Things to Do in Sunshine Coast – Attractions, Beaches, Hinterland & Area Guide

The Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland’s most popular visitor regions, known for beaches, national parks, relaxed coastal towns, family attractions, markets and scenic hinterland villages. Unlike a single-city destination, the region is spread across multiple towns including Noosa Heads, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Coolum Beach, Buderim, Maleny and Montville.

This guide highlights the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast, including beaches, coastal walks, wildlife attractions, markets, parks, family activities and day trips through the hinterland.

Quick Answer:

Popular things to do on the Sunshine Coast include visiting Noosa National Park, Mooloolaba Beach, Kings Beach, Australia Zoo, Eumundi Markets, Glass House Mountains, Point Cartwright, Coolum Beach, Maleny, Montville and the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Top Attractions on the Sunshine Coast

Noosa National Park

Noosa National Park is one of the Sunshine Coast’s best-known attractions. It is popular for coastal walks, ocean views, wildlife spotting, beaches and access from Noosa Heads. The headland walking tracks are especially popular with visitors exploring the northern Sunshine Coast.

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo, located near Beerwah, is one of Queensland’s most famous family attractions. It is strongly associated with wildlife conservation and is a major reason many visitors travel through the southern Sunshine Coast and Glass House Mountains area.

Eumundi Markets

Eumundi Markets are one of the region’s most recognised market attractions. Visitors travel to Eumundi for local products, food stalls, arts, crafts and a lively village market atmosphere.

Mooloolaba Esplanade

Mooloolaba Esplanade is a major beachside visitor precinct with cafés, restaurants, shops, accommodation and easy access to Mooloolaba Beach. It is one of the most convenient places for first-time visitors to stay or explore.

Glass House Mountains

The Glass House Mountains are a distinctive group of volcanic peaks south of the main coastal strip. They are useful for scenic drives, lookouts, walking tracks and understanding the wider Sunshine Coast landscape.

Best Beaches on the Sunshine Coast

Noosa Main Beach

Noosa Main Beach is one of the region’s most famous beaches and is located close to Hastings Street and Noosa National Park. It is popular for swimming, beach walks, cafés and visitor-friendly facilities.

Mooloolaba Beach

Mooloolaba Beach is one of the central Sunshine Coast’s most popular beach areas. It combines calm swimming conditions, beachside dining, accommodation and easy access to the esplanade.

Kings Beach

Kings Beach is a major beach in Caloundra and is popular with families due to its beachfront facilities, ocean pool, parks and nearby dining.

Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach is a relaxed coastal town with surf, beach walks, cafés and access to Mount Coolum. It is a strong option for visitors travelling between Maroochydore and Noosa.

Peregian Beach

Peregian Beach offers a village-style coastal atmosphere south of Noosa, with beach access, local cafés and a quieter feel than the larger tourism centres.

Coastal Walks, Lookouts and Outdoor Areas

Point Cartwright

Point Cartwright is a coastal headland near Mooloolaba with ocean views, walking areas and a lighthouse. It is a useful stop for visitors exploring the central coast.

Mount Coolum

Mount Coolum is a prominent coastal mountain with a popular walking track and wide views over the coastline, airport area and surrounding suburbs.

Alexandra Headland

Alexandra Headland sits between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore and is known for surf, coastal views and a relaxed beachside atmosphere.

Cotton Tree and Maroochy River

Cotton Tree sits near the Maroochy River mouth and is popular for riverside walks, calm water areas, parks and easy access to Maroochydore.

Family-Friendly Things to Do

  • Visit Australia Zoo near Beerwah.
  • Spend time at Kings Beach in Caloundra.
  • Explore Mooloolaba Beach and the esplanade.
  • Walk part of Noosa National Park.
  • Visit Eumundi Markets.
  • Explore the Glass House Mountains lookouts.
  • Spend time around Cotton Tree and Maroochy River.

Best Towns and Areas to Explore

  • Noosa Heads — beaches, Hastings Street, national park and visitor accommodation.
  • Mooloolaba — beach, esplanade, dining and central coastal access.
  • Maroochydore — commercial centre, river areas and shopping.
  • Caloundra — southern beaches, family-friendly foreshore areas and coastal walks.
  • Coolum Beach — surf, relaxed beach town atmosphere and Mount Coolum access.
  • Buderim — elevated residential area with views and local cafés.
  • Maleny and Montville — hinterland villages known for scenery, cafés and day trips.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Day Trips

Maleny

Maleny is one of the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s best-known towns. Visitors come for cafés, local produce, views, rural scenery and nearby natural attractions.

Montville

Montville is a scenic village on the Blackall Range, known for galleries, cafés, shops, views and a slower hinterland atmosphere.

Mapleton

Mapleton is another hinterland village useful for scenic drives, lookouts and access to natural areas in the Blackall Range.

Glass House Mountains Region

The Glass House Mountains region is popular for lookouts, walking trails, photography and scenic drives between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Hinterland Rainforest and Waterfall Areas

The Sunshine Coast hinterland includes rainforest areas, waterfalls, scenic roads and lookout points that provide a different experience from the coastal towns.

Markets, Shopping and Local Experiences

  • Eumundi Markets — one of Queensland’s best-known market attractions.
  • Hastings Street — shopping, dining and visitor precinct in Noosa Heads.
  • Mooloolaba Esplanade — beachfront shopping and dining area.
  • Caloundra Street Fair — local market-style experience in Caloundra.
  • Maroochydore shopping areas — major retail and services hub for the region.

Suggested Two-Day Sunshine Coast Itinerary

On day one, explore Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright, Maroochydore, Cotton Tree and Alexandra Headland. Finish with dinner around Mooloolaba Esplanade or another central coast dining area.

On day two, choose a northern or hinterland route. A northern route could include Noosa Main Beach, Hastings Street and Noosa National Park. A hinterland route could include Eumundi Markets, Maleny, Montville and Glass House Mountains viewpoints.

Related Sunshine Coast Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Sunshine Coast best known for?
    The Sunshine Coast is known for beaches, Noosa National Park, Australia Zoo, Eumundi Markets, the Glass House Mountains and hinterland towns such as Maleny and Montville.
  • What are the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast?
    Popular things to do include visiting Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Australia Zoo, Eumundi Markets, Coolum Beach, Point Cartwright and the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
  • Which Sunshine Coast beach is best for visitors?
    Noosa Main Beach, Mooloolaba Beach, Kings Beach, Coolum Beach and Peregian Beach are among the best-known visitor beaches.
  • Is the Sunshine Coast good for families?
    Yes. Families often visit Australia Zoo, Kings Beach, Mooloolaba, Noosa National Park, Eumundi Markets and river or foreshore areas.
  • What are the best day trips on the Sunshine Coast?
    Popular day trips include Maleny, Montville, Eumundi, Glass House Mountains, Noosa and the hinterland scenic routes.

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Attraction availability, opening hours, admission fees, market schedules, beach conditions, road access, transport services and visitor information may change over time. Verify important details with official sources or individual venues before travelling.