If there’s one thing Australia does well it’s the great outdoors. The country’s climate and natural beauty lend themselves to open-air living.

The Sunshine Coast has taken full advantage of this. It’s geared up for some of the best activities you’ll find in the world, let alone Down Under. Spoiled for choice? Here are ten of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast.

1. Noosa National Park

The park is almost ten thousand acres in size and boasts perfect beaches and lush rainforest. Noosa Headland is a favorite part of the park. Here you’ll find stunning hiking trails, including the scenic coastal track.

Stop by the Information Center before you head off as the staff there will be able to advise you of any recent animal sightings. There are spectacular sea views along the coastal track.

You’ll see plenty of palm-like pandanus trees. There are lots of eucalyptus trees too. You could well spot a few koalas feeding off the leaves if you’re lucky. From Dolphin Point, you might catch a glimpse of a passing whale or dolphin.

2. Horse Riding Around Lake Weyba 

Lake Weyba is a large, shallow salt-water lake located in Noosa National Park. This unspoiled gem is popular with kitesurfers and canoeists. The wonderful peace and tranquility around the lake make it the perfect spot for horse-riding.

It’s also a great place to study wildlife. You should see kangaroos and lizards during your ride. 

3. Mooloolaba Beach and Coolum Beach

Mooloolaba Beach is where the action is. It’s full of high-rise apartments and is more developed than other resorts in the area. About an hour’s drive from Brisbane airport, you’ll find details here about private transfers to the Sunshine Coast. 

Coolum Beach is also a popular place for tourists. Surfing is a firm favorite for beginners. The boardwalk is a lovely place to take a stroll and then head for a picnic.

Mount Coolum is a well-known landmark in the area. It’s a dome-shaped volcanic rock towering six hundred and fifty feet above the sea. There’s a well-marked track to the top from where you can take in the breathtaking views.

4. Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street

Noosa Main beach has super-clean sands and gentle surf. This makes it popular with both families and those who want to try out surfing in a safe environment. You’ll also get lovely views of Noosa National Park at the eastern end of the beach.

Hastings Street is just a short walk away from the beach. It’s full of smart designer shops, art galleries, and superb restaurants. The sandy bays along the Noosa River are a short drive away. They’re ideal spots for a picnic or a bit of fishing.

5. The Eumundi Markets

You should try to fit in a visit to the Eumundi Markets located around twelve miles southwest of Noosa. They’re held each Wednesday morning and on Saturdays too. Here you’ll find artisan foods, jewelry, natural therapies, and toys.

The markets are a great place to stock up with souvenirs and then enjoy lunch at one of the organic food stalls. There are camel rides available for children. You’ll also see plenty of talented entertainers on market days. 

6. Whale Watching

The annual migration of the humpback whale is something very precious to behold.  During winter, about twenty thousand humpback whales embark on a six thousand mile journey. This takes them from the Antarctic to Queensland. 

The Sunshine Coast is a key stopping-off point along their route. The best time for whale watching is during the mating season between July and October.

You can swim with these beautiful and majestic creatures by taking a whale watching tour. You’ll be able to see these animals singing, fighting and jumping.

7. Australia Zoo

This is is one of Queensland’s most popular tourist spots. It’s located in the town of Beerwah. The late Steve Irwin was a famous crocodile-loving conservationist and TV personality. He helped turn the zoo into a world-class attraction.

Among the hundred and ten acres of park, you’ll find kangaroos, koalas, and snakes. You’ll also be able to see elephants, Sumatran tigers, and cheetahs. There are popular live animal shows at the Crocoseum.

It’s a full day out and walking shoes are essential!

8. Glass House Mountains National Park

This park is very popular with hikers. It also holds spiritual meaning to the indigenous Gubbi Gubbi people who traded on the site and held sacred ceremonies there. 

There are many distinctive peaks here. Aboriginal legend has it that the tallest peak, Mount Beerwah, was the mother and gave birth to the smaller surrounding peaks. Mount Tibrogargan is known as the father peak.

There are trails for hikers of all abilities. You could also try your hand at abseiling, mountain biking, and rock climbing here. The area is home to a diverse plant and animal life. You’ll be able to see koalas and grey kangaroos.  

9. Noosa North Shore and Rainbow Beach

This the gateway to Fraser Island, with its World Heritage listing. The North Shore covers a stretch of around fifty miles of soft white sand and rolling dunes. 

The beach seems to go on forever and is popular with off-road drivers, campers and fishermen. You’ll also be able to witness the prolific wildlife from lizards to multi-colored lorikeets. 

When there’s low tide, it’s possible to drive along the beach past Teewah until you reach Rainbow Beach and Double Island Point. This is where the car ferry departs for Fraser Island. 

10. The Villages of Montville and Maleny

Take the scenic route across the Blackall Range to these two charming mountain villages. Montville and Maleny are around ten minutes’ drive from each other. They’re often a little cooler than the coast due to their higher altitude.

Montville is full of great art galleries and gift shops. Maleny is also renowned for its artistic community, studios, and workshops. Take a trip to Maleny Dairies where you can milk the cows and sample the yogurts and cheeses. 

Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is holidaymaker’s dream. It’s full of sandy white beaches and beautiful parks. It’s the perfect destination for outdoor activities. You’ll be spoiled for the things to do on the Sunshine Coast.

Ready to go places? Continue reading our blog for tips on saving money for your vacation fund.