Local, scenic and family-friendly—these are the three words that capture the essence of the Sunshine Coast. From the surf breaks of the Noosa River to the stunning beaches of Mooloolaba, and the natural beauty of Beerwah, the Sunshine Coast is Australia’s ideal holiday spot. It offers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, waterways, lush hinterland and heritage-listed national parks. Here are the must-visit places and activities for your Sunshine Coast summer getaway—perfect for everyone.
Noosa
Noosa is arguably one of Sunshine Coast's most iconic and sought-after places. Home to one of only two Everglades in the world, it is the only one in the world, where you can swim safely. Known for its stunning beaches, outdoor adventures and world-class dining, it’s a place where families can enjoy a blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture. Beyond the waterways and hinterland, Noosa also has beautiful fringing reefs, where you can snorkel and explore vibrant marine life just off the coast, adding excitement to your visit.
Top Summer Getaways in Noosa
Noosa Main Beach: Noosa Main Beach is famous for its gentle surf. It is the go-to location for anyone who loves swimming, surfing or soaking up the sun. The clear, calm waters are also ideal for beginners looking to learn how to surf.
Noosa National Park: The National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, offering lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches—all within close reach of Noosa’s town centre. It’s a fantastic destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast. Along the way, you can spot native wildlife, including koalas and tropical birds.
Noosa River Cruise: Explore the picturesque river on one of the popular Noosa River cruises. This is a fantastic way to take in the natural beauty of Noosa’s waterways while learning about the region's unique ecosystem. For a truly magical experience, consider a Noosa sunset cruise, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views as the sky transforms into vibrant hues, making for an unforgettable outing.
Noosa Everglades Tour: Head out on a guided tour of the Noosa Everglades, one of the most pristine and beautiful freshwater ecosystems in the world, for an unforgettable adventure. You can explore the wetlands by boat or kayak, enjoying the serene surroundings while learning about the local flora and fauna and spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.
Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba is a coastal gem that pairs family fun with exciting adventures. Known for its pristine beach and proximity to the scenic Mooloolaba Spit, it offers a wide range of family-friendly activities during the summer. A highlight of any visit is joining one of Mooloolaba’s cultural cruises, offering a unique way to learn about the region's history and maritime heritage while taking in stunning coastal views.
Top Summer Getaways in Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba Beach: The calm waters of Mooloolaba Beach make it one of the best spots for families to swim, play, or try watersports. It’s also perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, with plenty of shade and amenities nearby for picnics and beach games.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium: A visit to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a must for everyone, where you can discover marine life in an interactive, educational setting. Get to see everything from tropical fish and sea turtles to sharks and stingrays. It’s both fun and informative for all.
Mooloolaba Cruise: One of the best ways to experience Mooloolaba’s beauty is by taking any of the popular Mooloolaba cruises. You can book a bush-tucker or saltwater cruise to learn about the region's rich cultural heritage and indigenous history. And, if you want a more adventurous experience, hop aboard the AquaDuck tour, a unique land-and-water ride that gives you a fun, splash-down experience as you explore the streets and the water of Mooloolaba.
Beerwah
Located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Beerwah is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and family-friendly activities. Surrounded by the stunning Glass House Mountains, Beerwah is a gateway to outdoor adventure and wildlife encounters providing plenty of opportunities for memorable family experiences.
Top Summer Getaways in Beerwah
Glass House Mountains: Visiting this volcanic mountain range is a must when in Beerwah. The Glass House Mountains offer a break from the coastal buzz, welcoming hikers, climbers, and nature lovers to a majestic landscape. This group of rugged volcanic peaks has trails for all experience levels, leading to incredible views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Australia Zoo: Located just a short drive from Beerwah, Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin, is one of the Sunshine Coast's most popular attractions. With interactive animal encounters, wildlife shows, and a vast range of animals, it’s an educational and exciting experience for children and adults alike.
Beerwah Heritage Trail: The Beerwah Heritage Trail is a lovely, easy walk that takes families through the town's historic sites, offering a glimpse into the area's rich past. The short trail is ideal for a relaxed stroll, where you can learn about Beerwah's history while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
With activities ranging from cultural attractions and wildlife encounters to outdoor adventures and scenic river cruises, a summer getaway on the Sunshine Coast promises unforgettable experiences. So, why wait? Plan your next summer to the holiday city of Australia.
