Get your thrills with the best adventure activities on the Sunshine Coast

There’s no doubt Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is the ideal place to unwind. Endless glistening beaches, laid-back local eateries, and tranquil hinterland towns beckon to anyone looking for somewhere to relax and just… breathe.

But what you might not know is that the Sunshine Coast has plenty of opportunities to quicken the pulse, too. Sometimes the best holidays mix rejuvenation with exhilaration – and whether you’re looking to boost your adrenaline on land, sea, or air, you’ll find world-class ways to do it here.

Read on for 10 of the best adventure activities on the Sunshine Coast.

Adventure Rafting

Like your breathtaking landscapes with a side of heart-pounding thrills? Adventure Rafting will see you experience the rush of soaring through both water and air on a custom-built RIB with unparalleled manoeuvring abilities. Throughout your hour-long journey, you’ll join a small group of no more than 10 as your raft navigates the waterways encircling Mooloolaba. 

Explore the gorgeous coastal headland of Point Cartwright, the pristine shores of Mooloolaba, and the historically rich Mudjimba Island. Just make sure you hold on tight – and brace yourself for ocean spray and catching some serious air.

Noosa Quad Bike Adventures

Jumpstart your Sunshine Coast holiday and explore the pristine Noosa Hinterland on four wheels with Noosa Quad Bike Adventures. No need to have prior experience – just a driver's license – they’re easy to ride, fully automatic and you’ll receive a safety briefing, gear, and full training. Zoom along the tracks of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland and the hidden gems of the Woondum National Park, surrounded by ancient rainforest and stunning oasis rock pools. 

Rainbow Beach Horse Rides

If your definition of adventure is a unique, epic experience in a secluded natural wonderland, Rainbow Beach Horse Rides fits the bill. Not only do they have the only permit to ride a horse along Rainbow Beach (rated in the top five most incredible beaches in the world, might we add) you’ll ride along a stretch of shoreline undisturbed by 4WD traffic.

Take your pick from a range of extraordinary horseback riding experiences, including full moon beach rides, half-day country rides, a country full moon ride, or multi-day rides. Regardless of your expertise, Rainbow Beach Horse Rides caters to all, from instructions for beginners to opportunities for experienced riders to swim in the ocean while riding bareback.

Big Kart Track

Strap on your helmet and kick your holiday up a gear on the largest commercial go-karting track in Australia. Since 1983, Big Kart Track has been the home of state-of-the-art go-karts and an epic track for thrill-seekers of any skill level. Picture yourself racing among 50 karts on a 1.2-kilometre-long international-standard race track reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour, navigating thrilling elements including the big sweeper, hairpin turn, back straight, S bend, main straight, chicane, and pit area. 

Shark Dive Xtreme at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

Ever wanted to get up close and personal with a shark? The Shark Dive Xtreme experience at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast gets you face-to-fin with multiple species of sharks – without a cage. Take the plunge and immerse yourself into their colony of Grey Nurse Sharks up to three metres long, along with other local marine life including huge stingrays, reef sharks, wobbegongs and other fascinating sea creatures. 

No prior diving experience? No worries – they’ll provide a full briefing and training session plus dive equipment and a wetsuit. Pre-booking is essential. 

Sunshine Coast Skydivers

Take in the awe-inspiring Sunshine Coast scenery from a bird's eye perspective and hit up Sunshine Coast Skydivers. Soar over the picturesque Caloundra region, marveling at breathtaking vistas spanning from Bribie Island to Mooloolaba, out to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), and the Glass House Mountains in the west. Ascend up to 14,000 feet, building the excitement with a 20-minute flight to the jump altitude. Feel the rush of adrenaline with 60 seconds of exhilarating freefall, then savour a peaceful five to seven-minute glide, followed by a serene parachute descent and a gentle landing on one of four pristine local beaches.

Paradise Seaplanes

Looking for something both lively and luxe? The five-star adventure flights with Paradise Seaplanes take off in the only Wilga 80 seaplane – a warbird spy plane – in the southern hemisphere. With its unique design, this aircraft ensures you get an unobstructed view of the world below. As you glide through the air at a leisurely pace, you'll be able to soak in every single detail of the rolling landscapes and sparkling seas – or really want to live on the edge? You can even choose to fly with doors off.

Skirmish SC outdoor paintball

Gather your friends, gear up, and let the games begin. Whether you're planning an adrenaline-fueled bucks party or just looking for an adventurous outing with friends or family, head for the action-packed paintball hijinks at Skirmish Sunshine Coast.

Over a two-hour session, immerse yourself in a range of games – the outdoor field is filled with strategically placed huts, barricades and army trucks, providing the perfect cover for quick sprints as you out-maneuvre your opponents. Conveniently located next to Aussie World and its surrounding precinct, you'll find plenty of options to refuel post-game.

Treetop Challenge at the Big Pineapple

Up for a challenge? Nestled within 10 acres of breathtaking coastal rainforest, the Treetop Challenge is a suspended adventure that will push your fears to the limit. This half-day epic journey features 120 exhilarating high ropes games and 12 ziplines spanning from 20 to 140 metres in length. Get ready to soar sky-high, reaching heights of over 30 metres on their highest courses, with stunning panoramic views from the treetop canopy. 

Situated at the iconic Big Pineapple, this high ropes adventure park is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure experience on the Sunshine Coast. With six unique courses designed to gradually increase in intensity, starting from easy and building up to heart-pumping extreme challenges, your inner daredevil will definitely get a workout.

Want more time among the trees? Trek through lush rainforest on a multi-day hiking adventure known as the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. 

Caloundra Jet Ski

Hop aboard with Caloundra Jetski, an eco-friendly water-based safari company taking you through the nature, wildlife, and ancient volcanoes of Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay Marine Parks at thrilling speeds.

Whether you prefer a leisurely 50-minute ride, a half-day Epic Excursion, a heart-pumping 60-minute Bribie Blast, or a 90-minute Glasshouse Twister, there's an option for everyone. On your marine adventure, expect to meet a plethora of sea life including turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and over 300 different types of birds.