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25 Best Things to Do in Sunshine Coast (Australia)

A comfortable climate, endless sandy beaches, big-time visitor attractions, stylish resorts, tracts of rainforest and striking mountains: The Sunshine Coast’s strengths are many, and there’s so much more than you could ever fit into a single holiday.

If you’re a fearless adventurer you can scramble down humid rainforest valleys, conquer mountains and make for the deserted Fraser Island.

But most people may be reluctant to leave the Sunshine Coast’s flawless white beaches.

Families will never have a dull moment, at theme parks, world-famous zoos, natural discovery centres and quirky museums.

1. Noosa National Park

The chic but laid-back tourist town of Noosa is the jumping off point for the glorious national park of the same name.

In 4,000 hectares and four different sections, the Noosa National Park packs remote beaches, cliff, rocky headlands and lookouts at Dolphin Point and Boiling Point where you can catch sight of dolphins leaping from the surf.

The unpatrolled Alexandria Bay carries on for more than a kilometre and is open to the full force of the Pacific.

Cut in, and there’s rainforest, heathland and sweet-smelling woodland.

A lot of the tracks at the most popular Headlands section converge at the Noosa Headland day-use area.

Elsewhere, the Peregian section is loved for its spring wildflowers, like Christmas bells and the seldom-seen swamp orchid, while you can survey the coastline for many kilometres from the summit of Emu Mountain.

2. Mooloolaba Beach

There are resort beaches and then there’s Mooloolaba beach, which unfurls along a sandy spit in the shelter of Port Cartwright.

The luxurious white beach is angled away from the Pacific, which means low, manageable waves and many metres of shallow water.

Raised slightly at the west end is the Esplanade, where the footpaths are dark under tropical trees and the unfathomable expanse of the Pacific Ocean glitters in the sunshine.

There’s a gaggle of cosmopolitan restaurants and bars a couple streets in from the waterfront.

Backing that sandy spit are plush residential neighbourhoods on canals at the mouth of the Mooloolah river.

3. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

Ecotourists have been flocking to this parcel of remnant rainforest in Maleny since the 1940s.

First off, the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a sort of natural time capsule, growing the subtropical rainforest species that used to deck the entire Blackall Range.

The reserve has recently been equipped with a modern, multimillion-dollar Discovery Centre with multisensory hands-on displays introducing you to the delicate rainforest ecosystem.

The boardwalk ushers you past strangler figs and buttress roots, while the reserve’s viewing platform is the piece de resistance, looking southeast to the mysterious outline of Glass House Mountains.

4. Noosa Main Beach

A few things combine to make this beach on Noosa Heads’ Laguna Bay so enticing.

The headline is that it’s one of those rare Australian beaches that faces north.

Noosa Main Beach is turned away from the full brunt of the Pacific Ocean, which gives it gentle waves that will suit anyone put off by the big Pacific beach breaks.

Noosa Main Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers every single day of the year.

Safe to say that if you’re taking you first steps on a surf board, this is the beach for you.

And for everyone else Noosa Main Beach means lounging on the sand, paddling in the shallow water and frequent trips to Hastings Street for shopping and a drink of something cold.

5. Kondalilla Falls

If things get a bit too hot on the coast you can flee for this piece of mountain paradise deep in the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland.

In the national park of the same name, Kondalilla Falls is on the Skene Creek, which plummets down a series of cascades 90 metres into a lush rainforest valley.

It’s interesting to see how the forest transforms from dry grass trees and casuarinas high on the escarpment to the west, down to Australia’s most easterly stand of bunya pines, and then ferns, piccabeen palms and pink ash in the sheltered valley.

You’ll get the best view of the waterfall from the valley floor, descending and then climbing via the Kondalilla Falls Circuit, which has more than 300 steps.

6. Kings Beach

In the south, the Sunshine Coast ends with a fanfare at the town of Caloundra.

If you had to dream up the perfect tourist beach, Kings Beach in the namesake Caloundra suburb would come close.

There’s a sandy bay that slopes gradually into the ocean and is washed by waves that break a long way out.

Kings Beach has a big spread of soft white sand to park yourself on, and if the ocean looks a bit rough there’s a saltwater swimming pool right on the oceanfront.

When the tide goes out kids will love investigating the rock pools, and on the foreshore there’s a child-friendly fountain with sudden, leaping jets of water.

7. Bulcock Beach

Just along the coast, Bulcock Beach is linked to Kings Beach by a continuous boardwalk.

This will beckon you past the green Happy Valley and Clarke Place Park, for picnics and barbecues.

Fix your eyes to the south and you can make out the slender northern tip of Bribie Island and the long Pumicestone Passage, separating the island from the mainland.

Bulcock Beach really comes into its own when the tide goes out.

The ocean leaves behind small, clear pools, warmed by the sun, and at the beach’s southernmost point there’s a decent surfing break.

Behind the west end of the beach, is a string of bars, ice cream parlours and cafes, and there are companies like East Coast Kitesurfing and Caloundra, Jet Ski, catering to people up for adventure sports.

8. Glass House Mountains

This group of 13 volcanic peaks interrupts the coastal plain along the Sunshine Coast and is inscribed on the National Heritage Register as a landscape of national significance.

The monolithic rocks are the vestiges of volcanic vents that filled with magma and cooled, to be thrown into relief as the surrounding sandstone landscape eroded over millions of years.

Most distinctive is the 364-metre Mount Tibrogargan, which if you squint looks like a face surveying the ocean.

You can walk around the base of this peak, or take on the 253-metre Mount Ngungun.

Hardy bushwalkers can test themselves on the recently opened Yul-yan-man track, a rugged Grade 5 walk winding through the range.

9. Tewantin National Park

The adventure continues at Tewantin National Park, which is an easy 20-minute drive west from Noosa Heads on David Low Way.

A mandatory visit here is the 265-metre Mount Tinbeerwah, forged by volcanic activity tens of millions of years ago.

This peak commands majestic vistas over to the Noosa coast and river system, but also inspires wonder for rare and endangered trees like the swamp stringybark, wallum heath and cabbage-tree palms.

Amphibians like the wallum froglet, green-thighed frog and giant barred frog reside in the park, as do around 70 bird species, like the red-browed treecreeper, which thrives in the mature eucalyptus forests.

The Wooroi day-use area is more suited to families, where you can picnic or have a barbecue under bloodwoods and she-oaks.

10. Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld

In 110 acres, among ponds, cascades and a tapestry of themed spaces, Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld has a staggering location.

You’ll be on a terraced escarpment facing southeast across the coastal plain to the Glass House Mountains.

Trails meander through the landscape, guiding you into idyllic spaces planted with roses, camellias, desert species, orchids, rainforest plants and many more.

There are also four walk-through aviaries inhabited by 700 native and exotic birds, together with a petting zoo keeping tame domestic animals.

Then at the top of the gardens you can take a seat and be wowed by the scenery over a cup of coffee.

11. Australia Zoo

Dubbed “The Home of the Crocodile Hunter”, the Australia Zoo in Beerwah has found an international audience because of Steve Irwin.

His naturalist parents Bob and Lyn opened the park in 1970, and Steve grew up around the zoo’s crocodiles.

The money made from television filming went back into the zoo, turning it into the sprawling, world-class zoological attraction it is today.

The park is owned by Steve’s widow Terri and holds more than 1,200 animals over 1,000 acres.

There are crocodile and bird demonstrations at the 5,000-capactiy “Crocoseum”, a Rainforest Aviary with 150+ birds, Sumatran and Bengal tigers at the Tiger Temple, the 12-acre “Elephantasia” and a whole precinct for South-East Asian species like Komodo dragons and Asian small-clawed otters.

You’ll also have lots of chances to get involved, petting koalas, hand-feeding kangaroos, walking with wombats or touring the zoo’s animal hospital.

12. Queensland Air Museum

For something a little different, Caloundra has the largest heritage aviation museum in the country.

Remarkably this not-for-profit attraction is run almost entirely by volunteers, who keep the museum open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

There are scores of jet and propeller aircraft on show, and the immediate post-war years are a real strong point.

From this time you’ve got a Vickers Viscount, a Lockheed Neptune, two Hawker Hunters, a Gloster Meteor, two de Havilland Caribous, two Sea Vixens and two Sea Venoms, to name a small few.

The museum has a calendar bursting with events, like the Open Cockpit Weekend in July when you can take the controls in a whole range of aircraft.

13. Maleny Dairies

The rambling hills of Maleny, in the Sunshine Coast’s pastoral hinterland are the backdrop for an award-winning and family-owned dairy farm.

Grazing in those hills is a herd of Guernsey cows, and their milk goes into the Maleny Dairies’ range of natural and healthy products, which includes pasteurised milk (naturally), flavoured milk, yoghurt, cream and custard.

You can make a dash for these cooler climes for tours, scheduled Monday to Saturday.

These kick off with a short movie about the farm and then take you down to the factory floor.

You’ll get to meet Millie Maleny Dairies’ “tour cow”, watch a milking demonstration and taste milk right from the udder.

In season you’ll get the chance to bottle-feed calves, and at the end of the tour you can sample the brand’s range.

Three times a day there are also tractor rides, past paddocks with frolicking calves and emus that you can feed by hand.

14. Point Cartwright

This promontory sticks out into the vastness of the Pacific Ocean at the tip of Kawana Beach in Mooloolaba.

Behind is the final reach of the Mooloolah River before it enters the ocean, and there’s an active lighthouse atop the cliffs, 32 metres tall and built in 1978. From the headland you can watch the waves crash against the rocks and look back to Mooloolaba, down Kawana Beach and up to the curious dome of Mount Coolum.

Be here in the evening to watch the sun setting behind Mooloolaba.

At the base of the headland is an unpatrolled beach, big with surfers for its point break.

15. Buderim Forest Park

There’s a 45-hectare oasis of rainforest, with waterfalls, cascades and tangled trees, barely a kilometre outside the village of Buderim.

No shock that Buderim Forest Park is a hit with photographers and Instagrammers, and you can discover it on a trail with two entry points, conveying you between ferns and under eldritch strangler figs, while the calls of rainforest species like catbirds and whipbirds ring out all around.

Buderim Falls (also Serenity Falls) is nothing short of stunning, especially if you pick a day when Martins Creek is swelled by rainfall.

But even in dry spells there will be a gossamer trickle spilling over the rocks.

16. Mount Coolum

This bizarre dome-shaped landform rises just inland from the suburb of the same name, 100 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Protected by a small national park, Mount Coolum is a laccolith, formed some 26 million years ago when magma forced a bulge in the earth’s surface and then cooled without breaking through.

The 208-metre peak stands alone from the Glass House Mountains, which rise to the south, and if you’re up for the climb, will grant you stupendous 360° views of the coastline, the Glass House Mountains and the Blackhall Range in the backcountry to the west.

Mount Coolum is one of only two places on the sunshine coast supporting montane heath, a habitat made up of rare and endangered plant species.

17. Rainbow Beach: Kayaking with Dolphins

Intrepid sprits may be itching to travel into the national parks that lie beyond Noosa Head in the very north of the Sunshine Coast.

The online tour platform GetYourGuide.com has plenty of experiences catering to those who want to go a bit further.

At the top of the Great Sandy National Park is Rainbow Beach, which takes its name from the 72 different shades of sand.

This eye-opening spectrum of hues and tones has been caused by erosion, revealing sands tinted by vegetable dyes and iron oxide.

The Rainbow Beach: Kayaking with Dolphins package entails a 4WD trip along the beach, and then an easy kayaking trip around double island point.

Dolphin pods, sting rays, manta rays and turtles are in these waters all year, and should make an appearance.

But if you make the trip between June and November you also stand a great chance of seeing humpback whales on their migration.

18. Aussie World

The only fully-fledged theme park on the Sunshine Coast is just off the Bruce Highway, 15 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport.

More than 30 years after Aussie World opened, there are now more than 30 rides and attractions.

Some of these will have you clinging on for dear life, like the rollercoaster Redback, and The Plunge, a log flume, and The Wasp, which is an interactive thrill ride.

But there are also lots of more sedate ways for families to have fun.

These might be a restored carousel from 1927, a ferris wheel from the 1960s, mini-golf, the Leak’n Logs water play area and Sideshow Salley, loaded with carnival games.

Something not to miss if you’re aged 12 and up is the Mayhem Maze, which has a spine-tingling horror theme.

19. Peregian Beach

Pinned against the coast by Noosa National Park, Peregian Beach is a gorgeous seaside village with little local shops and cafes, an unending stretch of sandy beach and big tracts of nature to explore inland.

You can divide your time between the beach, a day spa and cafe table before striking out in search of unblemished natural spots like Lake Weyba.

Couched in mangroves, open forest and saltpans, Lake Weyba is a shallow body of saltwater with a sparse beauty, but also a vital breeding ground for fish.

You can spot birdlife in the bush from a kayak, or take a dip in the clear, warm water.

20. Hastings Street

Set just in from Noosa Main Beach, Hastings Street is a relaxed, upscale hangout with footpaths shielded from the sun by cafe awnings and the thick canopies of poinciana and pandanus trees.

At the foot of the street’s white, low-rise blocks are day spas, boutiques, gift shops, galleries and surf stores.

The terraces are occupied morning ’til night by bon viveurs taking coffee, champagne brunches and evening cocktails.

Then when the sun goes down Hastings Street glows with fair lights and becomes a rakish, smart-casual nightspot.

Noosa Main Beach is never more than a minute away, and at the west end you’ll suddenly leave the resort behind and find yourself in the gum trees of the Noosa Woods.

21. The Ginger Factory

The suburb of Buderim happens to have the ideal conditions for growing ginger, a crop that benefits from the local high rainfall and high humidity.

The industry took hold during the First World War, and there are now many hectares of ginger fields.

One company making ginger confectionery products is Buderim Ginger Limited, which has opened visitor a attraction next to its ginger factory about 15 minutes away in Yandina.

You can ride a century-old sugar cane train, venture through tropical gardens and take a themed boat ride with more than 200 animated puppets.

There are also live beekeeping demonstrations, and at the souvenir shop you can buy ginger spreads, cordial, ginger beers and of course gingerbread.

22. The Original Eumundi Markets

The little town of Eumundi has a nationwide reputation for its bi-weekly markets.

These are praised as the biggest and best arts and crafts markets in all of Australia.

