Locals Reveal 10 Must-Do Activities Across Sunshine Coast Beaches and Hinterland

The Sunshine Coast is a region north of Brisbane known for its long stretches of beach, laid-back lifestyle, and proximity to the forested hinterland. Whether you're visiting for a few days or you live locally, there's a mix of free outdoor spaces, paid attractions, and experiences suited to different interests.

Beaches and Coastal Walks

Noosa Main Beach and Noosa Heads. The northern anchor of the coast, Noosa Main Beach is patrolled and popular for swimming, while Noosa Heads offers rocky outcrops and coastal views. The Noosa National Park walking trails provide views of the coastline and lead through bushland.

Caloundra Beach. A patrolled family-friendly beach at the southern end, Caloundra is wide and sheltered, with rockpools and a beachside promenade. The Caloundra Lighthouses and Headlands Walk offer views of the coast.

Mooloolaba Beach and Mooloolaba Esplanade. A busy, social beach with a pier, restaurants, and shops along the esplanade. The Mooloolaba Reef is an underwater snorkel site accessible from the beach.

Coolum Beach. A quieter beach between Mooloolaba and Noosa, backed by bushland and less crowded than nearby alternatives. A short walk to Coolum Headland offers outlook points.

Hinterland Towns and Markets

Montville. A historic mountain village set among rainforest with galleries, cafes, antique shops, and craft studios. The town is known for its garden attractions and weekend markets.

Maleny. A rural hinterland town on a plateau with produce farms, farmgate shops, craft breweries, and weekend markets. Local farms sell honey, cheese, fresh produce, and flowers directly to visitors.

Eumundi Markets. Held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the town centre, these markets feature local produce, crafts, clothing, and food stalls. The adjacent streets have galleries, shops, and cafes.

Mapleton and Kondalilla National Park. A small mountain village adjacent to parkland featuring rainforest walks and a popular waterfall and swimming pool. The Mapleton Lookout provides views across the hinterland.

See and Do

Underwater World Sea Life Centre. Located at Mooloolaba, this is a sea life aquarium featuring tanks of fish, rays, and marine animals, with viewing tunnels and touch pools.

Australia Zoo. Located at Beerwah in the hinterland, this zoo features Australian native animals including koalas, crocodiles, and kangaroos across landscaped grounds.

Noosa Heads Lookout. A free public viewpoint at the eastern tip of Noosa Heads accessed by a short walk, offering coastal views. The area is good for spotting migrating whales and dolphins during season.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Gardens. Several historic private gardens are open to visitors during specified times, including Mount Coot-tha lookout gardens and various plant nurseries.

Free and Outdoors

Cooloolabin Reserve and Alexandra Headland Rockpool. Free public reserves with walking trails, picnic areas, and beach access. Alexandra Headland has a tidal rock pool suitable for swimming.

Buderim and Buderim Ginger Factory precinct. A leafy residential village with shops and cafes; the ginger factory site has free gardens and walking paths, with paid activities available inside.

Tallebudgera Valley and Cedar Creek. A scenic valley in the hinterland with free walking access to creeks, bushland, and rural farmland popular for day trips and picnics.