Best of Sunshine Coast

Best free things to do on the Sunshine Coast

You don't need to spend a cent to have a brilliant day on the Sunshine Coast. Here are twelve picks from our newsroom: walks, lookouts, swimming holes, beaches and markets that locals actually use, with the tips visitors rarely get told.

1. Walk the Mooloolaba Spit and breakwater

   Mooloolaba

   Free parking is easiest before 8am. Loop the spit, watch the trawlers head out, finish on the patrolled beach.

2. Climb Mount Coolum

   Coolum Beach

   Allow an hour return. The path is steep and rocky near the summit but the 360° view over the coast is the best free lookout on the Sunshine Coast.

3. Wander the Maleny to Mapleton hinterland villages

   Blackall Range

   Park in Maleny, browse the galleries, then drive the range road to Mapleton Falls lookout. Falls viewing is free.

4. Cool off at Gardners Falls

   Maleny

   Short flat walk to a swimming hole with a rope swing. Pack towels, no facilities on site.

5. Stroll the Noosa Coastal Walk to Hells Gates

   Noosa National Park

   Park entry is free. Watch for dolphins at Boiling Pot and turtles in Granite Bay on the way out.

6. Watch the Eumundi Markets street performers

   Eumundi

   Wednesdays and Saturdays. Browsing the 600+ stalls and live buskers costs nothing.

7. Skate or scoot the Mooloolaba to Alexandra Headland boardwalk

   Mooloolaba

   Sealed and flat. Free outdoor gym stations along the way.

8. Picnic at Point Cartwright lighthouse

   Buddina

   Sunset over Mooloolaba and a clear view north to the Glass House Mountains. Free BBQs in the reserve.

9. Explore Kondalilla Falls lower pool

   Montville

   Standard track is free. Bring grippy shoes for the rock steps down to the swimming hole.

10. Tour the Glass House Mountains lookout

    Glass House Mountains

    The sealed lookout has interpretive signage about Tibrogargan and Beerwah. Best at first light.

11. Browse the Caloundra Street Fair

    Caloundra

    Sundays on Bulcock Street. Live music, makers stalls and free kids activities.

12. Cycle the Sunshine Coast Bicentennial trail

    Caloundra to Currimundi

    Sealed shared path the whole way. Free bike racks at Kings Beach and Dicky Beach.

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