Under 90 minutes north from Brisbane, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has a lot to supply. We’ve put collectively simply 10 prime 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 filled with creativity—and let’s not neglect concerning the meals—the Sunny Coast is a traveller’s paradise.
Because it spans each an enormous coastal space in addition to the beautiful forested hinterland, this area has a very 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 often a good bit cooler. In winter, you may even want the fireplace on within the night.
Check out our montage vid of those ten issues to do, and bear 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 Sunrise Beach simply south of Noosa all the way in which right down to Mooloolaba. The 40km drive allows you to see the cliffs roll right down to the place the highway is at sea stage.
Driving south means you’ll be able to simply cease to absorb the view, nevertheless it additionally means you’re nearer to the water with no autos on the opposite aspect of the highway getting in the way in which. This is a bit like certainly one of our suggestions for driving Highway 1 on America’s west coast.
If you might be driving south, one of many first cities you’ll come to that’s at sea stage is Peregian Beach, and it’s effectively price getting out to stretch your legs, get pleasure from a stroll on the big seaside and put your toes within the water.
And take the chance of espresso right here—this little city has loads of cafes price a go to.
2. Saltwater Eco Tours Cultural Cruise
Sailing from Penny Lane Jetty in Mooloolaba, Saltwater Eco Tours is the right combo of being out on the Maroochy River and its canals on a century-old crusing boat and studying concerning the historical tradition and historical past of the realm on the identical time.
On the cruise, you’re joined by Bridgette ‘Auntie’ Chilli, a proud Mooloola Kabi Kabi girl, who talks concerning the historical past of her individuals who have lived within the space for 1000’s of years.
Owner Simon Thornalley, an Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, has restored this lovely timber boat himself, understanding the significance of heritage and legacy, and it actually provides to the environment of the expertise.
Check out our full overview and video of Saltwater Eco Tours’ Cultural Cruise right here.
3. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Rainforest Centre
Named after the girl and her three daughters who, from the late 1800s, started the struggle 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 People.
Upstairs supplies superb views out to the Glasshouse Mountains and there are a number of walks by means of the dense rainforest. Even the quick Pond Walk across the centre, which we have been restricted to due to latest storms, has unbelievable animal and birdlife to expertise.
4. Flame Hill Vineyard, Montville
Usually, wine and the subtropics don’t go collectively, however like we mentioned, the elevated hinterland has a cooler local weather.
The wine right here won’t be a match for one of the best of the Barossa or Hunter Valley, nevertheless it’s nonetheless very drinkable. Flame Hill Vineyard’s Fiano, Montville Chardonnay and Rousanne Marsanne, and the Barbera and Traprock Shiraz are all standouts.
The cellar door, which is about excessive on the hill above fairly Montville, appears out over the hinterland and over grape vines, and it’s the right spot to get pleasure from a drop of Queensland wine and a scrumptious lunch.
You can see our video of Flame Hill Winery right here.
5. Visit 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 inventive hub that includes each rising and celebrated artists. Shopping 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), specifically its dairy merchandise. It’s additionally price testing The Tamarind restaurant right here, a part of Spicers Tamarind Retreat, for a meal you’ll not going neglect.
Mapleton is understood for its proximity to nature and the unbelievable walks you are able to do within the space by means of forests and waterfalls.
6. Spa therapy at Spa Anise, Maleny
While you’re in Maleny, be sure to put aside no less than two hours—ideally three—to get pleasure from 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 probably the most heavenly slice of the entire Sunshine Coast.
Check out our overview of Spa Anise right here and our video to see what you’ll be able to count on.
7. Mapleton Falls and Rainforest Walk
Just exterior 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. But the sounds of the waterfall are rapidly drowned by the birdcalls amongst the cover of this lovely forest.
There are fairly a couple of 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 most important and most interesting arts and crafts market within the nation.
Bringing a whole bunch 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, Grow It badges on stalls. These are the sellers that craft every little thing you see utterly by themselves. And be sure to arrive hungry—the meals choices on the market are excellent!
But when you’re in Eumundi for one of many 5 days of the week when the markets aren’t operating, listed here are a few of the different glorious issues you are able to do on this enjoyable, inventive city.
9. Yandina—heritage pubs, Nutworks, Buderim Ginger Factory and dwell bee tour
Only 10 minutes down the highway from Eumundi, Yandina is without doubt one of the oldest cities within the Sunshine Coast. The pub has been right here since 1887 and there are many different lovely heritage buildings on the town.
But on Yandina’s northern outskirts is the Ginger Factory—a enjoyable form of amusement park all primarily based all over the world’s most interesting ginger from Buderim simply down the highway. At first it sounds a bit weird, nevertheless it’s really very cute and numerous enjoyable. It’s additionally indoors, so the right wet day exercise.
But even higher than the ginger rides, reveals and stalls is the dwell bee tour.
We have been genuinely stunned at how good this was. First you hear from a bee professional about bees’ life cycles and their behaviours. You then get to look at them shut up of their hives by means of glass inspection home windows. Finally you get to style the totally different honey they produce.
Did you recognize a single bee—in her total lifetime—will produce lower than a teaspoon of honey?
And when you’re after a snack or memento, simply throughout the highway is Nutworks. Ostensibly a store promoting every kind of nuts, that is additionally a roasting and processing manufacturing facility. You may rating a couple of free tastings of the totally different nuts they promote right here before you purchase.
10. Sailing, 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.
Here you’ll be able to rent kayaks, SUP boards and Hobie 2-person crusing catamarans to get out on the water and play safely. If you’re staying as company of the resort, the crusing and kayaks are free.
The resort is nice for households and teams of mates, and is near the seaside, different Sunshine Coast cities. It even has its personal golf course that’s internationally recognised as one of many prime six resort programs in Australia.