The Sunshine Coast – Top Seven Reasons to Book a Visit

Most people need only one reason to visit the Sunshine Coast. But this vacation destination has more to offer than meets the eye. Have a look at these additional reasons to book a visit.

Many people think that the Sunshine Coast is only famous for its beaches. In reality, there’s a lot more that you can do if you decide to plan a trip there. There are other places you can visit on the coast if you don’t want to spend your entire trip in the sun.

Over the years, tourists have discovered many gems worth visiting. Some of them you can even check out for free – that’s if you enjoy spending time in nature. 

For your next trip to the Sunshine Coast, check out the following locations.

1. Visit Noosa National Park

Noosa National Park covers 4,000 hectares of land. It’s also divided into four regions, each offering a unique picturesque setting.

If you want an outdoor adventure, then the park should make your itinerary. Part of the park offers remote beaches and rocky headlands. There are also plenty of lookouts, including the one at Boiling Point that’s great for watching dolphins.

The park also has a rainforest. If you want to get out of the sun and inspect rare plants, then head deeper into the park.

Whether you want to survey the coastline or check out flora and fauna, the Noosa National Park keeps you occupied. Exploring it is one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast.

2. Explore the Beaches

There are so many beaches on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Among the many things to do on the coast, spending a few days on the beach is a highlight. Both tourists and locals enjoy the sandy beaches and incredible waters.

You can find populated beaches with playgrounds and tons of facilities. But, you can also spend time and discover remote or secret beaches. You don’t have to commit to a crazy adventure every day. The coast offers more than enough secluded places where you can relax and listen to nothing but the waves.

3. Visit the Australia Zoo in Beerwah

Who doesn’t want to see the native and rare animals when they visit Australia? Whether traveling with kids or alone, the Australia Zoo is a popular attraction. It’s worth a trip for both excitement and education.

The zoo has a vast exotic lineup, including cheetahs and Sumatran tigers. And most of the tours involve some interactions with the animals.

There are also a few animal shows, which include croc-feeding. You can even spend an entire day at the Australia Zoo. But don’t forget to bring enough sunscreen. Visiting the zoo may be one of the coolest things to do on the Sunshine Coast, but the weather is anything but cool.

4. Visit the Underwater World in Mooloolaba

Most tourists visit Mooloolaba for its sun-drenched beach and water activities. But the area also caters to those looking to escape the sun for a while.

Interested in some unique things to do on the Sunshine Coast? Then a trip to Underwater World may be right up your alley. Those who have been there can agree that it’s a perfect attraction for rainy days.

Its collection of exhibits is impressive and features different themes. One of the coolest is the tidal touch pool where you can interact with sea stars. You can also travel the ocean tunnel and watch stingrays and sharks go about their lives around you.

Underwater World also has play areas for kids and more exciting activities, like shark dives. It’s really easy to lose track of time there on your first visit.

5. Tour the Ginger Factory

The Ginger Factory is in Yandina. It’s a family attraction that offers plenty of excitement for both kids and adults. 

Your children can enjoy a train ride through the gardens. At the same time, they can also learn about bees and have fun with interactive puppets.

Parents will probably get the better end of the deal at the end of the day. It’s because the Ginger Factory tour offers more than scenery. It provides various tastings and treats and it’s also a great spot to pick up unique souvenirs.

6. Hike the Glass House Mountains

The mountain ranges of Queensland won’t get mistaken for those in Nepal. Still, it’s an idyllic region with some of the most impressive volcanic peaks.

Along the Sunshine Coast are 13 peaks that interrupt the coastal plain.

If you want to see something awe-inspiring, the volcanic vestiges at the Glass House Mountains may be it. Neither peak is very tall. But hiking in the area, particularly some of its trails, can still pose a challenge.

The Glass House Mountains is arguably a must-visit while on the Sunshine Coast. The scenery, the trails, and the sandstone landscape make it a unique location. It’s also one of the many things to do on the Sunshine Coast for free.

7. Tour the Queensland Air Museum

If you want to take a break from surfing, here’s something a bit more unusual.

The Queensland Air Museum is the largest of its kind in Australia. And what makes it unique is its collection of aviation memorabilia.

You can see a variety of propeller aircraft on display and post-war exhibits. What’s especially great is the number of events held throughout the year. In July, you can even catch an Open Cockpit Weekend.

Don’t miss it if you want to experience the inside of the cockpit for some of the museum’s collection of planes.

Sunshine Coast Adventures for Sunny and Rainy Days

It doesn’t really matter when you plan to get there. There’s good weather all-year-round on the Sunshine Coast. And just in case you find yourself in a tough spot, there are amazing places where you can take shelter.

The coast offers some of the most unspoiled attractions. There’s also enough excitement to go around, even if you don’t want to spend your entire time outdoors.