To give you a total overview of Places to Visit on the Sunshine Coast would be impossible. There are countless Sunshine Coast beaches to enjoy, attractions, markets, amazing gastronomy, museums, you name it and you’ll find it. To give you a general idea of where to go to get the best out of your time on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa region, we’re going to give you an overview of things to do on the Sunshine Coast, and let you explore the rest!
From Noosa to Caloundra, Mooloolaba to Maroochydore, the main areas of the coast are packed with cultural, natural, and fun things to do and if you venture into the Hinterland, you’ll be able to explore nature and culture all in one. Put simply, this is a special area of the country, if not the world, and from the wonder and fame of Australia Zoo, to the hidden gems and markets, this is one holiday you’ll never tire of.
1. Bellingham Maze
On of the Places to Visit on the Sunshine Coast to stretch your brain at the same time as your legs is Bellingham Maze, a great place to head, around ten minutes away from Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast. You’ll find more than one maze to try your hand at, as well as beautiful gardens and a natural setting. There’s even mini golf course within the grounds, a rope maze, and Snow White makes an appearance! At the end, you can sit and chill out in the on site cafe.
Location: Tanawha, Queensland, 10 minutes from Mooloolaba
2. Aussie World
If you are looking for other Places to Visit on the Sunshine Coast, Aussie World is a popular theme park on the Sunshine Coast, and it’s certainly one of the fun things to do on the Sunshine Coast. You’ll find rides, water rides, slides, roller coasters, cafes, ice cream stalls, shops, and all within a wonderful outdoors sunny setting!
Location: Palmview, around 15 minutes Mooloolaba
3. Oz Ski Resort
Nothing to do with snow and everything to do with water, this is a fun-filled man-made fresh water ski centre, and spans across two large lakes. You can head over as a beginner and leave as an enthusiast! Enjoy wake boarding, banana boats, knee boarding, and tubing, and take lessons in all of them. Oz Ski Resort is run by Emma Sheers and Ricky Habermann, with the former being a four times World Champion!
Location: Coolum
4. Ginger Factory
This is without a doubt one of the most popular Sunshine Coast attractions, and if you love ginger, it’s a must that you should visit! Book The Ginger Factory tour and you’ll find shopping, food, rides, and a large playground set within gardens and walking opportunities aplenty. The factory tour shows show you how ginger-based products are made, and after the tour, you can try them for yourself. This is a great day out for all the family.
Location: Yandina, around 30 minutes from Noosa
5. Aqua Park Coolum
For families with younger kids who need to run off some steam, this is the ideal spot, located in the heart of Coolum. Aqua Park Coolum has soft play, wet play, and a huge runway system of water-based fun. You’ll find trampolines, slides, and climbing walls, and basically the best chance to let the little ones tire themselves out.
Location: Coolum
6. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Everyone loves to learn about what lies beneath the surface of the ocean, and this is the best place to learn! Kids will love it, adults will love it, everyone will love it! at SEA LIFE Mooloolaba there are 11 zones to explore with masses of different marine life to check out, as well as educational aspects, such as feeding and talks. You can even do a behind the scenes tour for an extra cost, which is really hands-on.
Location: Mooloolaba
7. Australia Zoo
Who doesn’t know this attraction? Most do! Thanks to the late, great Steve Irwin. Still run by his family, Irwin’s legacy is everywhere and this is certainly one of the top, if not the top attractions in the area. at Australia Zoo you’ll find more than 1200 animals here, as well as snakes, kangaroos, wombats, and of course crocodiles! There are far too many animals to mention, and this is certainly a full and exhausting day out, which will leave you with a major appreciation for the wildlife world. If you don’t do anything else on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, it has to be this!
Location: Beerwah, 30 minutes from Mooloolaba
8. Gympie Gold Mining & Historical Museum
The gold mining history in this part of the region can’t be ignored, and you can even try your hand at a little gold panning yourself! This attraction will help you learn more about what used to happen bacon the day when gold was everything and mining was key. You’ll also be able to learn about the other important industries of the area, such as agriculture, gems and shells, as well as the steam industry. You’ll also be able to check out an area full of military memorabilia from those in the area who went to war. Coast to Hinterland Tours visit Gympie every Wednesday on a full-day tour.
Location: Gympie, around 65km north Noosa
9. Sunshine Plaza
If you love shopping and general entertainment, the biggest mall in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland area is the one for you! The Sunshine Plaza opened in 1994; you will find more than 220 stores, with a 12-screen cinema, restaurants, bars, and even boat hire for the kids to enjoy!
Location: Maroochydore CBD
10. Caloundra Twilight Markets
Head over to Bulcock Beach when the Twilight Markets are on and you’ll have a fanatic time under the twinkling lights. Kids will love the entertainment on offer, and with more than 100 stalls selling all manner of souvenirs; you won’t struggle to spend your dollars.
Location: Bulcock Beach, Caloundra
11. Cooloola Recreation Area
If you love nature and you want to head somewhere chilled out, it has to be Cooloola Recreation Area. You’ll find huge sand dunes, flora and fauna, forests, wildlife, and beautiful beaches which seem to sweep on forever. You can walk, swim, chill out, sunbathe, whatever you want! You can camp here too, but you will need to get a camping permit beforehand.
Location: Cooloola
12. Glass House Mountains National Park
Any mountain in the world is a serene and majestic place to visit, but the Glass House Mountains truly is a wonder. One of the biggest spots on the Sunshine Coast map, located in the beautiful Hinterland, this park is packed with walking trails, history, scenic lookouts and views. You can walk/climb to the summits of Mount Ngungun and Mount Tibrogargan, if you have the experience, and you can learn much more about Aboriginal history and culture, as this area is home to many ceremonial sights, which are under national protection.
Location: Sunshine Coast Hinterland, around 30 minutes from Mooloolaba
13. Noosa National Park
Noosa is without a doubt one of the most popular spots on the Sunshine Coast, but the Noosa National Park is also one of the most visit spots. Probably because it is so accessible, countless visitors love to check out the stunning natural area, with beaches, hills, coastal views, and picnic spots to check out. Hell’s Gate, Boiling Pot, and Dolphin Pot are some of the top spots to head to, and you’ll find more than 15km of walking trails to keep your exercise levels up. Of course, there are many wildlife species that call this area home, including koalas!
Location: Noosa
