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Things to do in Sunshine Coast

Our most recommended things to do in Sunshine Coast

Moreton Island: Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise

1. Moreton Island: Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise

Discover Moreton Bay Marine Park and learn about marine life from an onboard marine naturalist on this cruise. Go on a guided snorkeling tour of the Tangalooma wrecks and keep an eye our for the dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles that call this glamour area home. Choose from a tour where you meet the boat at the Rivergate Marina or with pickup from the Gold Coast or Brisbane. Throw your swimwear into a bag and set sail to uncover miles of unspoiled white sand beaches. Departing daily from Brisbane, cruise in luxury to Moreton Bay Marine Park aboard the modern, air-conditioned catamaran Spirit of Migaloo II. Here enjoy the freedom to do as much or as little as you please with all activities included and no local fees. Dive in and snorkel the fifteen shipwrecks that have been deliberately sunk just off the coastline with an abundance of spectacular coral formations and colorful marine life that needs to be seen to be believed. No experience is required and all equipment and water safety items are provided. Afterwards, join our naturalist guides in a fish-feeding session with the 200 species that frequent the area. Satisfy your appetite with a gourmet tropical buffet featuring ocean king prawns, and quench your thirst with a glass of local wine, craft beer or frozen cocktail. Take the time to relax, enjoy free island time on the pristine white-sand beach. Kayak on sheltered crystal-clear waters, join a game with complimentary beach sporting equipment, or simply kick back and soak in the serenity. Watch out for some of Queensland’s best marine wildlife in this area that is home to one of the largest populations of bottlenose dolphins in Australia. Feel the joy of seeing them jump and play in turquoise waters. Search for six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles and herds of shy and gentle dugongs in one of the world’s remaining strongholds for this species. Get help from the onboard marine naturalists that have been working with these incredible animals for over a decade and have the experience to give you the closest wildlife encounters possible.

Noosa: Afternoon Cruise through the Noosa Everglades

2. Noosa: Afternoon Cruise through the Noosa Everglades

Climb aboard an eco safari vessel and travel to the Noosa Everglades on this group tour. Experience one of the two everglade systems on the planet. Travel over the calm reflective waters that are known as the river of mirrors. View Queensland's most stunning natural landscapes. Sip a glass of sparkling wine or beer as you cruise the waterways and keep a lookout for wildlife. Upon returning, try to spot one of the many grey Kangaroos that inhabit the Habitat Ecocamp.

Noosa: Full-Day Fraser Island Warrior Tour

3. Noosa: Full-Day Fraser Island Warrior Tour

Start your day from the convenient meeting point in Noosa or with a courtesy pickup from select hotels. You will travel through the Toolara Forest and Great Sandy National Park as you travel toward Fraser Island. Following a quick stop in Rainbow Beach, board the ferry from Inskip Point over to the island, looking out for marine life along the way. Then drive along the beach highway to a freshwater creek where you'll enjoy morning tea with a view. Following that, it will be time to make your way through the inland tracks to experience a 4WD adventure. You'll journey through the forest to Lake McKenzie, a highlight for many due to the beautiful white sandy beach and perfectly blue waters.  You can cool off with a swim, enjoy fantastic photo opportunities, or relax on the beach before tucking into an authentic and healthy Aussie picnic-style lunch. Following lunch, you'll walk through the ancient rainforest of Central Station and Pile Valley, which is home to many unique and exciting species. Wander alongside the crystal clear Wanggoolba Creek as you take in the sights and smells of the tallest rainforest growing out of the sand.  It will then be time to start making your way back towards Noosa with another drive down the beach highway and a brief stopover in Rainbow Beach. 

Sunshine Coast: Mooloolaba River Sunset Cruise

4. Sunshine Coast: Mooloolaba River Sunset Cruise

Unwind into the Mooloolaba evening with a cocktail or two and a selection of the catch of the day while sailing effortlessly through the magical scenery of the Mooloolah Rivers.  The cruise picks you up from Wharf Mooloolaba, and takes you out to the river mouth first to enjoy scenic views right down to the Noosa headland.  Next stop is the local Mooloolaba fish markets to pick up the fresh catch of the day. You’ll then continue on a leisurely cruise through the bottom section of the Mooloolah River, and then through the harbor and canals. The boat is fully licensed so you can purchase wine, beer, cocktails and soft drinks all on board. And if you’d like to eat, A full à la carte menu is offered, using the fresh catch of the day picked up at the market.

Mooloolaba: Seafood Lunch Cruise

5. Mooloolaba: Seafood Lunch Cruise

Depart for your seafood lunch cruise from The Wharf in Mooloolaba. Jump aboard this entertaining 1.5-hour cruise along the river and canals of Mooloolaba, a top destination in Australia! Kick back and relax with table service and entertaining commentary from your guide. Come with an appetite - included on the cruise is a choice of four meals: fish and chips, calamari and chips, fresh Mooloolaba prawns, or a burger and chips. Upgrades and extras will be available on board. Enjoy your delicious meal while sailing by the beautiful sunny coastlines of Mooloolaba. With a fully licensed bar and comfortable booth seating onboard, this is a day out for the whole family to enjoy! 

