sunshine coast tourist spots

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Sunshine coast.

The Sunshine Coast is a 180 km stretch of paradise that’s tucked into the southwest corner of mainland British Columbia. The shoreline stretches from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound and is accessible only by ferry, boat, or plane. Come spend some time discovering vibrant communities, reconnecting with nature, and enjoying the laid-back vibe.

While exploring the Sunshine Coast, please remember to be safe, responsible, and respectful. We’re all visitors on the traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, shíshálh, Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Xwémalhkwu Nations.

Getting Here

First nations, sunshine coast communities, get to know the sunshine coast.

Discover a string of quaint, coastal communities that offer a slower pace of life, allowing you to truly connect to nature.

Ch’ḵw’elhp

Gibsons sits at the southwest corner of Howe Sound, perched on a hillside overlooking several small islands. It was featured in a classic CBC TV show called The Beachcombers.

Gambier Island

Chá7elkwnech.

Gambier Island is home to approximately 100 permanent residents. BC Ferries and local water taxis offer convenient foot passenger service.

Keats Island

Lheḵ’tínes.

Keats Island is located just offshore from the community of Gibsons. BC Ferries and local water taxis offer convenient foot passenger service.

Roberts Creek

Xwesam / stelḵáya.

Roberts Creek is a funky artist community. Discover cultural and natural attractions in the area such as the Roberts Creek Mandala and the waterfalls in Cliff Gilker Park.

Sechelt sits on a narrow isthmus that separates the Sechelt Inlet from the Salish Sea. It serves as a fantastic adventure hub and is also home to a bustling arts scene.

Halfmoon Bay & Secret Cove

Discover some of the most stunning coastline and beach access points on the Sunshine Coast in Halfmoon Bay & Secret Cove. These areas are full of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Thormanby Island

Thormanby Island is known for its beaches, a large bay that provides safe anchorage for boats, and provincial parks that offer backcountry camping opportunities.

Pender Harbour

Pender Harbour is the name of a harbour and also the larger area around the harbour, which is surrounded by small communities such as Madeira Park (salalus), Kleindale, and Garden Bay.

Egmont is home to Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park. You'll also find a range of waterfront accommodations and restaurants, along with unforgettable kayaking and boat tours.

Nelson Island

Nelson Island is accessible by private boat or floatplane. It sits along the BC Ferries route between Earls Cove and Saltery Bay, so you can easily view the island during your ferry trip.

Powell River

Powell River is a city surrounded by natural beauty and adventure. It's home to the Sunshine Coast Trail, the Powell Forest Canoe Route, and more.

Texada Island

Sah yeh yeen.

Texada Island is affectionately called “The Rock” by locals. BC ferries offers car & foot passenger service from Powell River.

Lund is known as the “End of the Road” due to its location at Mile 0 of Highway 101, which is part of one of the longest highway networks in the world, running from Canada to Chile.

Savary Island

Savary Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the Salish Sea, featuring white sand beaches & stunning ocean and mountain views. Water taxi service is available from Lund.

Copeland Islands

The Copeland Islands (also known locally as the Ragged Islands) offer excellent opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing.

Water: Every Drop Counts

The Sunshine Coast faces increased pressure on drinking water supplies in the summer, and we need your help to conserve water. Here's what you need to Know Before You Go.

Soames Hill

Soames Hill in Gibsons offers a short, steep hike with rewarding views of Howe Sound and Gibsons Harbour.

Sunshine Coast Trail

Canada's longest hut-to-hut hiking trail stretches over 180km, connecting Desolation Sound to Saltery Bay along British…

Valentine Mountain

A short & sweet grind, Valentine Mountain offers one of the best scenic views of Powell River, Texada Island, and the…

Skookumchuck Narrows

The trail through Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park is one of the most well-known and spectacular hikes on the…

Outdoor Activities

Art & music, food & drink, hidden gems, desolation sound, mountain bike parks, historic townsite district, princess louisa inlet, gibsons landing, powell forest canoe route, dakota ridge, festivals & events, sechelt farmers’ and artisans’ market.

• May 11, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024
• Downtown Sechelt in front of the Sechelt Public Library

Powell River Farmers' Market

• May 12, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024
• Exhibition Grounds in Paradise Valley

Mother's Day Brunch with TK's Gourmet

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• Banditry Cider

Annual Pender Harbour May Day

Sunshine coast summer festival guide.

Summer 2024 is just around the corner! Make the most of the season with festivals and events that celebrate every facet of…

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Where to eat pizza on the sunshine coast, unique places to stay on the sunshine coast, conserve water when travelling on the sunshine coast.

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Explore the Sunshine Coast

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Dive in and discover all that the Sunshine Coast has to offer. From Pelican Waters to Noosa and all the way to Tewantin; there is no shortage of sights, attractions and fun things to do on the coast and hinterland.

TOP DESTINATIONS

27 listings, 12 listings, 51 listings, places we recommend you visit, handpicked places by our team, maleny botanic gardens, lush property featuring walkways past exotic plants & waterfalls, plus bird & animal enclosures..

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The Smash Pit

Destruction therapy or just plain fun, a unique adrenaline rush.

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SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

Formally underwater world, the number one destination on the sunshine coast.

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The Latest & Greatest

Here's our most recent listings to keep you up to date with what's going on in the sunshine coast, decisions cafe, at decisions cafe in qld's sunshine coast region, patrons indulge in a unique culinary experience blending….

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• 4/10 Capital Pl

Cafe Sisily

Serving up an enticing blend of aromatic coffee and delectable bites, cafe sisily in qld's sunshine coast….

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• 40 Landsborough Parade

Aurenda Coffee Co.

Aurenda coffee co. invites visitors to savor the perfect blend of artisanal coffee in a serene setting.….

• 34 Esplanade Headland

Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar

Serving up a curated blend of exceptional coffee and laid-back vibes, lamkin lane espresso bar is a local….

• +61 402 527 118
• 31 Lamkin Lane

The Pastry Lab

Dive into the delightful world of the pastry lab on the vibrant sunshine coast. indulge your taste buds in a….

• 2/80 Lower Gay Terrace

White Picket Fence

White picket fence invites patrons to experience a delightful blend of artisanal coffee and delectable bites….

