Below 90 minutes north from Brisbane, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has a lot to supply. We’ve put collectively simply 10 high issues to do right here, however as quickly as you arrive, you realise that is the tip of regardless of the subtropics’ model of an iceberg is.
From pristine seashores to uncommon subtropical rainforests and waterfalls, from craft breweries, distilleries and wineries to little cities full of creativity—and let’s not overlook in regards to the meals—the Sunny Coast is a traveller’s paradise.
As a result of it spans each an enormous coastal space in addition to the beautiful forested hinterland, this area has a extremely numerous set of experiences to supply.
And whereas the seaside typically will get expectedly heat, particularly in the summertime, the hinterland, due to its elevation, is normally a good bit cooler. In winter, you would possibly even want the fireplace on within the night.
Take a look at our montage vid of those ten issues to do, and keep in mind to subscribe to our YouTube channel right here.
It’s clearly inconceivable to let you know about all of the issues you are able to do on this area that stretches for over 1600km², however listed here are 10 of our favourites.
1. Sunshine Coast’s ocean drive
Get a lay of the land and take the coastal drive from Dawn Seaside simply south of Noosa all the way in which right down to Mooloolaba. The 40km drive helps you to see the cliffs roll right down to the place the street is at sea degree.
Driving south means you possibly can simply cease to absorb the view, but it surely additionally means you’re nearer to the water with no automobiles on the opposite facet of the street getting in the way in which. It is a bit like one among our ideas for driving Freeway 1 on America’s west coast.
If you’re driving south, one of many first cities you’ll come to that’s at sea degree is Peregian Seaside, and it’s properly value getting out to stretch your legs, take pleasure in a stroll on the large seaside and put your toes within the water.
And take the chance of espresso right here—this little city has loads of cafes value a go to.
2. Saltwater Eco Excursions Cultural Cruise
Crusing from Penny Lane Jetty in Mooloolaba, Saltwater Eco Excursions is the right combo of being out on the Maroochy River and its canals on a century-old crusing boat and studying in regards to the historical tradition and historical past of the world on the similar time.
On the cruise, you’re joined by Bridgette ‘Auntie’ Chilli, a proud Mooloola Kabi Kabi lady, who talks in regards to the historical past of her individuals who have lived within the space for 1000’s of years.
Proprietor Simon Thornalley, an Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, has restored this stunning timber boat himself, understanding the significance of heritage and legacy, and it actually provides to the ambiance of the expertise.
3. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Rainforest Centre
Named after the girl and her three daughters who, from the late 1800s, started the battle to protect this space from logging.
The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a multifaceted view of one of many final remaining sub-tropical rainforests within the nation.
The centre is an academic hub with shows on wildlife discovered within the 55-hectare space in addition to info on its conventional custodians the Jinibara Individuals.
Upstairs offers superb views out to the Glasshouse Mountains and there are a number of walks by way of the dense rainforest. Even the brief Pond Stroll across the centre, which we have been restricted to due to latest storms, has unbelievable animal and birdlife to expertise.
4. Flame Hill Winery, Montville
Often, wine and the subtropics don’t go collectively, however like we mentioned, the elevated hinterland has a cooler local weather.
The wine right here may not be a match for the most effective of the Barossa or Hunter Valley, but it surely’s nonetheless very drinkable. Flame Hill Winery’s Fiano, Montville Chardonnay and Rousanne Marsanne, and the Barbera and Traprock Shiraz are all standouts.
The cellar door, which is ready excessive on the hill above fairly Montville, appears out over the hinterland and over grape vines, and it’s the right spot to take pleasure in a drop of Queensland wine and a scrumptious lunch.
You possibly can see our video of Flame Hill Vineyard right here.
5. Go to the three Ms of the Hinterland
These three cities of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland are a few of the prettiest but in addition present three very totally different sides of the area.
Montville, which was established in 1887, is a artistic hub that includes each rising and celebrated artists. Procuring right here is enjoyable with its ‘olde-worlde’ atmosphere and turning waterwheel.
Maleny is famed for its meals and native produce (in addition to its personal artwork scene and delightful panorama), particularly its dairy merchandise. It’s additionally value testing The Tamarind restaurant right here, a part of Spicers Tamarind Retreat, for a meal you’ll not going overlook.
Mapleton is understood for its proximity to nature and the unimaginable walks you are able to do within the space by way of forests and waterfalls.
6. Spa therapy at Spa Anise, Maleny
When you’re in Maleny, be sure you put aside not less than two hours—ideally three—to take pleasure in a pampering at Spa Anise day spa.
Set overlooking Maleny’s rolling countryside and forests, and inside earshot of Gardner’s Falls, this spa is essentially the most heavenly slice of the entire Sunshine Coast.
Take a look at our assessment of Spa Anise right here and our video to see what you possibly can count on.
7. Mapleton Falls and Rainforest Stroll
Simply outdoors the city of Mapleton, the lookout into the deep vertical tree-covered ravine and glowing roar of Mapleton Falls beckons you to discover additional.
A reasonably straightforward stroll takes you down the escarpment the place the waters from Pencil Creek cascade 120m to the underside. However the sounds of the waterfall are shortly drowned by the birdcalls amongst the cover of this stunning forest.
There are fairly just a few stairs on this stroll, however the path is well-tended.
8. Eumundi Markets
Held each single Wednesday and Saturday—it doesn’t matter what—since 1979, Eumundi Markets is the largest and most interesting arts and crafts market within the nation.
Bringing a whole lot of individuals from throughout to its expanse of stalls, the market transforms the quiet city of Eumundi.
Look out for the Make It, Bake It, Sew It, Develop It badges on stalls. These are the sellers that craft all the things you see utterly by themselves. And be sure you arrive hungry—the meals choices on the market are excellent!
9. Yandina—heritage pubs, Nutworks, Buderim Ginger Manufacturing facility and reside bee tour
Solely 10 minutes down the street from Eumundi, Yandina is among the oldest cities within the Sunshine Coast. The pub has been right here since 1887 and there are many different stunning heritage buildings on the town.
However on Yandina’s northern outskirts is the Ginger Manufacturing facility—a enjoyable sort of amusement park all based mostly all over the world’s most interesting ginger from Buderim simply down the street. At first it sounds a bit weird, but it surely’s really very cute and a whole lot of enjoyable. It’s additionally indoors, so the right wet day exercise.
However even higher than the ginger rides, reveals and stalls is the reside bee tour.
We have been genuinely shocked at how good this was. First you hear from a bee skilled about bees’ life cycles and their behaviours. You then get to look at them shut up of their hives by way of glass inspection home windows. Lastly you get to style the totally different honey they produce.
Do you know a single bee—in her total lifetime—will produce lower than a teaspoon of honey?
And for those who’re after a snack or memento, simply throughout the street is Nutworks. Ostensibly a store promoting every kind of nuts, that is additionally a roasting and processing manufacturing facility. You too can rating just a few free tastings of the totally different nuts they promote right here before you purchase.
10. Crusing, kayaking and SUPing at Twin Waters Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
On the grounds of the spectacular Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort in Twin Waters simply north of Maroochydore and simply seven minutes from the airport, you’ll discover a man-made lake.
Right here you possibly can rent kayaks, SUP boards and Hobie 2-person crusing catamarans to get out on the water and play safely. Should you’re staying as friends of the resort, the crusing and kayaks are free.
The lodge is nice for households and teams of pals, and is near the seaside, different Sunshine Coast cities. It even has its personal golf course that’s internationally recognised as one of many high six resort programs in Australia.