Noosa
Noosa is arguably one of Sunshine Coast's most iconic and sought-after places. Home to one of only two Everglades in the world, it is the only one in the world, where you can swim safely. Known for its stunning beaches, outdoor adventures and world-class dining, it’s a place where families can enjoy a blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture. Beyond the waterways and hinterland, Noosa also has beautiful fringing reefs, where you can snorkel and explore vibrant marine life just off the coast, adding excitement to your visit.
Top Summer Getaways in Noosa
Noosa Main Beach: Noosa Main Beach is famous for its gentle surf. It is the go-to location for anyone who loves swimming, surfing or soaking up the sun. The clear, calm waters are also ideal for beginners looking to learn how to surf.
Noosa National Park: The National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, offering lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches—all within close reach of Noosa’s town centre. It’s a fantastic destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast. Along the way, you can spot native wildlife, including koalas and tropical birds.
Noosa River Cruise: Explore the picturesque river on one of the popular Noosa River cruises. This is a fantastic way to take in the natural beauty of Noosa’s waterways while learning about the region's unique ecosystem. For a truly magical experience, consider a Noosa sunset cruise, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views as the sky transforms into vibrant hues, making for an unforgettable outing.
Noosa Everglades Tour: Head out on a guided tour of the Noosa Everglades, one of the most pristine and beautiful freshwater ecosystems in the world, for an unforgettable adventure. You can explore the wetlands by boat or kayak, enjoying the serene surroundings while learning about the local flora and fauna and spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.
Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba is a coastal gem that pairs family fun with exciting adventures. Known for its pristine beach and proximity to the scenic Mooloolaba Spit, it offers a wide range of family-friendly activities during the summer. A highlight of any visit is joining one of Mooloolaba’s cultural cruises, offering a unique way to learn about the region's history and maritime heritage while taking in stunning coastal views.
Top Summer Getaways in Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba Beach: The calm waters of Mooloolaba Beach make it one of the best spots for families to swim, play, or try watersports. It’s also perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, with plenty of shade and amenities nearby for picnics and beach games.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium: A visit to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a must for everyone, where you can discover marine life in an interactive, educational setting. Get to see everything from tropical fish and sea turtles to sharks and stingrays. It’s both fun and informative for all.
Mooloolaba Cruise: One of the best ways to experience Mooloolaba’s beauty is by taking any of the popular Mooloolaba cruises. You can book a bush-tucker or saltwater cruise to learn about the region's rich cultural heritage and indigenous history. And, if you want a more adventurous experience, hop aboard the AquaDuck tour, a unique land-and-water ride that gives you a fun, splash-down experience as you explore the streets and the water of Mooloolaba.
Beerwah
Located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Beerwah is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and family-friendly activities. Surrounded by the stunning Glass House Mountains, Beerwah is a gateway to outdoor adventure and wildlife encounters providing plenty of opportunities for memorable family experiences.
Top Summer Getaways in Beerwah
Glass House Mountains: Visiting this volcanic mountain range is a must when in Beerwah. The Glass House Mountains offer a break from the coastal buzz, welcoming hikers, climbers, and nature lovers to a majestic landscape. This group of rugged volcanic peaks has trails for all experience levels, leading to incredible views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Australia Zoo: Located just a short drive from Beerwah, Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin, is one of the Sunshine Coast's most popular attractions. With interactive animal encounters, wildlife shows, and a vast range of animals, it’s an educational and exciting experience for children and adults alike.
Beerwah Heritage Trail: The Beerwah Heritage Trail is a lovely, easy walk that takes families through the town's historic sites, offering a glimpse into the area's rich past. The short trail is ideal for a relaxed stroll, where you can learn about Beerwah's history while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
With activities ranging from cultural attractions and wildlife encounters to outdoor adventures and scenic river cruises, a summer getaway on the Sunshine Coast promises unforgettable experiences. So, why wait? Plan your next summer to the holiday city of Australia.