• 0474 771 969
• 140 Bulcock Street

Are you looking for the best hotels in Noosa in Australia? The key to a truly memorable trip lies in choosing the perfect place to stay. Noosa, with its beautiful beaches, lush parks, and amazing dining scene, offers plenty of accommodation options. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best hotels in Noosa, carefully […]

Whoever named it the ‘Sunshine Coast’ may have not been the world’s most creative person, but they sure were on the money! Home to long, warm days throughout Summer, the Sunshine Coast has some of the best beaches Australia has to offer! How we Picked the Best Beaches in the Sunshine Coast With so many […]

It’s no secret that the Sunshine Coast is home to some of the best cafes, restaurants and bars around. But with so many options available, it can be a difficult task to dodge the tourist traps and experience local favourites. That’s why we’ve done the work for you and rounded up the most locally-loved cafes, […]

• Food & Drink

When you get a perfect cup of coffee, whether it is pure and black or more like a delicious dessert, you sit up and take notice. There’s nothing like a good cup of coffee to wake you up in the morning, perk you up during the day and end a great meal at night. For […]

Beautiful beaches, natural wonders and popular attractions form the backdrop for the laid-back lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast. The area is an ideal place for shopping, sightseeing and outdoor recreation. When visiting the Sunshine Coast on your next holiday, consider these seven attractions that are fun for the whole family. 1. Underwater World Mooloolaba Underworld […]

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Sunshine Coast, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Guide to the Sunshine Coast

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• Getting to the Sunshine Coast
• When to visit

Whether you’re seeking action-packed, nature-filled adventures or a relaxing beachside escape, the Sunshine Coast delivers the best of both worlds.

Stretching for more than 60km (40mi) along the Queensland coast, the Sunshine Coast is as vast as it is varied. White sand beaches and pristine waterways sit alongside lush rainforests and Heritage-listed national parks, with charming historic villages sprinkled throughout. You’ll be spoiled for choice with fresh local seafood, unique dining experiences and many wonderful wineries and breweries. Top it off with a subtropical climate and exceptional nature experiences and you’ve found an ideal year-round destination.

The Sunshine Coast is serviced by two airports: Brisbane Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport. Both airports will allow you to reach the Sunshine Coast’s many popular destinations, like Noosa and Mooloolaba.

• Brisbane Airport (BNE) is located between a one and two-hour drive from the Sunshine Coast, depending on your destination and services both domestic and international arrivals
• Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is located about a 30-minute drive from most towns, with direct flights from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland

Car hire is available from either airport, and driving is a convenient way to visit different destinations within the region.

Due to its subtropical climate, the Sunshine Coast enjoys pleasant weather all year long. Visiting in spring between October and November offers comfortable temperatures, low rainfall and fewer crowds.

• High season: Summer (December to February) and during school holiday periods
• Low season: After Easter holidays (April) until mid-September

Trips and Itineraries

Sunshine Coast: 8-day family road trip holiday

3 days on the Great Sunshine Way

The Pacific Coast Way: a must-do Gold Coast to Cairns road trip

4-day road trip through Queensland’s Scenic Rim

Destinations near the sunshine coast.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 25 Best Things to Do in Sunshine Coast (Australia)

25 Best Things to Do in Sunshine Coast (Australia)

A comfortable climate, endless sandy beaches, big-time visitor attractions, stylish resorts, tracts of rainforest and striking mountains: The Sunshine Coast’s strengths are many, and there’s so much more than you could ever fit into a single holiday.

If you’re a fearless adventurer you can scramble down humid rainforest valleys, conquer mountains and make for the deserted Fraser Island.

But most people may be reluctant to leave the Sunshine Coast’s flawless white beaches.

Families will never have a dull moment, at theme parks, world-famous zoos, natural discovery centres and quirky museums.

1. Noosa National Park

The chic but laid-back tourist town of Noosa is the jumping off point for the glorious national park of the same name.

In 4,000 hectares and four different sections, the Noosa National Park packs remote beaches, cliff, rocky headlands and lookouts at Dolphin Point and Boiling Point where you can catch sight of dolphins leaping from the surf.

The unpatrolled Alexandria Bay carries on for more than a kilometre and is open to the full force of the Pacific.

Cut in, and there’s rainforest, heathland and sweet-smelling woodland.

A lot of the tracks at the most popular Headlands section converge at the Noosa Headland day-use area.

Elsewhere, the Peregian section is loved for its spring wildflowers, like Christmas bells and the seldom-seen swamp orchid, while you can survey the coastline for many kilometres from the summit of Emu Mountain.

2. Mooloolaba Beach

There are resort beaches and then there’s Mooloolaba beach, which unfurls along a sandy spit in the shelter of Port Cartwright.

The luxurious white beach is angled away from the Pacific, which means low, manageable waves and many metres of shallow water.

Raised slightly at the west end is the Esplanade, where the footpaths are dark under tropical trees and the unfathomable expanse of the Pacific Ocean glitters in the sunshine.

There’s a gaggle of cosmopolitan restaurants and bars a couple streets in from the waterfront.

Backing that sandy spit are plush residential neighbourhoods on canals at the mouth of the Mooloolah river.

3. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

Ecotourists have been flocking to this parcel of remnant rainforest in Maleny since the 1940s.

First off, the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a sort of natural time capsule, growing the subtropical rainforest species that used to deck the entire Blackall Range.

The reserve has recently been equipped with a modern, multimillion-dollar Discovery Centre with multisensory hands-on displays introducing you to the delicate rainforest ecosystem.

The boardwalk ushers you past strangler figs and buttress roots, while the reserve’s viewing platform is the piece de resistance, looking southeast to the mysterious outline of Glass House Mountains.

4. Noosa Main Beach

A few things combine to make this beach on Noosa Heads’ Laguna Bay so enticing.

The headline is that it’s one of those rare Australian beaches that faces north.

Noosa Main Beach is turned away from the full brunt of the Pacific Ocean, which gives it gentle waves that will suit anyone put off by the big Pacific beach breaks.

Noosa Main Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers every single day of the year.

Safe to say that if you’re taking you first steps on a surf board, this is the beach for you.

And for everyone else Noosa Main Beach means lounging on the sand, paddling in the shallow water and frequent trips to Hastings Street for shopping and a drink of something cold.

5. Kondalilla Falls

If things get a bit too hot on the coast you can flee for this piece of mountain paradise deep in the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland.

In the national park of the same name, Kondalilla Falls is on the Skene Creek, which plummets down a series of cascades 90 metres into a lush rainforest valley.

It’s interesting to see how the forest transforms from dry grass trees and casuarinas high on the escarpment to the west, down to Australia’s most easterly stand of bunya pines, and then ferns, piccabeen palms and pink ash in the sheltered valley.

You’ll get the best view of the waterfall from the valley floor, descending and then climbing via the Kondalilla Falls Circuit, which has more than 300 steps.

6. Kings Beach

In the south, the Sunshine Coast ends with a fanfare at the town of Caloundra.

If you had to dream up the perfect tourist beach, Kings Beach in the namesake Caloundra suburb would come close.

There’s a sandy bay that slopes gradually into the ocean and is washed by waves that break a long way out.

