How to solo travel your way around the Sunshine Coast

As sociable as it is stunning, the Sunshine Coast unsurprisingly tends to beckon those travelling alone. And who can blame them, considering the stretch which reaches from Caloundra near Brisbane up to the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park is overflowing in diversity when it comes to landscapes, accommodation and activities.

Make new friends and memories in equal measure within this major tourist hub using this guide on solo travel around the Sunshine Coast.

Adventure

Hit the trails

Grab your best hiking boots and prepare for an exploration by foot through the Sunshine Coast’s web of walking tracks. While there’s plenty to choose from (including the rather popular Mount Coolum meander), a trip to the Glass House Mountains National Park is a non-negotiable. The 4-kilometre Mount Tibrogargan circuit is best for families, while the summit of Mount Ngungun is a relatively short but sweaty challenge for incredible views.

Take to the waterways

One of the most popular ways to solo travel around the Sunshine Coast is along its waterways. Cruise by kayak through the picturesque Noosa Everglades, only one of two everglade systems in the world. While you can choose to venture solo, why not join the experts, like local operators Kanu Kapers and Eco Safari. Have the need for speed? Fuel your adrenaline craving with Caloundra Jet Ski, further south.

Push your limits

Take in a bird’s eye view of coastline with the state’s largest skydiving school, Sunshine Coast skydivers. Jump from 14,000 feet, soaring your way over Caloundra before a promised beach landing. Afraid of heights? Keep your feet on the ground, heading to the northern tip of the Sunshine Coast where you can join Rainbow Beach 4WD Tours for an adventurous foray through the surrounding sand dunes.

Wildlife

Scope out the sealife

Get to know the underwater residents of the local waterways with a specialty cruise. These organised pursuits also present a chance to make new friends while embracing a solo travel of the Sunshine Coast. Saltwater Eco Tours is a cultural stand-out, and will see you cruise in a historical timber sailing vessel through the traditional waters of the Kabi Kabi and Gubbi Gubbi people. Though dolphin lovers may prefer to join Epic Ocean Adventures further north, on a kayak or paddleboard tour focused on greeting Flipper.

Go whale watching

Gaze at the giants of the deep up close with Sunreef, who will take you out to sea, and within arm’s reach of visiting humpback whales on their seasonal migration. Want to get out and swim alongside them? That’s an option too.

Sunreef is a leading Sunshine Coast dive operator, ideal for solo travellers who want to explore the region's best dive sites.  

Coastline

Learn to surf

Hang 10 (or attempt to) with a surf lesson hosted across the Sunshine Coast’s slew of beautiful beaches. This is the land of longboarding and a chance to learn to dance on water should be embraced. There are plenty of places specialising in teaching the sport around these parts, with Go Ride a Wave Noosa on the northern end, and Coolum Surf School 30 minutes south.

Go for a swim

Spending the day alternating between swimming and sunbathing on the sand belongs to any guide on how to solo travel the Sunshine Coast. These beaches are world famous for their beauty, as well as their surfing potential.

Adored swim spots are scattered along the coastline, with some of the most picturesque found in Noosa National Park, nudging the resort town. Want to get off the beaten track? These lesser-known local beaches are for you. 

Culture

Explore the hinterland

The hills beyond the beaches of the Sunshine Coast host plenty of potential for adventuring types who want to solo travel the Sunshine Coast. It’s within this hinterland that you’ll find the quaint towns of Montville and Maleny, the latter known for its eateries, as well as much loved brewery Brouhaha which forms a part of the popular Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours (a great option for travellers looking to make friends, and have a designated driver!)

Market-hop

Shop up a storm among the rising population of weekly markets gathered here. The most well-regarded is the Eumundi Markets, held twice weekly since 1979, and focused on artisanal wares from the region. The Noosa Farmers Market is also a hive of activity come Sunday, a smorgasbord of eating opportunities and organic produce. After a day on your feet perusing stalls, kick back and relax with a pampering session at the acclaimed Ikatan Day Spa in neighbouring Doonan.

Down south, Caloundra Street Fair is another bustling weekend activity - within a short stroll from the beach. 

Where to stay

In good news for those eager to solo travel around the Sunshine Coast, there are plenty of accommodation options at your disposal, including Noosa, Caloundra and Maroochydore. An array of different budgets are catered to, with abodes of all shapes and sizes scattered around the entirety of the Sunshine Coast.

Looking for somewhere safe and popular among tourists? Stick to the likes of Noosa and Mooloolaba. Both boast plenty of self-contained apartments as well as hostels which are ideal for meeting fellow travellers and signing up for local activities. Check out Nomads Noosa, Noosa Flashpackers, Dolphins Beach House, or Cali Backpackers.

Or splurge at one of the hotels that dominate the main drags - Mantra Mooloolaba, Rumba Beach Resort Caloundra and Sofitel Noosa included. Prefer solitude? Noosa Springs is a bit further from the bustle, with a world-class day spa - or you may want to make way for the Sunshine Coast Hinterland where a host of luxury retreats, cottages and cabins await.

When to visit

While the weather remains warm year-round (to the delight of all those who visit) there are a bounty of events hosted across the calendar that you may want to plan your trip around. Especially if you’re sports-inclined, with the Mooloolaba Triathlon, Noosa Marathon, and Noosa Festival of Surfing big draw cards for the athletic.

More recently, the region has formed a reputation as a foodie mecca thanks to two major food festivals, Noosa Eat & Drink and The Curated Plate. Not to mention the Sunshine Coast’s appeal for music and art lovers, with festivals like Big Pineapple Music Festival, Noosa Jazz Festival, and Horizon Festival showcasing incredible Aussie talent.

Looking for more things to do on the Sunshine Coast? Use our locals guide to plan your escape.