If your idea of the perfect summer holiday involves lazy days in the sun, sand between your toes, and fish and chips on the beach then pack a smile, ditch the bling and you may never want to leave the sunny Sunshine Coast. Unlike the glittering Gold Coast, the laid back beach-chic culture and seaside charms of the ‘Sunny Coast’ are refreshingly natural and unaffected.

If you’re planning a trip to this part of Queensland, you must find out the top attractions in the area and which ones you’ll want to visit. This article showcases the top five attractions in the Sunshine Coast as well as an overview so you know which attractions are suitable for you and your family. Then, click on the link to read loads of information about the attraction you would like to visit.

 

 

5 Sunshine Coast Attractions You Should Visit

  1. Go bushwalking through Noosa National Park and indulge at the stylish restaurants and cafes on Hastings Street in Noosa Heads
  2. Explore the unspoilt and uncrowded beaches of the Cooloola Coast in the Great Sandy National Park
  3. Browse through hundreds of stalls at the Eumundi markets
  4. Hike to the summit of Mount Beerwah in the spectacular Glass House Mountains
  5. Get up close and personal with the animals of Australia Zoo

 

 

1. Noosa

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Great for: Surfers, beach lovers, hikers, those who want a relaxed holiday with creature comforts

Avoid if: You want a quiet holiday

Activities: Hiking, surfing, water sports, canoeing & kayaking, horse riding, camel safari

Transport options: Bus, car

Accommodation options: Resorts, B&B, apartments, motels, caravan park, backpacker hostels

 

Once a little-known surfer hang-out, gorgeous Noosa is now a stylish resort town and one of Sunshine Coast’s star attractions. Noosa’s stunning natural landscape of crystalline beaches and tropical rainforests of Noosa National Park blends seamlessly with its fashionable boulevard, Hastings Street, and the sophisticated beach elite that flock here. If you’re heading to the Sunshine Coast, you can’t miss Noosa.

Read our Noosa page for more information.

 

 

2. Cooloola Coast & Great Sandy National Park

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Great for: People looking for an active, outdoors holiday

Avoid if: You want a relaxed holiday with creature comforts

Activities: Camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing & kayaking

Transport options: Ferry, 4WD

Accommodation options: Apartments, hotels, camping grounds

 

Stretching for 50km between Noosa and Rainbow Beach, the Cooloola Coast is a long, remote strip of sandy beach backed by the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park. This is the main draw card for tourists to this section of the Sunshine Coast who come in their 4WD and tin-boats to camp on the beaches and in the rainforest.

Read our Cooloola Coast page for more information.

 

 

3. Eumundi

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Great for: People who like shopping and markets

Avoid if: You don’t like markets

Activities: Shopping

Transport options: Bus, car

Accommodation options: B&B, railway carriage

 

People are drawn to the sweet little town of Eumundi for one reason. Its quaint markets with their quirky new-age vibe become the centre of attraction on Wednesdays and Sundays when hundreds of stalls open up to sell everything from handcrafted furniture to alternative-healing booths.

Read our Eumundi page for more information.

 

 

4. Glass House Mountains

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Great for: Nature lovers, hikers, those who want an outdoor holiday

Avoid if: You want a relaxing holiday with creature comforts

Activities: Hiking, viewing natural wonders

Transport options: Car

Accommodation options: Camping ground

 

Forming a stunning backdrop to the spectacular coastline of the Sunshine Coast are the ethereal Glass House Mountains. The Glass House Mountains are a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains. If you want a tranquil and serene holiday in the beautiful mountains, this is the place to visit in the Sunshine Coast.

Read our Glass House Mountains article for more information.

 

 

5. Australia Zoo

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Great for: Kids, families, animal lovers

Avoid if: You don’t like animals

Activities: Hold, cuddle or pat animals, watch animal shows

Transport options: Bus, train, car

Accommodation options: None

 

Australia Zoo is one of Queensland’s most popular tourist attractions and for good reason. Started by the world-famous Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is a great place for kids to get up close and personal with several species of animals including those on the endangered list. This is the best zoo and wildlife attraction in Australia.

Read our Australia Zoo article for more information.

 

 

Tell us what you think. Which Sunshine Coast attractions interest you? If you’ve been to the Sunshine Coast before, where did you go and what did you do? Please share with us your experiences as well as any tips or ideas for having the best holiday in this area of Queensland. 

We love to hear from you so please leave your comments below. 

 

 

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