Kings Beach has a big spread of soft white sand to park yourself on, and if the ocean looks a bit rough there’s a saltwater swimming pool right on the oceanfront.

When the tide goes out kids will love investigating the rock pools, and on the foreshore there’s a child-friendly fountain with sudden, leaping jets of water.

7. Bulcock Beach

Just along the coast, Bulcock Beach is linked to Kings Beach by a continuous boardwalk.

This will beckon you past the green Happy Valley and Clarke Place Park, for picnics and barbecues.

Fix your eyes to the south and you can make out the slender northern tip of Bribie Island and the long Pumicestone Passage, separating the island from the mainland.

Bulcock Beach really comes into its own when the tide goes out.

The ocean leaves behind small, clear pools, warmed by the sun, and at the beach’s southernmost point there’s a decent surfing break.

Behind the west end of the beach, is a string of bars, ice cream parlours and cafes, and there are companies like East Coast Kitesurfing and Caloundra, Jet Ski, catering to people up for adventure sports.

8. Glass House Mountains

This group of 13 volcanic peaks interrupts the coastal plain along the Sunshine Coast and is inscribed on the National Heritage Register as a landscape of national significance.

The monolithic rocks are the vestiges of volcanic vents that filled with magma and cooled, to be thrown into relief as the surrounding sandstone landscape eroded over millions of years.

Most distinctive is the 364-metre Mount Tibrogargan, which if you squint looks like a face surveying the ocean.

You can walk around the base of this peak, or take on the 253-metre Mount Ngungun.

Hardy bushwalkers can test themselves on the recently opened Yul-yan-man track, a rugged Grade 5 walk winding through the range.

9. Tewantin National Park

The adventure continues at Tewantin National Park, which is an easy 20-minute drive west from Noosa Heads on David Low Way.

A mandatory visit here is the 265-metre Mount Tinbeerwah, forged by volcanic activity tens of millions of years ago.

This peak commands majestic vistas over to the Noosa coast and river system, but also inspires wonder for rare and endangered trees like the swamp stringybark, wallum heath and cabbage-tree palms.

Amphibians like the wallum froglet, green-thighed frog and giant barred frog reside in the park, as do around 70 bird species, like the red-browed treecreeper, which thrives in the mature eucalyptus forests.

The Wooroi day-use area is more suited to families, where you can picnic or have a barbecue under bloodwoods and she-oaks.

10. Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld

In 110 acres, among ponds, cascades and a tapestry of themed spaces, Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld has a staggering location.

You’ll be on a terraced escarpment facing southeast across the coastal plain to the Glass House Mountains.

Trails meander through the landscape, guiding you into idyllic spaces planted with roses, camellias, desert species, orchids, rainforest plants and many more.

There are also four walk-through aviaries inhabited by 700 native and exotic birds, together with a petting zoo keeping tame domestic animals.

Then at the top of the gardens you can take a seat and be wowed by the scenery over a cup of coffee.

11. Australia Zoo

Dubbed “The Home of the Crocodile Hunter”, the Australia Zoo in Beerwah has found an international audience because of Steve Irwin.

His naturalist parents Bob and Lyn opened the park in 1970, and Steve grew up around the zoo’s crocodiles.

The money made from television filming went back into the zoo, turning it into the sprawling, world-class zoological attraction it is today.

The park is owned by Steve’s widow Terri and holds more than 1,200 animals over 1,000 acres.

There are crocodile and bird demonstrations at the 5,000-capactiy “Crocoseum”, a Rainforest Aviary with 150+ birds, Sumatran and Bengal tigers at the Tiger Temple, the 12-acre “Elephantasia” and a whole precinct for South-East Asian species like Komodo dragons and Asian small-clawed otters.

You’ll also have lots of chances to get involved, petting koalas, hand-feeding kangaroos, walking with wombats or touring the zoo’s animal hospital.

12. Queensland Air Museum

For something a little different, Caloundra has the largest heritage aviation museum in the country.

Remarkably this not-for-profit attraction is run almost entirely by volunteers, who keep the museum open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

There are scores of jet and propeller aircraft on show, and the immediate post-war years are a real strong point.

From this time you’ve got a Vickers Viscount, a Lockheed Neptune, two Hawker Hunters, a Gloster Meteor, two de Havilland Caribous, two Sea Vixens and two Sea Venoms, to name a small few.

The museum has a calendar bursting with events, like the Open Cockpit Weekend in July when you can take the controls in a whole range of aircraft.

13. Maleny Dairies

The rambling hills of Maleny, in the Sunshine Coast’s pastoral hinterland are the backdrop for an award-winning and family-owned dairy farm.

Grazing in those hills is a herd of Guernsey cows, and their milk goes into the Maleny Dairies’ range of natural and healthy products, which includes pasteurised milk (naturally), flavoured milk, yoghurt, cream and custard.

You can make a dash for these cooler climes for tours, scheduled Monday to Saturday.

These kick off with a short movie about the farm and then take you down to the factory floor.

You’ll get to meet Millie Maleny Dairies’ “tour cow”, watch a milking demonstration and taste milk right from the udder.

In season you’ll get the chance to bottle-feed calves, and at the end of the tour you can sample the brand’s range.

Three times a day there are also tractor rides, past paddocks with frolicking calves and emus that you can feed by hand.

14. Point Cartwright

This promontory sticks out into the vastness of the Pacific Ocean at the tip of Kawana Beach in Mooloolaba.

Behind is the final reach of the Mooloolah River before it enters the ocean, and there’s an active lighthouse atop the cliffs, 32 metres tall and built in 1978. From the headland you can watch the waves crash against the rocks and look back to Mooloolaba, down Kawana Beach and up to the curious dome of Mount Coolum.

Be here in the evening to watch the sun setting behind Mooloolaba.

At the base of the headland is an unpatrolled beach, big with surfers for its point break.

15. Buderim Forest Park

There’s a 45-hectare oasis of rainforest, with waterfalls, cascades and tangled trees, barely a kilometre outside the village of Buderim.

No shock that Buderim Forest Park is a hit with photographers and Instagrammers, and you can discover it on a trail with two entry points, conveying you between ferns and under eldritch strangler figs, while the calls of rainforest species like catbirds and whipbirds ring out all around.

Buderim Falls (also Serenity Falls) is nothing short of stunning, especially if you pick a day when Martins Creek is swelled by rainfall.

But even in dry spells there will be a gossamer trickle spilling over the rocks.

16. Mount Coolum

This bizarre dome-shaped landform rises just inland from the suburb of the same name, 100 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Protected by a small national park, Mount Coolum is a laccolith, formed some 26 million years ago when magma forced a bulge in the earth’s surface and then cooled without breaking through.

