping up appearances. Start your day at the bespoke omelette bar in Noosa Beach House before heading to open-plan Aromas where you can relax and enjoy a smoothie and some avocado toast while people-watching. For the evening, set yourself up at Season for sundowners, while listening to the soothing sound of the ocean over a delicious meal. If you’re into gin, ask for ‘a bloody good gin and tonic’, and you won’t be disappointed.
If you have a special occasion to celebrate while you’re on the coast and want something extraordinary, consider getting in touch with Deep Love Picnics, who will set up a lavish spread in front of one of the Sunshine Coast’s many stunning natural backdrops.
