From refurbished coastal stays to boutique hidden gems in the Hinterland, our eyes are fixed on the sparkling newbies that have hit the Sunshine Coast stage. Read on to discover how you can get up close to underwater creatures, take to the skies for a unique picnic experience, and toast our golden afternoons at a rolling brewery and distillery festival.
Stay in style
Embrace the country-chic vibe that’s been filling your social media feed recently with a stay at Montville Estate or book a couple of nights at Elsie’s Cottage, which has been nestled amongst the Hinterland hills for over 100 years. This cute spot only recently opened its doors for guests and boasts panoramic views over the Blackall Range to the coast. Keep the historic vibes flowing further northward at The Wimberley (c.1911) in the Gympie Region's charming village of Goomeri, where a bustling hardware store has been transformed into cosy boutique stay. From here, you’ll be set to visit the area’s iconic rail trail and sample delicious local produce.
Set amongst acres of natural beauty in Cooroy, Thirlestane Farm will have you skipping Noosa's bustle while still only being a 20-minute drive from its sparkling beaches. This quintessential farm cottage has all the trimmings for an ideal family escape to the country – including a newly built barn and adorable highland cows. Meanwhile, minimalism is the name of the game at Tiny Aahana, a tiny home that sleeps up to six guests and boasts an enticing outdoor tub with sweeping views across the lush landscape beyond.
Mirra Chana, Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast Getaways
If you’re heading to Mooloolaba, Mirra Chana’s beach-level three-bedroom apartments have undergone impressive renos with contemporary furnishings, deluxe bathrooms, and fully-equipped kitchens. Here, you’ll be set to enjoy the ideal beachside escape, thanks to the direct access to Mooloolaba Beach and short walking distance from The Wharf Mooloolaba.
If a touch of luxury is calling your name, Makepeace Island on the Noosa River has reopened to the public with a glossy makeover, including a new tennis court and barge. This iconic heart-shaped private island is happy to play host for up to 22 of your closest mates exclusively, with three two-bedroom villas and four private rooms in the Bali House.
We’ll drink to that
Glasshouse Plantation
If you’re looking for another reason to love Maroochydore, the opening of Buderim Distilling Co on Ocean Street should seal the deal. Here, expect to sip on craft spirits from the on-site distillery along with the best of local beers and a global wine selection. Tastings, share plates, and a wide selection of cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients are also on the agenda, so settle back for a good time with your mates.
If a different kind of brew is calling your name, head inland to Glasshouse Plantation, which boasts a working coffee farm. Enjoy the full farm-to-cup coffee experience, including tastings, tours, and more, as you soak up the stunning Glass House Mountain views peeking through the treetops.
Moments to remember
Oceanview Hel
If you’re keen to impress your date, take romantic sparks to new heights thanks to the all-new ‘Picnic on a Peak’ experience offered by Oceanview Helicopters. Taking flight from September 2024, you’ll get to traverse some of our 100km of coastline before heading inland to collect produce from local suppliers. The journey then wraps up at a hidden gem perched on top of the Blackall Range for a scenic gourmet picnic.
Underwater fun kicks off at Mooloolaba’s SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, thanks to the launch of a new ‘Behind the Scenes’ Ultimate Animal Experience. The three-hour guided tour is hosted by one of SEA LIFE’s marine specialists, and you’ll get to swim and meet with the seals, feed the penguins, and get an exclusive look at the back of house areas. Alternatively, head up to Noosa and hop in a kayak for a spectacular whale-watching ocean kayak tour with Epic Ocean Adventures. This new tour is one of Australia’s most unique minimal impact experiences, and departs daily during the whale migration season (June-November).
Get the party started
Big Pineapple Festival
Festival season is upon us, and this spring we’ll be welcoming back one of Australia’s most-loved outdoor concerts: the Big Pineapple Festival. After a three-year hiatus, this juicy gem is BACK on 19 October 2024, featuring heavy metal guns The Amity Affliction, global sensation Tones and I, and hip-hop trio Bliss n Eco.
A week later, swap tunes for brews at the Sunshine Coast Pop & Pour Festival on 26 October 2024. This one-day brewery and distillery adventure will have you jumping aboard a fleet of hop-on-hop-off buses and embarking on a journey through our vibrant beverage scene. Ten of our region’s top breweries and distilleries will be cracking open the drinks for tastings. Cheers!