Market days are Saturday and Wednesday, no matter the weather, laying on a cornucopia of locally produced art, ceramics, jewellery, fashion-forward clothing, furniture, homewares and a lot more than we can list.

Bring an appetite too, because some of the delicious bites include loaded baked potatoes, artisan fudge, authentic Turkish gözleme, empanadas and German bratwurst hot off the grill.

There’s entertainment too, by live musicians and street performers, and if you need time-out you could always pause for a massage.

23. Noosa Farmers’ Market

If Noosa seems quiet on Sunday morning, it’s because everyone’s at this farmers’ market under the gum trees by the Australian Football Club.

For holidaymaker’s it’s a chance to find out what the Sunshine Coast’s best producers are up to.

This means organic skincare, olives, nuts, seeds, jams, herbs, marinades, sauces, seafood straight from the ocean, cheeses, tapenades and bread and pastries baked on the spot.

You’re sure to get peckish at some point, and there’s lots of food and drink to go, like crêpes, German sausages, steamed dumplings, smoothies and fair-trade coffee.

24. Mooloolaba: Seafood Lunch Cruise

In the Mooloolah Estuary, on the south side of the Mooloolaba spit there’s a labyrinth of canals where palatial waterfront houses have their own jetties.

Jet-skis zip by, and palm trees and the masts of expensive-looking yachts set the scene.

You can only get fleeting glimpses of Minyama and Mooloolaba’s canals from the little waterside parks on land, so the best way to bask in the opulence is on a cruise.

This 90-minute voyage with GetYourGuide.com includes a satisfying sit-down lunch, which can be freshly caught Mooloolaba prawns, calamari and chips, fish and chips or hamburgers.

25. Fraser Island: 2-Day Grand 4WD Exploration Tour

On the Sunshine Coast you’ll be tantalisingly close to Fraser Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest sand island in the world, at 123 kilometres long and 22 kilometres across.

With a population of less than 200 Fraser Island is a world of rainforests, mangroves, sand dunes, peat swamps, heathland and beaches that disappear into the distance.

You’ll need two whole days to scratch the surface, and this 4WD adventure can be booked with GetYourGuide.com .

There will be scores of unforgettable moments, from whales and dolphins breaching in the ocean, to the vistas from Eli Creek and Indian Head Lookout.

You’ll traverse canyons, drive along the deserted 75-mile beach, paddle in transparent creeks, see a 100-year-old shipwreck and uncover the island’s lost timber industry.

25 Best Things to Do in Sunshine Coast (Australia):

• Noosa National Park
• Mooloolaba Beach
• Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
• Noosa Main Beach
• Kondalilla Falls
• Kings Beach
• Bulcock Beach
• Glass House Mountains
• Tewantin National Park
• Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld
• Australia Zoo
• Queensland Air Museum
• Maleny Dairies
• Point Cartwright
• Buderim Forest Park
• Mount Coolum
• Rainbow Beach: Kayaking with Dolphins
• Aussie World
• Peregian Beach
• Hastings Street
• The Ginger Factory
• The Original Eumundi Markets
• Noosa Farmers' Market
• Mooloolaba: Seafood Lunch Cruise
• Fraser Island: 2-Day Grand 4WD Exploration Tour

17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on the Sunshine Coast, Australia

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Mar 22, 2022

The Sunshine Coast, in South East Queensland, is certainly true to its name. Sunny skies and an idyllic subtropical climate lure tourists here year-round. Add to this a string of squeaky-clean beaches, world-class surf breaks, wildlife-rich national parks, and countless tourist attractions, and it's no wonder this is one of Queensland's most popular tourist destinations.

The "Sunny Coast," as it's affectionately called by locals, is a much quieter alternative to the glitzy Gold Coast just to the south. It stretches north from the popular beaches of Caloundra to the sweeping sands of Noosa North Shore, where 4WD vehicles plow a wild stretch of dune-backed beach.

Sunshine Coast destinations are packed with things to do. You can feast on fresh-caught seafood at buzzing Mooloolaba Beach , look for wildlife in the national parks, hike to the summit of Mount Coolum, soak up the salty air on scenic coastal walks, or shop for designer clothes on Noosa's chic Hastings Street or at Sunshine Plaza.

Traveling with kids? You'll find plenty of fun Sunshine Coast attractions for families, including SEA Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium, the Ginger Factory, and the famous Australia Zoo .

Not far from the Sunshine Coast's beautiful beaches , the emerald-hued hinterland offers its own sleepy charm. Top things to do in the Sunshine Coast hinterland include exploring quaint mountain villages, tasting artisan foods, shopping at colorful markets, and rainforest hikes.

Wondering how to get here? The Sunshine Coast Airport in Marcoola has frequent flights from destinations around Australia.

Discover the best places to visit in this sun-soaked holiday hot spot with our list of the top tourist attractions on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

1. Noosa National Park

2. australia zoo, beerwah, 3. noosa main beach and hastings street, 4. mooloolaba beach, 5. the original eumundi markets, 6. the charming mountain villages of montville and maleny, 7. noosa north shore and rainbow beach, 8. coolum beach and its hidden bays, 9. noosaville & the noosa river, 10. kings beach, caloundra, 11. mount coolum, 12. caloundra coastal walk, 13. glass house mountains national park, 14. sea life sunshine coast aquarium, mooloolaba, 15. sunshine plaza, maroochydore, 16. the ginger factory, yandina, 17. spirit house restaurant and cooking school, yandina, map of tourist attractions on the sunshine coast, australia.

Noosa National Park is one of the Sunshine Coast's natural jewels. The park encompasses more than 9,800 acres of paperbark forests, pristine beaches, dunes, heathlands, and rainforest.

The most popular section of the park is the Noosa Headland section. Exploring the 15 kilometers of hiking trails here is one of the top things to do in Noosa Heads .

If you're visiting the park for the first-time, the scenic coastal track offers a great introduction. As you wander along the trail, you'll see gorgeous views of the blue-green sea peeking through the pandanus trees. Look up every now and then, and you might spot a glossy black cockatoo or, if you're really lucky, a koala snoozing in the crook of a eucalyptus tree.

After about a kilometer, a lookout at Dolphin Point offers panoramic coastal views and sometimes even glimpses of whales and dolphins. Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay are the perfect spots for a picnic or a paddle in the rock pools. Continuing even farther, Hell's Gates offers breathtaking views of pounding surf and Alexandria Bay . Conveniently, the coastal track is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers all the way to Dolphin Point.

Parking spaces are available at the park entrance, although it can be tough to nab one at peak times. If you're feeling energetic, you can also hike to the park entrance from Noosa Main Beach . However you get here, exploring this ocean-view national park is one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast for free.

Official site: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/noosa/index.html

About 22 kilometers west of Caloundra, Australia Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Queensland . Steve Irwin, the late croc-loving Aussie conservationist, and his wife Terri helped the park grow into a world-class attraction, with a strong emphasis on conservation and education.

The zoo provides plenty of fun encounters with Aussie animals, including kangaroos, koalas, snakes, and lizards. You'll also see a striking lineup of exotic species, such as elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, and the crowd favorite: Sumatran tigers.

While you're here, try to attend one of the popular live animal shows in the Crocoseum. Depending on the schedule, you can see everything from croc-feeding demonstrations and birds of prey to otters and koalas.

Kids will love hand-feeding kangaroos and giraffes, petting koalas, and riding camels. For an additional fee, you can also visit the animal hospital and support their healing work.

A visit to Australia Zoo is usually a full-day adventure. Wear your walking shoes, and be sure to bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and a rain jacket — sudden downpours can strike at any time.

Address: 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, Queensland

Official site: http://www.australiazoo.com.au/

Squeaky-clean sands and glistening surf breaks make Noosa Main Beach a tourist magnet. Families and beginner surfers in particular love the gentle surf at this glorious stretch of north-facing beach, and it's a lovely spot for a swim. While you're paddling in the clear water, you can see beautiful views of Noosa National Park cloaking the headland at the eastern end of the beach. It's also a relatively safe beach; lifeguards patrol here every day of the year.

In the summer and peak periods, throngs of tourists flock here, and a sea of colorful cabanas pops up along the shore. If you want to escape the crowds, wander around the headland to Little Cove .

Need a break from the scorching Aussie sun? Hastings Street, Noosa's main drag, is only a short stroll away, with chic designer shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafés. Order a cool drink and a snack, sit back, relax, and dine alfresco watching the parade of people passing by, or stroll along the street with a gelato in hand and see what takes your fancy. Hastings Street is also home to some of the Sunshine Coast's best resorts.

Mooloolaba Beach hums with life at any time of day. Backed by high-rise apartments, this sun-drenched north-facing stretch of sand and sea is more developed than other Sunshine Coast beaches, but that's a big part of its appeal.

There's something for everyone here. Surf squads practice their drills in the clear waters, fitness enthusiasts jog along the beachfront path, beginner surfers brave the swells with their boards, families picnic on the grassy knoll overlooking the shore, and volleyballers spike and set on the sand.

Looking for a place to stay near here on a budget? You can pitch your tent or park your caravan steps from the sand at one of the best campgrounds in the Mooloolaba area .

When hunger pangs strike, hop across the road and grab a snack from one of the sea-view cafés. You can even squeeze in a little shopping along the Esplanade here.

Wondering about other things to do in Mooloolaba ? If you're feeling energetic take a stroll to Mooloolaba Spit, about a 40-minute hike along the waterfront. Here, calmer waters lap the shores, and fishing boats bring in their catches. You can even dive one of Australia's best wrecks, the HMAS Brisbane , off the coast. Steps from Mooloolaba Beach is SEA Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium , one of the top things to do on the Sunshine Coast with a family.

Just north of Mooloolaba is Alexandra Headland , with a patrolled beach, great point break, and popular skatepark.

About 20 kilometers southwest of Noosa, the Original Eumundi Markets are the perfect place to soak up some local color. The markets are held every Wednesday morning and Saturday in the cute hinterland town of Eumundi .

"Make it. Bake it. Sew It. Grow it." is the slogan for these vibrant markets, so you know you'll find something unique here. Artisan foods, organic produce, designer clothes, home goods, plants, jewelry, skincare, natural therapies, and toys are just some of the items on offer. This is a fantastic place to buy Sunshine Coast souvenirs or enjoy lunch from one of the food stalls — you can taste everything from Thai food and Tibetan momos to Turkish kebabs.

Fun kids' activities, such as camel rides, complement the fabulous shopping. Roving performers keep everyone entertained, and the kids can burn off steam at the playground adjacent to the market.

Address: 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi, Queensland

Official site: http://www.eumundimarkets.com.au/

For a change in scenery from the coast's sun-splashed beaches, take a scenic drive to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Climb the Blackall Range , through the picturesque hinterland, and you'll reach the cute mountain villages of Montville and Maleny. The drive is part of the Blackall Range Tourist Drive, with spectacular views of the plunging valleys below.

Montville and Maleny lie a little more than 10 minutes' drive away from each other, but most tourists visit them both on a day trip from the coast. Temperatures are sometimes a little cooler here, thanks to the higher elevations.

In Montville , art galleries, gift shops, boutiques, and cozy cafés huddle along the tree-lined streets. You'll also notice some European-inspired architecture.

Maleny is also an artsy town, with many galleries, studios, and workshops. Top things to do in Maleny include touring Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, with a miniature animal enclosure, aviary, and Devonshire tea; and visiting Maleny Dairies , where you can milk a cow, pet farm animals, and taste some creamy yogurts and cheeses after the tour.

You can also get back to nature in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Hike to beautiful Kondalilla Falls near Montville, enjoy a picnic at Baroon Pocket Dam, or look for pademelons on the rainforest trails in the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve — you can also see gorgeous views of the Glass House Mountains from here.

Nothing says freedom like driving along a salty stretch of seemingly endless beach with the wind in your hair. You can do this at Noosa North Shore. Located just across the river from Noosa Heads and Noosaville, this 80-kilometer stretch of golden sand and gently rolling dunes is the gateway to the World Heritage-listed splendor of K'Gari (Fraser Island) . It's especially popular with 4WD enthusiasts, anglers, and beachfront campers, who come here for the stunning sea vistas and typically uncrowded stretches of sand.

Wildlife is prolific around the camping areas. Kangaroos and goannas are frequent visitors, and you can also see a diversity of birds.

When the tides are low along Noosa North Shore, you can drive all the way along the beach, past Teewah and the Colored Sands (ochre-hued cliffs), until you reach Rainbow Beach and Double Island Point , where the car ferry departs for K'Gari (Fraser Island).

You can access Noosa North Shore on the daily car ferry from the end of Moorindil Street in Tewantin. Note that vehicle permits are required to drive along the beach and on some of the inland tracks.

Coolum Beach is a popular base for Sunshine Coast tourists thanks, in large part, to its namesake attraction. This long and lovely stretch of hard-packed sand and blue-green sea is a surfing hot spot. In fact, it's one of the best places on the Sunshine Coast to learn how to surf.

Feel like a snack? Across the street from the beach, you can grab a bite at one of the laid-back little cafés, or pick up some fresh-cooked fish and chips. You can also book surf lessons here, or rent a board.

Planning to stay awhile? You'll find plenty of high-rise holiday apartments in the area, and if you're on a budget, one of the Sunshine Coast's top campgrounds and caravan parks sits just behind the dunes at Coolum Beach.

Wander south along the Point Arkwright Trail from here, and you're in for a treat. Bush tracks lead down to pretty pandanus-fringed bays: First Bay, Second Bay, Third Bay, and Arkwright Beach. As you head south, the bays become less crowded, and on a weekday, you might even have one all to yourself. These hidden gems of the Sunshine Coast are the perfect place to enjoy a romantic picnic, potter in the rock pools, frolic with your four-legged friend, or cast a fishing line.

Fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and picnicking — you can do all this and more along the beautiful Noosa River.

If you're looking for Sunshine Coast things to do for families, this is the perfect place to visit. Kids love paddling in the calm waters, casting a fishing line, clambering all over the children's playground, and posing for a photo in front of the giant pelican statue.

Gympie Terrace in Noosaville is one of the best places to access the Noosa River. This palm-lined riverfront precinct buzzes with tourists in peak season, who come here to feast at the cafés and restaurants, enjoy a picnic under the shady trees on the riverfront, and stroll along the palm-lined paths.

Want to zip along the glittering waters on a boat? You can rent pontoon boats and dinghies at boat rental outlets along the river, and if you feel the need for speed, sign up for a jet boat or Jet Ski ride. Another great way to explore the river is aboard the Noosa Ferry . Hop aboard and pick your stop — you can catch a ride to Hastings Street from here.

