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From whale watching off Mooloolaba to sunset cruises along the coast, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sunshine Coast this year. With golden beaches, lush hinterland and an easy going coastal charm, the Sunshine Coast is packed with fun things to do for couples, families and solo adventurers alike.
At RedBalloon, we believe the best gifts aren’t things you unwrap, they’re memories you create. That’s why we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to Sunshine Coast attractions and things to do, starring Romantic Getaways, Cruises, Helicopter Flights, Day Spa Packages, Scuba Diving & Snorkelling, Whale Watching, Skydiving, Jet Ski Safaris and Dining Experiences.
Read on to discover the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast today, or if you’re gifting rather than going yourself, explore our full range of Sunshine Coast experience gifts and let them choose their own adventure.
Sunshine Coast Attractions & Things to Do
Ranked among Queensland’s most-loved holiday regions, the Sunshine Coast stretches from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north, taking in Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum and the Blackall Range hinterland along the way. Whatever you’re chasing, whether it’s fun activities on the Sunshine Coast, a quiet weekend away, or a big-ticket adventure, this stretch of coastline consistently ranks among the top things to do in Australia. Below, we’ve rounded up the best Sunshine Coast activities and attractions, perfect for planning your next trip or for gifting to someone who deserves an amazing experience.
Romantic Getaways on the Sunshine Coast
For couples, few regions in Australia do romance quite like the Sunshine Coast. Wake up to ocean views with the Luxury Sunshine Coast Getaway with Champagne – 2 Nights, a two bedroom oceanfront apartment escape complete with chilled French Champagne, luxurious chocolates and a late check out.
Prefer the hinterland to the coast? The 1 Night Hinterland Hideaway with Breakfast – For 4 tucks you into a rainforest fringed villa at Spicers Tamarind Retreat, complete with a fireplace, cocoon bathtub and a la carte breakfast. Browse the full range of romantic getaways in the Sunshine Coast to find the perfect escape for you and your loved one.
Things to Do in Mooloolaba: Cruises
Mooloolaba is the heartbeat of the Sunshine Coast’s cruise scene, and no visit is complete without getting on the water. The Mooloolaba Seafood Lunch Cruise – 1.5 Hours glides through the harbour, river and canals while you tuck into fresh, local seafood, or for something more relaxed, the Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise with Live Music – 2 Hours pairs golden-hour views with a complimentary drink, grazing box and live acoustic tunes. See the full range of Sunshine Coast Cruises for more ways to explore the water.
See the Coast from Above: Helicopter Flights
For sweeping, once in a lifetime views, nothing beats a scenic flight. The Sunny Coast Pumicestone Passage Helicopter Flight – For 2 soars above Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage, while the Glass House Mountains and Bribie Helicopter Flight – For 2 takes in the ancient volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains and Caloundra’s striking sand patterns. Explore more Helicopter Flights on the Sunshine Coast.
Rainy Day and Indoor Activities: Day Spa Packages
Looking for indoor activities on the Sunshine Coast, or simply craving a slower pace? The Bathhouse Experience with 4 Course Lunch – 3 Hours in Mooloolaba pairs magnesium rich pools, a hot stone sauna and a Moroccan steam room with a waterfront, four-course Mediterranean lunch. It’s one of the best rainy day activities on the Sunshine Coast, and equally perfect as a treat yourself day out.
Underwater Adventures: Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
Beneath the surface, the Sunshine Coast hides one of Australia’s best wreck dives. Certified divers can explore Diving at HMAS Brisbane, a decommissioned guided missile destroyer teeming with marine life, while first-timers can ease in with the Introduction to Scuba Diving – Sunshine Coast, no certification required. See the full lineup of Scuba Diving and Snorkelling Experiences on the Sunshine Coast.
Whale Watching on the Sunshine Coast
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate past the Sunshine Coast, making it one of the best places in Australia to spot them in the wild. The Seasonal Whale Watching Cruise in Sunshine Coast runs from June through November aboard Mooloolaba’s most luxurious catamaran, while the Swim with Humpback Whales experience offers the rare chance to share the water with these gentle giants. Discover more Whale Watching Tours on the Sunshine Coast.
