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When is the best time of year to fly to the Sunshine Coast?

The Sunshine Coast region shines all year, making it the ideal destination to visit at any time.

If you’re wishing to avoid the crowds (and peak rates) avoid the school holidays, especially the Christmas holidays. You can however pick up a good value flight if you book in advance.

During summer (December to February) daytime temperatures average around 17-28 degrees, making it a great time to enjoy time at the many white-sandy beaches. More prone to rainfall during this time, you may experience the tropical Queensland storms, cooling the hot day down.

Winter

Winter (June to August) temperatures sit at a comfortable 22-degree average, with evening lows of around 7 degrees. It’s a great time to visit the Sunshine Coast, with less crowds around.

Autumn

During autumn (March to May) the average temperature is a comfortable 13-25 degrees, a fantastic time for walking in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and Noosa National Park.

Spring

Spring (September to November) is a perfect time weather-wise to visit, when you’ll experience warm days and low rainfall, ideal for visiting the many attractions.

What are the Sunshine Coast's top attractions?

The Sunshine Coast offers travellers so much to explore, see, and experience – brilliant white-sandy beaches, the lush hinterland, major tourist attractions, and the buzzing café and dining culture. The below is a small sample of Sunshine Coast’s top attractions.

Australia Zoo

The iconic Australia Zoo, founded by legendary environmental warrior Steve Irwin, covers 1000 acres in Beerwah. Offering a huge range of unique experiences, including animal encounters, zoo keeper for a day and conservation shows, while you mustn’t miss Showtime in the Crocoseum..

Buderim Ginger Factory

With free entry and open 7 days a week, The Ginger Factory is a place to play, taste and discover. Perfect for families, with everything from a ginger train to The Gruffalo Trail. There’s also a guided factory tour and tastings, a ginger shop, and a café onsite.

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

Discover an amazing underwater world at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (formerly named UnderWater World Sea Life Aquarium). Based in Mooloolaba, this is an oceanarium, marine mammal park and wildlife sanctuary rolled into one incredible day out for the family. Offering a huge range of exhibits and experiences - from feeding the little blue penguins, swimming with the seals, and Sunshine Coast’s only cage-less shark diving experience!

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Escape the heat of the beach and explore charming artsy country towns like Montville and Maleny, marvel at the waterfalls and tropical rainforest in Kondalila National Park, hike the trails in the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains, and explore popular Eumundi, well known for its markets.

Noosa National Park

Covering a vast 3,000 hectares, Noosa National Park features the scenic coastal stretch of Noosa Headland, plus nearby areas of Coolum, Lake Weyba, and Peregian. Comprising of dense rainforest, woodland, eucalypt forest and native wildlife, the Park features walking paths, lookouts, plus picnic and barbecue areas. Bring your trail walking shoes and explore the many walks including the Coastal Walk stretching 10.8 kilometres return from Noosa headland to Sunshine Beach. Visit between June and November and you might be lucky to spot the humpback whales.

The Big Pineapple

A national tourism and food icon standing out on the Sunshine Coast (literally, the fibreglass pineapple is 16-metres tall), and a heritage-listed tourist attraction, The Big Pineapple has been operating since its build in 1971 at its location in Woombye – roughly a 30 minute drive inland from Maroochydore.

With a closure in October 2010, The Big Pineapple reinvigorated itself reopening under new ownership the following year, with more recent plans to adapt the site as a food and eco-tourism destination to include micro-breweries, distilleries, restaurants and a convention centre. The site is also host to music events such as the yearly Big Pineapple Music Festival.

Don’t miss a visit to the souvenir store stocking novelty and retro pineapple themed mementos such as vintage tea-towels (so cool).

Queensland Air Museum

A not-for-profit community owned aviation museum, a must for aviation-geeks, the Queensland Air Museum collects and preserves all aspects of aviation history. Exhibiting a large collection of aircraft engines, artefacts and photographs – the museum also houses the largest collection of historical aircraft in Queensland.

Art Studios

Creative studios are a plenty on the Sunshine Coast - showcasing contemporary art, photography, design and ideas. For a culture injection make your way to Sub Tropic Studio in Caloundra - located in the old Caloundra Transit Centre, this space now holds workshops, gigs and exhibitions; or to The Pottery Studio in Nambour – a beautiful warehouse style space running pottery classes - sign up for their Sunday Wine Down (yes wine is involved), and Pottery and Chill sessions.

For more, make sure to read our guide on the best things to do in Sunshine Coast.

