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The Best Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast
Summer vibes are kicking year-round on this sunny stretch of coastline, so we’ve rounded up the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
In all its sun-kissed glory, Queensland’s very own Sunshine Coast is nothing short of paradise. From Noosa to Maroochydore to Mooloolaba, this string of beachside towns and lush rainforest is an outdoor lover’s dream, and it all caters well to the throngs of tourists that grace its shores year-round.
A water wonderland meets land-based adventures and a food scene driven by fresh produce and local seafood. Ready to start planning your trip? Read on for the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
The Best Things to do on the Sunshine Coast: Eat
Light Years
Neon-lit signs and playful art, Light Years Asian Diner combines Asian-fusion fare with a seriously good drinks menu.
The bountiful menu is designed to be shared, so if you’re a dining duo, we recommend you taste your way around at least five of their delicious dishes, but not before starting with some dumplings.
Although they have a comprehensive drinks menu, it’s the cocktails that will really get the night going.
1 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads
Dune by Pavilion Mooloolaba
Dune by Pavilion offers up the kind of dining scenes you only see in Europe. The Mediterranean menu is just the start, with plates of scallops, impeccably presented beef carpaccio and perfectly grilled fish just a few of the highlights.
As for the interiors, it’s a textural haven with a sandstone palette. They’ve got plenty of fun things going on too, from sunset social hour to bottomless brunches, so do take a peek at their entire offering before you book.
Mantra International Resort, 26/121 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba
Prawnstar Mooloolaba
You don’t have to travel to tropical North Queensland to experience the iconic floating restaurant, famed for its fresher-than-fresh seafood!
One of our favourite restaurants in Mooloolaba is Prawnstar, a floating fishing trawler-turned-restaurant that plates up the best prawns and local seafood that you’ve ever sampled.
Dine on wild-caught crayfish, bugs, oysters and more at one of Queensland’s most unique dining destinations.
The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
Ēthos
Hidden away in Palmwoods is a restaurant that feels otherworldly. Wander down the tree-lined pathway to find a bustling, rustic-chic space, that feels cosy and elevated all at once.
Alsahwa Estate’s Mediterranean restaurant, named ēthos, embodies a farm-to-table philosophy, where each dish is made with fresh, spray-free produce. Sourcing ingredients fresh from their own garden and from local farmers, allowing the menu to be guided by what’s in season (and ensuring each dish is full of flavour).
20 Rifle Range Road, Palmwoods
Spirit House
Stepping into the Spirit House grounds will transport you to a lush, Asian paradise. Serene lagoons, leafy pagodas and one of the Sunshine Coast’s most beautiful dining experiences await you at this award-winning restaurant in Yandina.
On the menu, you’ll find contemporary Asian cuisine to delight the senses. The dishes here are artfully plated and best enjoyed as a set menu experience.
If you’re spending a little bit of extra time on the Sunshine Coast, you might even like to come back and try one of Spirit House’s cooking classes to truly level up your culinary prowess.
20 Ninderry Road, Yandina
The Best Things to do on the Sunshine Coast: Drink
Matso’s Brewery
Hailing from Broome in Western Australia, the crafty crew behind Matso’s Brewery have brought their laid-back charm to the East Coast. It’s the perfect place to stop by for a post-work bev or get together with your pals on the weekend for good food and great memories.
85 Memorial Drive, Eumundi
Moto
Good coffee, locally brewed beers and delicious local food all day long. Moto is a café/bar hybrid that uses local roasters for their beans and welcomes laid-back coffee chats every day of the week. The industrial décor focuses on the still in-service shipping container that the café originally operated out of.
Come nightfall, select one of their scrumptious Asian-fusion dishes. The menu is tight, but the choices are delicious. As for the drinks, the wine, beer and cocktails are well and truly flowing.
66 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads
Miss Moneypenny’s
Miss Moneypenny’s is exactly what you’d expect from a stylish beachside bar. Laid-back bamboo chairs, ambient lighting and an easy-on-the-eye palette.
Perfectly plated Mediterranean-inspired dishes flow freely, while the drinks menu is extensive, with an entire section dedicated purely to gin cocktails.
Be sure to check out their renowned bottomless brunch and cocktail classes.
