Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is naturally refreshing with its endless coastline, fresh local produce, lush hinterland villages and coastal resort towns. Just over 1.5 hours’ drive north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is perfect for self-drive holidays.
It is home to fresh seafood, plucked straight from the oceans and off the trawlers, farmers markets with home-grown produce, and dairy products and wineries tucked away in its lush, green hills. Australians love to dine by the ocean, and visitors can too, whether it is at one of the many beachfront surf clubs, which epitomise Queensland’s surf culture, or a languid riverside eatery.
The Sunshine Coast stretches from Caloundra in the south, Mooloolaba in the middle and effortlessly cool Noosa in the north, and west to the rolling hills of Maleny and Montville. True to its name, any road trip along Sunshine Coast is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face! Here’s a list of must-stops and sees in Sunshine Coast that we highly recommend. Let’s gooo!
Driving through the lush landscape with Mount Tibrogargan in the background, Glasshouse Mountains © Tourism and Events Queensland
Maleny Dairies
Pop by Maleny Dairies, a family owned business, for some delicious dairy products! You get the rare opportunity to CUDDLE and feed farm animals, watch the cows being milked, and enjoy some taste testing! Aww, what a great chance to experience the peaceful farm life in the countryside, a refreshing escape away from urban life in the city.
Maleny Dairies © Tourism and Events Queensland
Maleny Botanic Garden and Bird World
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World - an unforgettable experience - The 'Jewel' of Maleny. Enjoy the panorama of waterfalls, ponds and colourful plantings on 3ha's of magnificent, privately owned Gardens. Positioned high on the escarpment, uniquely landscaped layers, idyllic rainforest surroundings and the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains backdrop create a truly unique garden.
Glass House Mountains backdrop view at Maleny Botanic Gardens © Tourism and Events Queensland
The Bird Aviary is a haven for colourful birds from around the world. Interact and get "up close and personal" with birds from finches to macaws via daily guided tours. Sit near the waterfall, watch, listen and photograph birds as they alight upon you, an awesome experience. Then there is the Miniature Animal Enclosure which is a favourite with all ages.
Maleny Botanic Garden and Bird World © Tourism and Events Queensland
Enjoy the scrumptious Devonshire Tea served any time throughout the day. A picnic is another way to enjoy the peace and serenity.
Montville
It would be hard to find a town on the Sunshine Coast that is more charming than Montville. Perched on the Blackall Range, this quaint village is home to art galleries, cosy coffee shops and boutique stores where you will find everything from handmade beanies to one-off sculptures made by local artists. There are plenty of accommodation options around town including rainforest cabins, luxury resorts and cute hinterland cottages.
Montville Village © Tourism and Events Queensland
Eumundi Markets
The World-famous Original Eumudi Markets is opened every Wednesday and Saturday morning. This is where you get to meet local creators and buy unique crafts and produce from the locals. Makes for great souvenirs!
Eumundi Markets © Tourism and Events Queensland
Noosa
Just say the word “Noosa” and a touch of glamour comes to mind. This chic beachside resort is a perfect blend of celebrity-chef restaurants, beachside boutiques and chilled-out beach vibe. Dine overlooking the rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean. At the end of Hastings Street, the Noosa National Park, ideal for walks and hikes to fabulous hidden beaches and koala spotting.
Noosa Heads Main Beach © Tourism and Events Queensland
Noosa Everglades
Discover the Noosa Everglades – one of only two everglades systems in the world – that stretches across two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves - the Noosa and Great Sandy - in the upper reaches of the Noosa River. Known as the River of Mirrors because of the amazing reflections in the water, the Noosa Everglades is a 60km stretch of pristine waters. The area is best explored on an eco-cruise or in a kayak. Marvel at the reflections of the flora on the banks of the water that appear like a mirage. There are banksias, tea trees, melaleucas, reeds and water lilies. Or spot some of the forty-four percent of Australian bird species that visit or live in the area from pelicans, ducks, cormorants, eagles or a rare jabiru.
Noosa Everglades © Tourism and Events Queensland
Habitat Noosa Glamping
Watching the kangaroos bounce through the bushland and feed on the grass beside your tent at sunset is just one of the reasons you should call Habitat home. Nestled into one of only two Everglades biospheres in the world, Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp is set on 65 acres of natural bushland, by the shores of Lake Cootharaba. Glamping facilities are available for couples and groups.
Habitat Noosa Glamping © Tourism and Events Queensland
Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba is one of the busiest seafood ports on Australia’s eastern seaboard. Early each morning you’ll see fleets of trawlers bringing in boatloads of swordfish, Mooloolaba prawns, Spanner crabs, lobsters and export grade tuna.
Local seafood can be found on the menu of cafes and restaurants across the Sunshine Coast, or you can enjoy it fresh off the trawler at one of the many fish and chipperies across the region.
Local tip: The Spit Mooloolaba is home to a number of fish and chipperies – get your order takeaway to enjoy on the beach!
Seafood at Mooloolaba © Tourism and Events Queensland
Australia Zoo
Get up close and personal with animals at Australia Zoo. Their team of passionate conservationists work around-the-clock to deliver animal experiences like no other. Cuddle a koala, feed the gorgeous kangaroos, walk a wombat and don’t miss the daily shows in the Crocoseum.
Go wild at crocodile hunter Steve Irwin’s legacy, a 28-hectare conservations wildlife facility. Highlights include the Bengal tigers, African rhinos and The Crocoseum where stealth crocs display some jaw-snapping action.
Australia Zoo © Tourism and Events Queensland
Strawberry Fields
Pick your own strawberries between June and November. Or swing by the farm shop for pre-packed strawberries and sweet treats like ice-cream and pancakes with delectable fruits.
Strawberry Fields, Palmview © Tourism and Events Queensland
For more information, visit Queensland.com.
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