The 208-metre peak stands alone from the Glass House Mountains, which rise to the south, and if you’re up for the climb, will grant you stupendous 360° views of the coastline, the Glass House Mountains and the Blackhall Range in the backcountry to the west.

Mount Coolum is one of only two places on the sunshine coast supporting montane heath, a habitat made up of rare and endangered plant species.

17. Rainbow Beach: Kayaking with Dolphins

Intrepid sprits may be itching to travel into the national parks that lie beyond Noosa Head in the very north of the Sunshine Coast.

The online tour platform GetYourGuide.com has plenty of experiences catering to those who want to go a bit further.

At the top of the Great Sandy National Park is Rainbow Beach, which takes its name from the 72 different shades of sand.

This eye-opening spectrum of hues and tones has been caused by erosion, revealing sands tinted by vegetable dyes and iron oxide.

The Rainbow Beach: Kayaking with Dolphins package entails a 4WD trip along the beach, and then an easy kayaking trip around double island point.

Dolphin pods, sting rays, manta rays and turtles are in these waters all year, and should make an appearance.

But if you make the trip between June and November you also stand a great chance of seeing humpback whales on their migration.

18. Aussie World

The only fully-fledged theme park on the Sunshine Coast is just off the Bruce Highway, 15 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport.

More than 30 years after Aussie World opened, there are now more than 30 rides and attractions.

Some of these will have you clinging on for dear life, like the rollercoaster Redback, and The Plunge, a log flume, and The Wasp, which is an interactive thrill ride.

But there are also lots of more sedate ways for families to have fun.

These might be a restored carousel from 1927, a ferris wheel from the 1960s, mini-golf, the Leak’n Logs water play area and Sideshow Salley, loaded with carnival games.

Something not to miss if you’re aged 12 and up is the Mayhem Maze, which has a spine-tingling horror theme.

19. Peregian Beach

Pinned against the coast by Noosa National Park, Peregian Beach is a gorgeous seaside village with little local shops and cafes, an unending stretch of sandy beach and big tracts of nature to explore inland.

You can divide your time between the beach, a day spa and cafe table before striking out in search of unblemished natural spots like Lake Weyba.

Couched in mangroves, open forest and saltpans, Lake Weyba is a shallow body of saltwater with a sparse beauty, but also a vital breeding ground for fish.

You can spot birdlife in the bush from a kayak, or take a dip in the clear, warm water.

20. Hastings Street

Set just in from Noosa Main Beach, Hastings Street is a relaxed, upscale hangout with footpaths shielded from the sun by cafe awnings and the thick canopies of poinciana and pandanus trees.

At the foot of the street’s white, low-rise blocks are day spas, boutiques, gift shops, galleries and surf stores.

The terraces are occupied morning ’til night by bon viveurs taking coffee, champagne brunches and evening cocktails.

Then when the sun goes down Hastings Street glows with fair lights and becomes a rakish, smart-casual nightspot.

Noosa Main Beach is never more than a minute away, and at the west end you’ll suddenly leave the resort behind and find yourself in the gum trees of the Noosa Woods.

21. The Ginger Factory

The suburb of Buderim happens to have the ideal conditions for growing ginger, a crop that benefits from the local high rainfall and high humidity.

The industry took hold during the First World War, and there are now many hectares of ginger fields.

One company making ginger confectionery products is Buderim Ginger Limited, which has opened visitor a attraction next to its ginger factory about 15 minutes away in Yandina.

You can ride a century-old sugar cane train, venture through tropical gardens and take a themed boat ride with more than 200 animated puppets.

There are also live beekeeping demonstrations, and at the souvenir shop you can buy ginger spreads, cordial, ginger beers and of course gingerbread.

22. The Original Eumundi Markets

The little town of Eumundi has a nationwide reputation for its bi-weekly markets.

These are praised as the biggest and best arts and crafts markets in all of Australia.

Market days are Saturday and Wednesday, no matter the weather, laying on a cornucopia of locally produced art, ceramics, jewellery, fashion-forward clothing, furniture, homewares and a lot more than we can list.

Bring an appetite too, because some of the delicious bites include loaded baked potatoes, artisan fudge, authentic Turkish gözleme, empanadas and German bratwurst hot off the grill.

There’s entertainment too, by live musicians and street performers, and if you need time-out you could always pause for a massage.

23. Noosa Farmers’ Market

If Noosa seems quiet on Sunday morning, it’s because everyone’s at this farmers’ market under the gum trees by the Australian Football Club.

For holidaymaker’s it’s a chance to find out what the Sunshine Coast’s best producers are up to.

This means organic skincare, olives, nuts, seeds, jams, herbs, marinades, sauces, seafood straight from the ocean, cheeses, tapenades and bread and pastries baked on the spot.

You’re sure to get peckish at some point, and there’s lots of food and drink to go, like crêpes, German sausages, steamed dumplings, smoothies and fair-trade coffee.

24. Mooloolaba: Seafood Lunch Cruise

In the Mooloolah Estuary, on the south side of the Mooloolaba spit there’s a labyrinth of canals where palatial waterfront houses have their own jetties.

Jet-skis zip by, and palm trees and the masts of expensive-looking yachts set the scene.

You can only get fleeting glimpses of Minyama and Mooloolaba’s canals from the little waterside parks on land, so the best way to bask in the opulence is on a cruise.

This 90-minute voyage with GetYourGuide.com includes a satisfying sit-down lunch, which can be freshly caught Mooloolaba prawns, calamari and chips, fish and chips or hamburgers.

25. Fraser Island: 2-Day Grand 4WD Exploration Tour

On the Sunshine Coast you’ll be tantalisingly close to Fraser Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest sand island in the world, at 123 kilometres long and 22 kilometres across.

With a population of less than 200 Fraser Island is a world of rainforests, mangroves, sand dunes, peat swamps, heathland and beaches that disappear into the distance.

You’ll need two whole days to scratch the surface, and this 4WD adventure can be booked with GetYourGuide.com .

There will be scores of unforgettable moments, from whales and dolphins breaching in the ocean, to the vistas from Eli Creek and Indian Head Lookout.

You’ll traverse canyons, drive along the deserted 75-mile beach, paddle in transparent creeks, see a 100-year-old shipwreck and uncover the island’s lost timber industry.

