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The Sunshine Coast is most well-known for it’s laid again coastal attraction, and naturally that’s one of many predominant explanation why you’d need to go to. Nonetheless, typically you possibly can have a bit of an excessive amount of seashore time, which is why we’ve ready this information on issues to do on the Sunshine Coast moreover seashores.
For those who’ve already visited the seashores on the Sunshine Coast, and also you’re prepared to go inland, you’ve come to the fitting place. It’s not all simply sand and surf, there are various actions and experiences you possibly can have away from the water as nicely.
From strolling trails to scenic vistas to wildlife parks and extra, there are various adventures available away from the waves. Let’s present you a few of our favorites!
Issues to Do on the Sunshine Coast Moreover Seashores
Listed below are a number of cool sights away from the seashore on the Sunshine Coast!
1. Aussie World, Palmview
Aussie World is a enjoyable household theme park with out the crowds. You’ll have a minimal wait time, and the employees deal with you such as you’re one of many household.
Not like Disneyland and the insane crowds you get there, the expertise at Aussie World was pretty and calm. We had loads of time to wander and expertise all of the rides with zero trouble.
Entry worth to Aussie World covers limitless rides – there aren’t any the wrong way up curler coasters, or thrilling rides, however for the youthful crowds, it presents classic household enjoyable!
I cherished taking Kalyra on the Wild Mouse for the primary time, tearing up the dodgem vehicles with Savannah beside me yelling to ‘go sooner and win the race, and experiencing my very first Ferris Wheel journey. Are you able to imagine it?!
Don’t neglect to take a look at the Illusionsarium, a spot of infinite dimensions and potentialities – it’s psychedelic child!
We had a whole lot of enjoyable with the ladies and cherished the relaxed and upbeat vibe. (You possibly can see extra within the video beneath)
2. Australia Zoo, Beerwah
Based by the late, and much-loved animal conservationist, Steve Irwin and his household, Australia Zoo is likely one of the high issues to do on the Sunshine Coast with children and doubtless Australia’s most well-known zoo.
I really like visiting Australia Zoo since you really feel the eagerness and animal love very strongly. We’ve been scores of time – Craig used to work there when Kalyra was born and helped assemble the African animal enclosures!
Australia Zoo presents a improbable time out for the household the place you possibly can feed and pat kangaroos, go to the African savannah and see a broad vary of Australian animals. Its well-known Wildlife Warrior hen and croc present is held within the Crocoseum day-after-day at 12 pm and is a particular spotlight.
Don’t neglect to go to the wildlife hospital to find out about all the nice work they do in defending our wildlife.
Tip: It’s okay to carry your foods and drinks into the zoo, so in case you’re feeling finances aware, simply seize a spot on the garden for lunch as a substitute of combating the crowds on the meals courtroom.
3. Gardner Falls, Maleny
We’re displaying you non-coastal Sunshine Coast actions on this publish, however that doesn’t imply it’s important to keep dry and scorching.
A hidden waterhole is ready for you throughout the forest at Maleny within the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Gardner Falls is ideal for households because it’s only a quick stroll in from the automotive park. There are a number of cascading waterfalls, which makes the right setting for a household picnic.
For the courageous ones, there are a number of ropes to swing off into the water beneath.
4. Montville stroll and divine chocolate cake views
I’m not a giant candy eater – I’m gluten free and principally sugar-free. On the odd event after I reveal (gluten free in fact), I anticipate it to be out of this world.
The chocolate raspberry mousse at Mayfield Patisserie & Goodies in Montville gave me out of this world. I savoured each chunk with groans of intense foodie pleasure.
You should have a whole lot of selections for locations to take a seat in Montville for espresso, cake, and views, however I extremely suggest in your first go to head straight for the most effective at Mayfield Patisserie & Goodies. (
Psst – it was additionally the most affordable place for espresso and the views stretching over to Sunshine Coast seashores are the identical as anyplace else a.okay.a. extraordinary.
5. Lake Baroon, Montville
Good for picnics, bushwalking, swimming, fishing and canoeing, Lake Baroon is located in a secluded valley in Montville.
We by no means knew of its existence till we lately stayed at Natures Escape Rainforest Retreat proper close to there and had lunch within the rainforest at Secrets and techniques on the Lake.