Planning to stay awhile? You'll also find one of Noosa's top campgrounds and caravan parks right on the river.

Caloundra is crammed with beautiful beaches, but Kings Beach really is king. This lovely slice of powdery shoreline has something to keep every member of the family happy.

Kids can paddle in the gentle beach break, craft the perfect sandcastle, peer into the rock pools, and run wild in the water park. Parents will be happy here, too. They can enjoy a picnic, take a cool dip, clock some laps in the oceanfront pool, or bask in the sun. Lifesavers patrol the beach and pool area.

Is surfing your chosen sport? This is a great spot to ride the waves . Book a lesson if you're a beginner. And when you need a break from all your activities, an array of excellent restaurants and cafés await just steps from the sand.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Caloundra

Mount Coolum is one of the most distinctive landmarks on the Sunshine Coast. This dome-shaped volcanic rock rises 208 meters above the coastal plains of Coolum Beach and makes a picturesque backdrop to Coolum's golden beaches.

Hiking to the summit of this 25-million-year-old volcanic dome is one of the top things to do in Coolum Beach . The 800-meter track to the peak takes about 90 minutes return, depending on your fitness level, and involves climbing up hundreds of stone steps.

What's your reward? Apart from a workout for your thighs and calf muscles, you can enjoy 360-degree views from Double Island Point to Caloundra, on a clear day. Also keep an eye out for wildlife — peregrine falcons, echidnas, grey-headed flying foxes, and northern brown bandicoots are some of the critters you might spot on your hike.

Insider's Tip: The hike is best tackled in dry weather, as the steep rocks at the top become slippery after rain. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to try this hike — especially on hot summer days. Weekdays are the least crowded.

The trailhead is at Tanah Street West (off David Low Way) about 3.5 kilometers south of Coolum Beach.

The Caloundra Coastal Walk is one of the best ways to sightsee on the Sunshine Coast. Who doesn't love strolling in the sunshine, past countless beautiful Caloundra beaches, with a gelato in hand? Stop for a cool dip if you work up a sweat, or pop into one of the buzzy little cafés for a coffee break along the way.

You can walk for miles along here. The trail stretches for 25 kilometers , all the way from Golden Beach in the south to Mooloolaba in the north. Along the way, must-see Caloundra attractions include action-packed Kings Beach , with a water park and oceanfront pool; the cafés and calm waters of Bulcock Beach ; and Caloundra Headland Memorial Walkway , which honors those who lost their lives during World War II.

Prefer to bike the track? You can do that, too, and sculpt your calves pedaling up and down the hills.

Popular with nature lovers and hikers, the distinctive peaks of Glass House Mountains National Park are listed on the Queensland and National Heritage Register. The area is also one of the spiritual places on the Sunshine Coast for the Gubbi Gubbi people, who used this site for sacred ceremonies, as well as trading.

According to Aboriginal legend, Mount Beerwah , the highest peak, is the mother that gave birth to the smaller surrounding peaks, and Mount Tibrogargan is the father peak. Rising like giant witch's hats and rounded anthills, the peaks are volcanic plugs, the center of extinct volcanoes.

Mount Ngungun and Mount Tibrogargan are the only two peaks open to the public for hiking. They offer trails catering to all abilities, from easy base trails to more challenging summit hikes with spectacular coastal views.

Abseiling, mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing are other popular things to do in Glass House Mountains National Park, and the park is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including koalas, echidnas, and grey kangaroos.

Before exploring the area, stop by the Glass House Mountains Visitor and Interpretative Centre . The popular Lookout Cafe , near the Glass House Mountains lookout, is a lovely spot to start or end a gentle hike with Devonshire tea and delightful views. Keep an eye out for kangaroos under the mango trees here.

Address: Glass House Interpretative Centre, Settler's Rotary Park, Reed Street, Glass House Mountains

Official site: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/glass-house-mountains/

SEA Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium offers a fascinating glimpse at life under the sea and in Australian freshwater habitats. It's organized around themed zones with related exhibits, which include a tidal touchpool, where little ones can feel the bumpy skin of sea stars and learn about stingrays; a jellyfish kingdom; freshwater streams; billabongs; a seahorse sanctuary; and an ocean tunnel, where the rays and sharks glide all around you.

Shark dives, educational presentations, children's play areas, and live shows add to all the fun; the seal show is a particular favorite.

This is a great rainy day attraction, although the exhibits will wow pint-sized animal lovers at any time. After a fun morning touring the exhibits, you can take the kids to nearby Mooloolaba Beach for a picnic.

Address: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, Queensland

Official site: https://www.underwaterworld.com.au/

Shopping at Sunshine Plaza feels like shopping at a resort. Potted palms and lush plants line the walkways, and bridges cross a sparkling waterway that runs through its heart. Set around a natural creek, this sun-splashed indoor/outdoor mall is the largest shopping center on the Sunshine Coast. This is definitely the place to find a bargain, or splurge on a new outfit.

You'll find more than 320 specialty stores here, as well as big-name stores like David Jones, Myer, Kmart, Target, and Big W. Craving a sweet treat? Pick up a snack at Noosa Chocolate. Need a new look? Head into Calvin Klein or Country Road.

Food is another highlight. You can grab a bite to eat from the food hall and dine overlooking the water, or relax at one of the cafés or restaurants serving everything from burgers to noodles.

Need a break from shopping? Rent a paddleboat with the kids or head to the 12-screen cinema and enjoy a movie. Whether you're shopping, watching a movie, or dining at one of the restaurants here, a visit to Sunshine Plaza is one of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast when it's raining.

Address: 154/164 Horton Parade, Maroochydore, Queensland

Official site: https://www.sunshineplaza.com/

If you're looking for a few hours of fun with the children, the Ginger Factory in Yandina fits the bill. Young kids will love riding the little train through the tropical gardens, and they can learn all about bees at a special beekeeper presentation, topped off with a honey tasting.

But where's the gingerbread man? It's the burning question on a cute indoor boat trip. Hop aboard, travel around the world, and see if you can spot him among the interactive puppets — it's one of the more unusual things to do on the Sunshine Coast with kids.

Most of the attractions are geared towards younger kids, but parents will enjoy the ginger factory tour and tastings and a stroll through the beautiful gardens, which brim with ginger plants, orchids, and bromeliads.

Is all that ginger making you hungry? A café and ice-creamery are on hand for hungry visitors, and the large gift shop sells all sorts of ginger-related items, as well as local treats and souvenirs,

Address: 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina, Queensland

Official site: http://www.gingerfactory.com.au/

For a taste of Thailand in the Queensland tropics, you can't beat Spirit House Restaurant and Cooking School. Step onto the lush grounds, and you'll feel as though you're at a temple deep in a Thai rain forest. Fragrant incense wafts around you, frogs sing in the palm-lined pond, and wind chimes jangle in the breeze.

Sign up for a cooking class here, and you can learn how to prepare an authentic Thai meal , then sit down with your new cooking buddies and feast on your creation. If you'd rather skip the cooking lesson and dine here instead, this is one of the most romantic places to dine on the Sunshine Coast.

Address: 20 Ninderry Road, Yandina, Queensland

Official site: https://www.spirithouse.com.au/

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring S outh East Queensland : Sunshine Coast destinations make ideal places to visit for a sun-and-sea vacation. For more things to do on the coast of South East Queensland, read our article on the top attractions in Noosa Heads , from hiking in Noosa National Park to basking on Main Beach. If islands are more your style, K'Gari (Fraser Island) offers a unique 4WD experience just off the coast of Hervey Bay. You can also hike rain forest trails and swim in crystal-clear lakes. Seeking a livelier beach destination? Head south from the Sunshine Coast to the glitzy Gold Coast for high-end shopping and a buzzing nightlife.

Brisbane & Beyond: For a city fix, the state capital of Brisbane is about a 90-minute drive from the Sunshine Coast Airport. Browsing the excellent art galleries and museums, strolling around botanic gardens, and scenic river cruises are some of the top things to do in Brisbane . And if you have more time on your travel itinerary, check out our article on the top-rated day trips from Brisbane for other adventures in the region. Traveling with the kids? You'll find plenty of family-friendly attractions in our article: Brisbane with Kids: Top Things to Do , from playgrounds and parks to a planetarium and wildlife park.

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Guide to the Sunshine Coast

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• Getting to the Sunshine Coast
• When to visit

Whether you’re seeking action-packed, nature-filled adventures or a relaxing beachside escape, the Sunshine Coast delivers the best of both worlds.

Stretching for more than 60km (40mi) along the Queensland coast, the Sunshine Coast is as vast as it is varied. White sand beaches and pristine waterways sit alongside lush rainforests and Heritage-listed national parks, with charming historic villages sprinkled throughout. You’ll be spoiled for choice with fresh local seafood, unique dining experiences and many wonderful wineries and breweries. Top it off with a subtropical climate and exceptional nature experiences and you’ve found an ideal year-round destination.

The Sunshine Coast is serviced by two airports: Brisbane Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport. Both airports will allow you to reach the Sunshine Coast’s many popular destinations, like Noosa and Mooloolaba.

• Brisbane Airport (BNE) is located between a one and two-hour drive from the Sunshine Coast, depending on your destination and services both domestic and international arrivals
• Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is located about a 30-minute drive from most towns, with direct flights from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland

Car hire is available from either airport, and driving is a convenient way to visit different destinations within the region.

Due to its subtropical climate, the Sunshine Coast enjoys pleasant weather all year long. Visiting in spring between October and November offers comfortable temperatures, low rainfall and fewer crowds.

• High season: Summer (December to February) and during school holiday periods
• Low season: After Easter holidays (April) until mid-September

Trips and Itineraries

Sunshine Coast: 8-day family road trip holiday

3 days on the Great Sunshine Way

The Pacific Coast Way: a must-do Gold Coast to Cairns road trip

4-day road trip through Queensland’s Scenic Rim

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20 Unforgettable Things to Do in Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland

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As appealing as the Sunshine Coast’s beaches are, it’s well worth tearing yourself away for a day (or preferably longer) to explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

In the green interior, you can walk through lush rainforest and swim in waterfalls, drive past rolling hills with views down to the ocean, shop in cute villages for locally made products, and enjoy delicious food and drink.

The Hinterland is perfect for a romantic getaway (it’s popular for weddings) as there are many unique places to stay including cosy cottages (and treehouses!) with spa baths and fireplaces. But there’s plenty to do for families and friend groups too.

One weekend in the Hinterland turned into three during our extended stay on the Sunshine Coast—we absolutely love the area.

Here we share our top picks for the best things to do in Sunshine Coast Hinterland including our favourite places to stay and eat.

Near the end of the post, you’ll find a map with all the Sunshine Coast Hinterland attractions mentioned.

Where is Sunshine Coast Hinterland?

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The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is the area inland from the Sunshine Coast, which stretches from Caloundra to Noosa in Southeast Queensland, Australia.

The Hinterland is one to two hours north of Brisbane and can be reached from the coastal towns in around 30-40 minutes.

The heart of the area is the Blackall Range including the towns of Maleny , Montville , and Mapleton .

It also includes the Glass House Mountains further south and towns like Eumundi and Yandina , which are closer to the coast.

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is best explored with your own vehicle .

It’s perfect for a road trip from Brisbane (perhaps as a first stop on your way north) or a day trip from the Sunshine Coast beach towns.

If you’re staying in one of the coastal towns and don’t want to drive yourself, try this Sunshine Coast: Rainforest, Views, and Montville Day Tour which visits a lot of the places in this guide.

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1) Stay in a Treehouse at Secrets on the Lake

The luxury treehouses at Secrets on the Lake are one of the best places we’ve ever stayed.

We loved it so much that we booked our second stay as soon as got back from our first trip!

The treehouses are hidden in the rainforest overlooking Lake Baroon . It feels far away from it all, but it’s less than a 10-minute drive to Montville.

The cabins are elevated on stilts amongst the trees and are reached by wooden walkways, which adds to the magical feel of this unique place.

Most of the rooms are designed for couples with spa baths next to the windows, cosy fireplaces, and large terraces with double swing chairs.

They all make the most of the incredible forest and lake views.

The attention to detail is amazing and you can see the love the owners George and Aldy have poured into the place in the last 25 years.

From the beautiful stained glass windows and handcrafted wood carvings in each cabin to the cosy bathrobes, chocolates by the bed, and warm croissants left outside your door each morning.

Treehouses have BBQs and small (but well-equipped) kitchens so you can self-cater or order a meal from the cafe to heat up in the evening. They arranged a delicious cheese plate for us one night.

Secrets on the Lake is a truly special place and perfect for an ultra-relaxing, romantic getaway in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Check availability for Secrets on the Lake here . It’s very popular so book as far in advance as possible.

2) Follow the Blackall Range Tourist Drive

The 55km Blackall Range Tourist Drive (Route 23) runs from Landsborough to Nambour , but the best section connects Maleny to Montville and Mapleton, high up on the escarpment with stunning views of rolling hills and the distant ocean.

If you are short of time, this is the best route to follow to see the highlights of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

The drive takes an hour non-stop, but there’s plenty to do along the way (as you’ll discover below).

You can also stop at viewpoints like Gerrard’s Lookout for sweeping views of the countryside and coast.

For a full day out, add on the Glass House Mountains —the main lookout is a 35-minute drive south of Maleny.

3) Eat and Shop in Maleny

Maleny is one of the best places to visit in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

The small town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and pockets of ancient rainforest high in the Blackall Range, 425 metres above sea level.

It’s the ideal place to stop for lunch or to stock up on supplies for a self-catering stay in the area.

The town has an alternative vibe—we were surprised that a rural village had so many veggie options, but the community is artistic and eco-conscious.

We had a delicious lunch at Monica’s Cafe , a plant and art-filled space on two levels (grab a couch upstairs). The food, coffee, and hot chocolate were all delicious, and there was even a separate vegan menu.

My vegetable halloumi burger was messy but so good packed with grilled vegetables, halloumi, pesto and mayo with nice chunky chips.

We were also tempted by Maleny Lane , an alleyway full of gourmet world food (Thai, Korean, Indian and more), but it’s not open every day. There’s live music on Friday nights.

The takeaway pies at Maleny Pie Guy looked great too (with vegan options) and Maple & Sage has vegan cupcakes and other treats.

