Wondering what to do in Sunshine Coast? Well, wonder no more! The Sunshine Coast provides a lovely blend of nature and activities and is a popular destination for holidaymakers from all over the country and the world.
Home to many beautiful beaches strewn throughout its reaches that are far less crowded than those found in many other tourist destinations, a series of beautiful rivers and waterways that make for excellent boating, fishing and swimming, and much more.
A city with a laid-back atmosphere, the Sunshine Coast is known for its sunny weather which in turn leads to there always being plenty to do outside.
We’ve put together a series of recommended itineraries for visitors to the Sunshine Coast, regardless if you are staying for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. We hope that our suggestions will assist the first-time visitor in formulating an efficient and highly enjoyable Sunshine Coast sightseeing plan that assures no essential sight is left unseen, and that your time on the Sunshine Coast is maximised to the fullest!
Day 1: Explore Australia Zoo
Location: 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah
Perhaps the most famous zoo in Australia, Australia Zoo, popularised worldwide by the late, great Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin will give you the chance to view stacks of wildlife action every day. With a number of entertaining live shows and feedings throughout the day, you’ll walk off the grounds with a smile on your face and collection of photos to commemorate the action-packed day you just had.
Home to over a thousand native and exotic animals, an authentic 24-hour wildlife hospital, and unique attractions such as the Crocoseum, Tiger Templer and Elephantasia makes Australia Zoo an absolute must-visit during your holiday to the Sunshine Coast. While you wander around the zoo you’ll have the chance to cuddle a koala, hand-feed elephants and giraffes, sit front row as crocs jump out of the water for dinner time and more!
Day 2: Visit SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Location: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
As Queensland’s largest oceanarium, SEA LIFE has long been a favourite of both adults and families with kids visiting the Sunshine Coast. While at SEA LIFE you’ll be able to come face-to-face with sharks, rays and a huge array of other amazing creatures as you walk through the 2.5 million litre oceanarium.
Be enchanted by seals as they show off during the famous seal show, and enjoy over 14 daily tours, talks and feeds. This great for both kids and adults alike, and come school holidays is thriving with animal lovers of all ages.
Relax at The Spit
Location: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
A popular destination for diners, swimmers and beachgoers, the Mooloolaba Spit offers visitors a range of facilities to enjoy including public playgrounds, barbeques, picnic tables and outdoor showers. Located just down the road from SEA LIFE, this end of the beach is not usually as crowded as the main section in Mooloolaba, which means you’ll have enough space to spread out in the sun or shade and enjoy the beautiful Sunshine Coast weather.
If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat there are a number of different establishments to choose from including fresh fish and chips and sushi. To make your visit even more convenient there is free street parking and parking lots in the area.
Experience SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Day 3: Experience the Treetop Challenge
Location: 76 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye
Suspended in the rainforest, take the kids on a treetop adventure on Australia’s highest courses. Ranging from easy to difficult, the treetop challenge in the Sunshine Coast features 100 obstacles and ziplines to tackle.
Fly through the rainforest like Tarzan at Australia’s biggest adventure course, The TreeTop Challenge Sunshine Coast. Soar through the rainforest on 12 massive flying foxes and zip lines and overcome 100 epic challenges in five courses that increase in difficulty as you build your confidence. Bring the whole family along and tree hop through the high ropes courses at your own pace with staff on hand to supervise your adventure at all times.
The first two green courses are easy while the final three are more difficult challenges suitable for daredevils 14 years+. Suspended in the rainforest at up to 25 metres above ground, the views from the tree canopy are stunning and will stretch each participant beyond their comfort zone. Located at The Big Pineapple, this is a treetop adventure unlike any other in Australia.
Experience the Treetop Challenge
Day 4: Explore Aussie World
Location: 73 Frizzo Rd, Palmview
Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast is part theme park, part country fair combining all the thrills and feed good laughs for the entire family to enjoy. With over 30 amusement rides, it’s impossible for kids not to have a good time.
Sunshine Coast’s leading theme park, Aussie World means fun for the entire family. It is located alongside the Pub at Aussie World on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Aussie World is jam-packed with over 30 rides and attractions for all ages. Be Boggled in Professor Boggleworth’s Illusionarium, be brave on the Redback, take on the Plunge, or have a blast on the Ballroom Blitz, water play area Leak’nLogs, Giant Slide, Dodgems, The Wasp, Speed Stars, Bombora Bounce, Platypus Ponds Mini Golf, Ferris Wheel Speed Stars or the Space Shaker Swinging Ship.
It is impossible to miss Aussie World as it is conveniently located on the Bruce Highway near Caloundra. Aussie World’s motto is ‘fun is our thing’ and it would be impossible for kids not to enjoy themselves here with over 30 amusement rides that range from tame ferris wheels, bumper cars, merry go rounds to rollercoasters and scarier thrill rides.
Aussie World is an ideal place to visit on the Sunshine Coast whether you are looking for a half day or full day activity and is open daily from 10am to 3pm. Extended hours apply on weekends and public holidays.
Experience Aussie World
Day 5: Go Whale Watching
With a developing whale sightseeing industry and a number of factors working in its favour such as high whale numbers and reliable weather, the Sunshine Coast makes for an excellent whale watching spot during the annual migratory season.
As the Sunshine Coast recently continues to become more popular as a tourist destination, so too does the quantity of its whale watching tour options, with visitors now spoiled for choice of itineraries and operators with which to see these gentle ocean giants up close.
Companies such as Australian Whale Watching, Noosa Blue Fishing Charters, Sunreef Mooloolaba, and Whale One all offer their own variation on the whale watching formula, with departure point the main differentiating factor.
The Sunshine Coast’s whale watching tour and cruise options are typically divided up into two separate categories – those which depart from Mooloolaba, and those which head out from Noosa.
The Sunshine Coast’s whale watching scene has high whale numbers, reliable weather and gorgeous scenery. You can even jump in the water for an unforgettable swim with majestic Humpback Whales.
Experience Sunshine Coast Whale Watching
Race Around Big Kart Track
Location: 2310 Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough
After you’ve had your fill of scenic relaxation, it’s time to get active and hit the smooth surfaces of the Sunshine Coast’s Big Kart Track for a go-karting experience that has it all. Straights bends, chicanes and hairpins with tracks to cater for kids and the whole family make this a great venue to speed away an afternoon.
The perfect way to finish off your stay on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Big Kart Track offers the choice of a round of the big track or the kids track for the younger drivers, with 10, 15, and 30-minute sessions. A great competitive outlet for the whole family to enjoy, get buckled up and racing to see who’ll cross the finish line first.