Where to find the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast?

With its 100 kilometre stretch of sand - from Caloundra to the rainbow sands of Cooloola Coast - the Sunshine Coast offers 100 unique beaches to choose from.

For families, venture to Bulcock Beach, with its ample playgrounds and even a wooden pirate ship; Kings Beach in Caloundra, which features a beachside swimming pool and barbecue spots; and try Mooloolaba Spit for its relaxed peaceful neighbourhood.

If you’re a surfer, flock to Coolum Beach where you’ll find great waves and healthy cafes; and to the beaches at Noosa National Park, for both great swimming and surfing.

For the best of both worlds explore world-famous Noosa Heads, the most popular destination on the Sunshine Coast with its iconic white-sandy beach, fine dining restaurants, hip cafes and boutiques. Take a dip in the ocean at Mooloolaba Beach or nearby Alexandra Headland, and for calm waters venture to Cotton Tree – where ocean meets the river.

If you’re bringing your feline friend on holidays, there’s a host of fantastic dog-friendly beaches, including Point Cartwright Reserve, Sunshine Beach, and Twin Waters North Shore.

Too many beaches to mention, the Sunshine Coast offers something for every type of beach-goer, from the sun goddess to the surfer catching the morning breaks.

Where to eat and drink on the Sunshine Coast?

Spanning along the coastline from Bribie Island to Noosa Heads and inland to Maleny, Kenilworth and Cooroy, the Sunshine Coast is bursting with incredible produce and venues.

From coffee roasteries to a degustation at Harry’s on Buderim, fresh produce at Kawana Farmers Markets to seafood at Mooloolaba Wharf – the Sunshine Coast offers an extensive range of eateries, catering to all tastes and dietary needs.

Where to find the best Cafes?

Cool cafés and coffee roasteries continue to grace the Sunshine Coast. In the name of product-research we’ve done the testing for you and have a few great recommendations.

Combine your passion of coffee and music at Wax Buildup in Maroochydore – pour your way through the new and vintage vinyl over an award-winning barista brew. Nearby in Mooloolaba try BOMBA Coffee House - oozing with character, quirky vibes and Sunday music jam sessions.

Overlooking Bulcock Beach in Caloundra you’ll find Tom and Andy’s expresso van. Grab a Mambo Roasters coffee and toastie on the run.

If you’re in Coolum, check out the tasting room at Slide Coffee Roasters, and at Compound for a mighty fine coffee alongside vintage surf threads and relic surfboards.

Further north in Noosa, based behind an industrial estate, you’ll find Clandestino Roasters, one of the biggest coffee brands on the Sunshine Coast; and Iggy Sun – dishing up healthy food in this eclectic café.

Further inland to Buderim check out The Birds and the Beans, an old-school feel café run out of a converted garage.

Where to find the best dining?

From cosy eateries to fine dining, the Sunshine Coast keeps pushing the envelope with its produce and cuisine. Too many to note we’ve showcased a few favourites.

Don’t miss dining (aka book or you’ll miss out) at popular Sum Yung Guys on Sunshine Beach, the brainstorm of four local lads including ex-Masterchef contestant Matt Sinclair. Dishing up share-style Asian dishes you’re in for a treat.

In Noosa Heads the hot spots are Wasabi – catch the sun set on the Noosa River and taste for yourself why this Japanese hit is winning awards; and Locale - nestled down the Noosa National Park end of Hastings street this must-visit restaurant showcasing Italian at its best.

No visit to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a visit to renowned Spirit House and Hong Sa Bar, a rainforest culinary sanctuary dishing up incredible Thai and Vietnamese-inspired food.

Set in mountainous Montville is The Long Apron, a European inspired restaurant at Spicers Clovelly Estate, serving a modern twist to classic techniques.

For some seriously delicious vegan (and gluten free) fare venture to Maroochydore’s Elixiba – a plant-based laid-back restaurant and Alchemy Bar. Complete with quirky dish names like ‘Compassionate Curry’ and ‘Life by Chocolate Cake’ you’ll visit again, even if you’re not even vegan.

Where to find the best food and artisan markets?

The Sunshine Coast boasts plenty of local growers, producers and makers at its many farmers and artisan markets.

Make sure to visit the renowned Eumundi Markets, running on both Wednesday and Sunday, where the stall ethos is everyone there must ‘grow it, sew it, bake it or make it’.

