17 different things to do on the Sunshine Coast

Any beach-lover worth their salty hair has spent many a sun-drenched day at Sunshine Beach. Both the patrolled and dog beach sections are popular with those looking to escape the crowds of Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach. But, if you’re after even fewer crowds with the same surf-pounded shores, point your bonnet towards Mudjimba.

Just north of Maroochydore and flanked by the Maroochy River Conservation Park, the patrolled beach is pure Pacific Ocean glory, combining surfable swell with plenty of family-friendly options.

Here's a few more secret beaches on the Sunshine Coast. 

If you’ve done: The Sunshine Coast Hinterland
You should try: The Noosa Hinterland

While Sunshine Coast Hinterland hotspots Maleny, Montville and Mapleton are idyllic in their own right, head further towards Noosa for a lesser-known hinterland full of its own sights and delights. 

Full of farm-to-table produce, towns like Pomona, Cooroy, Kin Kin and Kenilworth offer cafes, breweries and distilleries that are worth the trip alone. Add in scenic drives, serene nature walks, art galleries and boutique accommodation - you just might want to park yourself here for a while.

Get to know Noosa Hinterland with this guide.

If you’ve done: Kings Beach rock pools
You should try: Mothar rock pools

The flat and easily accessible tidal rock pools at Kings Beach in Caloundra are the obvious choice for rock pool seekers, but for something a little more out of the way, head to Mothar Mountain Rock Pools.

Technically in the Gympie region, they’re only a rock-hop, skip and a jump from the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Warm up with your pick of a 20-minute or two-hour forest walk, then slip into these granite and eucalypt-fringed waters for a refreshingly serene dip.

If you’ve done: A movie at Sunshine Plaza
You should try: A silent film at the Majestic Theatre

Pomona’s unique Majestic Theatre is a must-do whether you’re a film buff or not. With over 100 years of history - now the world's longest running silent film theatre - the Majestic is also one of the only pre-World War II theatres that hasn’t been demolished or adapted to other uses from its glory days.

While it has been refurbished, much of the original material and character remains. The country hall-cum-theatre functions as the home of vaudeville theatre productions, the town’s community space, and a silent film theatre - with silent movies running every Saturday at 12pm. 

If you’ve done: Fish and chips on the beach 
You should try: Local cafes with heart

It's hard to ignore a classic fish and chips when it feels so good to dig your toes into the sand while you feast - but the Sunshine Coast's thriving cafe culture is worth dipping your toes into, too.

Bring the kids, bring your dog, and bring your appetite for creative, locally-sourced dishes. From long-time beachside institutions like Noosa's Bistro C to local favourites tucked away in backstreets such as The Velo Project and One Block Back, you simply can't go wrong. 

If you’ve done: Eumundi Markets
You should try: Kawana Farmers Markets

There’s nothing like a good trip to the markets to get your fill of nourishing food and community spirit. And while the Sunshine Coast’s most famous offerings, Noosa Farmers Market and Eumundi Markets are definite must-dos, there are plenty of alternatives to fill a basket and pick up something locally-made.

The Kawana Waters Farmers Markets is a less-busy, just as impressive option where friendly local producers share their wares every Saturday from 6am to 12pm.

If you're a lover of farm-fresh produce, don't forget the beauty of a roadside stand, either. One of the more heartwarming parts of rural Queensland life is coming across the occasional honesty box method of payment on the road side. You'll find everything from lychees to freshly picked flowers dotted along the country roads between Kenilworth and Montville. 

If you’ve done: Aussie World
You should try: Amaze World

Looking for a new activity for the kids? If you've already conquered the rides at Aussie World, it's time to step inside an enchanted realm where imagination rules all. 

At Amaze World, you'll navigate your way through secret gardens, solving riddles, tricks and puzzles along the way. With a hedge maze, wooden maze, mini golf, playground and incredible augmented reality experiences, the fun never ends. 

If you’ve done: Sea kayaking
You should try: Paddling on Noosa Everglades

From stand-up paddle boarding on Noosa River to kayaking among dolphins by Double Island Point, the Sunshine Coast’s waterways beckon. Next time, point your paddle towards Noosa Everglades instead. One of two everglades systems in the world, this is a unique and flourishing biosphere that you can explore by guided canoe and kayak tours – and even embark on multi-day paddle/camp adventures. 

If you’ve done: Noosa Sound
You should try: Currimundi Lake

Hugged by wallum heath and tea trees on either side, Currimundi Lake is a tidal lake running adjacent to the surf beach of the same name. With its inland reaches dyed brown by the forest which surrounds it, it’s a local secret from way back.

A favourite with families thanks to the calm, shallow waters for splashing, swimming and canoeing, it’s beautiful to visit any time of year - but in winter and spring, the heath flowers come out to play.

