Steer into a 3-day road trip around the Sunshine Coast

Boasting an average of 300 blue-sky days every year, the Sunshine Coast certainly lives up to its name. But while the weather’s typically a treat, it’s the region’s down-to-earth locals, volcanic soil-enriched produce and outdoor-centric lifestyle that dial up that sunny disposition.

From the ridiculously vast array of natural swimming spots and rainforest walks to its seasonally charged dining destinations and super luxe accommodation, the Sunny Coast’s character-filled towns demand serious time — up to three full days of road tripping exploration, if you ask us.

Here, we break down every magical pit-stop on a multi-day Sunshine Coast road trip.

Day one

Morning

Let’s energise those limbs before we motor. Marvel in the region’s coastal glory with a sunrise stroll around Coolum Beach. There are a few routes to choose from including sections of the 73 km ‘Coastal Walk’ that wraps from Bells Creek to Coolum, plus the easy Coolum Coastal Boardwalk on David Low Way that takes you from First Bay to Second Bay (bonus: First Bay has its own gorgeous rock pools so take a dip if the tide allows it). Whatever path your pick, it’s an invigorating, salty breezed start to your journey.

Struggle to leave bed that early? Thrill seekers can sleep in before launching their road trip 30 minutes’ north of Coolum, where Flite School Noosa offers a 1.5 hr guided Fliteboard eFoil tour. Glide over the soothing Noosa River like you’re a pro surfer in no time.

Midday

Nestled along the coastline between Coolum and Noosa is chilled out Peregian Beach, where its central village serves as your next destination. Wander aimlessly through boutiques to uncover boho-inspired jewellery, fashion, homewares and gifts.

Your next meal is sorted in style at BASK Restaurant, a long lunch institution that spins magic out of seasonal ingredients, right in the thick of the village. The vibe is refined yet relaxed — a lot like the lovely folk who call this Sunshine Coast beach town home.

When the clock strikes 3:00 pm, hop back behind the wheel to seek out Essence Peregian Beach, an architecturally designed boutique stay with views across Noosa National Park and Instagram-cool fit outs. You’ll want to get there as early as possible to take full advantage of the heated magnesium pools and that all-too-convenient pool bar.

Evening

Swing your Sunshine Coast road trip into top gear on board the M.V. Catalina, a party pontoon with all the bells and whistles. It departs from Noosaville, which is less than 20 minutes from your digs, so swap your car for an Uber to really let your hair down.

Margaritas will flow as a rotating roster of world-class DJs do their thing atop this sailing beach club, much to the joy of excitable crowds who love to kick on.

Day two

Morning

It’s time for a total change of scenery, despite only driving about 30 minutes inland from where you slept overnight (and how lush were those beds?). The Sunshine Coast’s diverse beauty will take you from the beach to the bush with minimal effort.

Type Belmondos Organic Market into Maps and hit the road in time for breakfast. It’s found back in Noosaville so if you left your car there last night, you’re already one step ahead. Choose from a range of gourmet breakfast classics, excellent coffee and organic groceries to help replenish your road trip supplies. It’s a local’s favourite so get there early for a pick of the best buys.

Your next stop is the iconic Big Pineapple, located in Woombye, which is about 30 minutes south of breakfast. It goes without saying that an obligatory selfie in front of the 16-metre fibreglass replica is required. Make the most of your visit by tackling the venue’s TreeTop Challenge, which takes you up to 30 metres above the rainforest canopy. 

If ground-level entertainment is more your thing, Sunshine & Sons Distillery is right next door and crafts some of the most outstanding sips in the region. Don’t leave without sampling its gin, in particular.

Midday

All that sightseeing is bound to get tummies rumbling so make your way to Piggyback in Palmwoods, just 10 minutes away from the Big Pineapple. Specialising in authentic Asian street food, the menu is flavour-bombed and affordable, expertly curated by the team behind Rice Boi in Mooloolaba, one of the best restaurants in Mooloolaba in fact, and Bocca Italian in Bokarina.

Walk off your indulgences with a stickybeak through Maleny, located roughly 25 minutes’ drive from lunch. It’s a picture-perfect town filled with charms including Gardners Falls which flows with rock pools and fresh water. Grassy banks create an idyllic spot to help break the back of that book you’ve been sitting on. 

One the sun begins to sink, it’s time to check into tonight’s stay: Maleny Lodge Boutique Accommodation. The heritage cottage was originally built in 1905 and has been lovingly restored to pay tribute to its past while sending comfort levels to soaring standards.

Evening

You’re unpacked but the night is young — Spill Wine Bar on Maple St, the same main stretch housing your accommodation, has your name all over it. The relaxed yet totally top-quality neighbourhood spot is the place to go for delightful thirst quenchers. Grab a table out the front for a spot of people-watching.

Better still, you can line your stomach sensibly as its bar menu features moreish share plates such as grilled prawns, steak tartare and smoked trout rillettes.

Day three

Morning

No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a tour through its latest headline hog, Montville. And it’s warranted attention given the quaint Hinterland town is filled with art galleries, boutiques and top-notch eateries. Check out our complete list of things to do in Montville to ensure you tick off the best bits.

Next stop, Kondalilla National Park within Montville, where scenic hikes take centre stage as well as one of the most sensational waterfalls in the region, Kondalilla Falls. The Kondalilla Falls circuit is your one-way-ticket to spritzed success, a 4.7km walking track that winds you to the very base of the mesmerising cascade.

Midday

Your final road trip feast saves the best for last. Punch Mapleton Public House into your GPS (it’s just a 10-minute drive) and prepare to stay a while. Prime seating is found on the deck where sensational views across the mountains will smack you in the face harder than the menu’s delicious harissa spiced chicken.

Other menu highlights include locally sourced superstars such as the Farm Risotto, which uses vegetables from Falls Farm in Mapleton, and the Falls Farm Beetroots (trust us, they’re amazing).

Evening

You’ll need the entire afternoon to really soak up the ambience at Mapleton Public House, so your final action item on a Sunshine Coast road trip will likely see you returning home.

A much better option? Take a squiz at our round-up of the best Sunshine Coast accommodation to help you linger a little longer. Spanning even more of that ultra-plush boutique hotel life, plus budget-friendly apartments and camping, there’s an enticing option for every style of traveller.