For lovers of vintage treasures and bespoke crafts make your way to the new kid on the block in Eumundi, Viva la Vintage Market, held on the first Sunday of every month in the Brewery at the Imperial Hotel.

For fresh produce, a fabulous brunch, handcraft goods and live music, make tracks to Noosa Farmers Markets, held every Sunday morning from 6am.

Meanwhile, make your way to Kawana Waters Artisans and Farmers Market on a Saturday morning and you’ll arrive to the smell of coffee brewing, fresh produce and local cheeses.

You’ll also find seasonal evening markets being held over the summer months - Eumundi Summer Series Foodie Markets, Twilight Markets Caloundra, and the long awaited NightQuarter at Birtinya – a precinct home to 40 shipping container-based stallholders serving epic eats alongside local music acts. 

Where to find the best cheap eats?

You won’t find it hard to grab a great value meal on the Sunshine Coast’s buzzing foodie scene, this is just a smattering of the cheap eats on offer.

Head to Dirty Moe’s in Mooloolaba for their epic burgers at just $12 on Thursday nights, Embassy XO on Sunshine Beach for their $9 bao and beer deal, Umami Ramen in Maroochydore - where nothing costs more than $17 (and cater for vegans too), Ninth Street in Mooloolaba where you can grab $5 wings and beer (that’s 1970s prices!).

Where are Sunshine Coast Breweries and Distilleries?

Opening in January 2021 the latest distillery to grace the Sunshine Coast is 2020 Distillery. Slinging single-malt whisky and premium gins, this Cooroy based distillery has all the locals talking. Set in a warehouse space, 2020 Distillery even has martinis, negronis, and seltzers on tap – try their “Hello OMG”, bursting with orange, ginger and mango flavours.

Whilst in Maleny visit Brouhaha, brewing a mighty flavoursome range, such as their Strawberry Rhubarb Sour.

At Your Mates Brewhouse in Warana (a coastal suburb in Kawana Waters) join the parmy army on Thursday nights and for just $20 get a Your Mates beer along with one of their famous parmigianas.

Founded in an industrial shed near the beach in Maroochydore you’ll discover 10 Toes, in their words ‘self-proclaimed ratbags with good hearts making good beers’.

Or simply join a Sunshine Coast Craft Beer tour, to sample a range of the tasty brews on the Sunshine Coast.

Where to shop on the Sunshine Coast?

The Sunshine Coast offers everything from the best fashion boutiques, boho markets and shopping plazas. Everything from vintage clothes to high street labels graces the Sunshine Coast.

For fashionistas

Shop till your hearts content, with some of Australia’s best boutiques on offer during your holiday on the Sunshine Coast.

At Alterior Motiv (don’t you just love the name), located in both Cotton Tree and Noosa, you’ll walk out with a complete outfit – dress, sunglasses, accessories – tick.

For timeless slow-fashion pieces make your way to Cloth and Hide in Peregian Beach, their stables made from plant-based textiles.

If ever there was a boutique that should have a 'Danger' sign at the entry, Hunted Concept is it, stocking favourite labels - amongst them Francis Hendrie and Nobody Denim.

For those with a gypsy heart, skip into Bohemian Sundays at Peregian Beach, with brands such as Auguste and Free People.

For the lovers of vintage

The Sunshine Coast has swiftly become a treasure-trove of vintage, second-hand and mid-century-modern furniture and collectable finds – from high-waisted levis to re-loved 1960s Tessa lounges.

Make your way to Collective Haus in Yandina and allow hours for a shopping adventure. An old converted church, it’s now a vintage store with racks and racks of incredible second-hand clothing, shoes, accessories and collector items. There’s even coffee – winning!

For vintage heaven enter the doors of Style Workroom, located in Peregian Beach and Noosa Junction, for everything from a denim pinafore to new threads.

Sitting on the Wharf of Mooloolaba you’ll find Meraki Thread Co. – stocking upcycled and ethical clothing and vintage finds.

For the lovers of vintage and antique furniture you’re spoilt on the Sunshine Coast. Don’t miss a visit to the locals favourite Circa 70 in Maroochydore - you’ll be brought back to the 50s and 60s with their stunning range of mid-century-modern Parker, Tessa, and Fler pieces. For similar super-cool pieces visit midmodz in Peregian Square, they also stock a fantastic range of collectables.

For everything in between

For all your other retail needs visit the shopping centre and plazas throughout the Sunshine Coast – from Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore, to Kawana Shoppingworld, and Noosa Fair Shopping Centre.