With plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures, why not immerse yourself and try them all?
Swim with the whales
Getting ready to swim with the Whales with Sunreef
Between June and November, more than thirteen thousand humpback whales make their along the 'humpback highway' toward a warmer clime. Along the way, these majestic creatures pass through the waters just off Mooloolaba, allowing us an opportunity to see them up close.
During the season, Sunreef’s Whale Swim tours depart daily from Mooloolaba, where you'll join the short ride out from the marina to witness plenty of breaching, fin-slapping, and water-spouting action. Pull on that wetsuit and grab the GoPro for a magical experience you'll never forget! If you’d rather keep your toes dry, admire these magnificent creatures aboard with Sunshine Coast Afloat, Noosa Thriller Ocean Adventures, and Whale One.
Twilight picnic with a view
Glass House Mountains Sunset from Wild Horse Mountain Lookout. Credit: All About Adventure
What's a better way to end a glorious winter day on the Sunshine Coast than with a twilight picnic? We suggest laying down your blanket and enjoying a warming thermos of hot chocolate or tea at the stunning Wild Horse Mountain Lookout. Here, you'll be in the prime position to enjoy the cotton-candy-coloured last light spilling out over the Glass House Mountains. Don't forget to bring a camera!
Hit the high ropes
Treetop Challenge, Woombye
Everybody loves stopping at Queensland’s Big Pineapple and snapping a pic with the world’s only 16-metre-high fibreglass pineapple, but we reckon your visit is about to get even better! Perched up to 120 metres above ground, the TreeTop Challenge in the Sunshine Coast's Nambour region is the highest adventure course in Australia. Test yourself with over 100 high ropes challenges and 12 ziplines, all while surrounded by the lush beauty of our local subtropical rainforest.
Jetski on a pristine beach
Jet Skiing on the Pumicestone Passage with Caloundra Jet Ski Hire and Safari's
Looking for some action and adventure? Make memories to last a lifetime by cruising through the pristine Pumicestone Passage with Caloundra Jet Ski. Spot the incredible Glass House Mountains from the water, and enjoy an action-packed adventure you won't forget. If you opt for their Sunshine Coast Jetski Epic tour, you'll be in for a treat of stunning coastal spots and opportunities to see resident wildlife (such as dolphins, turtles and dugongs) along the way.
Learn to surf
Coolum Learn to Surf School, Coolum Beach
The waves are better in winter! Have your own Julian Wilson moment and learn to surf at his local beach with Coolum Surf School. From beginners to those more experienced, a day out surfing at Coolum Beach is sure to leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. Once you've dried off, fuel up at the Coolum Surf Club with a feast of calamari, local prawns, and other plates of feel-good fare.
Head on a Hinterland hike
Aerial of Gardners Falls, Maleny
Create your own adventure this winter by walking the impressive 58km, four-day Hinterland Great Walk. You’ll come across some amazing views and creeks, while also spotting native wildlife along the way. For something a little shorter, make tracks to Gardners Falls, or the impressive view across the Obi Obi Valley at the wheel-chair accessible lookout.
Go stargazing
Camping Under The Stars On Teerwah Beach, Great Sandy National Park
With very little light pollution, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the night sky. It makes for a great date night idea, or simply a soothing evening routine away from the city bustle. Try camping at some of our great spots, or just wander down to your nearest beach to admire the countless number of stars on display.
Lake Currimundi
Currimundi Lake is a great location to immerse yourself in nature and is fabulous for a winter kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or fish. Follow the Currimundi Lake Canoe Trail for a sheltered six-kilometre paddle through urban and bushland areas fringed with paperbarks and she-oaks.
Seek out sunrise
Couple enjoying the sunrise from Mt Coolum.
Crisp clear mornings mean the dawn of the day is quite a show here on the Sunshine Coast. With some of the world’s best beaches, mountain ranges and national parks, the small window of time each day where night becomes day is when the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty shines ever so brightly. We suggest enjoying the view from the top of Mt Coolum, Mt Ngungun, or McCarthy's Lookout in Maleny.
Find a furry new friend
Feeding the meerkats at Wildlife HQ
Feed a giraffe, get close to a cheetah or pat a rhino with one of the 23 exhilarating animal encounters on offer at Australia Zoo. Wildlife HQ also offers a range of different animal experiences, including popular primate and meerkat encounters. Or, dive in and swim with seals at Sea Life Sunshine Coast in Mooloolaba.
Discover an underwater wonderland
Snorkeling at Mudjimba Island with Sunreef
Dive into the deep blue and immerse yourself in some of the best snorkelling on the Sunshine Coast. Mudjimba Island is home to an abundance of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, stingrays, crayfish, wobbegongs, eel, and starfish.
Don't have a boat to get you across to the island? No need to worry—Sunreef Mooloolaba can get you there!
