Things to do for couples on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is packed with things to do for couples, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, celebrating a special occasion or just looking to make the most of your long weekend with some new things to do. 

Explore the hinterland, climb awe-inspiring mountains, soak up the sun, and indulge in world-class dining with local produce at your fingertips.

Ready to set the date?

Dine by the water

Locals know that some of the best dining on the Sunshine Coast comes from throwing out the picnic rug somewhere especially scenic, like Little Cove Beach and throughout Noosa National Park. Especially when there are so many cafes and providores to stock up on goodies before you go - such as Belmondo's Market. 

Of course, there are exceptional dining options - including plenty of waterfront spots - throughout Noosa and the wider Sunshine Coast region. One not to miss in Sum Yung Guys. You'll now find this buzzy restaurant in Noosaville, but its pan-Asian flavours and spotlight on Queensland seafood continues to give it three ticks of approval for date night. Dine on the likes of Hiramasa kingfish, Fraser Island spanner crab fried rice, Assam Curry and say cheers with creative gin and sake cocktails.   

Enrol in cooking school 

Teamwork is the ultimate test, so step into the kitchen for a cooking class.

If you love Thai and Vietnamese flavours, head to Spirit House Cooking School. Nestled among towering bamboo trees and a lotus pond, the kitchen here is equipped to demystify Asian ingredients, and you’ll definitely learn a thing or two to spice things up in the kitchen back home.

Take the lead from expert chefs in at Tamarind Cooking School, at Maleny’s Spicers Tamarind Retreat. Learn French, Italian, or Thai techniques in a four hour class. But it’s not all work and no play: you’ll get lunch, wine and a Spicer’s apron to remember your experience.

Spend the afternoon on a quiet beach

Skip the crowds and find your patch of peace on the sand at one of the hidden gems residing within this seaside stretch. Point Cartright Beach and Moffat Beach are perfect for a quiet picnic and afternoon swim.   

If you want to learn a new skill while you’re in the water, head to local-loved Coolum Beach for a private surf lesson. Complete your day with waterfront beers at Coolum Surf Club afterwards.  

Seek adrenalin

Jump on a safari with Caloundra Jet Ski for an experience like no other.

Racing through the Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay Marine Parks, you’ll be in charge on an hour long adrenalin-infused Bribie Blast or a 90 minute Glasshouse Twister, which takes you deep into the marine park; home to turtles, dolphins, dugongs and over 300 different types of migratory and wading birds.

Hike and picnic in the Glass House Mountains

Rich in Indigenous culture, the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains tower over the Sunshine Coast skyline - and it's the perfect spot to spend an afternoon hiking and admiring the views.

Make Maleny Food Co your first stop of the day. Find this artisan food producer on Maleny’s main street and pick up a pre-ordered picnic box of locally made cheese, cured meats and fresh baked breads. Grab a signature gelato and sorbet and coffee to go: you’ll need the energy later.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve will give you a front row seat to sweeping views of the mountains. Sit down, and eat up. You’ll then work it off with a hike the 2.8km trail to Mount Ngungun: its peak is one of the best spots in the Sunshine Coast to watch the sun set, with 360 degree views of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah from the summit. 

Check out Art Up Late

The Sunshine Coast has a thriving arts trail. But on the third Friday of every month, the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery hosts art-fuelled evenings showcasing new local and national artists, live performances, and the occasional workshop. The perfect date night to unleash your inner-creative, it’s just one of the many great things to do at night on the Sunshine Coast.

Once you’ve had your fill, head for a nightcap at Kings Beach Bar for a Tom Collins with a local twist; house-made geranium syrup.

Retreat to the hinterland

Get away from it all and escape to the mountains. Spend the weekend exploring the hinterland like a local, or just spend time soaking up the serenity from your accommodation. There’s something to suit all budgets, but for an indulgent weekend check into a retreat like luxurious Mayan Farm, where your villa - complete with giant bathtub, outdoor soaking tub and hammocks overlook the rolling hills. 

The country-style cottages at Lillypilly's Cottages and Day Spa are equipped with spacious double spas, cosy log fires, and even the option to have multi-course dinners delivered to your own suite for restaurant quality dining you can enjoy alone.

Nestled into two hectares of rainforest adjacent to Kondalilla National Park, Narrow Escape Rainforest Retreat screams eco-luxury. So does a weekend spent in a hand-carved spa treehouse at Secrets on the Lake, among the rainforest canopy on the shores of Lake Baroon.

Wherever you stay, make sure you visit Flame Hill Vineyard in Montville. Offering the ultimate paddock-to-plate experience, Flame Hill’s farm and kitchen garden produce grass-fed Angus beef as well as the vegetables for your meal, paired with the wine produced on site.

Rejuvenate together

Escape to Bali on the Sunshine Coast with an afternoon of self-care.

Named the best eco spa in Australia in 2019, Queensland's Best Luxury Day Spa 2021 by LUXlife Global Award and scooping the Luxury Travel Guide Award for Australia Wellness Spa from 2019 - 2021, Ikatan Day Spa offers tranquil Asian-style surrounds and Balinese massages. Check in for a double spa package, and arrive early to relax in the gardens, raise your glass to wellness (tea cup or champagne) and order something from the refreshing food menu.

Treat yourselves to some French-glamour

Celebrate Noosa’s coastal chic with a touch of Parisian flair on a weekend away at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort. Just steps from the beach and right in the heart of Hastings St, there’s a lot on your doorstep; if you can drag yourself away from your suite. This will be especially difficult if you booked a luxury room with a private outdoor spa.  

For the real movie star treatment worthy of Cannes, take a glamorous spin on the river with Noosa Dreamboats. This classic speedboat will take you on a private cruise to soak in Noosa’s coastal beauty, before dropping you off for a fully catered private picnic on a nearby sandbar or secluded beach.

Continue your indulgent weekend with classic cocktails in Sofitel Noosa’s Riviera Bar and Lounge, a treatment Aqua Day Spa, or book a private poolside cabana, pop a bottom of champagne and spend the afternoon in sun-soaked bliss. End the evening with one of the best degustations in Queensland, at Noosa Beach House.

Soar above the coast

Forget heading to the airport to catch your flight, today you’re taking off from the Maroochy River with Paradise Seaplanes.

Experience the thrill of accelerating across blue waters before soaring into the air for a birds eye view of the Sunshine Coast. These adventure flights are in the only Wilga 80 seaplane (a warbird spy plane) in the southern hemisphere, and it’s sure to be a day you’ll remember.