11 of the best things to do at night on the Sunshine Coast
List
By Alessia Castiglione
When you think of the Sunshine Coast, your mind probably goes to beaches, warm summer days and water activities. But when it comes to things to do at night on the Sunshine Coast, come nighttime, another culture springs to life after the sun sets.
No matter your tastes, you’ll be able to plan a nighttime itinerary for every night of the week that includes rock climbing, singing and sinking holes-in-one late into the night.
1. Study the stars
Rainbow Beach is a turquoise haven by day, and serene spot to set up camp by night.
Bring your tent, binoculars and tripod to pitch a tent for the night and test your star trail photography skills from the Carlo Sand Blow moonscape.
2. Twilight dining
Marcoola Twilight Market
As the sun goes down the flavours of the world come to the Sunshine Coast. Make sure to check out the Marcoola Twilight Market for a relaxed night of good food and live music and other amazing markets sprinkled across the Sunshine Coast Region.
3. Watch world movies
Fancy a different take on movie night? Ditch Netflix and chill with fellow film buffs to take in an independent or arthouse movie from around the world screened by Maleny Film Society.
Movies are projected every second Saturday in the main hall of the Maleny Community Centre on Maple Street. Best of all, food and drinks from local cafes are available to turn the night into a full dinner and show extravaganza.
4. Have a tipple on the river
Whisky Boy Kitchen & Bar
For a bar with a view, head down to Whisky Boy on the river in Noosaville and visit some of the great whisky-producing regions of the world with a tasting flight.
Choose from either the Australian or Japanese boutique distillers, or go further to Scotland for a lineup of 12-year-old scotch. With delicious food to complement your beverages of choice, this is one place to put your feet up and watch the world go by with a good glass of whisky.
5. Karaoke at Noosa Surf Club
Head along to Noosa Surf Club for karaoke every Wednesday and Thursday night from 7:30pm.
Go prepared with your best classics or opt for new tunes. If your friends are more tone-deaf than crooner, excuse yourself and enjoy an evening on the deck overlooking Noosa Main Beach.
6. Go night-diving a shipwreck
Ex-HMAS Brisbane
Wetsuit, fins and mask, diving light. It’s not your usual checklist before a big night out, unless you’re planning on taking the plunge. Ex-HMAS Brisbane – located an easy 30-minute boat ride from Mooloolaba – is an amazing wreck for night dives.
Join Sunreef for a dedicated night dive to witness the wreck in all its nocturnal abundance, otherwise, the team at Scubaworld head out for a double dive trip leaving early afternoon, with the second dive at night. (If you love this experience, ere are 12 more shipwreck dives you might want to conquer.)
7. Bingo fit for queens
Nambour was known as the sleepy country town of the Sunshine Coast until an art-deco inspired cocktail lounge called The Bison Bar opened and started to host great live artists every month. However for something more flamboyant, join the Queen of the Sunshine Coast, Melony Brests, and her right-hand gal Sall Monalla, for a game of Drag Queen Bingo. Held the first Thursday of every month, arrive early to grab a cocktail and be seated by the 7pm ball drop.
8. Take a swing
Holey Moley Golf Club
It’s time to grab your golf putter and head to Holey Moley Golf Club where coloured visors are in. With 18 holes spread over two themed courses, you can either opt for a quick 9 or play the whole 18.
Known for their mini golf course and bar that turns traditional putt putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of unique holes, the course will keep you on your toes across the entire round. Drinks, cocktails and tunes are on offer at their full service bar – so grab a beverage, settle in and tee off.
9. Art up late
Check out the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery for late nights strolling past artworks with a live performance in the background, and occasionally workshops or sitting down meals with handmade ceramics. Held on the 3rd Friday of every month, Friday 3 Live runs from 6-8pm.
Keep an eye on the website for the changing mix of leading local and national artists next time you’re up for some different things to do at night on the Sunshine Coast.
10. Climb some big rocks
Rockit Climbing Gym. Photo by @rockitclimbing
Get an extra workout in without even noticing you’re flexing some serious muscles at Rockit Climbing Gym, open until 9pm every weeknight.
Chalk your hands and strap into your harness to challenge yourself on one of their 21 climbing walls. Instructors are always there to help the less experienced climbers on the floor, and pros can just start scaling and trying to beat their PB. With single passes and membership packs available, you’ll be free to climb to your heart’s content.
11. Watch a show millions of years in the making
Extend date night and take your other half to a viewing of the night sky at the Mapleton Observatory. Gaze in awe with the naked eye, or take it macro and stare through a telescope during the general public open nights held once a month. They book private functions for up to 10 people so you can host your next party with the ultimate backdrop, and get to know the stars on a more intimate level.
PS. If you’ve been up all night tracking the stars across the sky and need a caffeine hit, try these hidden coffee gems.