6 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
The Best Things to do on the Sunshine Coast: Stay
Little Red Barn
If you love the work of interior design powerhouse Luchetti Krelle, then you’re going to love Little Red Barn. This Noosa Hinterland hideout is the work of Rachel Luchetti, who brings a touch of luxe to the humble barn.
The space boasts soaring vaulted wooden ceilings, a spacious living area and three bedrooms, plus two bathrooms, one with a freestanding cast iron bathtub on the verandah.
Outside, balconies overlook the lush treetops, and a heated concrete water tank swimming pool is a treat year-round.
Doonan, QLD
Kondalilla Eco Resort
Head inland into the lush regions of the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland rainforests and you’ll stumble across this stunner, which backs onto the Kondalilla Falls National Park, famous for its cascading waterfall.
They offer a variety of studio, lodge and villa-style accommodations, but the resort’s treehouses are what’s in hot demand.
They’re all equipped with kitchenettes, TVs, air conditioning, baths and decks that lap up the lush surroundings.
61 Kondalilla Falls Road, Flaxton
Book your stay with Booking.com
Book your stay with Kondalilla
Elysium Noosa Resort
Recently renovated Elysium Noosa Resort is home to 175 rooms, plus an impeccable food offering via Italian trattoria Cibaria Noosa and all-day diner, Bar Capri — both concepts from award-winning Sydney restaurateurs Anna and Alessandro Pavoni.
Across the resort, there is a diverse offering of accommodation options with each apartment boasting a private balcony with either ocean, river or village views.
For travellers passionate about their wellbeing, the Wellness Suites are an essential experience. Fitted with a private infrared sauna, terrace spa, and bespoke concierge service (think reformer Pilates, Peloton workouts, and yoga practice), these rooms blend wellness and luxury in a brand-new way.
14-16 Hastings Street (vehicular entrance off Noosa Parade), Noosa
The Best Things to do on the Sunshine Coast: Explore
Eumundi Markets
The next time you’re on the Sunshine Coast, a visit to the Eumundi Markets is essential! One of the most iconic markets in Queensland, this eclectic scene has been a hub of creativity, innovation and community since 1979.
Welcoming over one million visitors per year, the Markets are guided by an ethos of “Make It, Bake It, Sew It, Grow It”, which gives you an insight to the type of unique creations you might find as you explore.
Browse stalls selling artworks, jewellery, home wares and woodwork to a soundtrack of sizzling market eats and live music.
80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi
Spirit House Cooking School
If you’re keen for a hands-on activity, to meet new people and learn some new skills, the Spirit House cooking school is one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
You’ll also get to enjoy the lunch or dinner that you have prepared and a glass of wine once you finish up in the kitchen.
20 Ninderry Road, Yandina
Sunshine Coast Beaches
The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its beaches, and people travel great distances to experience surf breaks, swimming spots and impressive views. Mooloolaba Beach ranks as the safest beach in the area, while Alexandra Headland is permanently etched in local folklore as having the best surf.
Adventure Activities
The Sunshine Coast is jam-packed with activities on and off land. The many beaches and waterways provide ample opportunity to go surfing, swimming, paddling, gliding, cruising and sailing on your own terms, or private tourism operators have made it their business to showcase the region’s finest.
Australia Zoo gets you up close and personal with Australia’s most feared and loved animals, while Sealife gives you a glimpse into the magical underwater world.
Noosa National Park
The resort town of Noosa Heads not only has stunning beaches that were made for swimming and paddling, but it also has one good-looking national park.
Hugging the coastline, Noosa National Park has a network of walking trails that take in some incredible views of the coastline that connects Noosa Heads with Sunshine Beach.
Along the way, there are several secluded beaches and bays, so don your hiking shoes and swimwear and escape the bustle for a dose of nature.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Take a break from hanging out beneath oversized beach umbrellas and head inland to explore the incredible Hinterland region.
Just a short 30-minute drive from the coastline, charming mountain villages, national parks and conservation reserves give way to wineries, produce markets, and studios and galleries that showcase local artists.
There are treetop adventures, mazes and botanic gardens to explore.
Once you’ve explored all of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast, hone in on the destination dining at Noosa! We’ve got the guide to help you eat like a Noosa native, but vacay in style with our favourite luxury accommodation options in the heart of Noosa.
