As we say goodbye to summer and soak up the cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time on the Sunshine Coast to reach for the hiking boots, embrace farm-to-fork dining, and book a cosy escape.
Highlights include pitching a tent right near the beach in Coolum, wine bar drinks in Maleny, and moreish food and drink festivals that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Autumn on the Sunshine Coast never looked so good.
Explore your new favourite trail
Couple walking on the Mount Coolum Boardwalk
Make the most of the cooler mornings and head out on a hike across our myriad of boardwalks, mountains, and rainforest trails. Highlights to pop on the itinerary include the panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains at the summit of Mount Ngungun, and the enchanting beauty of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. See if you can spot a pademelon grazing between the trees! For an easy stroll with a view, look no further than the Mount Coolum Boardwalk (pictured).
Tuck into Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry
Mapleton Public House
Satisfy those autumn cravings by exploring our buzzing food and drink scene (AKA Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry). In the Hinterland, settle back on the deck at the acclaimed Mapleton Public House for some seriously scrumptious paddock-to-plate fare (pictured), and enjoy a tipple at the likes of The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard and Spill Wine Bar. Live out all your picnic dreams by filling a basket with plenty of cheese and cured meats at Maleny Food Co, before heading to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve to enjoy.
Basket of produce at Kandanga Farm Store, Mary Valley
If comfort food is calling your name, check out Rick's Garage in Palmwoods, where you'll find plenty of vintage cars, posters, and classic diner-style fare. We're talking loaded burgers, crispy onion rings, and shakes... the real deal. Ready for a day at the races? Turn the car towards the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. Here, you’ll be set to soak up trackside views as you tuck into a menu crafted from peak local produce. Upcoming fun in autumn includes Sunday Racing, the ANZAC Day Races, and Mother’s Day Races.
As you weave your way through our countryside lanes, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for the farm stores (such as Kandanga Farm Store, pictured) and stalls dotting the roadside. In autumn, you can expect to load the car up with the likes of fresh avocados, macadamias, pineapples, and mandarins.
Immerse yourself in nature
With our warm days and cooler nights spanning March till May, autumn on the Sunshine Coast brings the ideal set-up for your next camping adventure. Wake up to the sound of the surf at Cotton Tree Caravan Park and Coolum Beach Holiday Park, or make tracks for the Noosa North Shore Beach Campsite, where you’ll almost be on the doorstep of surfing hotspots like Double Island Point and the wider Cooloola Coast.
Cotton Tree Holiday Park
Further inland, days of exploring flowing creeks, animal-spotting, and bike riding await at the likes of Borumba Deer Park and Bluff Creek Campgrounds. For a more luxurious option, skip the set-up entirely at dreamy glamping spots such as Starry Nights Luxury Glamping and Kanimbia Luxury Glamping, where everything from spacious safari tents to bubble baths in claw-foot tubs awaits.
Starry Nights Luxury Camping, West Woombye
Get cosy
This autumn, combine luxe accommodation with wildlife wonders at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. Here, you can take a walk on the wild side with a stay in one of their unique ‘Crocodile Cabins’, which overlooks a state-of-the-art freshwater crocodile habitat. Better yet, Australia Zoo is only a short shuttle-ride away, where you’ll be set for a full day of animal adventures.
Misty View Cottages Montville
Further up the Hinterland range, soak up the views of Lake Baroon at Lovestone Cottages and Misty View Cottages (pictured), and make the most of the autumn foliage at Spicers Clovelly Estate.
Fancy some farm stay magic? Seven Peaks Farm Stay is the answer. This secluded spot features gorgeous views of the Glass House Mountains and plenty of countryside charm to enjoy as you cosy up inside. For more inspiration, check out our accommodation guide here.
Discover unmissable events and experiences
Horizon Festival: credit Nic Morley and Horizon Festival
We’ve got a buffet of autumn events on the agenda, and you don’t want to miss out! Whether you’re in the mood for exclusive restaurant events, sporting action, or a taste of culture, the Sunshine Coast is here to get the party started this season:
- Mooloolaba Triathlon – 8-9 March, 2025
- Noosa Festival of Surfing – 14-23 March, 2025
- GourMay Mary Valley Food Festival – 1-31 May, 2025
- Horizon Festival – 2-11 May, 2025
Embrace family fun
Koala at Wildlife HQ, Woombye
Fuel the ultimate holiday agenda with adventures the whole family can enjoy—from adorable animal encounters to countryside train rides. Kick things off with a selfie from the top of our iconic Big Pineapple, before saying g’day to the resident meerkats, red pandas, lemurs, and more at Wildlife HQ. When you’re ready to hit the water, the crew at Bill’s Boat Hire have got you covered. Plus, in March, they’ll also be hiring out BBQ Pontoon Boats from the Pelican Waters Marina (a boat licence is required to hire and drive).
Dial the autumn adventure up a notch with a beach horse ride along the spectacular Noosa North Shore, or swap the saddle for a seat on the historic Mary Valley Rattler as it chugs through our scenic countryside.
Check out our broader range of family fun in our Easter guide here.