Thrill Seekers: Skydiving
For the ultimate adrenaline hit, take the leap with a Sunshine Coast skydive. The Caloundra 14,000ft Midweek Tandem Skydive delivers 65 seconds of freefall and a soft beach landing, while the 13,000ft Weekend Skydive Over Sunshine Coast offers stunning views over Mount Coolum and the Glass House Mountains.
Things to Do in Caloundra: Jet Ski Safaris
Caloundra’s waterways are made for exploring by jet ski. The epic 4 Hour Sunshine Coast Jet Ski Adventure rides the length of Pumicestone Passage with a lunch stop at Spinnaker Sound Marina, while the shorter 90 Minute Caloundra Waterways Guided Jet Ski Tour winds through 60 kilometres of mangrove-lined channels in the Moreton Bay Marine Park (no licence required). See more Jet Ski Tours and Hire on the Sunshine Coast.
Dining Out in the Sunshine Coast
No list of Sunshine Coast things to do and see is complete without the food. Head into the hinterland for the Seafood Feast in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland – For 2, a hot and cold seafood platter served with sweeping views of the Glass House Mountains, or spend the day on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Cheese and Wine Tour with Lunch, sampling local wine, cheese, spirits and produce along the way.
A Family Day Out: Australia Zoo
No list of family-friendly Sunshine Coast activities is complete without a trip to Australia Zoo. With Australia Zoo Admission with Transfers from Brisbane, return transfers are taken care of so you can simply relax and enjoy a full day of crocodiles, tigers and native wildlife. It’s one of the best things to do with kids on the Sunshine Coast, and an easy day trip if you’re travelling up from Brisbane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions on the Sunshine Coast?
Beyond RedBalloon experiences, the region is known for its beaches, hinterland villages and family attractions like Australia Zoo, the Ginger Factory and the Eumundi Markets, alongside the whale watching, cruising and driving experiences above.
What are the best kid and family-friendly things to do on the Sunshine Coast?
Whale watching cruises, gentle jet ski tours and the region’s patrolled beaches are all popular family activities on the Sunshine Coast, along with attractions like Australia Zoo and Aussie World.
Are there any free things to do on the Sunshine Coast?
Yes, the Sunshine Coast’s beaches, the Mooloolaba Esplanade, Kings Beach rock pool and browsing the Eumundi Markets are all free to enjoy.
Which beaches are best to visit on the Sunshine Coast?
Mooloolaba Beach, Alexandra Headland, Noosa Heads Main Beach, Coolum Beach and Kings Beach in Caloundra are among the most popular, each offering patrolled swimming and easy access to cafes and restaurants.
What to do in the Sunshine Coast at night, and where can you experience the nightlife?
The Mooloolaba Esplanade, Hastings Street in Noosa and Maroochydore’s Ocean Street precinct are the hubs for Sunshine Coast nightlife, with restaurants, bars and live music, while a sunset cruise is a memorable way to see the coast after dark.
What are the best outdoor adventures on the Sunshine Coast?
Skydiving, jet ski safaris and scuba diving top the list, alongside hikes through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and its rainforest waterfalls.
When is the best time to visit the Sunshine Coast for activities?
The whale watching season runs from June to November, while the warmer months from September to May are best for beach days, cruising and jet ski tours.
What cultural experiences can you find on the Sunshine Coast?
The Eumundi Markets, hinterland art galleries and long lunches at the region’s wineries and breweries all showcase the Sunshine Coast’s creative, farm-to-table culture.
Exploring Beyond the Sunshine Coast
If you’re planning a longer trip around Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect base to branch out from. Head north to Noosa or continue on to Fraser Island, or venture further afield to Brisbane or the Gold Coast. For a tropical escape, explore Things To Do in Cairns, Tropical North Queensland, Port Douglas, the Whitsundays or the Great Barrier Reef.