10 NOT-TO-BE-MISSED EXPERIENCES ON THE SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND

Under 90 minutes north from Brisbane, Queensland’s Sunshine coastline has so much to offer. We’ve put together just 10 top things to do here, however as soon as you arrive, you realise this is the suggestion of whatever the subtropics’ version of an iceberg is.

From beautiful beaches to unusual subtropical rainforests as well as waterfalls, from craft breweries, distilleries as well as wineries to bit towns packed with creativity—and let’s not fail to remember about the food—the Sunny coastline is a traveller’s paradise.

Because it spans both a big coastal area in addition to the spectacular forested hinterland, this region has a truly diverse set of experiences to offer.

And while the beach frequently gets expectedly warm, particularly in the summer, the hinterland, since of its elevation, is typically a fair bit cooler. In winter, you may even requirement the terminate on in the evening.

Check out our montage vid of these ten things to do, as well as keep in mind to sign up for our YouTube channel here.

It’s certainly impossible to tell you about all the things you can perform in this region that stretches for over 1600km², however right here are 10 of our favourites.

1. Sunshine Coast’s ocean drive

Get a lay of the land as well as take the coastal drive from Sunrise beach just south of Noosa all the method down to Mooloolaba. The 40km drive lets you see the cliffs roll down to where the road is at sea level.

Driving south implies you can quickly stop to take in the view, however it likewise implies you’re better to the water without any cars on the other side of the road getting in the way. This is a bit like one of our suggestions for driving highway 1 on America’s west coast.

If you are driving south, one of the very first towns you’ll come to that’s at sea level is Peregian Beach, as well as it’s well worth getting out to stretch your legs, delight in a stroll on the huge beach as well as put your toes in the water.

And take the chance of coffee here—this bit town has lots of cafes worth a visit.

2. Saltwater Eco trips cultural Cruise

Sailing from cent Lane Jetty in Mooloolaba, Saltwater Eco trips is the ideal combo of being out on the Maroochy River as well as its canals on a century-old sailing boat as well as discovering about the ancient culture as well as history of the area at the exact same time.

On the cruise, you’re joined by Bridgette ‘Auntie’ Chilli, a happy Mooloola Kabi Kabi woman, who talks about the history of her people who have resided in the area for countless years.

Owner Simon Thornalley, an Australian Aboriginal as well as Torres Strait Islander, has brought back this gorgeous wood boat himself, comprehending the significance of heritage as well as legacy, as well as it truly adds to the environment of the experience.

Check out our full evaluation as well as video of Saltwater Eco Tours’ cultural cruise here.

3. Mary Cairncross beautiful Reserve as well as Rainforest Centre

Named after the lady as well as her three daughters who, from the late 1800s, began the fight to protect this area from logging.

The Mary Cairncross beautiful Reserve is a multifaceted view of one of the last staying sub-tropical rainforests in the country.

The centre is an academic hub with screens on wildlife discovered in the 55-hectare area in addition to info on its conventional custodians the Jinibara People.

Upstairs offers fantastic views out to the Glasshouse Mountains as well as there are a number of walks with the dense rainforest. even the short Pond walk around the centre, which we were restricted to since of recent storms, has astounding animal as well as birdlife to experience.

4. flame hill Vineyard, Montville

Usually, red wine as well as the subtropics don’t go together, however like we said, the elevated hinterland has a cooler climate.

The red wine right here may not be a match for the very best of the Barossa or hunter Valley, however it’s still extremely drinkable. flame hill Vineyard’s Fiano, Montville Chardonnay as well as Rousanne Marsanne, as well as the Barbera as well as Traprock Shiraz are all standouts.

The cellar door, which is set high on the hill above quite Montville, looks out over the hinterland as well as over grape vines, as well as it’s the ideal area to delight in a decrease of Queensland red wine as well as a tasty lunch.

You can see our video of flame hill Winery here.

