First-timers guide to the Sunshine Coast
List
By Kim Barnard
If you’re yet to explore the Sunshine Coast, then it’s time to add this iconic Queensland destination to your holiday bucket list.
Boasting sun and sand, a lush hinterland, a thriving food scene, and endless opportunities to meet local Aussie creatures great and small, this coastal region has something for every kind of explorer.
To learn about the unique, must-do experiences of the region, follow this first-timers guide to the Sunshine Coast.
Soak up the sun at Kings Beach
Just one-and-a-half hours from Brisbane you'll find buzzing Kings Beach in Caloundra.
Featuring a large, beautiful beach, rockpools, child-friendly water fountains and an oceanfront saltwater swimming pool, you won’t be short of splash-friendly options. You can even snorkel at the rocky shoreline to spot the marine life and plants that call this area home.
When you want to switch up the sand for some dry land, head to the grassy park area next door, roll out a blanket and have a picnic. Or hit the alfresco restaurants that line the beachfront for a taste of the region’s fresh local produce.
Kings Beach is one of the many spectacular stretches of sand to explore.
See the sights via jet ski
If you have a need for speed, sign up to explore with Caloundra Jet Ski.
This water-based safari company offers small group tours of nature, wildlife and ancient volcanoes that occupy Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay Marine Park. Hop aboard their fast-paced, environmentally-friendly vehicles for a day of thrills on the water. There’s a tonne of tour options available (with varying themes, times and costs), so pick one that suits you and your budget.
Browse and buy from local markets
Community fairs and farmers markets are part of daily life here on the Sunshine Coast - and come the weekend you'll find them in beach 'burbs and country towns throughout the region, serving street eats, local produce, artisan goods and more.
Among the best include the iconic Eumundi Markets - Australia's biggest art and craft market held every Wednesday and Saturday. On Sundays, foodies will be drawn to the delights of Noosa Farmers Market or Caloundra Street Fair, perfect place to step into the coastal life with nearly 100 unique stalls to explore, and live entertainment too.
Dine by the waterside
When the beaches are this good, you can bet there's waterside restaurants making the most of it. Any first-timer on the Sunshine Coast needs to combine views with menus, and from breakfast to dinner, you'll find incredible restaurants and cafes serving up local flavours. Start with Noosa Boathouse, Bistro C, Prawn Star or See Restaurant - then work your way through this list.
Of course, you have the option to takeaway fish & chips and dine on the sand too.
Swim with humpback whales
Sunreef Mooloolaba isn't just the largest dive centre in South East Queensland - it became the first operator in Australia to give animal lovers the chance to swim with humpback whales as they migrate along the coast. Clearly they're passionate about introducing visitors to local marine life.
From July to October you can go whale watching on the iconic Whale One. From June to November, you have the chance to (safely) jump in the water and become friends with the largest mammal in the ocean. It's an experience like no other.
Step inside a wildlife hospital
Australia Zoo, home to the incredible Irwin family and over 1200 amazing animals, is the world’s most interactive conservation location.
Besides wandering around the park, and saying hello to the furry, scally and leathery creatures at your own pace, you can step inside their wildlife hospital for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The hospital gives injured wildlife a second chance at life, by conducting lifesaving treatment to get them back to optimum health. Over just twelve months, 6000 to 8000 animals are brought in for treatment. The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is playing a vital role in saving Australia’s native species, and a behind-the-scenes look into how they operate is an opportunity not to be missed.
Taste local delights at the Ginger Factory
For a day of exhilarating rides, educational tours, shopping and taste-testing, make your way to the Ginger Factory. Set on acres of stunning sub-tropical gardens, this popular park offers something for everyone. Learn how bees make honey at the Live Bee Show (and taste unique varieties of the sweet syrup), hop on board their train, and go crazy at The Ginger Shop, which holds the largest selection of Buderim Ginger products in the world.
The Ginger Factory is open seven days a week.
Glass House Mountains
Look west while on the beach and you'll probably sight the towering Glass House Mountains on the horizon. Jump in the car and you can discover these remnants of 20-million-year-old volcanoes for yourself.
With sealed and unsealed roads, you can drive through this green wonderland on ground that suits your vehicle. Stop at the lookouts that reveal the surrounding plains, set up a picnic under the trees and explore a bush trail - Mt Ngungun is a popular (and somewhat strenuous) hike that offers incredible views, especially at sunset.
Each mountain in the region has been given a name and a character in a family, according to Aboriginal dreaming stories about these formations.
Make your way to Maleny and the hinterland
While the Sunshine Coast beaches could easily entice you to keep your feet firmly planted in the sand on your first visit, venture into the hinterland and be rewarded with unique experiences.
The mountain town of Maleny is under an hour's drive away, and offers a whole new world of green countryside vistas, soothing road trips, cafes and art galleries, and the opportunity to connect in nature.
For a true taste of farm living, take a tour at Maleny Dairies to learn what it’s like to live and work on a farm. Make sure you visit the Milkbar before you leave, which sells their delicious dairy products including ice cream, milk, creamy yoghurt, custard and more.
If your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, visit the Maleny Food Co. cafe in Maple Street. The menu here features fresh local food and artisan products, so you’ll be able to experience the fantastic flavours of the region. Take a seat at the deli-style dining space, sip on a cup of coffee and try the gourmet gelato or sorbet. Don’t leave without checking out the cheese shop, where you can learn all about the world’s best artisan cheese from the experts (and take some home with you, of course).
To frolic through 18 acres of gorgeous gardens, set on an impressive 100 acre property, visit Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. This privately owned garden is just 10 minutes down the road from Maleny Food Co. and overlooks the picture-perfect Glass House Mountains and lush rainforests. Spend your time marvelling at the waterfalls, ponds and paintings and the 700+ native and exotic birds that roam free in the bird aviary. Move on to a gazebo picnic (supplied by the onsite cafe) before exploring the old fishing trawler and tree house.
To make a real holiday out of it, stay the night and take your time. Spicers Tamarind Retreat offers luxurious double rooms for couples or friends, as well as a mineralised spa, hydrotherapy treatments, a steam room and a tailored spa menu featuring Australian-made Waterlily products.
Hike and swim at Kondalilla Falls
Couple sitting beside Kondalila Falls Sunshine Coast
Move over to Montville for a wonderful walk in the wilderness; this charming town is just a 30-minute drive west of the Sunshine Coast.
Stretch your legs on the 4.8km Kondalilla Falls Circuit, where you'll wind your way into the lush rainforest valley, past bunya pines, piccabeen palms and shapes of pink ash. You'll often find locals taking a refreshing dip in the swimming hole at the waterfall, or picnicing afterwards - there are barbecues, tables and toilets, is just 100 metres from the Kondalilla Falls car park.
Want to stay a while? Book a room at the serene Secrets on the Lake, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat or Spicers Clovelly Estate.
Ready to plan your visit? Discover more of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast here:
