We’re talking intimate cooking classes, luxurious rainforest getaways, beachside picnics and helicopter flights... perfect for two.
Here are nine ways you can dial up the romance on the Sunshine Coast!
1. Escape into the rainforest at Narrows
Narrows Escape, Montville
Hide away in one of the eight luxury villas at Narrows Escape, a secluded rainforest retreat in Montville. Cosy up in front of a log fire, dip into a hot bubble bath, or simply take in the view – you'll feel like you’re in the heart of the forest! During the day, be sure to explore the abundance of hiking trails on offer as part of the famous Great Walk, situated right nearby. For brunch with a view or some boutique shopping, take the five-minute drive to Montville to enjoy a leisurely morning.
2. Attend a cooking class at Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Cooking school at Spicers Tamarind, Maleny
It’s time to polish up your cooking skills and channel your inner MasterChef at a Spicers cooking class! With classes covering a range of cuisines, including French, Thai, Italian and South-East Asian, you and your partner will be in for a flavoursome morning of chopping, stirring, frying and rolling. The classes are held at the picturesque Spicers Retreat grounds in Maleny... it’s so beautiful you might even be tempted to stay the night! Fortunately, Spicers Tamarind offers luxurious villas where you can sleep in peace after your culinary adventures.
3. Have a twilight picnic on Cotton Tree beach
Cotton Tree beach
Let the gentle hum of the swell in the background and the whistling chatter of gulls provide the perfect ambience for a romantic afternoon on Cotton Tree beach. With the banks of the Maroochy River to your left, and sweeping views out to the Pacific Ocean ahead, you’ll find the groundwork for a romantic expression of love has already been laid by nature itself. Set a picnic blanket down, secure some local produce for an early dinner (Woombye Cheese and goodies from Fresh Fruit Maroochydore are always winners) and toast the stars together.
4. Go for a stroll in the Noosa Botanic Gardens
A quick drive from the Noosa hinterland town of Cooroy leads you to the Noosa Botanic Gardens, situated on the sparkling shores of Lake Macdonald. One of the best spots here is the stunning Greek-style amphitheatre which gazes out at the Lake’s blue expanse. There’s something so wild, yet wonderfully refined about these gardens – they’ll perfectly foreshadow a romantic moment between you two lovers! Abundant with more than eight hectares of thriving native flora and fauna, let nature’s soothing melody set the tone for your love at the Noosa Botanic Gardens.
5. Admire the view from Gerrard’s Lookout
Gerrard’s Lookout
The stage is set for your Jane Austen moment. Welcome to Gerrard’s Lookout: an awe-inspiring lookout situated between the hinterland villages of Montville and Maleny that gazes down upon the rolling rich farmland of the Blackall Range. On clear days, lounging up against the vivid blue horizon, you’ll even be able to glimpse the shadowed presence of Mudjimba Island out to sea. It’s time to open the next chapter of your love story here, where nature wants to weave the narrative alongside you.
6. Moffat Headland – Caloundra
Moffat Beach headland
If you’re on the Sunshine Coast, it’s hard to resist the allure of the perfect beachside view. If you’re after a less populated spot for a romantic moment, try Moffat Headland, located in the laid-back coastal suburb of Moffat Beach, right next door to Caloundra. With its sweeping ocean views and sheer rocky cliffs plunging into the sapphire blue sea below, the coastal journey to 'I love you’ begins here! Gaze out across the beach, watch the sky turn pink as the sun sets, and mark the special moment with a gourmet picnic spread from Heavenly Graze.
7. Obi Obi Boardwalk – Hinterland
If you’re after a secret spot to share the love, this is the real deal. A genuine local treasure that frequently manages to escape the tourist guides, the Obi Obi Boardwalk in the Hinterland town of Maleny leads you on a sheltered forest trail that runs alongside a bubbling creek. A famous platypus-spotting destination, you might have to compete for attention with these iconic Aussie marsupials playing in the water below!
8. Ironbark Trail – Eumundi
Want to share the love while keeping active? Why not pop on the hiking boots (or saddle up a horse!) and set out on the Ironbark Trail in the Eumundi Conservation Park. Surrounded by looming eucalypts and pockmarked with dappled sunlight, this is a secluded Sunny Coast woodland paradise perfect for any fitness-buff lovebirds out there!
9. Flaxton Gardens – Hinterland
Flaxton Gardens, Flaxton
If a classy, James Bond-esque arrival appeals to you, then check out the Oceanview Heli Fly ‘n’ Dine experience. Imagine you and your partner hopping onboard a helicopter at Caloundra Aerodrome, before being whisked up to the lush hinterland grounds of the Flaxton Gardens restaurant. Upon your movie star-style arrival, you’ll be invited to indulge in delectable local produce – all with a romantic view of the rolling farmland below.
