Destinations to Visit on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful region of Queensland, Australia, that is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and tranquil hinterland. Visitors looking for a relaxing day trip can find plenty of options in this region.

From scenic drives to leisurely walks and picnics, there are various Sunshine Coast activities you can indulge in during your visit. Similarly, there are several places to visit in sunshine coast that can leave lasting memories.

Best destinations to visit on the Sunshine Coast

Noosa National Park

The view from Laguna Lookout, Noosa National Park, Queensland, Australia

This stunning national park is located just a short drive from Noosa Heads and offers a variety of walking trails. You can walk through lush rainforests, rocky cliffs and stunning coastal boardwalks in the Noosa National Park. Just a stone’s throw away, Noosa Beach, with its white sand and crystal-clear water, beckons near Hastings Street, a bustling hub for events, shopping, and dining.

Besides, the park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas, and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The nearby Noosa River enhances the area’s appeal, offering a plethora of attractions and activities along its picturesque banks, from sunset cruises to scenic reserves and idyllic beaches.

Glass House Mountains

Glass House Mountains, Queensland Australia

This group of volcanic peaks is located just a short drive from the coast and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The Glass House Mountains are home to several walking trails, including the easy-going Summit Walk that takes you to the top of Mount Tibrogargan. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland from the top.

Eumundi Markets

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

This 55-hectare reserve is located in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast and is home to a wide range of native flora and fauna. The reserve offers several walking trails where you can take a leisurely walk and enjoy the beauty of nature.

One of the famous walking trails of this region is the easy-going Discovery Trail. This trail takes you through the rainforest, past cascading creeks, and to the lookout point, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains.

The Big Pineapple

Located just a short drive from the coast, the Big Pineapple is a unique attraction that offers a fun day out for visitors. The attraction includes a pineapple plantation tour, where you can learn about the history of pineapple farming in the region.

The place also has a wildlife park where you can see kangaroos, koalas, and other Australian animals. The Big Pineapple also has a lovely picnic area to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Caloundra Lighthouse

Caloundra Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the southernmost point of the Sunshine Coast. It offers panoramic views of the coast and the surrounding ocean and a glimpse into the region’s history.

The lighthouse is accessible by car or by a leisurely walk along the coastal pathway. Once you reach the top, you can take a tour and learn about its history and the role it played in the development of the region.

Maleny Botanic Gardens

Maleny Botanic Gardens is a beautiful garden located in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. The garden is home to a wide variety of plants, including tropical and subtropical plants, a beautiful lake and a Japanese garden.

The gardens are a great place to relax, enjoy the scenery, and take a leisurely walk. There are also several picnic areas where you can enjoy a bite and sip some coffee.

Mapleton Falls National Park

Mapleton Falls National Park is located in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast and is home to the beautiful Mapleton Falls. The park offers a variety of walking trails, including the easy-going Mapleton Falls Walk, which takes you to the base of the falls.

The Mapleton Falls National Park is also home to a wide variety of native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and possums.

Maroochydore Beach

Maroochydore Beach is a popular beach on the Sunshine Coast, known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. It is a great place for visitors to relax, take a leisurely walk along the beach, or swim in the ocean.

The beach also has a variety of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite.

Rainbow Beach

The beautiful coastal town of Rainbow Beach offers a stunning view of the coastal region. The golden sands of the beach, subtropical rainforest, and rainbow hues of the seaside provide a stunning view.

Montville

Montville is a charming village located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The village is known for its beautiful views of the coast and the surrounding landscape, as well as its unique shops and galleries.

Montville is a great place to spend the day browsing the shops, enjoying a leisurely walk and the beautiful scenery. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite.

Mooloolaba

Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast

Mooloolaba is a popular coastal town located on the Sunshine Coast. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach, swim in the ocean, or take a dip in the Mooloolaba River.

The town also has a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite or do some shopping.

The Ginger Factory

The Ginger Factory is a popular tourist attraction located in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. The factory offers a tour of the ginger processing facility, where you can learn about the history of ginger farming in the region and see how ginger is processed.

The factory also has a variety of ginger-themed activities, such as ginger cooking classes and a ginger beer brewery. There is also a beautiful botanic garden to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach is another beautiful beach on the Sunshine Coast. It is known for its white sandy beaches, clear waters, and beautiful views.

Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the beach, swim in the ocean, or relax in the shade. For those looking to ride the waves with style and confidence, taking a surf lesson at Coolum Surf School is highly recommended for a professional experience, followed by a BBQ overlooking the ocean. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite.

The Hinterland Great Walk

The Hinterland Great Walk is a scenic walk through the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland. It starts at Maleny and takes you through the rainforest, past cascading waterfalls, and offers panoramic views of the coast and the surrounding landscape. The walk is suitable for visitors with moderate fitness levels and can be broken up into shorter sections.

Hastings street

Hastings Street is a beach-side street known for its designer shops and resort-style accommodation. You can shop around, dine in one of the restaurants or simply stroll along the street and enjoy the life around.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sunshine Coast offers an abundance of scenic and relaxing day trip options for visitors. From the natural beauty of the national parks, the charming hinterland villages, the historic lighthouses, the botanic gardens, and the relaxing beaches, there is something for every visitor to enjoy. Each of these day trip options offers a chance to get out and enjoy the fresh air, take in the natural beauty, and make some lasting memories.

If you want to explore the major Sunshine Coast attractions and get to know the place better, we are here to help you out. At Minibus Charter, we organise a charter bus service per our passengers’ requirements. We even offer Sunshine Coast airport pick-up and drop for our customers’ convenience. Get in touch with us right now to know more about our service.