For self-catering and picnic ingredients, head to Maleny Food Co for cheese (see below), Maple Street Food Co-op for whole foods and bulk buy, and the Seasons IGA for anything else.

And don’t miss the chocolate at Maleny Chocolate Co !

Other shops in town sell clothes, art, antiques, books, and gifts. All these places are easily accessible on Maple Street .

There’s lots to do near Maleny. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is just outside town and we highly recommend it (see below).

Gardners Falls is also nearby and is one of the most accessible spots for swimming in the Hinterland—the natural pool is only 300 metres from the car park.

Brouhaha Brewery is a popular spot for craft beer fans.

4) Buy Fresh Pasta at Santini il Pastaio

Santini il Pastaio is a fresh pasta shop in Maleny that’s so good it deserves its own entry. We’ve spent a lot of time in Italy and this is the real deal!

If you are self-catering during your stay in the Hinterland, definitely stop here to pick up an easy dinner.

We bought melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi and a simple but perfect Napoletana sauce, and it only took a few minutes to heat up. We couldn’t stop raving about how good it was.

Even if you aren’t self-catering, you can choose your pasta and sauce and have it cooked for you in the shop to take away.

There’s a wide range of pasta and sauces including handmade ravioli and specials like vegetarian lasagne. They also have Italian desserts.

5) Spot Wildlife at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a must do in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, especially for animal lovers.

This remnant of the subtropical rainforest that once covered the Blackall Range is home to many birds, animals, and some truly impressive trees.

The easy 1.7km rainforest loop takes you around the whole reserve with plenty to see along the way. It took us 45 minutes with lots of stops.

The highlight was the five adorable pademelons (small kangaroos) that we saw including a mother and joey very close to the boardwalk.

You can learn more about the flora and fauna in the Rainforest Discovery Centre . There’s also a cafe that looked appealing.

Head up to the viewing deck above the cafe for a wonderful view of the Glass House Mountains.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a 10-minute drive outside Maleny. Entrance is by gold coin donation (contactless is available if you don’t have cash).

6) Hike the Kondalilla Falls Circuit

One of the best Sunshine Coast Hinterland hikes is the Kondalilla Falls Circuit in Kondalilla National Park , just a five-minute drive from Montville.

This beautiful trail includes stunning rainforest, epic valley views, a 90-metre-tall waterfall, and rock pools for swimming.

The 4.8km loop took us 1 hour 20 minutes (two hours including a swimming break) with an elevation gain of 206 metres.

While there are a lot of steps, it wasn’t too difficult. It’s easier if you go anticlockwise (which is the way the signs will take you). This also leaves the rock pools to the end.

After parking at Kondalilla Falls Car Park, head down the steps to a picnic area (there are toilets and information signs here) and start on the Picnic Creek Circuit .

Go right at the junction and after about 20 minutes you’ll reach a lookout (slightly off-trail) with expansive views of the valley.

Then join the Kondalilla Falls Circuit (head right away from the rock pools) which will take you down steep steps through the forest far down into the valley.

There’s a lookout to see Kondalilla Falls on the way down—a tall but narrow trickle of water for us in winter.

At the bottom, you can take a detour (about 10 minutes return) to the bottom of the falls. You have to scramble over some rocks to get to the small pool (not very appealing for swimming on our visit—save that for later).

Now you have to make your way back up the other side of the valley, but the switchbacks make it easier than the stairs on the other side.

Your reward at the top is the rock pools at the very top of the waterfall, which are perfect for a swim. In winter, I had it to myself but it was chilly. Watch out for the eels!

From the rock pools, it took us 20 minutes to return to the car park, taking the other side of the Picnic Creek Loop.

While you could head straight to the rock pools if you have limited time or energy, I really loved the whole hike.

Kondalilla Falls is justifiably popular so it’s best visited on a weekday.

If you need lunch after your hike, the Kondalilla Restaurant in Kondalilla Eco Resort is next to the park.

There’s a lovely bush view from the terrace and the vegetarian and seafood menu is great if are looking for something lighter. Our Nourish bowl and Thai curry were both veggie-packed and delicious.

7) Visit Lake Baroon

Lake Baroon is a hidden gem in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

The lake was created by Baroon Pocket Dam and is a peaceful spot for picnics, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

There are no water sports rentals, but if you stay at Secrets by the Lake (as we did), canoes are free for guests.

Even if you don’t stay at Secrets, I recommend visiting their cafe for coffee, lunch, or afternoon tea as the terrace has a fantastic view of the lake.

The northern end of the lake is also the start of the 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk . You can do a shorter hike in Kondalilla National Park here through some lovely forest.

The 5.5km return hike to Narrows Lookout and Baroon Lookout takes you to a view of the lake.

You can also walk the 10km to Kondalilla Falls from here. If you are staying at Secrets, they can drop you off with a packed lunch so you can do a one-way hike back.

Unfortunately, you can’t swim in most of Lake Baroon as it provides drinking water to the area. There is one swimming area on the southern side (look for “Baroon Pocket Dam (North Maleny side)” on Google Maps).

8) Sample Local Cheeses

This rural area is heaven for cheese lovers with several local dairies.

We shopped for a cheese plate at Maleny Food Co , which has a walk-in Fromagerie with more than 250 Australian and international cheeses to choose from.

They have plenty of chutneys and pastes to go with the cheese. You can also eat in their cafe or they can arrange cheese and picnic boxes with 48 hours notice.

Kenilworth Dairy is known for its excellent cheese and you can visit their shop and cafe in Kenilworth.

Maleny Cheese is another popular option for cheese plates in their cafe that overlooks the factory floor.

Why not let someone else do the planning and try this Private Small Group Sunshine Coast Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tour which includes pick up and a two course lunch.

9) Indulge at the Chocolate Shops

Every Sunny Coast Hinterland town seems to have a chocolate shop and we’re not complaining.

Maleny Chocolate Co is down the stairs below Monica’s Cafe and has a wide range of treats (with free samples). We especially loved the peppermint bark and honeycomb bark (made using honey from their farm).

Chocolate Country Montville is another great spot. Their truffles are lovely and you can enjoy a hot chocolate in the cafe.

If you prefer fudge, Fudgyboombahs in Montville is popular.

10) Shop in Montville

Montville is a pretty mountain town 15 minutes from Maleny on Route 23. Spending an hour or so browsing the shops here is one of the best things to do in Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

While there is parking on Main St , it’s easier to go to the large free car park behind the Clock Shop . There’s a public toilet here and everything is an easy walk down Main Street.

Some Montville highlights include:

• Clock Shop – A quirky store selling cuckoo and grandfather clocks plus Christmas decorations and gifts.
• Tamborine Tea – A wonderful range of loose-leaf teas including black, green, and herbal. They have testers so you can smell them all.
• Montville Art Gallery – Paintings by local artists.
• Chocolate Country Montville – Delicious chocolates.

There are many other gift shops and galleries including woodworking and ceramics.

We had lunch at Edamame , a Japanese cafe on an upper floor overlooking Main Street. The small menu includes donburi (rice bowls), ramen, curry, and salads with a few vegan and gluten-free options.

11) Stop at Mapleton Falls Lookout

Mapleton Falls Lookout is a wheelchair-accessible viewpoint next to the car park in Mapleton Falls National Park .

At the lookout, you peer down from the top of the 120-metre waterfall, which was a trickle in winter (summer is the rainy season), but it’s still worth stopping for the expansive views of Obi Obi Valley and the rainforest canopy.

In August and September, look out for peregrine falcons, which roost on the cliff edges here.

The Great Walk passes through here, but if you just want to stretch your legs, the Wompoo Circuit is a lovely walk through rainforest and eucalypt forest.

Including the Peregrine Lookout side trip, it was 1.7km for us and took 25 minutes with 65 metres of elevation gain. It was fairly easy with a few gentle ascents, and it’s quieter than Kondalilla National Park.

12) Visit Kenilworth Bakery and Dairy

If you have time after visiting Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton, it’s worth driving to Kenilworth , another little country town.

It was a beautiful drive down from Mapleton on Obi Obi Rd , although we hadn’t expected it to be unsealed and so steep. No caravans are allowed. The road is sealed on the way back up.

Kenilworth is surrounded by farmland with cows grazing and feels far away from it all.

Kenilworth Bakery is renowned in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for its pies and donuts, which you can buy from side-by-side shops on Elizabeth Street . I recommend trying both.

We were pleased that they had good vegan options in both. We loved the roast vegetable and korma pastry roll and the southwest tofu pie (like a chile with spicy beans, vegetables, and tofu).

There’s a huge range of decadent donuts. We chose the relatively simple chocolate glaze and a vegan jam donut. Both were delicious, but we actually preferred the texture of the vegan one.

You can also get a coffee donut (a hollowed-out donut filled with coffee!) and a very intense-looking 1kg donut (pre-order needed).

Eat your treats at the picnic tables behind the shops and enjoy the murals by Daus Von Roe featuring music stars.

A few minutes walk from the bakery is Kenilworth Dairy . There’s an outdoor cafe and store where you can buy their large range of cheeses and other foodie products.

I’d heard their yoghurts and chocolate mousse were excellent, but unfortunately, they contain gelatine so are not vegetarian-friendly.

From Kenilworth, you could loop back to Maleny on Route 22 or head to the coast via Eumundi .

13) Admire the Huge Trees on the Fig Tree Walk

One of the easiest attractions to add to your Kenilworth visit is the Fig Tree Walk , a seven-minute drive out of town.

From the parking area, cross the bridge to get to the wheelchair-accessible paved and boardwalk loop.

The 1.1km flat trail took us 15 minutes and passed two immense 150-year-old Moreton Bay fig trees.

14) See the View at Glass House Mountains Lookout

The Glass House Mountains are at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

The countryside is flatter than the Blackall Range, but the landscape is punctuated by unique plugs, which were formed by volcanic activity over 25 million years ago.

The easiest place to see the array of craggy peaks is the Glass House Mountains Lookout, which you can drive right up to.

It’s a great overview of the area with signs to identify each mountain and information on how they were formed.

Facilities here include toilets, picnic tables, and BBQs. There’s also a 800-metre bush walk but it doesn’t have views, so you could skip it if you are doing other walks in the area.

Just down the road is the Lookout Cafe , which has fantastic views of Mt Coonowrin from the terrace.

We had coffee here while staying at Glass on Glasshouse on-site, but the menu looked appealing.

15) Hike Mt Ngungun for an Even Better View

For an even better view of the Glass House Mountains, it’s worth heading up Mt Ngungun .

While the rocky steps up are quite steep, it’s not a difficult walk. The return trip was 2.5km and took us 45 minutes (plus a break at the top) with a 190-metre elevation gain.

Wear shoes with traction as the rocks at the summit are quite slippery.

We also walked the 4.4km / 1 hour Mount Tibrogargan Circuit . It’s easier than Mt Ngungun, but it’s through the bush around the base of the mountain, so you only get occasional views of the mountains.

16) Stay in a Stunning Cottage at Glass on Glasshouse

Our ideal Sunshine Coast Hinterland visit would include stays at both Secrets on the Lake in Montville and Glass on Glasshouse .

Glass on Glasshouse is an adults-only retreat with three private cottages with floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the stunning views of Mt Coonowrin.

The cottages are ultra-modern and stylish with a huge spa bath that fills from the ceiling, a patio with BBQ, and a fridge stocked with tasty breakfast ingredients.

You won’t want to leave, so bring food to self-cater or order a meal in advance from the cafe.

There’s a shared pool, which we had to ourselves and was perfect to cool off on a hot afternoon.

Look out for kangaroos on the lawns!

We absolutely loved our stay here and it’s perfect for a tranquil, romantic weekend away in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Check availability for Glass on Glasshouse here . Make sure to book well ahead.

17) Enjoy a Leisurely Lunch at Spirit House

Spirit House is one of the most beloved destination restaurants on the Sunshine Coast and was our favourite meal in the area.

It’s located in the small town of Yandina , between the coast and the Blackall Ranges. It’s close to the Ginger Factory and Eumundi Market , so consider combining all three (easily done as a day trip from Noosa too).

The setting is beautiful with colourful buildings amongst lush Asian gardens and swaying bamboo. The main dining room is open-air and surrounds a lovely pond.

Spirit House is ideal for a special occasion. The minimum cost is $100 per person for three courses or choose the premium banquet at $120 for four courses served sharing style. Allow at least two hours for a leisurely meal.

The food is Thai inspired and the flavours felt authentic to us, albeit with a new interpretation.

Our vegetarian premium banquet included Miang Kham (peanuts and ginger wrapped in a betel leaf—a little flavour implosion), tom yum soup, steamed pumpkin cake, and our favourite, the sweet and spicy Fried Plantain and Tuturuga Spice Paste.

Our mains were an excellent Yellow Curry with beetroot cooked in multiple ways and a Mushroom Pad See Ew.

Dessert varies each day and was a highlight for us. The Mango Sticky Rice “Eton Mess” combined mango sorbet, meringue, and crystallised pandan for a light, fruity, crunchy end to a wonderful meal.

The food, service, and setting are all exceptional at Spirit House and we highly recommend it.

Advance bookings are essential—likely at least a few weeks for lunch and longer for dinner.

Are you visiting Noosa too? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Noosa from casual eats to beachfront dining and the best things to do in Noosa.

18) Experience the Ginger Factory

Also in Yandina is the Ginger Factory . I initially dismissed it as a tourist trap, but we ended up enjoying our time there.

It’s one of the top Sunshine Coast Hinterland attractions for families, but if you like ginger, it’s worth visiting even without kids.

Buderim ginger is some of the best in the world. While they no longer grow ginger here, it’s processed on-site with ginger grown by local farmers.

At Ginger Factory you can learn the history of ginger production in the area, see how it’s grown, and shop for a wide range of ginger products (the ginger beer with spiced rum is our favourite).

The large complex is more of a ginger theme park. You can take a steam train around the grounds, look for gingerbread men on the indoor boat ride (think Disney’s It’s a Small World ), and stroll through a rainforest walk under vibrant umbrellas.

The grounds and play areas are free, but the train, boat ride, and various tours cost extra.

We enjoyed the seasonal Harvest Tour, where we learnt how ginger is grown and harvested and tried a few of their products.

The train and boat ride were cute but skippable for adults without kids.

Families could easily spend half a day here doing all the activities.