Seek out the paved pathways running through the Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Conservation Park for a spot of beachside bushwalking. This type of coastal heathland which thrives on Lake Currimundi’s northern shore is rich in plant species, attracting all kinds of interesting birds like wrens, finches, honeyeaters and the noisy friarbird looking for food. Along the track you’ll come across wildflowers like the wallum banksia, then try and find the perfect spot to look out for views of the ocean.

If you like: Kondalilla Falls
You should try: Wappa Falls

The challenge of finding a parking spot when you arrive at Kondalilla National Park is a testament to just how beautiful – and popular – this spot is. For a more serene day out, try Wappa Falls instead.

This hidden gem can be found outside of Yandina, near Mapleton Conservation Park. It’s a fairly short walk from the car park and involves a bit of rock hopping, but you have the option to walk to Wappa Dam and Jack Harrison Park – where you’ll find picnic tables, a playground and other amenities.

Always exercise caution around the falls as it can be slippery. 

If you’ve done: 4WD adventures on K'gari (Fraser Island)
You should try: The Great Beach Drive

Swap bitumen for sand highways on Great Beach Drive, one of Queensland's best coastal journeys that begins in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Running from Noosa North Shore through Rainbow Beach (and even up to the Fraser Coast for the full experience), it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a summer weekend.

Spend your days zooming the beach, frolicking in the surf and soaking up plenty of sunshine - with designated beach camping areas for those who want to pitch a tent among nature's finest.

Don't have a 4WD? Head out on tour instead. 

If you’ve done: Mt Coolum
You should try: Wild Horse Mountain Lookout

The track to the peak of Mount Coolum lures everyone from weekend joggers to mums and bubs, so you've probably conquered this route already.

For a different view, head to Wild Horse Mountain Lookout. Closer to Brisbane, off Bruce Highway betwen Bribie Island and Caloundra, Wild Horse has a relatively short but steep trail to the top - but the views across the Glass House Mountains are hard to beat. 

The view is most spectacular at sunset when the sun lights up the landscape with a warm golden glow, throwing rays out from behind the jagged and ancient mountain formations. 

Want more of a workout? Why not tackle six peaks in one day.

If you’ve done: Camping on the beach
You should try: Glamping in the hinterland

Pitching a tent on the sands of Noosa North Shore or Teewah is almost a rite of passage for SE–Queenslanders. But if you feel like a change of pace, swap ocean views for lush countryside and total comfort in the Hinterland. Glamping havens like Starry Nights in Woombye and Noosa Eco Retreat’s unique yurts offer a taste of luxury among the serenity, where misty mornings start with nature walks, and days end by the fire. 

If you’ve done: Dinner on Hastings Street
You should try: Dinner at Noosa Junction

A first visit to Noosa should absolutely include splashing on the beach until sundown then retreating to a bustling eatery along Hastings Street or The Parade. But locals know Noosa Junction offers its own hotspots, like a cosy wine at Theor’s Social Club, Cali-Mex fare at Paradise Arcade, or late night bites at The Village Bicycle. 

If you’ve done: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
You should try: Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld

Considered the ‘jewel’ of Maleny, the Botanic Gardens and Bird World is an enchanted place to explore. Set out to discover 18 acres of sprawling gardens bursting in colour, home to waterfalls, over 700 native and exotic birds, against the backdrop of the Glass House Mountains.

If you’ve done: Sunshine Coast craft breweries
You should try: Amrita Park Meadery

The craft beer craze has certainly hit the Sunshine Coast in recent years, with great brews to be found from the coast to the country. But if you’ve already hopped on a craft beer tour or had your fill of IPAs for the time being, it’s time to visit Amrita Park Meadery.

Located 30 minutes’ drive from Noosa, Amrita Park has a long-standing family tradition of beekeeping and mead making. Taste your way through traditional mead, along with flavours like passionfruit, ginger & lime, and chai.

The tasting room is open Saturdays 11am – 5pm. 

If you’ve done: Caloundra Coastal Pathway
You should try: Caloundra's street art trail

Caloundra’s coastal pathway is one of the most popular places to stretch your legs – in part due to the proximity to family-friendly Kings Beach for a swim afterwards. Don’t let the sea views steal all your time, however. Caloundra is home to its own street art trail that’s worth exploring – winding nearly 2km through the streets and foreshore.

Some of the best pieces are located at Kings Beach Bathing Pavillion, Dingle Avenue, Lamkin Lane, Memory Lane and Caloundra Regional Art Gallery, showcasing the town’s history, surf culture and creativity in large scale.  

Once you've conquered these different things to do on the Sunshine Coast, why not discover a few more secrets in the hinterland or get your vitamin sea fix in hidden gem, Moffat Beach.