The 30 best things to do on the Sunshine Coast

1. Horseback ride along Rainbow Beach

One of the most memorable things to do on the Sunshine Coast is to go horseback riding along the world-famous Rainbow Beach. 

Rainbow Beach Horse Rides are the only tour guide in the region permitted to ride horses here, with riders even being able to walk their trusted steed through the gentle ocean waters. This is once in a lifetime stuff. 

While you're here, make sure to check out Carlo Sandblow or jump into a 4WD for a rip down Great Beach Drive. 

2. Uncover extraordinary beaches

Throw down your towel on one of the coast’s secret beaches. or make a beeline for the popular with a morning swim at Mooloolaba Spit Beach; early risers will be rewarded with glass-like conditions and golden sand (almost) to yourself. 

3. Cruise along the Noosa River

See a different side of Noosa onboard the M.V. Noosa Queen for a sunset cruise along the Noosa River. Starting from the Marina, take in breathtaking views of Makepeace Island’s lush mangroves as you make your way toward Lake Cooroibah as the sun sets.

4. Learn to surf

No trip to the coast is complete without catching a wave and you can learn how to do just that at Coolum Surf School. Those who prefer a more relaxing pace will love the peace and quiet of stand-up paddle boarding on the Maroochy River in Cotton Tree.

Adventure

If you're wondering what to do on the Sunshine Coast that will boost your adrenaline, have a go at some heart-pumping adventure activities.

5. Climb Mount Coolum

Rise with the sun and tackle the two hour climb to the summit of Mount Coolum. While the hike up this 25 million-year-old volcanic dome may take a degree of tenacity (and sheer willpower), you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of Coolum Beach and Mount Coolum National Park. If hiking’s your thing, check out this guide to an active weekend on the Sunshine Coast. Just don’t forget the water bottle.

6. Jump aboard a helicopter

Admire the Sunshine Coast from above with a ride aboard Oceanview Helicopters. From Caloundra to Noosa, up to the Glasshouse Mountains, you'll get to see this diverse region in all her natural rugged beauty whilst flying above in comfort. Opt for a sunset champagne tour, or work your way around the wineries in style with the Fly'n'Dine tour. 

7. Ride the mountain biking trais

Hit the road less travelled with a self-guided mountain bike tour of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Hire out bikes from Ride On Mary then have a go at the new trails of Tewantin National Park in Noosa and the Mary Valley for a true off-road experience.

8. Free fall over Noosa

See the coast from new heights when you land on the beach with Skydive Noosa. Those epic views across the ocean and surrounding hinterland more than make up for jumping head-first out of a plane.

9. Spend the day at Aussie World

For a day of vintage family fun, head to Aussie World where the rides are dizzying and the foot-long hot dogs are famous! Better yet, check out how to do Aussie World in a day here.

10. Challenge yourself on a triathlon

Test your willpower and work up a sweat at the annual Mooloolaba Tri or Noosa Triathlon. These events draw huge crowds creating a festival atmosphere all weekend so it's just as thrilling to watch from the sidelines as it is to participate.

Food and drink

Have fun tasting your way around the flourishing cafe culture, fine-dining restaurants and fresh local produce that put the Sunshine Coast on the culinary map.

11. Discover the Sunshine Coast food scene

Polish off a classic burger (followed by their famous ‘concrete’ for dessert) at Betty’s Burgers in Noosa; long lunch at Masterchef alumni, Matt Sinclair’s award-winning Asian eatery Sum Yung Guys in Noosaville; or fine dine yourself at two-hatted establishment, The Long Apron, at Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville.

The Sunshine Coast punches well above its weight when it comes to the best restaurants in the country.

12. Devour fresh sea food

No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a trip to one of the best fish and chip shops on the Sunshine Coast. If you're visiting Mooloolaba, order fresh prawns straight off the trawler at the Fish Markets, then head over to the beachfront to lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy your haul.

13. Sip your way around the coast's best bars

Bend an elbow with the home crowd at these hidden Sunshine Coast bars that only locals know about. Better yet, appoint yourself chief taster, book an Uber and check out the coast’s best craft breweries - or let the experts at Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours guide you. 

14. Raise a glass at Flame Hill Vineyard

Tuck in to an a la carte brunch followed by wine tasting at Flame Hill Vineyard in Montville. The vineyard’s sustainability measures and delectable paddock-to-plate menu make this the ideal spot for long lunches with friends.

Nature and wildlife

Connect with nature in the peaceful green pockets of the Sunshine Coast and meet some pretty spectacular Aussie wildlife too. 