We extremely suggest you make a cease right here for a scrumptious lunch and delightful views over the lake.
6. Maleny Botanic Gardens and Chook World
For beautiful views of the Glasshouse Mountains and the shoreline, go to the Maleny Botanic Gardens. I feel it’s top-of-the-line botanical gardens on this planet and considered one of my new favorite issues to do on the Sunshine Coast (away from the coast).
The gardens are surrounded by rainforests and have 6 kilometres of strolling paths via terraced gardens, previous secret waterfalls, over ponds and lagoons and amongst vibrant vegetation and beautiful landscaping.
Plan to spend a while right here so you possibly can chill out and benefit from the aviary tour and the totally different styled gardens, such because the Oriental Backyard, a rainforest stroll, an orchid backyard, and a fairytale backyard.
The story of the proprietor, Frank Shipp, can also be fascinating to study extra about how he’s spent years tirelessly creating this imaginative and prescient and plans to proceed to develop it into a singular and particular place for folks to go to and get again in contact with nature.
Don’t neglect to absorb these views with a Devonshire tea from the pavilion.
7. Bellingham Maze, Tanawaha
I by no means thought racing round a maze along with your children can be satisfying. We’ve finished a number of now, and it’s considered one of our favorite actions we do as a household, and recollections the ladies share on a regular basis. The Bellingham Maze in Tanawaha didn’t disappoint.
The star-shaped hedge maze comprised of lilly-pillies is the principle occasion. Alongside the way in which you possibly can seek for gnomes and colored letters on poles to assist clear up some riddles.
As soon as you discover your technique to the tower and again out once more, try the opposite smaller mazes, just like the Tyre Maze, the Ropes Maze and our favorite, the timber Scrabble Maze. Discover the jumbled letters down the lifeless ends after which clear up the riddle! It’s an amazing studying train for the children (and maybe you as nicely!)
You possibly can try extra of the enjoyable we had on this video:
8. Yandina Markets
Yandina is likely one of the oldest cities on the Sunshine Coast and well-known for the ginger manufacturing unit and its sleepy tropical really feel.
Once we lived on the Sunshine Coast, I used to be not one for ginger, so by no means visited the manufacturing unit, however Craig’s mom cherished to go and at all times raved about it.
We met a traveller who had not lengthy visited the manufacturing unit and spoke about how a lot they loved the Overboard journey, harking back to ‘It’s a Small World’ with a gingerbread man twist (oops sorry for getting that music caught in your head). There’s additionally a historic cane practice for a journey across the property and tropical gardens to discover.
For me, Yandina was in regards to the farmer’s market held each weekend.
It’s informal and rustic and gave me an opportunity to seize my recent produce but additionally to peruse via folks’s previous treasures and select some new pot vegetation for our home. Craig’s mum picked up three pots of frangipanis as soon as to take dwelling and plant in her backyard.
Yandina has such an amazing group really feel. I’ve heard rave opinions about The Spirit Home, considered one of Australia’s most well-known Asian eating places and excessive on my listing of issues to take a look at on a return to the Sunshine Coast.
9. Glass Home Mountains
There are a number of locations in Australia (and the world) that captivate you and pull you in with their religious essence. Uluru and Kakadu are two of them, and proper alongside them are the Glasshouse Mountains!
They’ve an aura that speaks of historic knowledge and timelessness and its onerous to drag away your gaze.
There are a number of panoramic viewing spots of the glasshouse – typically as your driving alongside the freeway and seeing them is magnetic sufficient.
A number of of our favourites
- The Mt Ngungun stroll, a simple 2.8 km return stroll as much as the height for spectacular 360-degree views of all 4 main peaks of the Glass Home Mountain
- You possibly can drive to The Lookout for 180-degree panoramic views of the mountain peaks
- We additionally heard dawn and sundown views are nice from Wildhorse Mountain
Extra wonderful views within the Noosa Nationwide Park Hinterland
10. Eumundi Markets
If you wish to expertise the vibe of a historic Queensland village, Eumundi within the Noosa hinterland is the place to return. Historic buildings, some courting again to 1890-1930, line the road and are full of artwork galleries, boutique wineries, and cafes.
