Exploring Australia's Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Author: Chris Hawkins, Programme Director

The Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane is full of beautiful beaches, but it's also home to hinterland hideaways and gorgeous national parks that most visitors never get around to exploring. Noosa itself is made up of Noosa Heads, Noosaville by the river, and Noosa Junction, and each has its own character worth a wander.

I'd genuinely recommend building time into your itinerary for Noosa National Park, right on the coastline. The scenery here is superb, swinging from crystal-clear waters to leafy rainforest within the space of a short walk. Look out for koalas and dolphins as you go. There are some lovely shaded spots with benches along the trails, perfect for a picnic - though I'll warn you now, watch your sandwiches around the local bush turkeys, they have absolutely no shame.

Noosa's beaches are excellent for watersports like surfing and kitesurfing. For something a bit more adventurous, hire a kayak and paddle up the river into the Noosa Everglades - or if you fancy trying it a different way, take a horse or camel ride along the beach or through the bush. The town centre itself is chic and easy to fall for, full of boutique shops, stylish restaurants and bars that are perfect for an afternoon drink or an evening meal.

South of Noosa you'll find Peregian, Coolum, Maroochydore and Caloundra, all with magnificent beaches perfect for soaking up the Sunshine Coast rays. To get properly up close with some of Australia's marine life, Underwater World in Mooloolaba is the place to go if you fancy diving with sharks or swimming with seals.

Exploring the hinterland

The Sunshine hinterland is a fascinating area to explore once you've had your fill of the coastline, and it's home to the magnificent Glass House Mountains. These shapely volcanic peaks, scattered across an otherwise flat landscape, make for a genuinely unusual sight. Follow the signposted tourist drive from the Bruce Highway to the Glass House Mountains lookout point - it's a lovely spot for photos, with a handful of short walks too. For the more adventurous, you can climb these dramatic peaks; Tibrogargan stands at 253 metres with an impressive viewpoint from the top, though be warned the tracks up are steep and rocky in places.

I'd also recommend visiting the quaint hinterland village of Maleny to pick up some organic treats, browse the art galleries and enjoy the slower pace of this popular, bohemian little town. If your visit coincides with one of the local music or arts weekends held here throughout the year, it's well worth checking what's on - these community events showcase local artists with live performances, food and craft stalls, and sometimes some genuinely quirky workshops.

Head to the quirky town of Eumundi, around 18 miles from Noosa in the hinterland, and you'll find the famous Eumundi Markets - held every Wednesday from 8am to 1.30pm and Saturday from 7am to 2pm. My advice: arrive as early as you can, both to find parking and to beat the crowds. From jewellery and art to furniture, clothes, local produce and handmade goodies, the market's ethos says it all - "We make it, bake it, grow it, sew it." Running since 1979, it now hosts over 600 stalls, along with performances from local entertainers and some brilliant food stalls. Keep an eye out for the Potato Slinkys stall, selling spiral-cut potatoes on sticks - genuinely delicious. Once you've finished shopping, treat yourself to a locally brewed ginger beer at Joe's Waterhole or the Imperial Hotel.

Plan your own Sunshine Coast escape

Browse our Sunshine Coast holidays, take a look at the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort for a beachfront base, or explore our East Coast Islands and Rainforest tour, which includes time in Noosa as part of a wider east coast itinerary. Get in touch with our team to start planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should I spend on the Sunshine Coast?
I'd suggest a minimum of three nights if you want to properly experience both the coast and the hinterland. Two nights around Noosa and a day trip inland to Montville, Maleny and the Glass House Mountains works well for most itineraries.

Is Noosa suitable for a family holiday?
Very much so. Noosa National Park is gentle enough for families, the main beaches are patrolled, and Australia Zoo is an easy, memorable day trip that appeals to all ages.

What's the best way to get around the Sunshine Coast hinterland?
A hire car is genuinely the easiest option here, as the hinterland villages like Maleny and Eumundi aren't well served by public transport. Many of our self-drive itineraries through Queensland include this route.

When are the Eumundi Markets held?
Wednesdays from 8am to 1.30pm and Saturdays from 7am to 2pm. Arrive early, particularly on Saturdays, as both parking and the best stalls fill up quickly.

Can I combine the Sunshine Coast with the Great Barrier Reef in one trip?
Yes, it's a route we build often. The Sunshine Coast pairs naturally with a wider east coast itinerary heading north towards Hervey Bay, K'gari and eventually the Great Barrier Reef.