25 Best Things to Do in Sunshine Coast (Australia):

• Noosa National Park
• Mooloolaba Beach
• Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
• Noosa Main Beach
• Kondalilla Falls
• Kings Beach
• Bulcock Beach
• Glass House Mountains
• Tewantin National Park
• Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld
• Australia Zoo
• Queensland Air Museum
• Maleny Dairies
• Point Cartwright
• Buderim Forest Park
• Mount Coolum
• Rainbow Beach: Kayaking with Dolphins
• Aussie World
• Peregian Beach
• Hastings Street
• The Ginger Factory
• The Original Eumundi Markets
• Noosa Farmers' Market
• Mooloolaba: Seafood Lunch Cruise
• Fraser Island: 2-Day Grand 4WD Exploration Tour

18 Stunning Things To Do On The Sunshine Coast, BC

Beata Urmos

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British Columbia ’s Sunshine Coast is a convenient weekend trip from Vancouver , but it’s a gateway to another world. The quiet coastline, dotted with charming towns, fabulous beaches and even more fabulous coastal hiking trails, made us fall in love with this secluded region instantly. And there are the giant mountain ranges and temperate rainforests as a backdrop to the beautiful shoreline.

Yet the Sunshine Coast is off the main tourist path, and miraculously remained somewhat of a hidden gem, especially if you visit outside of July and August. This post tells you about all the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast so that you fall for it as much as we did. To make your travel planning easier, I also included a Sunshine Coast itinerary and lots of practical tips in this guide. And some Sunshine Coast hidden gems for nature lovers.

Do you find planning your British Columbia road trip a bit overwhelming?

What if I told you that someone has ALL the planning done: get our compact, easy BC Road Trip Guide! Read it, then go and enjoy.

First, some words of warning though. This post is about the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada. There’s another Sunshine Coast in the state of Queensland, Australia – which we also visited, and it’s absolutely gorgeous, but has nothing to do with this blog post. Pay attention to which one you found when you google it.

Second, don’t let the naming misguide you. Despite its name, the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia has a similar climate and weather as the rest of the BC coast: mild and rainy for most of the year.

Where is the Sunshine Coast in BC?

Northwest of Vancouver, the coastline of British Columbia becomes incredibly rugged, carved by fabulous fjords that stretch for hundreds of kilometers. It results in stunning scenery which is almost impossible to access on land.

The Sunshine Coast is an isolated coastal region along the Strait of Georgia, cut off from direct road connections by dramatic mountains and the aforementioned fjords. So you have to take the ferry or the seaplane to access it, even though it’s not an island.

The Sunshine Coast stretches for 177 kilometers from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound . And it’s cut into two by Jervis Inlet, so you need to take the ferry to make the connection between the two regions of the coast. (What to do on the Sunshine Coast in the first place? Take scenic ferry trips. If the wind don’t blow you away, stay out on the open deck.)

The South Sunshine Coast is the busier of the two regions –  understandably, because it’s only one ferry away from Vancouver. It includes the largest towns, too: Sechelt and Gibsons (don’t expect them to be actually large). And you find some quiet villages, like Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour or Egmont.

The North Sunshine Coast is even more sparsely populated, with Powell River being the only settlement you can call “town”. But there’s nature, unspoilt and magical. The Sunshine Coast tourist attractions are not the towns, anyway. As cute as some of them are, the main attraction here is nature.

How to get to the Sunshine Coast?

morning view from the ferry

In short: take the ferry or fly. It’s a ~45 minutes ferry ride to get to the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver : from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Langdale on the South Sunshine Coast. BC Ferries operates this line, along with several others in the regions, and it takes both passengers and vehicles.

There’s ferry connection between Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast , too: from Comox to Powell River. Finally, the North Sunshine Coast is connected to the south by a 50 minute ferry ride from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay.

You need to pay for each individual passenger and your vehicle on the ferry, but return fares are charged from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and Earls Cove to Saltery Bay, so physically you’ll pay one direction.

Several companies offer scenic float plane trips to Sechelt and Powell River from either Vancouver or Victoria. It’s a more expensive way to travel (and you can’t take your car), but undoubtedly very scenic.

Though I need to add here that the ferry ride also treats you with beautiful views, and sometimes you can see whales, orcas or dolphins . It’s worth staying on the deck in clear, nice weather, but there’s a comfortable indoor area, too, with large windows. We couldn’t stay on the deck for long on any of our ferry rides in the region. The wind can get really crazy, even if the weather is clear and sunny. Our 3-year-old started crying that his face hurts, and I knew what he meant. Wind can be that crazy.

Since public transport is almost non-existent on the Sunshine Coast (except during the short summer), I definitely recommend bringing a car for this trip . If you’re renting, you’ll have the best options in Vancouver.

Find the best car rental deals here!

Best things to do on the Sunshine Coast

So let’s see the best things to do on your Sunshine Coast road trip (the order is from south to north, including only the Southern Sunshine Coast, because that’s what we explored):

Stroll Gibsons Landing

The coastal town of Gibsons is among the most easily accessible Sunshine Coast attractions, being only a few minutes drive from the ferry terminal. The town is split into two areas: Upper Gibsons along the highway and Gibsons Landing on the waterfront.

Taking a walk on the pier, then along the waterfront walkway to Armours Beach is one of the best things to do in Gibsons. It offers great views of Keats Island and the mountains of Howe Sound, and you also find cute shops on Marine Drive and Molly’s Lane.

Don’t miss eating fish and chips at Molly’s Reach. It’s not only a restaurant, but one of the most famous things to see in Gibsons, since it was the shooting location of The Beachcombers TV show. In case you don’t know about it, well, you should. 🙂 It was one of the longest-running TV shows in Canada, running for about 20 years. 387 episodes were made! Some Beachcombers relics can still be spotted in Gibsons, and streets were named after the series.

If you’d like to taste the local craft beer, Gibsons Tapworks is a good stop to add to your sightseeing walk. Beachcomber Coffee Company , with coffee and doughnuts, is a nice place to have breakfast.

Best accomodations in Gibsons:

• Luxury: Oceanfront Suite (beachfront villa)
• Mid-range: Bonniebrook Lodge (beachfront location)
• Budget: Gibsons Garden Hotel

Gibsons is one of the most easily reachable Sunshine Coast destinations, yet we wouldn’t call it really busy, at least outside of July and August. But let me tell you a secret: everything is busy in July and August in British Columbia . That’s the short, usually warm and dry summer that everyone is waiting for in the rest of the year. Locals flood the parks, beaches and campgrounds. Then add the tourists who also plan a pleasant summer visit. Rain or crowd, that’s your choice. Or have some luck (it’s possible, I promise) on a shoulder-season visit.

Enjoy the beaches in Gibsons

Armours Beach has a cordoned-off swimming area and picnic tables up the banks. It’s a lovely walk from the pier in Gibsons Landing.

Georgia Beach is quieter and in a residential neighborhood. It’s a small pebbly beach. Bonniebrook Beach is just out of town, and the 2 kilometers long beach has sections of sand and pebbles.