Once we lived in Mooloolaba, the Eumundi Markets was at all times on our listing of locations to take our guests – and we had lots. The markets are held each Saturday and Wednesday and are one of many largest artisan markets in Australia.
I cherished spending the day searching the stalls full of clay collectible figurines, work, jewelry and listening to the buskers and didgeridoo gamers. We’d seize some meals from the meals stalls or sit at one of many cafes on the principle avenue for a relaxation with stay music after our day of searching.
Wednesday markets are the most effective to flee the crowds; Eumundi is at all times busy on a Saturday.
11. Kondalilla Nationwide Park, Montville
The Kondalilla Nationwide Park is a lush rainforest located in Montville within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The attractive 4.7km Kondilla Falls circuit stunning strolling path takes you from the highest of Kondalilla Falls, previous rock swimming pools, and beautiful views, down the escarpment to a picnic space.
Sadly, there was no water flowing from the falls after we visited, and we couldn’t stroll any additional than the rock pool attributable to harmful falling rocks, however Kondalilla Falls is claimed to be spectacular and drops 90 metres into the rainforest valley. On the base of the falls you’ll discover bunya pines,
On the base of the falls you’ll discover bunya pines, piccabeen palms and patches of lush rainforest, however be ready for a 100 step climb again out from the underside.
Pack your swimmers so you possibly can cool off on the rock swimming pools if it’s a scorching day.
12. Noosa Farmers Market
You possibly can see we’ve got a factor for markets. It’s considered one of my favorite methods to spend a morning, in addition to to take a look at the native vibe.
The Noosa Farmers Market is stuffed with recent natural produce, however might be busy. Nonetheless, completely value it for a go to to the Sunflower Lodge for the most effective smoothie I’ve ever had.
On our final go to to Noosa, I begged the household to permit house in our day for me to cram in a fast run out and in to seize one. We ran via the squelchy mud, frantically looking for it within the maze of stalls, solely to search out out that the house owners have been getting married and so not opened that day!!!! I used to be gutted.
Significantly the Earth Mom smoothie was so good, I can nonetheless style it two years later and can be the very first thing I seek out after we return. For those who comply with us on Snapchat, you understand I’m a inexperienced smoothie addict.
13. Mount Coolum, Coolum Seashore
Mt Coolum could be close to Coolum Seashore, however there’ll be no ocean to chill you down on this sweaty scramble to the highest. Sadly, it’s not one thing we’ve got finished but.
In case, you didn’t know we lived on the Sunshine Coast when Kalyra was a child, and we went via our monetary catastrophe so I didn’t have the bodily or psychological capability to climb Mt Coolum.
I do know lots who’ve and have cherished the expertise.
14. Strawberry Choosing, Palmview
Treasured household recollections are made right here at Strawberry Fields by getting again to nature and having fun with the outside, selecting your individual strawberries, having a picnic lunch within the pretty manicured gardens or treating your self to a tea or espresso and one thing Yummm and strawberry flavoured from the Strawberry Fields Cafe.
Decide your individual season opens from June – November.
15. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
A serene 55 hectacre nature reserve, the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a tranquil subtropical rainforest with views of the Glass Home Mountains.
It was as soon as a thriving rainforest recognized for its various plant and animal life, and is now a residing museum the place these vegetation can develop and prosper.
You possibly can go for stress-free walks via the rainforest or unpack a picnic in one of many picnic areas.
16. Caloundra Coastal Stroll
If you wish to see the ocean however keep on dry land, the Caloundra Coastal Stroll is the right coastal stroll!
It’s 25 kilometres lengthy, however you don’t should stroll all of it. It extends from Golden Seashore to Mooloolaba and is usually family-friendly, stopping off at Kings Seashore which is known for its rock swimming pools.
My favorite a part of the monitor is from Kawana to Level Cartwright, the place you possibly can stroll as much as the lighthouse and do some whale watching from the shore.
From this vantage level, it’s doable to see humpback whales on their annual migration from July to Mid-October.
Extra South Queensland Journey Ideas
Want extra inspiration in your journey to South Queensland? Take a look at these different posts!
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Which of these items to do on the Sunshine Coast that don’t contain the coast would you most love to do? Share within the feedback!