15.  Experience the Noosa Everglades

The Sunshine Coast is proudly home to one of only two Everglades in the world – Noosa Everglades – best explored on an eco-cruise or in a kayak. Learn more about how to explore the Noosa Everglades here.

16. Say G'day at Australia Zoo

One of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast is to visit Australia Zoo to spend a day getting to know the country’s weird and wonderful creatures. This is also the founding place of world-renowned Wildlife Animal Hospital, where visitors are able to experience first-hand the work being done to preserve and protect Australia’s unique species.

17. Explore Noosa National Park

Find a quiet place to take an ocean dip and soak up the sun in Noosa National Park. Wander the coastal walk and find a secluded beach - the area is well known for koala and dolphin spotting right along the headland.

18. Scuba dive the Sunshine Coast's reefs

Get up close and personal with Queensland’s fascinating marine life at Sunreef Mooloolaba; the largest dive centre in South East Queensland. From swimming with whales (July-October), snorkelling or diving local reefs—including the iconic HMAS Brisbane, to getting your PADI diving licence; this is the ultimate day out on the Sunshine Coast.

19. Camp under the stars

Camp under the stars at one of these awesome campsites. The Sunshine Coast boasts some of the most beautiful campsites in Queensland, with idyllic beachside, hidden hinterland and national park spots to pitch a tent.

20. Chase waterfalls

Take in the jaw-dropping views of cascading waterfalls in Kondalilla National Park. Literally meaning ‘rushing waters’, the word Kondalilla perfectly sums up the steep 90m drop off of Skene Creek’s waterfall.

21. Meet the marine life

Dry off before spending the afternoon at Sea Life Sunshine Coast where you can try your hand at becoming a seal trainer for a day or take a ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour to learn more about their rescue, rehabilitate and release program.

Arts and culture

Dig a little deeper into the Sunshine Coast and explore the region's historic and creative side.

22. Sail back in time with Saltwater Eco Tours

Sailing out of Mooloolaba on Saturdays, hop onto a  historical yacht with Saltwater Eco Tours and listen to stories about the local Kabi Kabi people and their connection with the ocean, learn hands-on traditional sailing skills and enjoy tasty bush tucker. 

23. Tap your feet at a music festival

Do as the locals do and pull on your boots for the Gympie Music Muster. Held every August, this four-day music festival icon is one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast and promotes the local country music and arts movement at a grassroots level. It's just one of the many awesome festivals on the Sunshine Coast that'll get you dancing: and there's something for every playlist. 

24. Follow the Sunshine Coast art gallery trail

Brush up on your creativity as you follow the Sunshine Coast art gallery trail. From Buderim to Caloundra, Maleny to Montville, the region is famous for its creative talent.

25. Check out the local markets

Walk Australia’s biggest art, craft and produce market, Eumundi Markets, held every Wednesday and Saturday of the year. Famous for its expansive stalls selling a wealth of locally made wares, spend a morning perusing the markets, coffee and pastry in hand, before walking the iconic Memorial Drive, filled with local cafes, bookshops and independent stores. Get to know other Sunshine Coast markets here.

26. Shop along Hastings Street

Browse the elegant boutiques along Hastings Street in Noosa Heads; from international designer threads to locally made artworks and homewares, this is for the serious shoppers. After your retail therapy fix, stop for a coffee (or cocktail) with a beachfront view at one of the handful of bars that run right along the sand.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

More than just sea and sand on the Sunshine Coast, you're invited to explore the magnificant rolling green pastures, mountain peaks and country towns.

27. Hike the Glass House Mountains

Reach new heights; hike to one of the 11 peaks of the Glass House Mountains. With a myriad of walks for all levels of climbers, these ancient ranges are still spiritually significant to Aboriginal Traditional Owners, capturing the magic of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. As you look out onto a landscape 25 millions years in the making, it will, quite literally, take your breath away.

28. Pick strawberries straight from the field

For the ultimate paddock to plate experience, head to Cooloola Berries - the perfect pit-stop on a day of exploring the food and art communities of the Noosa Hinterland.

29. Tour a farm at Maleny Dairies

Head to Maleny Dairies, just southwest of Maleny National Park, for a tour of the farm and factory. Little ones can visit the baby calves in the paddock while you settle in on one of the picnic benches with a delicious cheese platter. Heaven.

30. Enjoy a fascinating tour at The Ginger Factory

Fun for the whole family, take advantage of the free admission and visit The Ginger Factory in Yandina. Walk the sub-tropical gardens and explore the region’s famous ginger factory, before rounding out with tastings at the café. While you’re there, hop aboard ‘Moreton’, the park’s 120-year-old ginger train, for a tour of the gardens.

If the weather’s not up to scratch, here are the must-do Sunshine Coast activities when it’s raining.