19) Buy Local Crafts at Eumundi Market

The famous Eumundi Market is one of the top Sunshine Coast Hinterland activities.

The huge market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning and features an array of stalls selling clothes, jewellery, art, gifts, games, home decor, ceramics and more.

There’s much less of a food focus than the farmers markets in the area (like the excellent one in Noosa on Sundays—see our Noosa restaurants guide for our fave stalls), so this isn’t the place to shop for fresh produce.

You can find nuts, honey, hot sauces, and chutneys, and we picked up a lovely Thai curry paste.

There are quite a few prepared food stalls for breakfast—we ate Tibetan momos and Dutch mini pancakes—but we didn’t find the options as appealing as at Noosa’s market.

Even though we’re not really into shopping, we spent 90 minutes here. Shopping lovers will be in heaven.

Parking is $9 (card only). The market is popular but we didn’t find it overwhelming on a Wednesday arriving early.

20) Celebrate Christmas in July

The weather is slightly cooler in the Hinterland than on the coast, so it’s the best spot to celebrate Christmas in July. Don’t expect snow (afternoons can still be 20ºC+), but you can appreciate a fire and warming meal on the cool nights.

Secrets on the Lake had their Christmas tree up on our July visit and a festive dinner was available for one night with lunches throughout the month.

Other places with Christmas in July celebrations are Montville Cafe Bar & Grill and The Long Apron . Bookings are essential.

When we originally planned our Sunshine Coast trip, the beaches were our focus, but the rolling green hills and rainforests of the interior stole our hearts.

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is well worth visiting whether you are looking for a relaxing, romantic break, an adventure-filled weekend of hikes and waterfall swims, or a leisurely day trip of shopping and eating.

I hope this guide has given you some ideas of what to do in Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Leave a comment below if you have any other suggestions.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

• 22 Unmissable Things to Do in Noosa
• 27 Best Restaurants in Noosa: Cheap Eats to Beachfront Dining
• 7 Beautiful Walks in Noosa National Park
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Caloundra

Elsewhere in Queensland

• 11 Incredible Things to Do in K’gari (Fraser Island)
• The Perfect Weekend in Brisbane Itinerary
• 19 Amazing Things to Do on North Stradbroke Island, Queensland
• 14 Best Day Trips from Melbourne
• The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Itinerary

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15 Free Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast

Updated August 2023

At heart, both the husband and I are budget travellers.

Not ‘budget’ as in staying at the cheapest of the dingiest hostels for the sake of saving a few dollars but ‘budget’ as in free and fun .

Good thing that most outdoor activities are naturally free (once you have the equipment, that is), or I’d have serious budget headaches!

So, what can you do for free on the Sunshine Coast?

Quite a lot, it turns out.

FREE AND FUN ACTIVITIES ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

There are lots of free and fun things to do on the Sunshine Coast, and the good news is that these are not just outdoor activities. Though a lot are, let’s just be upfront.

I’ve listed them in random order, whatever popped into my head first.

1. VISIT A MARKET

I love strolling around markets, preferably those that sell yummy food (fresh and prepared) and not just random junk. I’ve picked up some of the best pickles, jams and biscuits at markets over the years.

So, you could visit Eumundi Market , arguably the Sunshine Coast’s most famous, for a bit of both (random weird stuff, some great craft and artists’ work, and lots of food).

Or try Cotton Tree Market for an abundance of knick-knacks and a little bit of food. This is where I go to buy local soap bars. 😀

If a farmers market is more your thing, I really like the Kawana Farmers Market . It’s got a great locals feel. The one at Fisherman’s Road in Maroochydore isn’t half bad either but gets very busy and there can be a lot of rusty junk there, too. I’ve also heard good things about the Noosa Farmers Market but have never been myself.

The Caloundra Street Fair is on every Sunday but I’m still to have a wander there myself. On the last Friday of each month, there’s also a twilight market in Caloundra.

The night market at Ocean Street in Maroochydore used to be a fabulous one too but it hasn’t been on in ages.

• Noosa Farmers Market : Sundays, 6am-12pm
• Eumundi Market : Wednesdays, 8am-2pm, and Saturdays, 7am-2pm
• Cotton Tree Market : Sundays, 7am-12pm
• Fishermans Road Market : Sundays, 6am-12pm
• Kawana Farmers Market : Saturdays, 6am-12pm
• Caloundra Street Fair : Sundays, 8am-1pm

2. STROLL THROUGH A BOTANIC GARDEN

There’s not just one botanical garden on the Sunshine Coast, no, we have three. Two of them are free and fun while the Maleny Botanical Garden is private and thus fee attached.

• Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens , Tanawha: Quiet and a great spot if you want more of a bushland experience. Has BBQs and a fun kids walk.
• Noosa Botanic Gardens : A more “manicured” and varied botanic garden, and beautifully situated at Lake MacDonald. The grounds make for a great stroll around, including to a lily pond, an amphitheatre and lots of spots for picnics.

Which leads me to my next freebie activity…

3. HAVE A PICNIC

I love picnics.

I think it’s because we didn’t really go to restaurants much when I was a child, and we’d always bring our own food on outings and eat outdoors.

And somehow food always tastes better outdoors. Unless it’s off, of course.

So here are some of the places that I like for having a picnic. They all have public BBQs. (And no, no beaches, I don’t like sand in my food, thank you.)

• Wappa Dam, Nambour : A personal favourite. I really like the park and I’ve had some great laughs there with friends.
• Buderim Village Park : Great views and lots of lawn to lounge around. I’m also partial to the Lions Park in Buderim (more great views and picnic tables).
• Cotton Tree Park : A very popular park, rightly so, along the Maroochy River.
• Glass House Mountains Lookout, near Beerburrum : Not a ton of space but fabulous views of the Glass House Mountains. Skip the walk unless you need some exercise.
• Alexandra Headlands Park : Very popular spot these days, particularly for sunset drinks.
• Mary Cairncross Reserve , near Maleny : A great park with even greater views of the Glass House Mountains.

4. HIKE TO A WATERFALL

The Sunshine Coast doesn’t have the incredible waterfalls that the Gold Coast Hinterland boasts but we still have some lovely ones. They’re best after rainfall, otherwise all you might see is a tiny trickle.

• Kondalilla Falls , near Montville: The largest of the falls on the Sunshine Coast, can be gushing after heavy summer rainfall. There’s a rockpool you can swim in (if the water is flowing). The hike to the base of the falls involves many steps and is about 5km around.
• Serenity Falls , Buderim: If it’s quiet, they’re beautiful but these falls are well-known so it’s unlikely that you’ll be there by yourself. Some gorgeous rainforest though and a pretty bridge from which you can admire the waterfall.
• Gherulla Falls , near Mapleton: Not as spectacular as either Kondalilla or Serenity Falls but if you want a longer hike, this is a good choice. Definitely more than a trickle after heavy rains.

5. CLIMB A MOUNTAIN

Since we’re talking physical exercise, climbing a mountain on the Sunshine Coast is nowhere near as strenuous as you might expect. You don’t have to tackle the hard ones like Beerwah or Tibrogargan (both can be dangerous and should only be attempted if you have rock scrambling and climbing skills).

Instead try Mount Coolum (easier than you might think), Ninderry , Beerburrum or Mount Ngungun in the Glass House Mountains.

For something really easy, give Mount Tinbeerwah near Noosa a go, it’s only 1km return.

6. MARVEL AT THE RAINFOREST

There are pockets of beautiful rainforest all around the Sunshine Coast, and you don’t even have to work hard to see it.

Some of my favourite short rainforest walks include:

• Rainforest Walk at Mary Cairncross Reserve
• Buderim Forest Walk
• Wompoo Circuit , Mapleton Falls National Park: You get dry sclerophyll forest as well as rainforest here.

7. VISIT A MUSEUM

So what do you when it’s raining?

Well, rainforests are pretty great in the rain, too, minus the leeches, they can be pesky. If you want to stay indoors, you could visit a free gallery or historic museum.

• Caloundra Regional Gallery : This is actually quite a big gallery (for a regional museum) with rotating exhibitions. It’s usually free unless there’s a special exhibition. Open Mon-Fri, 10-4pm, and Sat-Sun, 10-2pm.
• USC Art Gallery : The University also has an art gallery. It’s a small space but they tend to exhibit very interesting pieces. Open Mon-Fri, 10-4pm, and Saturdays, 10-1pm.
• Yandina Historical House : I haven’t actually been here but the historic house now functions as the information centre, art gallery, café as well as a museum showing some historical displays on the area and the house. Open Mon-Fri, 10-1pm (shop and café open slightly longer).
• Rainforest Discovery Centre, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve : Interactive eco-information centre that’s great for the whole family. The boardwalk is especially fun! Open 7 days, 9:30-3:30 pm.

8. LISTEN AND LEARN AT A TALK AT THE LIBRARY

Going to a talk or workshop at the Sunshine Coast Libraries is actually really great.

I’ve learnt heaps about digestive and other health issues, photography, reducing waste, and more at talks at the library. I’ve even spoken about my life in Australia at a multicultural workshop once.

Events filled up quickly so you do need to pounce as soon as talks and workshops are announced. But if you’re not too concerned about the location, you can often get a spot at some of the smaller branches, e.g. in Beerwah.

To attend, you need to be a library member but it’s free and you can easily sign up online when you register.

Find out What’s on at the Sunshine Coast Libraries.

9. GO ON A LONG (OR SHORT) HIKE

We have a fair few short and long hikes on the Sunshine Coast, and obviously they’re all free. There should be enough to keep you busy for a few days!

If you just want a stroll, anywhere along the Coastal Pathway is great but I especially like the Caloundra to Currimundi section, Mooloolaba to Cotton Tree, or around Coolum Beach. The boardwalk section there is great!

If you want a longer hike, you can’t go past the Coastal Track in Noosa National Park or Trachyte Circuit in the Glass House Mountains .

There are plenty more so check out my posts below if you want to tackle a few.

READ MORE: 11 Long Hikes on the Sunshine Coast and 17 Short Walks on the Sunshine Coast

10. take a scenic drive.

If hiking is too much exercise for you (or it’s just too hot), go on a scenic drive around the Sunshine Coast.

• Glass House Mountains : Meander around the volanic outcrops better known as the Glass House Mountains; you can take in some viewpoints and stop at a café or two for a coffee and more.
• Blackall Ranges : To see some fantastic views of the coast from the hinterland, do the Blackall Ranges scenic drive that takes you into Mapleton, Montville and Maleny.
• Mary Valley : For a scenic drive that explores more of the rural hinterland and heads out towards Kenilworth (great cheese there!), explore the Mary Valley Tourist Drive.

11. SEE A BIG “P” THING

If you’re a collector of big things, here’s your chance to see the Big Pineapple or the Big Pelican .

Located at Woombye near Wildlife HQ Zoo (Nambour Road), the Big Pineapple was once the showpiece of a giant pineapple plantation. Open every day (9-4pm) but sadly, you can’t climb to the top at present. That’s really the best part. 🙁

And while we’re talking pineapple, you should probably try some local ones (though, admittedly, they’re not generally free).

The Big Pelican is found along the Noosa River in Noosaville’s Lion Park (along Gympie Terrace).

12. GO FOR A SWIM

Needless to point out that are a million and one spots for having a swim or a surf on the Sunshine Coast.

But I’m neither a water baby nor am I into swimming in the ocean. Plus, the open beaches on the coast can be quite rough and full of gutters.

That said, I do also like to cool down on those hot summer days so here are some of my favourite places for a cooling but calm swim :

• Cotton Tree Park / River: Possibly one of the busiest spots these days but swimming in the Maroochy River here is so much easier and calmer than around the corner at Maroochydore Beach.
• Chambers Island, Maroochydore: Also on the Maroochy River but further upstream (off Duporth Avenue); very popular but great fun and accessible via a foot bridge.
• Currimundi Lake: Further south towards Caloundra, Currimundi Lake is a good spot for a calm swim.
• Kings Beach Ocean Pool, Caloundra: Public tidal pool with sun shades and a water fountain for kids, open 4:30am-9pm

13. WATCH THE SUNRISE OR SUNSET

I’ve seen some pretty amazing sunsets on the Sunshine Coast, there are just so many great spots.

Obviously, you won’t see the sun setting unless you’re facing somewhat west but you can still get some gorgeous sunset hues over the ocean.

Try these sunrise or sunset spots on the Sunshine Coast:

• Mount Tinbeerwah, Noosa : Depending on the time of year, you can see the sunrise. Generally good for sunset.
• Mount Coolum or Mount Ninderry : Sunrise or sunset. Bring a torch to avoid stumbles.
• Alex Headland Park : Very popular for sunset drinks, especially on weekends.
• Maroochy River Mouth, Cotton Tree : Another popular spot for sunset drinks.
• La Balsa Park, Buddina : Great spot for both sunrise or sunset.
• Mount Ngungun, Glass House Mountains : Popular for both sunrise and sunset, bring a torch.
• Wild Horse Mountain Lookout (Bruce Highway): Panoramic sunset views over the Glass House Mountains.

READ MORE: 11 Great Lookouts for Beach Views (= sunrise)

14. go kayaking.

Obviously, kayaking is only free if you already have a kayak (or canoe / SUP). But if you do, here are some fabulous places for paddling on the Sunshine Coast.

You can also rent kayaks in Caloundra and Golden Beach, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, and Noosa.

• Noosa: Noosa River, Noosa Everglades (Cooloola), Lake MacDonald, Lake Cootharaba, Lake Weyba
• Mooloolaba/Maroochydore: Maroochy River Canoe Trail, Maroochy Water Canals, Mooloolah River (incl. Mooloolaba Canals and Kawana Canals)
• Mudjimba: Twin Waters Canals, Bill Kear Waterway
• Landsborough: Ewen Maddock Dam
• Maleny: Baroon Pocket Dam
• Caloundra: Currimundi Lake, Pumicestone Passage

15. GO FOR A BIKE RIDE

The Sunshine Coast isn’t as incredible for recreational bike riding like places such as Melbourne or Vancouver might be. But there are still plenty of routes you can explore, whether you’re looking for an easy ride or more of a challenge.

The best place for fun bike riding on the Coast is the Coastal Pathway .

This track stretches from Pelican Water (in the south) to Tewantin (in the north). Some sections are really fantastic but other bits aren’t quite properly connected (yet).

The best thing is to just pick a starting point and start riding as far as you want, then turn around.