5. go to the three Ms of the Hinterland

These three towns of the Sunshine coastline Hinterland are a few of the prettiest however likewise show three extremely different sides of the region.

Montville, which was recognized in 1887, is a innovative hub featuring both emerging as well as celebrated artists. buying right here is fun with its ‘olde-worlde’ atmosphere as well as turning waterwheel.

Maleny is famed for its food as well as regional create (as well as its own art scene as well as gorgeous landscape), in specific its dairy products. It’s likewise worth inspecting out The Tamarind restaurant here, part of Spicers Tamarind Retreat, for a meal you’ll not likely forget.

Mapleton is understood for its proximity to nature as well as the amazing walks you can perform in the area with forests as well as waterfalls.

6. health spa treatment at health spa Anise, Maleny

While you’re in Maleny, make sure you set aside at least two hours—preferably three—to delight in a pampering at health spa Anise day spa.

Set overlooking Maleny’s rolling countryside as well as forests, as well as within earshot of Gardner’s Falls, this health spa is the most heavenly slice of the whole Sunshine Coast.

Check out our evaluation of health spa Anise right here as well as our video to see what you can expect.

7. Mapleton Falls as well as Rainforest Walk

Just outside the town of Mapleton, the lookout into the deep vertical tree-covered ravine as well as sparkling roar of Mapleton Falls beckons you to check out further.

A relatively simple walk takes you down the escarpment where the waters from Pencil Creek cascade 120m to the bottom. however the seems of the waterfall are rapidly drowned by the birdcalls amongst the canopy of this gorgeous forest.

There are rather a few stairs on this walk, however the path is well-tended.

8. Eumundi Markets

Held every single Wednesday as well as Saturday—no matter what—since 1979, Eumundi Markets is the most significant as well as finest arts as well as crafts market in the country.

Bringing numerous people from around to its area of stalls, the market transforms the peaceful town of Eumundi.

Look out for the Make It, Bake It, sew It, grow It badges on stalls. These are the sellers that craft whatever you see totally by themselves. as well as make sure you show up hungry—the food offerings at the market are outstanding!

9. Yandina—heritage pubs, Nutworks, Buderim Ginger factory as well as online bee tour

Only 10 minutes down the road from Eumundi, Yandina is one of the oldest towns in the Sunshine Coast. The pub has been right here because 1887 as well as there are great deals of other gorgeous heritage buildings in town.

But on Yandina’s northern outskirts is the Ginger Factory—a fun type of enjoyment park all based around the world’s finest ginger from Buderim just down the road. At very first it seems a bit bizarre, however it’s really extremely adorable as well as a great deal of fun. It’s likewise indoors, so the ideal rainy day activity.

But even much better than the ginger rides, exhibits as well as stalls is the online bee tour.

We were really amazed at exactly how great this was. very first you hear from a bee professional about bees’ life cycles as well as their behaviours. You then get to view them close up in their hives with glass inspection windows. lastly you get to taste the different honey they produce.

Did you understand a single bee—in her entire lifetime—will create less than a teaspoon of honey?

And if you’re after a snack or souvenir, just across the road is Nutworks. Ostensibly a shop selling all type of nuts, this is likewise a roasting as well as processing factory. You can likewise score a few totally free tastings of the different nuts they offer right here before you buy.

10. Sailing, kayaking as well as SUPing at twin Waters Novotel Sunshine coastline Resort

On the grounds of the outstanding Novotel Sunshine coastline resort in twin Waters just north of Maroochydore as well as just seven minutes from the airport, you’ll discover a man-made lake.

Here you can hire kayaks, SUP boards as well as Hobie 2-person sailing catamarans to get out on the water as well as play safely. If you’re staying as guests of the resort, the sailing as well as kayaks are free.

The hotel is fantastic for households as well as groups of friends, as well as is close to the beach, other Sunshine coastline towns. It even has its own golf program that’s internationally recognised as one of the top six resort programs in Australia.