Sunshine Coast Attractions

From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Natural Wonders - Here’s What Makes the Sunshine Coast a Must-Visit Destination

The Sunshine Coast, located in southeast Queensland, is one of Australia’s most beloved travel regions. Stretching from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north, this diverse coastal strip offers something for every kind of visitor - from sun-soaked beaches and world-famous wildlife parks to rainforest hinterlands, quirky landmarks, and laid-back local villages.

Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or an outdoor adventure, the Sunshine Coast’s major attractions deliver a balance of relaxation, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Below, we explore the top places to see, the most popular things to do, and the essential highlights that define the Sunshine Coast tourism experience.

What Makes the Sunshine Coast So Special?

The region’s appeal lies in its variety. Visitors can surf at Mooloolaba, spot koalas in Noosa National Park, climb ancient volcanic peaks, wander artisan markets in Montville, or visit iconic Australian attractions like Australia Zoo. It’s a destination where nature, culture, and lifestyle intersect — all within a day’s drive from Brisbane.

Whether you're chasing waves, trails, wildlife, or artisan cheese, there’s a major attraction waiting to impress.

Founded by the Irwin family and made world-famous by the late Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is more than just a zoo - it's a wildlife conservation park dedicated to inspiring a love for animals and the environment. Located on the Sunshine Coast in Beerwah, this iconic destination offers up-close animal encounters, live shows, and interactive exhibits featuring everything from crocodiles and tigers to giraffes and red pandas.

As one of the top family attractions in Queensland, Australia Zoo combines education, entertainment, and hands-on experiences, making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers and eco-conscious travelers alike.

📍 Address: 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for: Families, wildlife lovers, animal education, conservation tourism
💰 Price: From $49.95 (child) to $225.65 (family)
🗺️ Map link

Noosa National Park, located in Noosa Heads, is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic natural attractions. Renowned for its coastal beauty, the park offers walking trails with ocean views, secluded beaches, and the chance to spot koalas, dolphins, and native birdlife in their natural habitat.

This protected park is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature, whether you're hiking through eucalyptus forests, relaxing at Tea Tree Bay, or catching sunrise at Hell’s Gates lookout. With its accessibility and breathtaking scenery, it’s a must-see for any Sunshine Coast visitor.

📍 Address: Palm Grove Cct, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Open 24 hours
🌿 Best for: Nature walks, wildlife watching, scenic viewpoints, coastal photography
💰 Price: Free entrance
🗺️ Map link

The Eumundi Markets, nestled in the heart of Queensland’s hinterland, are internationally known for their vibrant atmosphere and strong focus on handmade, locally sourced goods. Held twice a week in the charming town of Eumundi, these markets celebrate artisanship, creativity, and local culture.

Wander through over 600 stalls offering everything from unique arts and crafts, street food, organic produce, and live music. It’s not just a market - it’s a cultural experience that captures the spirit of the Sunshine Coast’s creative heart.

📍 Address: 80 Memorial Dr, Eumundi QLD 4562, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Wednesday & Saturday, 7:30 AM – 2 PM
🛍️ Best for: Artisan shopping, local crafts, street food, cultural experiences
💰 Price: Free entry
🗺️ Map link

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium in Mooloolaba offers an immersive marine experience featuring sharks, stingrays, turtles, and tropical fish in massive tanks and tunnels. It’s one of the Sunshine Coast’s most loved family-friendly attractions, combining education with entertainment.

Explore underwater viewing tunnels, enjoy daily marine talks, and learn about ocean conservation efforts in a fun and engaging way - perfect for kids, families, and ocean lovers alike.

📍 Address: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 9 AM - 3 PM
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for: Families, marine life fans, educational outings
💰 Price: From $23.61
🗺️ Map link

Located in Yandina, The Ginger Factory is a unique Sunshine Coast destination blending culinary experiences, family fun, and artful storytelling. Visitors can explore the ginger-themed gardens, take guided factory tours, enjoy tasting sessions, and ride the Ginger Train or Overboard boat.

A standout feature is the Rainbrella Project - a vibrant display of nearly 1,000 umbrellas suspended in the air, symbolizing hope, unity, and joy. Entry is free, making this a colorful and educational stop for families, foodies, and culture lovers alike.

📍 Address: 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina QLD 4561, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM
🌈 Best for: Factory tours, ginger tastings, garden walks, kids’ rides, outdoor art
💰 Price: Free entry (some tours and rides extra)
🗺️ Map link

The Glass House Mountains, a striking group of volcanic plugs, offer a dramatic natural backdrop to the Sunshine Coast. Located inland from the coast, this national park features hiking trails, panoramic lookouts, and Indigenous cultural sites significant to the Gubbi Gubbi people.

Visitors come here for both the physical challenge of summiting peaks like Mount Ngungun and the tranquility of rainforest walks with sweeping views. It’s one of Queensland’s most iconic outdoor destinations - perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.

📍 Address: Glass House Mountains QLD 4518, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Open 24 hours
🥾 Best for: Hiking, lookouts, Indigenous heritage, outdoor photography
💰 Price: Free entry
🗺️ Map link

Perched in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World offers a tranquil escape surrounded by lush landscapes, themed gardens, and panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains. Visitors can explore beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy guided tours through interactive aviaries filled with exotic birds from around the world.

This privately-owned garden is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and families seeking a peaceful day out amid flowers, birdsong, and mountain vistas.

📍 Address: 233 Maleny Stanley River Rd, Maleny QLD 4552, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 9 AM - 4:30 PM
🌺 Best for: Botanical walks, exotic bird encounters, mountain views
💰 Price: From $47.00
🗺️ Map link

Hidden within Montville’s lush hinterland, Kondalilla Falls is a spectacular natural escape featuring a 90-meter waterfall, tranquil swimming holes, and the Kondalilla Falls Circuit - a moderately challenging trail of over 300 steps winding through rainforest terrain.

Perfect for hikers, nature seekers, and day-trippers, this free-entry national park is rich in biodiversity and offers picnic areas, wildlife spotting, and serene views of the falls.

📍 Address: Kondalilla Falls Rd, Montville QLD 4560, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Open 24 hours
🥾 Best for: Hiking, waterfall views, nature trails, swimming holes
💰 Price: Free entrance
🗺️ Map link

Located at the mouth of the Mooloolah River, the Point Cartwright Lighthouse sits atop a scenic headland reserve in Buddina, offering unobstructed ocean views, peaceful walking paths, and access to whale-watching spots during migration season.

This free-access site is perfect for a sunset stroll, a picnic with panoramic backdrops, or a quiet escape into nature. The short trails are lined with native flora and lead to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Mooloolaba Beach, and the Sunshine Coast skyline.

📍 Address: LOT 577 Pacific Blvd, Buddina QLD 4575, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Open 24 hours
📸 Best for: Ocean views, photography, picnics, lighthouse walks, whale watching
💰 Price: Free entry
🗺️ Map link

Based in Caloundra, the Queensland Air Museum is Australia’s largest and most diverse collection of historic aircraft, engines, and aviation memorabilia. This volunteer-run museum features nearly 100 restored aircraft - from WWII fighters to commercial jets - housed in weather-protected hangars.

Interactive displays, informative plaques, and special event days make this a top spot for aviation buffs, families, and STEM-curious visitors.

📍 Address: 7 Pathfinder Dr, Caloundra West QLD 4551, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 10 AM - 4 PM (except public holidays)
🛩️ Best for: Aviation enthusiasts, educational visits, historic aircraft lovers
💰 Price: $16.38
🗺️ Map link

A towering 16-metre fibreglass pineapple, this heritage-listed attraction is one of Queensland’s most recognizable landmarks. Once the heart of a working pineapple plantation, The Big Pineapple now anchors a family-friendly precinct featuring a scenic train ride, the TreeTop Challenge, and access to the Wildlife HQ Zoo.

Entry to the grounds is free, with activities priced separately - making it a flexible stop for photo ops, kids' entertainment, or just soaking in a slice of vintage Aussie roadside charm.

📍 Address: 76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye QLD 4559, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 8:30 AM - 4 PM
🎢 Best for: Iconic photo spot, family day out, adventure activities
💰 Price: Free grounds entry (paid activities extra)
🗺️ Map link

As the largest shopping centre on the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore is a premier hub for retail, leisure, and family fun. Boasting over 300 specialty stores, along with major anchors like Myer, David Jones, and Big W, it’s a one-stop destination for all things fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment.

Beyond shopping, enjoy waterfront dining, cinemas, and play zones, all with seamless parking and transport access - perfect for rainy days or all-weather plans.

📍 Address: 154/164 Horton Parade, Maroochydore QLD 4558, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Mon-Wed: 9 AM - 5:30 PM; Thurs: 9 AM - 9 PM; Fri-Sat: 9 AM - 5:30 PM; Sun: 10 AM - 4 PM
🛍️ Best for: Shopping, dining, indoor entertainment, family-friendly outings
💰 Price: Free entry
🗺️ Map link

Nestled in the forested mountains of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, Ruby Lake is a tranquil destination perfect for kayaking, swimming, and peaceful nature retreats. Its warm, clear waters and scenic surroundings make it ideal for day trips or overnight stays at cozy lakeside resorts and eco-lodges.

Surrounded by old-growth forest and wildlife, this freshwater lake offers a natural getaway with picnic areas, birdwatching spots, and calm waters for paddleboarding or canoeing.

📍 Address: Sunshine Coast Regional District, BC V0N 2H1, Canada
🕒 Opening hours: Varies by area/resort
🏕️ Best for: Nature retreats, kayaking, swimming, scenic stays
💰 Price: Free public access; accommodation extra
🗺️ Map link

The Noosa Coastal Walk is a free, 10.8 km return trail winding through Noosa National Park from Noosa Heads to Sunshine Beach. This iconic walking track combines paved and rugged sections, with opportunities to see koalas, dolphins, and sea turtles along the way.

Hike past headland lookouts, hidden coves, and famed spots like Tea Tree Bay and Hell’s Gates, making it one of Queensland’s most scenic and accessible trails.

📍 Address: Coastal Walk, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Open 24 hours
🌊 Best for: Coastal hikes, wildlife spotting, photography
💰 Price: Free
🗺️ Map link

Tucked into the rocky shoreline of Noosa National Park, the Fairy Pools are a series of natural tidal pools filled with clear, calm seawater. Accessible via a short 2.4 km section of the Coastal Walk, this hidden gem is perfect for a refreshing swim, Instagram-worthy photos, and relaxing with ocean views.

These free-entry pools are best visited at low tide and offer a peaceful escape from Noosa’s more crowded beaches.

📍 Address: Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Open 24 hours
🪷 Best for: Swimming, photography, hidden nature spots
💰 Price: Free entrance
🗺️ Map link