If mountain biking is more your thing, there are a fair few trails in the hinterland. Check out the Bushrangers (Sunshine Coast MTB club) for more details.

So, that’s it, 15 different kinds of activities you can enjoy for free on the Sunshine Coast!

If I’ve missed your favourite activity or place, do let me know in the comments below. 🙂

MORE POSTS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

I’ve got a few posts on what to do on the Sunshine Coast, from hiking, scenic driving to visiting local attractions. Here are a few to get you started:

• 11 Day Hikes on the Sunshine Coast
• 17 Short Walks on the Sunshine Coast
• 11 Beach Lookouts on the Sunshine Coast
• How to Do a Glass House Mountains Scenic Drive
• How to Do a Blackall Ranges Scenic Drive
• Visiting the Ginger Factory, Yandina

Further Reading...

Travelling the Inside Passage by Ferry

A Taste of the Queensland Outback: A 10-Day Road Trip

Meeting Berlin: Famous Landmarks

Explore affordable tourism in sunshine coast today.

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A Detailed Guide to Expedition National Park

Tops and flops from our new zealand road trip, queensland & beyond.

8 natural wonders of the Sunshine Coast

Travel Journalist

08 May 2024

| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Visit Sunshine Coast |

This article was created in partnership with visit sunshine coast, soaring sand dunes, verdant rainforest, intriguing volcanic plugs, rich birdlife and endless beaches beckon in every direction on queensland’s sunshine coast, where nature is never far away..

As the only place in Australia where three UNESCO biosphere reserves sit side by side, the Sunshine Coast – traditional land of the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples – offers unrivalled coastal and hinterland landscapes.

The Biosphere Corridor , encompassing the Great Sandy, Sunshine Coast and Noosa Biospheres, is home to more than 100 kilometres of beaches, pockets of sub-tropical rainforest, pristine waterfalls and swimming holes.

Within 30 minutes, you can travel from sandy beaches to lush rainforest, watch wildlife (including migrating humpback whales from June to October) and explore mountain tracks.

The Sunshine Coast’s sub-tropical climate delivers year-round warm weather that’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving, hiking and camping. Here are a few of our favourite activities in this unique region.

1. Admire the Glass House Mountains

The distinctive craggy peaks of the Glass House Mountains  rise from a green and gold patchwork of pine plantations, bushland and cultivated fields in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland . Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the mountains are spiritually significant to the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples, with many ceremonial sites now protected.

Glass House Mountains rise from a green and gold patchwork of pine plantations. (Image: Jesse Lindemann)

They’re also listed as a landscape of national significance. For a panoramic view of the mountains, head to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve  in the Blackall Range near Maleny.

Hike Mt Ngunngun in the Glass House Mountains. (Image: Jesse Lindemann)

2. Snorkel with turtles at Mudjimba Island

To snorkel or dive at a spot favoured by locals, take a 30-minute boat trip from Mooloolaba  to the rocky islet of Mudjimba . With a shallow reef – it’s only three to five metres below the surface – this beautiful place is home to turtles, wobbegongs, rays, crayfish, nudibranchs and reef fish.

Go snorkelling at Mudijimba Island.

3. Climb Mt Coolum

Dominated by an ancient volcanic peak, Mount Coolum National Park  is home to many rare and threatened species of plants (and if you’re visiting from May to August, you’ll see glorious golden banksias flowering in the heath). It also offers excellent birdwatching – look up for peregrine falcons soaring above. Take the short but steep hike to the summit of Mt Coolum for spectacular 360-degree views of the coast, looking out to Point Cartwright, the Glass House Mountains, the Blackall Range and Noosa Heads.

Take a scenic stroll along Mt Coolum boardwalk.

4. Marvel at Rainbow Beach and Carlo Sandblow

The towering, coloured sands that give Rainbow Beach its name are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Created over thousands of years, the yellows, browns and reds have been created by iron-rich minerals that have stained the sand.

Rainbow Beach is strikingly beautiful with its cliffside sand dunes.

The coastal town of Rainbow Beach is a great base for exploring the beauty of the Great Sandy National Park, in particular the spectacular moonscape of the Carlo Sandblow . Sculpted by the wind, this magnificent natural wonder also provides panoramic views of the coastline and islands. Walk to the top of the sandblow and look out to Double Island Point, K’gari  and Inskip Peninsula.

Gaze in awe at the impressive windblown Carlo Sandblow on Rainbow Beach.

Looking for a secluded beach that only the locals know about? Just south of Coolum Main Beach, beyond Point Perry, is the perfect place to chill out without the crowds. Families will love exploring the rock pools of First Bay Coolum , swimming, surfing, fishing or just relaxing. Take care, though, as it’s not patrolled.

Fringed by a grassy beachfront, Coolum Beach is a secluded spot on the Sunshine Coast. (Image: All About Adventure)

5. Glide through the Noosa Everglades

Float through flowering lily pads on a 60-kilometre stretch of waterway fringed by ancient tea tree forests to explore one of Australia’s most diverse and pristine ecosystems. The Noosa Everglades  is the perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers and bird-watchers, with its dark tannin-stained waters reflecting the beauty of its environment. One of only two everglade systems on Earth, the Noosa Everglades stretches across the Noosa and Great Sandy Biospheres. It can be explored by kayak, canoe or a guided boat tour.

Paddle your way through the Noosa Everglades.

6. Cool off under waterfalls in Montville

Kondalilla, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘rushing waters’, perfectly describes the spectacular 90-metre waterfall in Kondalilla National Park , near the hinterland village of Montville.

Kondalilla Falls is a hidden gem in the rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

From the top of the falls, take the 4800-metre  Kondalilla Falls Circuit  to reward yourself with a cool dip in Skene Creek at the bottom (but be warned, there are around 300 steps to challenge you along the way).

Dip in the spectacular 90-metre waterfall in Kondalilla National Park. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Sunshine Coast has many waterfalls to discover, some more hidden than others – check out Gardners, Baxter, Mapleton, and Serenity Falls.

Get lost in the freshwater oasis at Gardners Falls. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

7. Camp and hike in Conondale National Park

Lush forest, easy walking trails and a secluded swimming hole are just some of the attractions of Conondale National Park  in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Head out on the five-kilometre (round trip)  Booloumba Gold Mine Walk  beside the deep blue Booloumba Creek, stopping at one of the picnic areas before continuing to Strangler Cairn, Artists Cascades or Booloumba Falls, all clearly signposted. Book a spot to camp in one of the two camping areas here (tents only).

Take the scenic route to Booloumba Creek Falls.

8. Float along Seary’s Creek

Wander along the boardwalk leading to the clear waters of Seary’s Creek, coloured amber by tannin from the surrounding bushland, for a swim. Float down the creek, watch colourful rainbow fish, eels and freshwater catfish as they dart beneath the surface, and enjoy the shade of the paperbarks and ferns that line the banks. Birdwatchers will spot kookaburras and honeyeaters, as well as friarbirds feasting on golden banksias. From late winter to early summer, wildflowers are in bloom.  Seary’s Creek boardwalk  is in the Cooloola Recreation Area in the Great Sandy National Park, with the creek’s water filtered by the sands of the Cooloola sandmass.

Venture down the tea-coloured Seary’s Creek. (Image: Amber Prentice)

Plan your next Sunshine Coast getaway .

Lee Mylne is an award-winning Brisbane-based freelance travel writer who has visited more than 60 countries, but still loves writing about the places closest to her. She has a strong interest in people, history, culture and nature and will go anywhere for a good story.

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Indulge in the Best of the Sunshine Coast: Scenic Day Tours Delivering Extraordinary Value and Breathtaking Results

Welcome to coast to hinterland tours.

Coast to Hinterland Tours offers a diverse range of immersive day tour experiences that showcase the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty, rural hinterland villages, and local culinary delights.

With a focus on quality and flexibility, we cater to a broader audience with services including sightseeing, minibus charters, airport transfers, and a variety of tours that appeal to different interests, such as foodies and nature enthusiasts.

Coast to Hinterland Tours offers an array of options tailored to every taste and interest, from Scenic Day Tours and Small Group Private Tours to exquisite Food and wine Experiences.

Our services include Minibus Charters, Private Airport Transfers, Golf Transfers, and Wedding Transport, with a fleet of 11, 13, and 21-seat vehicles for personalised and flexible travel arrangements. Each tour is an opportunity to embark on a day trip filled with wine experiences, including winery wine tasting near you and brewery tours.

Suitable for all ages, our tours connect you with the Sunshine Coast’s vibrant landscapes, local producers, and unique culture. Coast to Hinterland Tours’ locally based guides are passionate about showcasing everything they love about where they live.

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Things To Do

Discover things to do on the Sunshine Coast and create your perfect itinerary for your next visit.

While many people visit for the plethora of things to see and do, others visit to simply enjoy the laid-back vibe and soak in a legendary west coast sunset or two. Either way, you’ll want to check out our top suggestions for the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast. 

Hidden Gems

Think of our hidden gems as our ‘Top 10’ list for those iconic places and experiences on the Sunshine Coast that you just can’t miss. View one of the largest saltwater rapids in the world, hike Canada’s longest hut-to-hut trail, visit a national historic district and catch a movie in Canada's oldest movie theatre, or bike our world-renowned gravity park.

Activities, Attractions, and Culture

If you’re a fan of outdoor activities , this is the place for you. Fill your days with hiking , mountain biking , cycling , paddling , boating , fishing , scuba diving , rock climbing , golfing , snowshoeing , and more. You can set out on your own or book a tour with experienced guides. There are also museums and attractions to visit throughout the Sunshine Coast, along with art galleries and studios to tour, shops to browse, and spa and wellness experiences  to enjoy. Connect with Indigenous cultural experiences to broaden your worldview and see the Sunshine Coast from a different perspective.  

Planning to visit a specific community, or during a certain time of year? You can search for things to do by location or check out our seasonal activities page for more inspiration. 

Hike the famed Sunshine Coast Trail, watch the natural spectacle of Skookumchuck Narrows, snowshoe through alpine forest at Dakota Ridge, and more.

Outdoor Activities

The Sunshine Coast is synonymous with adventure, and we’ve got it all, from hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing to fishing, paddling, and scuba diving.

Art & Music

With innovative style and welcoming hospitality, the Sunshine Coast rivals any area for top-notch art galleries, studios, museums, festivals, music events, and culture.

Local guides love to share the history and culture of the Sunshine Coast, and take visitors out to experience outdoor activities, sightseeing, and more. 

The shopping experience on the Sunshine Coast is different than you might expect, but second to none.

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Immerse yourself in the living traditions of First Nations, and you may find a connection to something bigger than yourself through cultural exploration and learning. 

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Take some much needed time to relax and rejuvenate on the Sunshine Coast.

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8 Country Towns Near The Sunshine Coast Worth A Road Trip This Weekend

By Catherine Blake

16th Jun 2021

Why tussle with the havoc of trying to find a park at the beach when there’s a literal wonderland of splendour popping off just a few hours outside of the Sunshine Coast. Hiking, wine-tasting and panoramic views await you just a few hours in any direction from our region. 

Load up the wagon with snacks, blast your summer playlist and punch one of these locations into the GPS. Here are just eight country towns near the Sunshine Coast that are well worth the drive.

Stanthorpe 

Granite belt.

About 220km south on the Warwick, Stanthorpe is our favourite township on the Granite Belt. The region is lush with fruit farms and vineyards, and even a couple of microbreweries, making it a foodie’s paradise. Being that Stanthorpe is the apple capital of Queensland, a trip to Sutton’s Farm is an absolute must. This family-run gem is a temple of apple-worship boasting jams, juices, ciders, vinegars, and literally everything else you could turn an apple into. Yes, that includes apple pie, and the Sutton’s apple pie is renowned so make sure you get a double serving. 

Canungra 

Built in the foothills of the Lamington National Park, Canungra is an ideal pitstop. The township is perfectly situated for a carb-loading sesh ahead of a long bushwalk. Stop by Bean In cafe for a feed and then burn it off on a lush rainforest hike at Lamington National Park. If you’re after a slightly more bacchanalian jaunt, check out O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard . Besides a cracking selection of wines at their cellar door, the vineyards also contain the Mountview Alpaca Farm where you can feed, pat or have a picnic with a whole pack of the fleecy babies. 

SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND

Food is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of the Maleny township. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland makes for prime local produce, which comes together in a modern Asian symphony at the sumptuous Tamarind restaurant within Spicers Retreat. Chef Rory Thorpe isn’t cagey about his culinary secrets, hosting intimate cooking classes to pass on the tips and tricks that make Tamarind a dining institution. Naturally, as a booming dairy economy, Maleny is home to the famous Maleny Dairies . Even if you have only a casual appreciation for yoghurt, milk and ice cream, you’ll absolutely froth a visit to the place where all the magic happens. Then there’s always Maleny Cheese where you can witness firsthand the whole cheesemaking process and pick up a haul of some premium cheeses. For more outdoorsy adventures, check out the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, go for a dip in Baroon Pocket Dam, or have a picnic in the Maleny Botanic Gardens. 

Mount Nebo And Samford 

Moreton bay region.

In the Moreton Bay Region, a few kilometres northwest of Brisbane, Mt Nebo and Samford are ideally situated for a day exploring the D’Aguilar Range. This national park and mountain range hosts a sprawling subtropical rainforest, furrowed with dozens of walking tracks revealing breathtaking views of the bay. One absolute must-visit for any first time visitor are the Cedar Creek Falls. Shady and cool, the creek makes for an absolutely idyllic summer spot, with plenty of rockpools and falls as you go along. If you’re looking to get back in touch with nature, a day trip to the Nebo/Samford region will give you a maximum dose of tree time with minimal driving. 

Mount Alford

Another one in the Scenic Rim, Mount Alford is ideal for anyone who likes a tipple. Just an hour south-west of Brisbane, Alford is home to the family-owned Scenic Rim Brewery . Their six varieties of suds are super smashable crowd pleasers and we highly recommend getting a souvenir case to take home. If you’re packing more of a wine palate, Alford has totally got you covered. The Kooroomba Vineyard has not only an absolutely smashing cellar door, they’ve also got a lavender farm that grows up to six types of lavender in their purple fields, and makes for an especially fragrant wander. Round out your visit with a short trip to Bunjurgen Estate’s cellar door and you’re laughing. 

