When it comes to summer, we like to think we’re experts in the field.
Sandy beaches? We’ve got them in spades. Buzzing bars? We’ll cheers to that.
If you’re looking to make the most of your summer, check out our ultimate guide for inspiration, covering everything from the best beaches to throw your towel down at to twilight markets and secluded swimming holes.
Booloumba Creek, Conondale National Park, Sunshine Coast
Head to the beach
When it comes to discovering the best beaches in Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is where it’s at.
With more than 100km of sandy beaches to choose from, the hardest decision you’ll have to make this summer is where to stake your beach umbrella.
To get you started, check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches on the Sunshine Coast, or grab your towel and make tracks to Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Coolum and Noosa for local favourites.
Couple at Cotton Tree Beach, Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast
Meet the locals (turtles that is)
Did you know that just 15 minutes by boat out of Mooloolaba is one of Queensland’s most undiscovered coral reefs?
The water surrounding Mudjimba Island is teeming with marine life, including turtles, wobbegongs, rays and fish.
Take a snorkelling tour of the island this summer - Blue Tortuga Adventures, Sunreef Mooloolaba and The Pressure Project will all get you there - and see if for yourself, you won’t be disappointed!
Waterfalls and rivers to cool off
The beach isn’t the only way to cool down this summer.
Our leafy backyard is full of hidden waterfalls waiting to be discovered, and secluded swimming spots like the turquoise waters of Booloumba Creek in Conondale National Park.
No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a visit to the Noosa Everglades - one of only two everglades systems on earth - where the River of Mirrors is best explored by kayak or eco cruise (and a cooling dip on the banks of Lake Cootharaba recommended!).
Kondalilla Falls at Kondalilla National Park, Montville, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Shop up a storm at our night markets
The Sunshine Coast’s market trail continues after hours over summer with some of the region’s biggest and best opening their doors at twilight.
Make sure to check out the Caloundra Twilight Markets on the foreshore at Bulcock Beach, Marcoola Night Markets for a relaxed night of good food and live music, Mooloolaba Sunset Markets on the esplanade and Currimundi Lake Twilight Markets for a true local vibe.
In the heart of Maroochydore's new CBD, you'll also find the Maroochydore Moonlight Markets on the first and third Saturday of the month.
Mooloolaba Sunset Markets, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Beach days on the Great Beach Drive
Swap the bitumen for the great sandy highway as you make tracks along the Great Beach Drive from Noosa to Rainbow Beach this summer.
With towering coloured sand cliffs on one side and the sparkling Pacific Ocean on the other, you’ll pass through two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and spot marine life a aplenty on this epic adventure.
Grab a great deal
Deal
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Ultimate Group of 5
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Go Karting Experience - save $100!
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10% off Noosa Queen Sunset River Cruise
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Vitamin D Package
Soak up the sunshine at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort with our Vitamin D Package. Relax with 15% OFF
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Accessible by 4WD only, plan ahead and self-drive or let someone else take the wheel and join a tour with Epic Ocean Adventures and Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours.
Great Beach Drive along Rainbow Beach, Gympie Region
Experience our food and drink scene
Nothing says ‘summer’ like a Mooloolaba prawn, and now’s the time to discover why any foodie worth their fork is talking about the Sunshine Coast’s food scene.
Our seafood is some of the best in Australia, our Hinterland a hub for award-winning farmers and our craft beer scene so buzzing it makes every hour feel like happy hour.
See for yourself why we’re lovingly known as Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry at a visit to one of our hatted restaurants, jump on a food tour and embrace the slow food movement with a farm stay.
Eating Mooloolaba prawns at The Surf Club Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Down a tipple (or two)
Did you know the Sunshine Coast is Australia’s Craft Beer Capital?
With more than 26 independent breweries from the coast to the hinterland, no matter where you find yourself here there’s likely to be a crisp IPA or zesty sour nearby with your name on it.
After something a little stronger? Pop into one of our many distilleries slinging vodka, gin and rum, or check our guide to some of the best new bars on the Sunshine Coast for a summer tipple.
Moffat Beach Brewing Co, Moffat Beach, Sunshine Coast
Head to the hills
Cooling rainforests await in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where the lush treetop canopies help keep the heat at bay.
With its Rainforest Walk and onsite Discovery Centre, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a great place to shelter from the sun on a warm day.
There's plenty of great restaurants and cafes to while away a summer day, and with landscapes as pretty as a picture, you'll also find talented creatives at home here with art trails taking you from galleries to home studios.
Extend your stay in one of the Hinterland’s boutique rainforest retreats, and you’ll never want summer to end.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