Noosa: Everglades Explorer Cruise with Optional Canoeing

6. Noosa: Everglades Explorer Cruise with Optional Canoeing

Cruise or canoe the tranquil waterways of Australia's only Everglades on this tour with shuttle transfers from Noosa. Enjoy spectacular photo opportunities as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this unique ecosystem where 44% of Australia’s bird species reside.  Be picked up at select meeting points in Noosa and relax on the transfer aboard a climate-controlled bus. Soak up the atmosphere of the Everglades over a hot cup of morning tea.  Take in the Noosa River system from aboard an eco-boat or transfer to the canoe launch site and hop aboard a canoe and paddle your way through the pristine wilderness.  Uncover how pure freshwater pulses out of the Cooloola Sandmass and filters through the tea tree-infused ecosystem into this unique river system, creating the most spectacular reflections.  After your Everglades experience have the chance to buy lunch at the onsite bar and bistro where you can order craft beer from the micro-brewery. Return to your meeting point in Noosa at the end of your tour.

Mooloolaba Canal Cruise with Entertaining Commentary

7. Mooloolaba Canal Cruise with Entertaining Commentary

Discover the Sunshine Coast from the water on a canal cruise on a historic timber ferry, the only 1 still in operation in the region. Departing from Mooloolaba, explore the coast and canal system and enjoy an optional lunch at a nearby restaurant after the cruise. Upon departure, cruise past the wharf complex and marina towards Mooloolah Island, a man-made island where you can find some of Mooloolaba’s most luxurious mansions and award-winning homes. Continue on past Minyama Island and learn all about its famous residents including celebrities and sports stars. Then, enter the Kawana Canal system and learn the history of the area's development from useless swamp land to some of Queensland’s most expensive real estate. Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline from Mooloolaba Beach right up to Noosa Heads as the boat turns around at the river heads before returning back through the river. Pass the pilot boats used by the Brisbane pilotage service and see where the wild Osprey Eagles nest. On the way back, pass by commercial fishing boats, including the largest long-line fishing fleet in Australia. Finish off the cruise by passing the Mooloolaba Marina and Yacht Club. Select the lunch option and combine the cruise experience with a meal at a local restaurant. Choose from a specific menu of fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes, plus sides, and 1 house wine, beer, or soft drink.

From Brisbane: Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket

8. From Brisbane: Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket

Enjoy a convenient pickup from your Brisbane accommodation and make your way to the world-famous Australia Zoo aboard an air-conditioned vehicle. Explore this interactive attraction with an included admission ticket, gaze at exotic animals, and witness fascinating live shows. Visit Australia Zoo, accompanied by your friendly and experienced guide. You will have approximately 6 hours, heaps of time to enjoy the best Zoo in Australia. Explore the world's most interactive zoo at your own pace and watch daily animal shows including saltwater crocodiles and more. Don't miss the Wildlife Warriors show at 1.00PM! Relax at the end of the day as your tour concludes with drop off back at your hotel in Brisbane's CBD.

Noosa Heads: 2-Hour Surf Lesson with Local Instructor

9. Noosa Heads: 2-Hour Surf Lesson with Local Instructor

Learn to surf on the idyllic Sunshine Coast at Noosa Heads, one of Australia's best known surfing towns. With warm water and a safe beach, it is ideal for learning how to surf the waves. Start off with a safety briefing and some basic instruction on the beach before catching your first few waves waist-deep in the water. Back on the beach, take in some detailed instruction about how to stand up on your surfboard before finally paddling onto the wave. Feel the thrill of standing on your first wave with the help of your instructor, who will assist by pushing you onto waves, and offering advice and support to everyone for the remainder of the lesson. Feel free to use the showering facilities at the end to leave feeling refreshed after an exhilarating lesson. 

From Rainbow Beach: Fraser Island Tour with Lunch

10. From Rainbow Beach: Fraser Island Tour with Lunch

Start your day from the convenient meeting point in Rainbow Beach and travel through the Toolara Forest and Great Sandy National Park as you travel toward Fraser Island. Board the ferry from Inskip Point over to the island, looking out for marine life along the way. Then drive along the beach highway to a freshwater creek where you'll enjoy morning tea with a view. Following that, it will be time to make your way through the inland tracks to experience a 4WD adventure. Journey through the forest to Lake McKenzie, a highlight for many due to the beautiful white sandy beach and perfectly blue waters.  You can cool off with a swim, enjoy fantastic photo opportunities, or relax on the beach before tucking into an authentic and healthy Aussie picnic-style lunch. Following lunch, you'll walk through the ancient rainforest of Central Station and Pile Valley, which is home to many unique and exciting species. Wander alongside the crystal clear Wanggoolba Creek as you take in the sights and smells of the tallest rainforest growing out of the sand.  It will then be time to start making your way back toward Rainbow Beach. 

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What people are saying about Sunshine Coast

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 569 reviews

It's worth the detour

Very good day at the castle... The staff is smiling and welcoming despite the heat wave!! Too bad there was no air conditioning! And I think it would be good to give headphones with the small radios... It's not practical to hold them in your hand and you can't always hear well! Otherwise I recommend!!

We had a great trip up the River on the Seafood river cruise, met some other lovely like minded travellers and had a great lunch, my husband had prawns and I had barramundi and chips. We have done that same cruise a few years ago and enjoyed it just as much.

Noosa Everglades is a quiet beautiful place, guys from tour were very puntual and té morning included muffins and variety of juices. I highly recommend the canopy option. It’s definitely an excepcional tour

My wife and I had the best 1.5 hour trip. