We’re talking swimming fin-to-fin with whales on the humpback highway, breathing in that fresh mountain air on a forest hike, indulging in a hot chocolate high up amongst the Hinterland hills, and taking to the skies on a serene hot air balloon adventure.
To help you find your sunshine moment (you know, that feeling of sunshine from within), we’ve rounded up 30 of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast when the temperatures drop.
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Swim with Whales
Getting ready to swim with the Whales with Sunreef
This winter, meet some fellow (non-human) visitors on Australia’s first swim with whales’ experience with Sunreef Mooloolaba. You'll experience the magic of a close encounter with these majestic mammals while gliding along the cool, deep waters of the humpback highway.
Go hot air ballooning
Hot air ballooning over Glass House Mountains with Sunshine Coast Ballooning
If there’s one thing our crisp winter mornings are ideal for, it's hot air ballooning. Rug up warm and feel any regrets around an early start wash away as you witness the pastel sunrise over the region with Sunshine Coast Ballooning.
Treat yourself to High Tea
Flaxton Gardens
We’re all fans of treating ourselves now and then... so what better way to do it than by indulging in a luxurious high tea experience at Aimee Provence or Flaxton Gardens, complete with a mouthwatering selection of sweet and savoury treats.
Get creative at the Pottery Studio
If you'd rather stay indoors, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and create a one-of-a-kind pottery masterpiece at The Pottery Studio. Here, you can learn to wheel-throw like a pro or sip your way through a clay and wine class (BYO wine).
Take a Paint n Sip class
Unleash your inner artist while sipping on your favourite drink with a Paint n Sip class at Frida’s – who have studios in Noosa and Mooloolaba. With a BYO vino in hand, simply follow the step-by-step process of creating your own masterpiece, inspired by the iconic artist Frida Kahlo.
Outdoor adventures
Kayak the Everglades with Kanu Kapers
Kanu Kapers, Noosa Everglades, Great Sandy National Park
Switch off Spotify and allow the chorus of local birdsong to become your playlist. More than 40 percent of Australia's bird species call the pristine grounds of the Noosa Everglades home: ensuring they're a 'must-do' if you're a nature lover. One of the best ways to explore the glassy waters is by kayaking with the experienced team at Kanu Kapers.
Learn to Surf
Coolum Learn to Surf School, Coolum Beach
Surf’s up year-round on the Sunshine Coast from the glassy waves of Noosa (a World Surf Reserve), to one of Australia’s longest waves at Double Island Point. Want to polish up your skills? A lesson with Coolum Surf School will have you hanging 10 in no time.
Hike the Glass House Mountains
Mount Ngungun, Glass House Mountains
Feel connected to the earth while taking in our stunning Glass House Mountains: a formation of 11 ancient volcanic peaks that formed more than 25 million years ago. Sunrise is particularly spectacular from the summit of Mount Ngungun, while McCarthy's Lookout in Maleny is a great vantage point to enjoy a breathtaking vista of the mountains without needing to set out on a hike.
Spot dolphins and turtles
Noosa Oceanrider
There’s something special about spotting dolphins in the wild, and with Noosa Ocean Rider, you’ll be at one with the creatures of the big blue on their Dolphin Safari or Whale Watching Tour.
Fly high over the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Strap yourself in for all the incredible scenes with a scenic helicopter flight over the coast and hinterland with Oceanview Helicopters – you can even choose a Fly ‘n’ Dine experience taking you to scenic destinations by air for epic eats.
Day trips
Discover the Noosa Hinterland
Pomona Distilling Co.
Jump in the car and make tracks inland to the Noosa Hinterland: an enchanting region awash with natural beauty, country charm, and culinary delights. We particularly recommend stopping in for a tipple of local gin at Pomona Distilling Co.
Journey to the Mary Valley
The Mary Valley Rattler, Gympie
Filled with ancient forests, clear waterways, music, and charming heritage towns, the Mary Valley is an unmissable destination in winter. Your first stop? Make tracks for the Mary Valley Rattler – a restored heritage steam train that takes you back in time on a scenic rail journey through the countryside.
Head to the Hinterland
Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The dropping mercury and chilly mornings are a sure sign to turn the car west and head for the Hinterland hills. Here, you'll indulge in luxurious escapes, some of the best cheese you’ll find in Australia, fireside brews, and paddock-to-plate food tours that will warm you from the inside out.
Get creative in Eumundi
From shopping at The Original Eumundi Markets to finding your next page-turner at Berkelouw Book Barn, Eumundi is a haven for local creatives. Make sure to time your trip around the markets held each Wednesday and Saturday, while keeping room in your diary for a trip to Matso's across the road for a chilled glass of their classic ginger beer.
Explore Buderim Forest Park
Couple above Serenity Falls
Experience another side of the Sunshine Coast with a stroll through pockets of sub-tropical rainforest at Buderim Forest Park. You'll find it hard to believe that this lush sanctuary of cascading waterfalls is barely ten minutes away from the coastal beauty of Mooloolaba!
Eat
Go paddock-to-plate at Mapleton Public House
Mapleton Public House, Mapleton, Hinterland
As featured in Gourmet Traveller, the historic Mapleton Public House is fast becoming an iconic foodie destination on the Sunshine Coast. Nestled high up in the Hinterland, you'll find a celebration of seasonal local produce – much of which has been sourced directly from The Falls Farm down the road. We highly recommend the roasted carrots with ndjua and smoked coconut milk.
Do a wine tasting at Flame Hill Vineyard
FlameHill Vineyard
Perched on one of the highest points in Montville, Flame Hill Vineyard is the perfect place to kick back with a vino (or two) and dig into a local cheese platter while you soak in the views over the estate’s vines.
Go farm to fork with a food tour
Creative Tours
Discover the stories and local secrets behind some of our most popular products on a guided food tour. Taste your way through Queensland's Sunshine Pantry, with tours offering samples featuring everything from fermented goodness (who doesn't love kimchi?) to chocolate. Check out our guide to the best food tours on the Sunshine Coast here.
Spirit House Cooking School
If the cool winter weather makes you feel a little *extra* hungry, channel your appetite into some new skills at the Spirit House Cooking School. Here, you'll gain a new understanding of the delicious complexities of Asian ingredients and methods. The experience also includes a feed, and a wine: a double win!
Stock up on cheese at Maleny
Maleny Food Co, Credit: TEQ
Since as far back as the late 1800s, Maleny has been a hub of dairy production with small farmers and creameries dotting the countryside. Today, Maleny remains a hotspot for all things cheese: taste your way through some of the best in the business with visits to Maleny Cheese and Maleny Food Co.
Go gin tasting
No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a visit to some of our local distilleries, including Sunshine and Sons in Woombye (Nambour region). The crew here craft their gin using a blend of locally sourced botanicals like lemon myrtle and finger lime, and recently scooped the title of World's Best (Botanical Vodka category) at the World Vodka Awards. Meanwhile, BeachTree Distilling Co in Caloundra took home World's Best Craft Producer at the 2024 Icons of Gin Awards.
Explore Australia’s Craft Beer Capital
Brouhaha tasting paddle
Did you know? The Sunshine Coast is home to more craft breweries per capita than any state or territory in Australia... officially earning us the title of Australia’s Craft Beer Capital. From hoppy IPAs to crisp lagers, the region's breweries are producing some of the country’s best craft beer. Jump on a tour or follow our craft beer map to get a proper taste of what's on offer.
Events
Channel your green thumb at the Queensland Garden Show
Stilt walkers at the Queensland Garden Expo, Nambour
The multi-day Queensland Garden Show is a must-visit winter event for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts from all over Australia. Held annually at the expansive Nambour Showgrounds, this celebration of plants and the outdoors features hundreds of exhibitors all showcasing the latest trends, tips, and tricks in the gardening world. With entertainment for the kids, plenty of food trucks, and live talks from celebrity experts (previous speakers have included Costa Georgiadis from Gardening Australia), this is an event you won't want to miss.
Discover Noosa Alive! Festival
With outdoor stages and multiple pop-up installations, there's always something new and exciting to enjoy at the Noosa Alive! Festival in July. Discover Noosa's unique blend of creativity and natural beauty at this entertaining arts and culture festival. Whether you're a seasoned culture vulture or a first-time festival-goer, Noosa Alive! is an unforgettable experience.
Eat your way through The Curated Plate
Long Table Lunch, The Curated Plate. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
The Curated Plate (July 26 - August 4) is the Sunshine Coast’s leading food festival that brings together some of the world's most talented chefs and local producers. The festival offers a series of mouthwatering culinary events – from intimate masterclasses to epic food and drink experiences, all set against the stunning backdrop of the region's beaches, forests, and farms.
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival
Come along hungry to the Noosa Eat and Drink Festival (30 May – 2 June), where you’ll be in for over 75 events across four days. After all, where better to tuck into moreish fare than the famous beachside beauty of Noosa? Expect to see a new-look Festival Village this year, restaurant events and more, plus fabulous new long-lunches.
Dust off your cowboy boots and head to Gympie Music Muster
Held annually in the rolling hills of the Mary Valley, this four-day festival is a true celebration of all things country. With multiple stages hosting the best in local and international country music, as well as a packed program of workshops, markets, and other activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy at the Gympie Music Muster.
Celebrate diversity at The Rangebow Festival
Under the themes of diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability and reconciliation, The Rangebow Festival celebrates the glittering creative community of the Blackall Range. Come along to enjoy a range of performances, music, First Nations food, and more.
The Australian Wearable Art Festival
Running from 9-10 August, The Australian Wearable Art Festival is a unique experience celebrating artistic creativity and avant-garde designs. Sit back and admire the dramatic creations as models strut down the 27-metre catwalk, with entries from across Australia and overseas on display.
