For the animal-lover
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to animal and marine life experiences on the Sunshine Coast. With Australia Zoo (Beerwah), Wildlife HQ Zoo (Woombye) and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (Mooloolaba) all offering hands-on encounters, you can take your pick from meeting and greeting a range of furry, slippery and feathered friends. Whether you’re wanting to cuddle with a koala, swim with seals or get up close and personal with a capybara... it’s up to you!
Qcamel Dairy
If you’re looking to combine native fauna and classy accommodation, there’s also the option of booking a couple of nights in the Paperbark Glamping Tents at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp. Here, wild Grey Kangaroos are regularly spotted nibbling at the grass right outside the front deck.
For a Saturday morning you’ll never forget, book a tour with QCamel in Bell’s Creek (approximately 25-minutes from Caloundra). On this picturesque camel farm, you’ll get to experience a unique ‘camel cuddle’, sample camel milk, and capture some beautiful photos to remember the day by.
For the adrenaline superhero
Paradise Seaplanes. Credit: Dean Saffron
Send your loved one into the skies for an invigorating flight over the coastline and hinterland with Paradise Seaplanes (as part of their Noosa to Glass House Mountains Adventure). The journey will see them soar across the dense subtropical forestry below, with glimpses out to the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
If you know someone who’s always up for a challenge, book a tandem paragliding experience with SEQ Paragliding. Alongside experienced instructors, you’ll have the opportunity to fly across some of the most beautiful parts of the Sunshine Coast.
Coolum Learn to Surf School, Coolum Beach
Want to get out on the waves? There’s no better time than summer to learn how to carve up our spectacular ocean than with Coolum Surf School. Private lessons with this family-owned business run for 90 minutes, and include all equipment – just bring yourself!
For something a bit out-of-the-box, zip up the wetsuit and enjoy a snorkel-with-turtles swim with Blue Tortuga Adventures. Explore the majestic underwater coral formations around Mudjimba Island and meet the beautiful creatures that swim beneath the surface, all alongside an experienced guide. Keep things on the water and surprise the family with the delights of a Dolphin Kayak Tour with Epic Ocean Adventures, or hit dry land and hire mountain bikes from Bike On for some summer fun out on the trails.
For someone who needs to unwind
Ikatan Day Spa, Noosa
Give the gift of relaxation this holiday season through a rejuvenating pamper session at Ikatan Day Spa, Asante Day Spa, and Noosa Springs Spa (where the festive Christmas spa packages are well worth checking out). With a range of facials, massages and more on the menu, there are plenty of options to soothe any tired shoulders, faces or limbs from a hectic 2024.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, the Sunshine Coast gave to you... a 12 Days of Gin advent calendar from Pomona Distilling Co. If relaxing back with a local tipple sounds like the ideal way to wrap up the year, treat yourself (or a loved one) to this enticing gift. Inside, you'll find Pomona Distilling Co's signature range, alongside some seasonal sips and other gins that are yet to be released. Cheers!
Stocking fillers
The Ginger Factory, Yandina
A perfect addition to the Christmas cocktails or New Year’s Eve drinks is a bottle of Sunshine & Sons’ gin. We suggest opting for the Pineapple Parfait for a super local twist of fruit salad flavours that pays homage to the Big Pineapple. You can also grab some crystallised ginger from Buderim Ginger, some roasted garlic macadamia nuts from Nutworks (also Yandina), and a block of rocky road from one of the Noosa Chocolate Factory’s stores to make your own mini food hamper.
Pottery for the Planet
Check out the gorgeous Christmas bundles of sustainably crafted, local ceramics from Pottery for the Planet. Stock up your loved one's kitchen with trendy condiment bowls, build a breakfast bundle, or select from their collection of mini vases. You'll be spoilt for choice. Alternatively, make your way to the Eumundi Markets to explore the treasure trove of stalls filled with locally-made goodies. You never know what you might find!
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