SUNSHINE COAST Hinterland

Tucked in the deep hinterland, Montville is nothing less than lush. The shining jewel in their hortiscape is the Kondalilla National Park. Boasting natural watery wonders of a 90-metre waterfall, rockpools and babbling brooks, the park is a verdant rainforest that’s perfect to explore during all seasons. For lunch, head to Spicers Clovelly Estate and check out the Long Apron . Utilising fresh, seasonal produce sourced from the Spicers property and surrounding area, the Long Apron specialises in contemporary European cuisine that’s a fresh and vibrant testament to the region. 

Mount Tambourine 

Visiting the Witches Chase Cheese Company is such a well-observed ritual that it’s practically illegal not to. Their cheeses, dips and pates have won dozens of industry awards and really showcase the best of the region. All that cheese naturally calls for something to wash it down, which is why we recommend stopping by the Tambourine Distillery . It’s a whole destination in itself, with a vast selection of liqueurs, vodkas and schnapps to titillate and delight, and the Witches Falls Winery never disappoints when it comes to quality drops. If you’re in the market for a more aquatic experience, the waterfall situation at Mount Tamborine is also a goddamn delight in spades, and perfect for some respite from summer. 

MARY VALLEY

With a population of 300, Kenilworth is the small but mighty destination packing maybe the best attraction on this list: the Kenilworth Bakery . Country bakeries are always a joy to visit, not in the least because everyone is usually famished from the drive, but Kenilworth’s flour palace is packing one hell of a punch. I’m talking about the 1kg donut challenge. Read that again. The challenge to eat one of these $20 donuts has become so popular that patrons need to book in advance before taking it on. Anyone who can finish it in one go gets bragging rights, a plaque on the wall, and a well-earned nap. If the idea is almost sinfully indulgent, earn the beast with a couple of laps of the absolutely gorgeous Conondale National Park nearby, complete with waterfalls, walks and all the wildlife your eyes can ogle. 

Feeling that winter chill? Rug up at these 5 cosy cabins on the Sunshine Coast .

Image credit: Scenic Rim Brewery

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11 awesome things to do in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

While our spectacular coastline might like to claim the limelight, we know you won't regret a trip to the rolling green hills of our Hinterland.

If you think you know everything there is to know about lush paddocks and charming country villages... think again. From vibrant botanical gardens through to local brews, we've compiled a fabulous list of activities to fuel your Hinterland experience.

Go chasing waterfalls

Aerial of Gardners Falls, Maleny

Our verdant mountainside is liberally sprinkled with gushing waterfalls and Insta-worthy swimming holes. Gardner’s Falls near Maleny is a particular favourite among Sunshine Coast locals for its easy access from the carpark and close proximity to town. If you're keen to work up a sweat and don't mind stairs, Kondalilla Falls is for you. Nestled amongst lush slopes, with sweeping views out across the forested valley below, Kondalilla Falls is well-worth the hike (and the icy water temperatures are sure to invigorate you!). For more inspiration, check out our waterfall guide here .

Eat all the cheese

Fromagerie, Maleny Food Co

Who doesn’t love cheese? Fortunately, there's more than one spot in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland where you can sample delicious dairy delights. From the picnic-sized club cheddar range at  Maleny Cheese  through to the award-winning mustard-seed cheese at Kenilworth Dairies , you'll find plenty to get the tastebuds tingling.

Take in the views

Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, Maleny

Jump in the car and head out on a tour of our hinterland lookout spots . Spy everything from the stunning vistas of the Glass House Mountains , the iconic outline of Mt Coolum , and the sparkling panoramas of the Pacific Ocean beyond. Alternatively, enjoy the sights from  Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World , where the stunning views set the tone for a fun, family-friendly outing surrounded by spectacular fauna and flora.

Sample a craft brew… or two

Brouhaha Brewery, Maleny

Pouring from the sleek wall taps at  Brouhaha Brewery  in Maleny is an impressive line-up of brews. The core range here is complemented by seasonal beers that use local ingredients and deliciously complement the foodie delights coming from the kitchen. The best way to sample Brouhaha's range is to order a table with your mates and grab a tasting paddle to sip through the best brews.

Tackle the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Hinterland walking

Pull on the hiking boots and set out on an epic adventure through our pristine subtropical rainforest on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. This 58km trek can be done as a multi-day hike with hike-in campsites, or by smaller sections on a day trip. Periods of rain keep the creeks and scenic waterfalls flowing as you pass by, with plenty of quality bush-walking and moments of solitude along the way. You’ll discover a pristine environment brimming with refreshing water holes, dappled sunlight through the ancient canopy, and an abundance of birdlife.

Indulge in some fine dining

Spicers Tamarind, Maleny

At Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny, you'll find The Tamarind: a cosy, open-air restaurant embraced by misty gardens and subtropical rainforest. A banquet here is like travelling through Asia in one night. Expect to enjoy treats like sticky pork belly with tamarind pepper caramel, steamed chicken dumplings, and Pandan coconut parfait. Alternatively, embrace the French touch at Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville , where you'll be set for a feast of elegant cuisine at  The Long Apron restaurant.

Head for the summit

Mt Ngungun, Glass House Mountains

Their names may be hard to pronounce but the views from the top of Mt Ngungun (one of the Glass House Mountains ) will leave you speechless. The surrounding range is made of molten lava volcanic peaks that rise from the Sunshine Coast’s patchwork of farming plains: home to the Jinibara and Gubbi Gubbi people. Wild Horse Mountain is also worth checking out with its impressive 360-degree panoramic view of the Pumicestone Passage, patchwork of pine plantations, native forest, coastal suburbia and ocean expanse beyond.

Travel along the art trail

Take a trip from Montville to Maleny and discover a wealth of exceptional artists and art along the  Hinterland Art Trail . Artworks you'll discover on this trail include oil and watercolour paintings, bronze, sandstone and marble sculptures, porcelain, wood, photography as well as hand-blown glass, silk and textiles. Seek inspiration for your next masterpiece here!

Road trip along the Blackall Range

Spectacular views abound on a drive through the Blackall Range.

This might just be one of the MOST scenic drives on the Sunshine Coast. Along the way, not only will you get picturesque views of the countryside and coastline, but you'll also have plenty of chances to stop off at the gorgeous villages, walking trails, and waterfalls along the way.

Pack a picnic and enjoy sunset

Picnic at Maleny Cheese, Maleny

Have we mentioned that the hinterland is pretty scenic? Stock up on supplies from local suppliers – cheese from Kenilworth Dairies or Maleny Cheese and some wine from Flame Hill Vineyard – and settle in to watch the sunset over the Glass House Mountains. Ending your day doesn’t get much better than that!

Experience a quirky festival

A trip to the hinterland wouldn’t be complete without engaging with the locals at a quirky festival. From the Australian Body Art Festival in Cooroy, to the Ukele Festival in Kenilworth and even the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, there's always something entertaining to experience.

Explore places mentioned in this guide

The Hinterland

Discover the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

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The Best Hotels on the Amalfi Coast With Spectacular Views, Private Beaches, and More

By Jamie Spain

If you’re looking for paradise on Earth, look no further than the Amalfi Coast —a breathtaking stretch of Italian coastline made up of picturesque cliffs, sandy beaches, and colorful towns. Here, it truly is la dolce vita. Perfect for a romantic couples getaway, scenic girls' trip, or relaxing solo adventure, this picture-perfect UNESCO World Heritage Site is on many people’s travel bucket list for good reason. There’s nothing quite like spending a holiday surrounded by dreamy waterfront views while staying in an alluring, classic Italian villa or palazzo. If you need a break from the city, or want to tack on a few extra days after a stop on Rome or Venice , this region has plenty of small-town charm.

Most Amalfi Coast properties close during the winter season, but from April through October you can experience this delicious slice of coastal life. From quaint, peaceful hotels with staff that feel like family, to larger luxury properties that have every amenity you could dream of and more, these are the 14 best hotels on the Amalfi Coast for an idyllic Italian vacation.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Hotel La Palma Arrow

Once the epitome of la dolce vita , Capri is dangerously close to becoming fully eroded by day trippers on Grand Selfie tours. Luckily, Hotel La Palma—an Oetker Collection–helmed revival of the island’s first hotel, built in 1822—arrived fashionably late to the scene last summer. The property evokes images of Capri’s bygone jet-set glamour: Maltese designer Francis Sultana bypassed those ubiquitous cobalt-and-lemon tiles and “I Heart Capri” T-shirts for a stripped-back neoclassical vision inspired by Villa Lysis and Villa San Michele. Everywhere you look, white linen curtains waft like togas, and mosaic floors beckon guests to truly watch their steps. The color schemes of airy whites and sky blues are reminders of the island’s legendary luxury: the view of the Bay of Naples, as seen from the gods of Emperor Tiberius’s palace. Hotel La Palma boasts those same views, though its position opposite Dolce & Gabbana on Via Vittorio Emanuele is a bit more mortal. The hotel boasts its own patisserie run by pastry master Carmine di Donna, while Gennaro Esposito—famed for his two-Michelin-starred Torre del Saracino in Vico Equense near Sorrento—oversees the new La Bianca roof terrace. But on an island where sun loungers can be booked one year in advance, the hotel’s Da Gioia beach club is the biggest splash. —Stephanie Rafanelli

Palazzo Avino Arrow

In any other setting, it would be impossible to miss the lashings of marble, vaulted hallways, and antique busts, yet all eyes point in one direction: to the horizon. Palazzo Avino, first built as a private home in the 12th century, has a fairy-tale vista across the Monte Avvocata valley and the yacht-speckled Bay of Salerno. Known as the “pink palace of Ravello,” it is run by sisters Mariella and Attilia Avino, who have infused the place with buckets of personality and style—right down to the hand-painted tableware designed by Mariella and the Mar-a-viglia white wine from their vineyard, La Cascinetta, served at the glam Lobster & Martini Bar. The decor is Poseidon’s palace by way of Moda Operandi, with pink shell tiles, glossy sea foam blue bathrooms, and chic scalloped headboards. Palazzo Avino doesn’t do straight lines: Doorways are arched, ceilings domed, mirrors wavy, all mimicking the raggedly vertiginous coastline. Baroque terraces bursting with bubblegum-pink dipladenias lead down to the pool, where candy-striped parasols shade Dolce sliders, and homemade Sorrento lemonade arrives in colorful Marino glassware. The hotel’s beach club, 20 minutes away, is a sprawling cliffside hangout, taken over by Valentino in 2023, complete with red loungers and retro changing booths. The main restaurant, Michelin-starred Rossellini’s, is one of the most spectacular dining rooms on the Amalfi Coast , where waistcoated waiters serve plates of lemon ravioli by candlelight, and all is well with the world. — Charlotte Davey

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Arrow

Three connected Victorian buildings above the Gulf of Naples, this 1834 family-owned property is lovely to return to after a day of sightseeing—to sit on the clifftop terrace and watch the lights come on over the bay. Rooms are designed in styles ranging from Pompeian to Victorian, with trompe l’oeil walls and parquet floors—not to mention verandas with views of Mount Vesuvius. Terrazza Bosquet serves gourmet dishes using ingredients from the hotel garden, but guests can always sip an elevated cocktail on Bar Vittoria’s terrace, overlooking the water. Or head to the Boutique Spa La Serra for a scrub or signature massage.

Le Sirenuse Arrow

A legend even along a coast full of legends, this classic hotel is more than the sum of its parts. The center was the aristocratic Sersale family’s summer villa in Positano. Four siblings opened the house to guests in 1951 with eight rooms and a large terrace facing the sea. Franco Sersale was responsible for a major expansion and refurbishment in the 1990s; he was not only a passionate art collector but also an inveterate world traveler and photographer . Present owners Antonio and Carla Sersale are also collectors, and each year invite an artist to make a site-specific piece, including Martin Creed, Stanley Whitney, and Matt Connors. Most bedrooms are not huge, but are lovely, with traditional tiled floors, antique chests, and balconies with tables and chairs overlooking the steep climb through the village down to the beach. La Sponda, the hotel's main restaurant, with its 400 candles and bougainvillea-strewn dining room, is one of the coast’s top dinner spots, as much for the atmosphere as for food. — Nicky Swallow

Emily Saladino

Mark Ellwood

Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel Arrow

A stay at this five-star hotel perched on a cliff’s edge on the Amalfi Coast may feel like a religious experience—and with very good reason. The property occupies a monastery with parts that date back to 1212, and it was home to the Capuchin monks from 1583 to 1826, before the complex was converted into a hotel. During those early days, it was a favorite stop for globetrotting travelers on their Grand Tour of Europe, and over the years, it has housed the likes of Victor Hugo, Elizabeth Taylor, and Greta Garbo. Don’t expect monastic simplicity, though guest rooms do intentionally skew toward the comfortable and unfussy, with white linens and terra-cotta tiles. Chef Claudio Lanuto’s Dei Cappuccini Restaurant serves playfully reimagined Mediterranean dishes with equally sumptuous views out over the coastline, while the poolside La Locanda is the place to be for lunch in the sun. For an even more special event, the hotel is still home to a 13th-century cloister and a Catholic consecrated church—the perfect spot for a destination wedding with up to 70 of your closest friends and family members.

Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast Arrow

People talk about old classics, but this one has roots dating back to the 11th century. Shipwrecked en route to Constantinople, a wealthy Italian family built the foundations of the Caruso on a limestone bluff above Ravello, a symbol of their power and good fortune to have escaped unharmed. And here, their high eyrie remained, withstanding the wars of the Middle Ages, neglected, repaired, neglected again, until 1893 when Pantaleone Caruso stepped in and turned it into a hotel. Belmond (then Orient-Express hotels) took over in 2000 and began a serious restoration: Art historians were shipped in to unearth the building’s Arcadian frescos, and archaeologists arrived to uncover the original medieval foundations. Today, Old Masters hang in the marble corridors and the 50 bedrooms have been brought up-to-date, but not charm-crushingly modernized. They retain their original vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces, and terra-cotta tiles, and have bathrooms stashed with bottles of Penhaligon’s . It has just opened Villa Margherita too, a two-bedroom retreat deep in the heady gardens. Guests feast on lunches of lobster, langoustine, and truffles, or head down to the water to explore the craggy coastline on the hotel’s pretty wooden boat. It’s a place synonymous with seclusion, with its lemon-scented air and hanging gardens spilling down onto the Tyrrhenian Sea, stony nooks, and quiet spots to sit and take in the dizzying views. And romance: It is said to be where Jackie Kennedy and Gianni Agnelli began their affair, where Humphrey Bogart, Greta Garbo, and Virginia Woolf came to hide out. A truly brightening, timeless place. — Martha Ward

Borgo Santandrea Arrow

If you wanted to land the most plum address on the Amalfi , this would be it—perched high in the cliffs, built into the rock face overlooking the sea, and within view of the sweet fishing village of Conca dei Marini. The property's original 1960s bones have been enhanced by a magical crew of local Amalfitano artisans, with details like landscaped gardens and museum-worthy vintage pieces making it one of the most exciting Italian arrivals in years. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and sea views, but ask for an infinity-pool option if you don’t want to have to go to the private beach or communal pool to cool off. —Ondine Cohane

Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa Arrow

We all dream of a romantic, seaside Italian getaway and this one just might be it. The hotel occupies a restored 17th-century monastery just three miles from Amalfi. With 20 rooms, terraced gardens, clifftop Mediterranean views, and a pool that seems to float over the sea, you'll find yourself right at that point of enjoying the seclusion without feeling isolated. Stroll the four levels of terraced gardens, and don't miss the spa, which includes sauna and steam rooms, a hydro pool, and tepidarium. You can enjoy a martini with a side of chess at the library and bar before dining on local Campanian specialties at Il Refettorio, the Michelin-starred restaurant, where the charming servers are straight out of central casting. They still make sfogliatelle (sweet, shell-shaped, filled pastries) according to the nuns’ original recipe—a treat to savor with the sweet life on offer here. — Julia Buckley

Il San Pietro di Positano Arrow

A tribute to the vision and folly of its creator, Il San Pietro di Positano burrows into a cliff, with an elevator plunging down to the beach via a shaft hacked out of rock. It’s the ultimate Amalfi Coast cocoon, made all the more attractive by delicious but not overly fancy seasonal food. It’s no mystery why the international glitterati have flocked here since the hotel's opening, in 1970—the village’s steep, narrow stone streets and breathtakingly beautiful blue waters really are the stuff of dreams (ours, anyway). The 56-room property, which sits on a sliver of prime cliff side real estate above the Bay of Positano, is a primitive Eden doused in fragrant flora and citrus trees. Exquisitely tiled rooms with bright linen accents and wide windows have perfect sea views, and quirky features like lamps with fanciful centaur designs and gilded coffee tables add a little bit of luxe. Some even have a private elevator and a hot tub room. Ease into your day with a plate of succulent strawberries and a thimble of espresso, then take an elevator down to a private beach—or enlist a complimentary boat ride around the bay. Dinner at the Michelin-starred Zass is a strawberry crème-colored vision, and twice as delicious—Mediterranean specialties like lobster tagliatelle and truffle sauce-coated sea bass are served on pink tables, on a rock ledge high above the breaking waves. — Betsy Blumenthal

Hotel Eden Roc Positano Arrow

Despite the prestigious name and desirable location near the center of Positano, Hotel Eden Roc is intimate, charming, and warm. It is the project of the Casola family, who take care of guests as if they were friends. Or as they put it, they create an atmosphere that will make you feel like the main actor of your Italian movie. There are 25 rooms and suites in the main building, three “annex suites” out front, plus three apartments and two lavish villas beyond the grounds. Everything has been recently renovated in a way that combines the traditional with the contemporary style, and all the rooms are full of light with views of the sea. — Julia Buckley

Casa Angelina Arrow

Unlike the grande dames of the Amalfi Coast , Angelina is sleek, modern, and a startling, almost Greek-style interloper to the cliffside above pretty Praiano. All 42 rooms are white-on-white, accented by views of the bright blue sea below from their private terraces; if you want to be more at one with nature, go for the Eaudesea Experience rooms—whitewashed old fishermen’s cottages, etched into the cliffside above La Gavitella beach, below the hotel (be warned, though—there are 200 steps plus an elevator up to the main building). Down on said beach is a club for all hotel guests; if you can’t face the climb, there are indoor and outdoor pools on the main property. The house boat, meanwhile, will swivel you around the coast, and even over to Capri. Back on site, Un Piano nel Cielo (A Floor in the Sky) takes just-netted fish to new heights (literally—it’s the rooftop restaurant), while Seascape Cocktail Bar, cantilevered over the bay, does a fine line in limoncello-infused mojitos. Note that children under 12 are not permitted. — Julia Buckley

Hotel Villa Cimbrone Arrow

Surrounded by the most splendid gardens on the Amalfi Coast , this historic Ravello property can trace its origins back to the 11th century. The villa was largely rebuilt in the early 1900s by Lord Grimthorpe (an English co-designer of Big Ben), and it soon attracted the likes of Virginia Woolf, Greta Garbo, and E.M. Forster. The sumptuously decorated suites include vaulted ceilings, Majolica tile floors, and cheerful frescoes. Michelin-starred restaurant Il Flauto di Pan serves elegant twists on homestyle local dishes, such as white rabbit ragù and marinated Cetara anchovies. But the villa’s simplest delight is also its most spectacular: Gore Vidal once said that the view from the garden’s belvedere was the most beautiful place in the world. 

Villa Bossa Amalfi Arrow

As soon as you enter the gates of Villa Bossa there's a whimsical, cool essence that defines the property. The sleek aesthetic and playful beanbag-like lounge chairs decorating all corners of the property make clear you've stepped into a world that's difficult to find along the Amalfi Coast. Gone is the lemon aesthetic and potted ceramics; instead you’ll find gravel floors, looming candelabras as tall as a teen, and a mini pool smack dab in the middle of the lobby (complete with a Champagne cooler begging to be used). There are only six rooms, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. Leaning into a mostly white aesthetic with small pops of color, each room has sea views. Strategic perk: You can choose your exact room when booking online, so be sure to research your options beforehand. There is no standalone restaurant or bar on the property, which may be a tough pill to swallow for some travelers, but there is a complimentary locally-sourced breakfast (pastries, made-to-order eggs, and fresh fruit) provided to all guests each morning. — Lara Kramer

Casa Privata Arrow

Sailing along the Amalfi Coast a decade ago, the Hareiter family happened upon an old fisherman’s ruin built of stone in the antique Amalfitana style between Positano and Amalfi. The family has since transformed this vision into their dream house, Ca’ P’a, or Casa Privata, a refreshing inn of four rooms and two suites saturated with Mediterranean charm and contemporary good taste. Each spacious bedroom has a 14-foot domed ceiling, originally designed for efficient ventilation, and a glorious view of the sea. Rooms are comfortable but simple, retaining the character of the original with natural colors and sandstone floors softened by graceful drapes and lots of pillows. The lack of air-conditioning was a conscious decision to preserve the sea breeze solution of outdoor living. As in any private home, both the bar and the kitchen are freely available to guests for self-service snacks and drinks. To be sure, the climb to restaurants on the Amalfi Coast road and the less daunting steps up from the sea are not everyone’s idea of convenience, but the location and the size of Ca’ P’a ensure relaxing serenity and impunity from the chaos of summer crowds and traffic on this gorgeous and very popular coastline.

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Breaks of sun will be very short-lived this morning. Stormy weather is on the way from the west, expected to pass through roughly 9 AM - noon locally. Be ready for downpours and lightning. Additional hit-or-miss thunderstorms with gusty wind and hail will develop this afternoon. Stay alert for any Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued in your area. Although coverage will be scattered, these storms could pack a punch.

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Perth brothers Callum and Jake Robinson went for a quick surf weekend in Mexico. How did it go so wrong?

It was meant to be an idyllic surf adventure down Mexico's north-west coast. 

Australian doctor Jake Robinson, 30, flew over to San Diego, where his older brother Callum was based. 

Both athletic, outdoorsy adventurers who shared a love of the waves and adventure, they decided to grab a friend — American Jack Carter Rhoad — and head south for a quick surf jaunt. 

Like so many before them, they were lured by Baja California's crisp, sparkling waves, as well as the chance to camp on rugged and remote beaches among the wildflowers. 

Here, beaches are often referred to by their latitude and in late April, the men visited the K38 surf break. 

Rodrigo Leal Bravo from the local surf shop remembers them coming in to buy wax. 

"They were excited about their surf trip and they were on their way south," he told the ABC. 

He noticed the strong bond between the Australian brothers. 

"Their fraternity was so admirable," he said. 

Callum told Rodrigo they were heading to Punta San Jose, a remote spot which was about three hours drive from the surf shop. 

It's only accessible by unsealed roads and the mobile tower coverage is patchy at best, but Rodrigo says he wasn't concerned for their safety

"I did not think anything should happen to those big strong guys, right?" he said. 

But when Callum didn't show up to work in San Diego after the weekend, loved ones were confused, then concerned, and then finally panicked. 

Three bodies have been found where Callum, Jake and Jack went missing — though they are yet to be formally identified. 

"All three bodies meet the characteristics to assume with a high degree of probability that they are the American [Jack] Carter Rhoad as well as the Robinson brothers from Australia," said Baja California's state Attorney-General María Elena Andrade Ramírez.

Mexican authorities have also detained two men and a woman in connection with their disappearance. 

As the case is investigated, a devastating picture is emerging of what may have gone wrong on the scrubby cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 

A weekend jaunt south of the border 

Callum shared glimpses of their Mexican surf trip on his Instagram account. 

The first photo shows their white Chevvy packed with boards and towels right near the water's edge. 

"....and it begins," Callum wrote as the caption, along with a surfer emoji and a picture of the Mexican flag. 

He then added more snapshots of their journey — taco stands, brightly coloured buildings, and Jack beaming with a boom box on his shoulder. 

The stories ended abruptly with a picture of Playa San Miguel, a crop of yellow daisies growing at the edge of the sand. 

They were reported missing about two days later, but in Baja California, timelines can be difficult to piece together. 

As each wave crests and breaks, as each taco is procured from a local food stand, and as each sunset melts over the Pacific, the days start to blend. 

Locals and tourists alike have vague memories of seeing a pair of Australian brothers and their American friend riding the waves on the northern Mexican coast in late April, but exact dates are difficult. 

Callum, a 190-centimetre-tall athlete with cascading brown hair, turned heads everywhere he went. 

"I remember seeing one guy that ... could have been like, a rugby player or division one football player," visiting American surfer Austin Pickle told the ABC. 

"They were smiling and you know, doing like the friendly surfer [chatty] thing. But yeah, nothing super strange.

"And then I just paddled in. I never saw them again." 

Ana Cristina Heym Cárdenas works in a cafe about an hour north of Punta San Jose.

She believes one of the men — probably Callum — came in the afternoon of April 28 to ask if she could break a 100-peso note so he could buy a taco from the stand outside. 

She was shocked to later hear that they disappeared. 

"It's not normal here — [the] disappearing of three people in this way and burning their car and all this," she said. 

"We know that some areas here in Baja California, they're dangerous.

"We feel very sad because there are good people here [in Baja] who like international tourists. We don't want other people thinking that it is too dangerous for people."

A gun, a burned-out car and a missing phone 

It's every parent's dream for their children to stay close in adulthood.

But Debra Robinson sensed something was wrong when her sons stopped picking up their phones during their holiday together in northern Mexico.

In late April, she got on a Baja Facebook group, posted a picture of her boys together and issued a plea.

"They were due to book into an Airbnb in Rosarito after their camping weekend but they did not show up," Ms Robinson posted. 

While others in the group tried to reassure her, reminding her that mobile reception in the area is patchy and roads are often unreliable, she insisted their disappearance was "out of character".

"Callum is a type one diabetic so there is also a medical concern. Please contact me if you have seen them or know their whereabouts," she wrote.

"Please please please."

Callum, Jake and Jack were soon reported missing, and Ms Robinson marshalled foreign agencies and police to search for her sons. 

While Baja California is plagued by drug cartels, crimes against foreign tourists are relatively rare, and well-populated areas are considered more safe. 

"It is an atypical, exceptional case," Attorney-General María Elena Andrade Ramírez told the ABC. 

"We have a tourist influx and a similar case has not occurred."

Yesterday, it was confirmed that three bodies have been discovered in what's described as a well close to where the men were last seen.

Forensic investigations are continuing to take place to formally identify them.

The details are not yet known, but at some point, Jake, Jack and Callum were separated from their belongings — including their Chevy, their tents and at least one of their phones. 

This week, that phone was traced to a 23-year-old Mexican woman, who has since been arrested. 

Her romantic partner and his brother have also been detained, and Ms Andrade Ramírez says they "may be directly or indirectly related to the investigation". 

All three suspects were allegedly in possession of illicit drugs, but this incident does not seem to be linked to organised crime. 

Another key part of the investigation is likely the remote ranch where the brothers' burned-out car was found.

The property is several kilometres from the initial search site and is located south of the city of Ensenada.

"We have secured a cell phone and a firearm," Ms Andrade Ramírez said. 

"The firearm was discovered in the pick-up truck belonging to an individual currently under investigation

"A criminal scene has already been processed where we found evidence that someone burned the remains of tents, clothes, drink bottles and some evidence related to this case." 

At this stage, investigators are treating this as a potential robbery gone wrong, with the suspects allegedly trying to steal the victims' car. 

"This aggression seems to have occurred in an unforeseen, circumstantial manner," Ms Andrade Ramírez said. 

"We pledge that this crime will not go unpunished."

'They were together doing something they passionately love'

With three bodies discovered — but yet to be identified — the Robinsons are on their way to Mexico for a task no parents should ever have to complete. 

The fact that crimes against foreign surfers are exceptionally rare in Mexico is no comfort when your babies are the unlucky ones. 

So far, the case appears to have eerie similarities to the slaying of two Perth-born surfers in Mexico in 2015. 

Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman were on the trip of a lifetime, surfing down the Baja California coast. 

But when they arrived in the badlands of Sinaloa, they were stopped, robbed and then killed by a gang.

But most surfers will tell you, chasing the best waves sometimes takes you to some dangerous places. 

"[Punta San Jose] is a beautiful place with perfect waves," Antonio Otanez from the Baja Surfing Association told the ABC.

"But it's very lonely there. And it's like one hour [away down] a dust road. There's no [phone] signal there."

Mr Otanez said the local surf community has been left devastated by the news, but no-one is hurting more than Jake, Jack and Callum's parents.

"Surfing is a passion they both share," Ms Robinson said of her sons. 

"Our only comfort right now is that they were together doing something they passionately love.

"We ask people to keep them in their thoughts and prayers."

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