Can you actually swim at these beaches? The ocean never gets too warm here, the average water temperature in summer is 12.5°C. Locals do swim, especially on hot summer days, but go kayaking or paddleboarding if you find it too cold. Then walk on the beaches, have a picnic and enjoy the scenery.

Take the stairs to Soames Hill

Hiking to hilltops and enjoying spectacular views of the coast and the islands is among the best activities on the Sunshine Coast. The best scenic hilltop hike in Gibsons is Soames Hill.

It’s actually more of a stair climbing adventure than a nature trail. But you get a very pretty reward for the workout: a fabulous panorama of Gibsons and the surrounding islands.

Though you climb a lot (about 400+ stairs) to the 250 meters high summit , the trail is short and can be done quickly. We recommend planning at least two hours for this hike. It takes about an hour to hike there and back, but you’ll want to enjoy the views at the top, maybe have a picnic on the large rocky plateau. 

Soames Hill Park has about 5 km of hiking trails overall, and they wind through second-growth forest. You can access the park from four different entry points ( see them here ), and even though it looks like it’s a walk away from Gibsons, it’s the most convenient to get there by bike or car.

Given the location, it’s one of the best Sunshine Coast places to explore before you catch the ferry back to Vancouver.

Hike to Langdale Falls

Langdale Falls is a nice, short hike and one of the best things to do near Gibsons if you have some time left until the next ferry.

The trail takes you through the forest to a lovely waterfall, but don’t mistake it for a leisure stroll . You definitely need proper hiking shoes to tackle this, and it surprised us with some unexpectedly steep sections.

To get down to the bottom of Langdale Falls for the best view at the end, we had to climb down on a particularly steep, muddy slope while holding onto ropes. It’s a fun adventure, a bit of a workout for a nice reward.

Langdale Falls is the most impressive during the rainy months (which means the majority of the year), and can be a bit underwhelming after dry periods, mainly in August or September.

Langdale Falls hiking essentials:

• Parking & trailhead: Mount Elphinstone Hike Trailhead in Sprockids park
• Length: 2.6 km return
• See trail map here.

See the waterfalls in Cliff Gilker Park

Cliff Gilker Park is only 10 minutes drive from Gibsons, in the tiny town of Roberts Creek. It’s one of the hidden gems near Gibsons, mostly visited by locals. The trails here take you through nice forest and over a scenic bridge along Clack Creek. You can see several small waterfalls on the way.

While none of the waterfalls are that spectacular (especially by BC standards), hiking in Cliff Gilker Park is easy and pretty, with all the crystal clear water flowing and the large trees towering above you. We did the Red Trail loop which would be an obvious choice for water lovers.

A hike in Cliff Gilker Park is certainly one of the best things to do in Roberts Creek.

Cliff Gilker Park hiking essentials:

• Parking & trailhead: Cliff Gilker Park, just off of Sunshine Coast Highway
• Length: 2.2 km loop

Hike to little-known Roberts Creek Falls

This forest trail starts in the village of Roberts Creek and takes you to a rushing waterfall, then continues along the creek. It’s an easy and not well-known hike, definitely one of the hidden gems of the Sunshine Coast. The trail marking is not straightforward either, so pay attention at the crossings.

Honestly, we were a bit underwhelmed, because we did this hike in mid-September and after a very dry summer, so the waterfall had barely any water in it. Knowing British Columbia’ weather, any other time would have been much better, and Roberts Creek Falls must be roaring in winter and early spring.

Roberts Creek Falls hiking essentials:

• Parking & trailhead: at the end of Day Road in Roberts Creek
• Length: 1.8 km loop

Stroll the Sechelt waterfront

Sechelt is the biggest city on the Sunshine Coast – which is the proof of how quiet this region is, with tiny, laid-back coastal towns. Sechelt sits on a narrow strip of land between Sechelt Inlet and the Strait of Georgia.

It has a lovely oceanfront pathway that starts from Friendship Park and ends at Snickett Park. You can walk out to the pier, or sit on the benches on the way. The waterfront is one of the nicest places to visit in Sechelt.

If you have the time and like browsing cute little shops, continue to Cowrie Street. Get coffee at The Basted Baker.

Best accomodations in Sechelt:

• Mid-range: Davis Bay Bed & Breakfast (beachfront)
• Budget: camping in Porpoise Bay Provincial Park 🙂

But if you ask me what to do in Sechelt, the first thing I’d recommend is not walking around in town…

Go kayaking on Sechelt Inlet

While the downtown and waterfront are lovely, if you ask me about the best things to do in Sechelt, I’ll tell you to rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, and explore Sechelt Inlet . These calm waters are great even for beginners and families, and you can enjoy the quiet coastline the best from the water.

Watch the sunset on Davis Bay Beach

What are the prettiest things to see in Sechelt, you ask. A Davis Bay Beach sunset is certainly one of them.

You can find romantic sandy beaches on the Sunshine Coast, and Davis Bay Beach is the most well-known. With a paved waterfront promenade behind the beach , it’s the perfect place for sunset strolls, playing in the sand (and with the lots of driftwood) or going for a swim in the summer. Walk out on the small pier, it’s a popular fishing spot, as well.

If you’re looking for romantic Sechelt activities, definitely don’t miss Davis Bay. We watched a romantic sunset, and miraculously, we enjoyed it undisturbed, while our 3-year-old son was entertained by the logs in the sand. Quiet and undisturbed moments exist – though they are rare -, even for parents.

Camp in Porpoise Bay Provincial Park

Okay, we are biased about the campground in Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, because camping there was part of a very sunny and enjoyable trip for us, and it was one of the rare places in BC where we didn’t feel cold even during September nights.

So Porpoise Bay Provincial Park has a campground with 80+ sites, set in the coastal rainforest, and it connects to the waterfront on a short trail. There’s a sandy beach, a grassy picnic area and an adventure playground. You can take a short trail along Angus Creek. It’s a great place to connect with nature and do various outdoor activities. It’s one of the best places to visit on the Sunshine Coast with kids, as it has great amenities and lots of things to keep them entertained.

Hike to Burnett Falls

This 250 meters walk to a gorgeous waterfall , surrounded by lush greenery, is just outside of Sechelt. The industrial sites don’t look promising as you drive to the end of Burnett Road, but you find yourself in a quiet forest trail in the end.

It’s one of the most easily reachable things to do around Sechelt. Don’t judge based on our picture. Burnett Falls looks prettier any other time of the year than in early September (after a very dry summer). It’s among the top things to do on the Sunshine Coast for families, as the hike is so short and water is involved.

Hike to Smuggler Cove

Combine a scenic coastal hike with exciting stories: this is what Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park offers. It’s near Halfmoon Bay, and the trail starts in the forest, takes you through a beaver pond and a swampy area, then reaches the coastline and the picturesque cove. You find several rocky outcrops that overlook the cove and the Salish Sea.

