The 30 best things to do on the Sunshine Coast

1. Uncover extraordinary beaches

Beach lovers, take your pick.

Early bird? Score Mooloolaba Spit Beach at sunrise when the water's as smooth as glass and the golden sand's practically yours alone.

Want to escape the crowds? Throw down your towel on one of the coast’s secret beaches or head to Rainbow Beach, where the colourful sand cliffs put on a natural light show. While you're there, hike up to Carlo Sandblow or buckle up for a 4WD adventure down Great Beach Drive.

2. Cruise along the Noosa River

Sunset + champagne + boat = perfection. Hop aboard the M.V. Noosa Queen and glide past the lush mangroves of Makepeace Island as the sky turns pink and purple. Cruising towards Lake Cooroibah as the sun dips below the horizon? Pure magic.

3. Learn to surf

Hang ten or wipe out trying – either way, you'll be grinning from ear to ear after a lesson with Coolum Surf School. More of a laid-back legend? Try stand-up paddle boarding on the Maroochy River in Cotton Tree, where serenity comes with a side of core workout.

4. Climb Mount Coolum

Up for a challenge? Tackle the two-hour climb up this 25-million-year-old volcanic dome and be rewarded with knock-your-socks-off 360-degree views of Coolum Beach and beyond. Just remember your water bottle – this hike doesn't mess around.

5. Jump aboard a helicopter

See the Sunshine Coast from a whole new perspective with Oceanview Helicopters. Soar over everything from Caloundra to Noosa and up to the Glasshouse Mountains. Feeling fancy? Book the Fly'n'Dine tour and hit the wineries in rock star style.

6. Hit the dirt

Who needs roads? Hire wheels from Ride On Mary and ditch the bitumen for the winding mountain bike trails of Tewantin National Park or through the Mary Valley. These trails are the perfect mix of "am I really doing this?" and "can we go again?"

7. Free fall over Noosa

Some views are worth jumping out of a perfectly good plane for. With Skydive Noosa you'll be screaming (in the best way) as you descend towards that postcard-perfect coastline. The photos alone are worth conquering your fear for.

8. Spend the day at Aussie World

Spin, loop and scream your way through Aussie World, where the rides are retro-cool and the foot-long hot dogs are legendary. It's nostalgic fun that'll bring out your inner kid (or create cherised memories with your own).

9. Challenge yourself on a triathlon

Test your willpower and work up a sweat at the annual Mooloolaba Tri or Noosa Triathlon. These events bring seriously good vibes and prove that spectating can be just as much fun as participating – especially when you're holding a cold drink instead of running in the heat.

10. Discover the Sunshine Coast food scene

The Sunshine Coast punches well above its weight when it comes to the best restaurants in the country. And it makes sense, given the region is fringed by both the ocean and flourishing farmland. From two-hatted restaurant The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville, to Matt Sinclair’s award-winning Asian eatery Sum Yung Guys in Noosaville, and the smorgasbord of local cafes dishing out unbelievable eats - do yourself a favour and come hungry. 

11. Devour fresh seafood

Prawns straight off the trawler? Yes please! Swing by Mooloolaba Fish Markets to snag the freshest catch, then head to the beachfront for an impromptu picnic. No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a trip to one of the best fish and chip shops, either. 

12. 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. 

13. Raise a glass at Flame Hill Vineyard

Long lunch goals? Flame Hill Vineyard in Montville offers the perfect combo of tasty paddock-to-plate food and quality wines. Bonus points for their sustainability practices that'll make you feel good about that second glass.

14.  Experience the Noosa Everglades

Did you know the Sunshine Coast is home to one of only two everglades systems in the world? Explore this "River of Mirrors" by eco-cruise or kayak and prepare for the most tranquil adventure of your life. Here's how to do it.

15. Say G'day at Australia Zoo

Channel your inner Irwin at Australia Zoo where getting up close with kangaroos, koalas and crocs is all part of the experience. Don't miss the Wildlife Hospital tour where you'll see first-hand how they're saving Australia's unique critters.

16. Explore Noosa National Park

Koalas in trees, dolphins in the sea and secluded beaches between? Noosa National Park ticks all the boxes. Follow the coastal walk to find your own slice of paradise – and perfect photo opps around each bend.

17. Scuba dive the Sunshine Coast's reefs

Dive into the deep blue with Sunreef Mooloolaba; the largest dive centre in South East Queensland. Swim with whales (July-October), snorkel vibrant reefs or explore the underwater world of the HMAS Brisbane. Never dived before? No worries – they'll sort you out with your PADI licence.

18. Camp under the stars

Fall asleep to the sound of waves or wake up to misty mountain views – the Sunshine Coast's campsites range from beachside beauties to hidden hinterland gems. BYO marshmallows for the full experience.

19. Chase waterfalls

Kondalilla National Park isn't mucking around when it comes to waterfalls. The name literally means "rushing waters" – and with a 90m cascade, it definitely delivers. Walk to the bottom for a refreshing dip - then set off to find more of the best.

20. Meet the marine life

Get up close with flippered friends at Sea Life Sunshine Coast. Try your hand at being a seal trainer for a day or peek behind the curtain at their rescue and rehabilitation program.

21. Sail back in time with Saltwater Eco Tours

Hop aboard a historical yacht with Saltwater Eco Tours and drift through Kabi Kabi country. Learn about traditional sailing, Indigenous connections to the ocean, and sample bush tucker as you glide across Mooloolaba's waters.

22. All aboard the Mary Valley Rattler

Choo-choo! This heritage steam train chugs through the gorgeous Mary Valley, crossing the Mary River and rolling hills. At Amamoor, watch in awe as they turn the massive engine on the turntable – it's old-school engineering at its finest.

23. Let loose at a music festival

Pull on your boots for the Gympie Music Muster or find your groove at one of the many music festivals that light up the Sunshine Coast throughout the year. From country twang to beachside beats, there's a festival for every playlist. 

24. Follow the Sunshine Coast art gallery trail

Creativity runs wild from Buderim to Caloundra and Maleny to Montville. Gallery-hop your way through the region and discover why so many artists call this place home. Who knows? You might find the perfect piece to take home.

25. Check out the local markets

Wednesday and Saturday mornings mean one thing: Eumundi Markets. Australia's biggest art, craft and produce market is the perfect place to grab a coffee, browse locally made treasures and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Afterwards, wander Memorial Drive's cafes and bookshops for the full Eumundi experience. Shop more Sunshine Coast markets here.

26. Shop along Hastings Street

Ready to treat yourself? Hastings Street in Noosa Heads is retail therapy at its finest. From designer threads to local artworks, you'll find something special. When the shopping bags get heavy, plonk yourself at a beachfront bar and watch the world go by with a cold drink in hand.

27. Hike the Glass House Mountains

These ancient volcanic plugs aren't just stunning to look at – they're perfect for hiking too. Choose from trails suited to every fitness level and prepare to be humbled by views across a landscape 25 million years in the making. The Glass House Mountains hold deep spiritual significance for Traditional Owners – a magic you'll feel with every step.

28. Pick strawberries straight from the field

Nothing beats the taste of a sun-warmed strawberry you've picked yourself. Head to a local strawberry farm for the ultimate paddock-to-plate experience as you explore the food trails of the Noosa Hinterland.

29. Tour a farm at Maleny Dairies

Cows with views? Maleny Dairies has both. Tour the farm and factory, say hello to the calves, then settle in with a cheese platter that'll make you consider a tree-change. The rolling green hills of Maleny will have you plotting your return before you've even left.

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.

Got unlucky with the weather? Here are the must-do Sunshine Coast activities when it’s raining.