The trail is 4.2 km there and back, with a partial loop on the left fork. The right fork takes you to an additional viewpoint, but it’s not comparable to the views on the left fork, so if you need to skip it, don’t worry. Plan about 1.5-2 hours to get to all the viewpoints.

Why Smuggler Cove? It was used by smugglers, yes, Chinese workers were smuggled into the USA during the time when the Canadian Pacific Railway was built, then alcohol smugglers used it in the 1920’s.

Smuggler Cove hiking essentials:

• Parking & trailhead: 5172 Brooks Rd, Halfmoon Bay
• Length: 4.2 km return (partial loop)

Hike to Francis Point

The short, scenic coastal trail in Francis Point Provincial Park is another of those Sunshine Coast activities that has a great effort-reward ratio.

The Francis Point Trail leads along a rocky shoreline with nice ocean views, and ends at a rocky bluff. Though I read about it as “Francis Point Lighthouse” trail, there’s no lighthouse at the end. The trail is almost flat, but pay attention to your steps on the rocky ledges, especially in wet weather. Families can easily complete the trail, as well, but the same applies: be careful on the rocky ledges, hold your kid’s hand.

Francis Point hiking essentials:

• Parking & trailhead: 12650 Merrill Crescent, Madeira Park (Francis Point Provincial Park Parking Lot)
• Length: 2.4 km return

Swim in Katherine Lake

You find lots of small lakes in the Pender Harbour area – like Garden Bay Lake, Mixal Lake, Hotel Lake or Katherine Lake. This latter is very small and has the warmest water of all. (If you’d like to swim in pleasant waters in BC, go to the lakes in summer, because the ocean never gets really pleasant.) It has a nice beach area with very shallow water in the beginning, perfect for families with small kids. There are two floating docks inside the lake, as well.

Enjoy the iconic view from Pender Hill

The best of the Sunshine Coast. A truly iconic view. Pender Hill deserves to be one of the most famous attractions on the Sunshine Coast, and the view from the top of this hill is surely among our favorite views in BC.

The trail is about 800 meters, the summit is 231 meters, and you climb most of that elevation. Yes, it’s steep, but short and has a very rewarding panorama with Hotel Lake, Garden Bay Lake, Pender Harbour and the Salish Sea. It’s not one viewpoint, you can walk around the rocks on the top and find your favorite one to eat the “summit chocolate”.

You can see the trail on this map . There’s a small unpaved parking area just off of Coastview Drive.

Daniel Point is a tiny, very nice coastal park nearby. Spend half an hour exploring it if you have the time.

Find more great views on Mount Daniel

Up for another challenging climb? Mount Daniel is a 4.5 kilometers return trail, quite steep at places. It offers a similar view as Pender Hill , and even though I liked Pender Hill better, I can’t get enough of the views in this area. The coastline is beautiful, with many lakes, bays, inlets and peninsulas.

The trailhead is just off of Garden Bay Road, the small pullout is suitable for a few cars only , and you can’t park on the road. It’s not a busy trail in general, but sunny summer weekends might pose some parking challenges.

Mount Daniel hiking essentials:

• Parking & trailhead: Mount Daniel trailhead
• Length: 4.4 km return

Watch the tidal rapids at Skookumchuck Narrows

What to do on the Sunshine Coast that is really unique and extraordinary? See the tidal rapids of the Skookumchuck Narrows. Uhm… okay, let me start from the beginning.

Egmont is a tiny village that seems to be at the end of the world and offers nothing, unless we count the cute harbor and the pretty coastal views. But there’s one thing – one of the best things to do in Egmont and also on the Sunshine Coast overall: witnessing the tidal rapids at Skookumchuck Narrows.

The trail to Skookumchuck Narrows was our favorite on the Sunshine Coast, and it leads to a “whitewater wonder” like no other – if you time it right. Twice every day you can see powerful rapids and whirlpools at the Skookumchuck Narrows as the tide changes. The opening of the inlet is narrow, but the inlet is big. As the flow of saltwater switches, a huge volume of water rushes through the narrows, and it forms whirlpools and rapids. It’s a spectacular and rare sight!

Thrill-seeking kayakers prepare for the tidal change, just like the audience of hikers and nature lovers who take the trail there from Egmont. We were also impressed by the underwater world, without even going in the water. We saw a kelp forest in the sheltered bay, and counted sea stars under the water as we walked on the coastal rocks.

To get to the rapids of the Skookumchuck Narrows, you need to hike 4 kilometers through the temperate rainforest, passing Brown Lake on the way. It’s mostly flat, sometimes a bit rugged, and the trail splits towards the end: Roland Point is the best to see the big waves (during flood tides) and North Point is the best to see the whirlpools (during ebb tides).

Timing is critical when doing this hike, and the best time changes every day according to the tides. It’s a 20-30 minute window you have to catch.

Skookumchuck Narrows hiking essentials:

• Parking & trailhead: Skookumchuck Narrows trailhead in Egmont (park on the gravel road shoulder)
• Length: 8 km return
• See trail map here – and use this calendar to time it right (from Sunshine Coast Tourism)

Use the amazing kayaking opportunities

I know I’ve already mentioned kayaking, but there’s really plenty of opportunities to find calmer waters along the Sunshine Coast.

Like Ruby Lake or Sakinaw Lake in the Pender Harbour area. Roberts Creek beach in Roberts Creek and Coopers Green Park in Halfmoon Bay both offer easy launch points for sea kayaking. Kayaking to Keats Island from Gibsons Landing can be turned into a stunning day trip.

Desolation Sound is a paddler’s paradise, with calm water and epic scenery.

Want help planning your BC road trip?

• Get the BC Road Trip Guide eBook.
• Use the easy-to-follow itineraries.
• Go and enjoy your trip.

Buy it here.

And more Sunshine Coast attractions on the bucket list:

• boat trip on Princess Louisa Inlet
• hiking the hut-to-hut Sunshine Coast Trail
• kayaking Desolation Sound
• camping on the coast in Lund
• exploring Texada Island

Best time to visit the Sunshine Coast, BC

As I warned you already: don’t let the name mislead you. The Sunshine Coast has a similar climate to Vancouver, with lots of rain between November and April. You can enjoy a relatively dry, sunny period from May through August. Summer is as busy as everywhere in British Columbia, May or September could be great for a much more peaceful shoulder season visit. The coastal hikes are snow-free all year, and the waterfalls are actually the most spectacular during rainy periods.

So pack a rain jacket and enjoy. It’s the British Columbia coast.

Sunshine Coast itinerary: 2 days on the Sunshine Coast for first timers

Day 1: Morning:

• hike to Langdale Falls
• stroll Gibsons Landing
• visit Armours Beach
• hike up to Soames Hill
• go kayaking in Porpoise Bay
• hike to Burnett Falls
• stroll the Sechelt waterfront
• watch the sunset on Davis Bay Beach

Day 2: Morning:

• Smuggler Cove
• Pender Hill & Daniel Point
• swim in Katherine Lake
• Skookumchuck Narrows (you might move this according to the tide times on the day of your visit)

Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast?

I collected some of the coolest places for you to stay on the Sunshine Coast:

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort in Halfmoon Bay : this beachfront resort is a perfect romantic getaway. There are suites with ocean view and also separate cottages. The dining area is on an outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. Guests can use the outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness center.

Bonniebrook Lodge in Gibsons : a historic wooden lodge on the beachfront in a quiet neighborhood in Gibsons. Walking distance to the beachside park, but it has a private beach area and a whirlpool tub for guests.

Sunshine Coast Resort in Madeira Park : this 4-star beachfront resort offers ocean view from each room. A terrace or balcony also belongs to the rooms, and guests can relax in the hot tub or sauna. The best location to explore Pender Harbour and Francis Point.

Related articles

Bea is a travel writer and the co-founder of In Love With BC, a blog about British Columbia travel, hiking and outdoor adventures. She’s been traveling for more than 10 years, and she’s passionate about sharing all she has learned along the way. North America is one of her favorite destinations, and she spent a year living in Vancouver and traveling all over BC with her family.

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Top spots to visit on the Sunshine Coast, Australia

Located north of Brisbane in the state of Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is the ideal place in Australia to combine sandy beaches, lush mountains, and marine wildlife encounters.  In this blog post, I share  the top spots to visit on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. After reading this travel guide, you will have all the information you need to plan your trip to the Sunshine Coast and enjoy it to the full.

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. That means if you buy something through these links, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for the support!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to get to the Sunshine Coast?

Located on the East Coast of Australia, the Sunshine Coast is easily accessible from any part of Australia . In other words, you can get to the Sunshine Coast region either by coach, plane, or car.

You can easily reach the Sunshine Coast thanks to  the numerous Greyhound coaches  from Southern Australia (Brisbane, for example) or from Norther Australia (Cairns, for example). You can book your seats online in just one click and you are ready to go! Price are competitive and the services is efficient.

The Sunshine Coast has its own airport with flights from many destinations within Australia. However, there is no International flight to MCY Airport (Sunshine Coast Airport), except from New Zealand. As a result, coming from overseas, you’ll need to land at one of the country’s many international airports (such as Brisbane or Sydney) and then take an inter-flight to the Sunshine Coast. 

Located just 1h30 from the big city of Brisbane, the region is easy to access from any part of Australia by car.  Sealed roads and highways lead to the Sunshine Coast. Also i f you decide to visit Australia’s east coast by car, the Sunshine Coast will undoubtedly be a highlight of your road trip.  

How long to stay on the Sunshine Coast?

The Sunshine Coast is the ideal place to combine a seaside vacation with postcard-perfect white sandy beaches with a more adventurous getaway in the green mountains. Not to mention that the region is packed with marine life, so you’ll have the opportunity to see whales, turtles, and dolphins from the shore. So, I would suggest staying  for at least 4 nights on the Sunshine Coast to soak up the region and its wonders.

Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast?

As the Sunshine Coast is a coastal region with many seaside towns  such as Noosa Heads, Coolum Beach, or Mooloolaba (to name a few),   , it offers many opportunities for ocean-view accommodation.

I recommend staying in one of the three hotels mentioned below, depending on your budget and desires.

• High-quality apartments with tropical green exteriors and a magnificent swimming pool.  Check it out!
• Beautiful nicely decorated hotel at a very reasonable price for the region and the amenities offered.  Book your room now!
• The most beautiful boutique hotel in the region in my opinion.  Enjoy your stay here!

Book your room now!

How to move around the Sunshine Coast?

Given that the Sunshine Coast is a rather a vast region, with numerous beaches stretching for over 70 km and points of interest inland, you’ll need a car to get around. No doubt about it!

I’ve been lucky enough to discover part of Australia’s East Coast thanks to my travel partner  Alpha Car Hire , which offers short- and long-term cheap rental cars. How great is that? Also, y ou can choose what insurance coverage you want during your rental, for peace of mind. The good news is that Alpha Car Hire is present in several cities in Australia, including the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, and Melbourne.

Top spots to visit on the Sunshine coast

You’ve understood by now, the Sunshine Coast is a region rich in natural wonders. From miles of sandy beaches to hiking trails in the green mountains, to coastal adventures and wildlife viewing. There’s something for everyone!

THE BOARDWALK MT COOLUM

Mount Coolum Boardwalk is the ideal place to enjoy the postcard-perfect scenery that the Sunshine Coast has to offer. In fact, this paved wooden path runs along the coast with magnificent views of Coolum Beach. In addition, much of the walk is sheltered by vegetation, making it a pleasant all-day stroll.

There is a small car park at the beginning of the boardwalk. 

POINT CARTWRIGHT LIGHTHOUSE

Located in the Mooloolaba district, point Cartwright Lighthouse offers an unobstructed view of the ocean and its beautiful sandy beach. But that’s not all: it’s also a perfect spot for wildlife watching with migrating whales (from May to October) and sea turtles (from November to May). What’s incredible is that you’ll have the opportunity to see them right from the shore. How amazing it that?

Point Cartwright Lighthouse is also a must for sunset viewing on the Sunshine Coast. There are even benches facing the sunset, so you can enjoy the show to the full. 

There’s free parking for twenty cars and public toilets. 

NOOSA HEADS

Located at the very Northern end of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa Heads is without a doubt a must-see during your stay in the region. With its many kilometers of National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to go on several nature walks with breathtaking views of the coastline. I recommend hiking the Noosa Heads Coastal Walk. The path is paved and relatively flat, making it easy to access for all levels. 

There’s free parking for around 50 cars, as well as public toilets. Also, you can find an Information Center at the end of the parking if you have any questions about Noosa Heads National Park. 

GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS

Glass House Mountains is an incredible place to visit composed of lush green landscapes and mountain peaks. In other words, it’s a must-see during your stay on the Sunshine Coast. You’ll also have the opportunity to hike through the Glass House Mountains with many hiking trails. However, all hikes are moderate to difficult level. So it’s important to come equipped at any time! 

If you don’t want to hike, don’t worry, there’s a breathtaking lookout that allows you to see the extent of the region and its various mountain peaks. Accessible by car and without having to walk, this viewpoint is ideal for everyone and well worth the detour!

In conclusion

Sending you lots of Love,

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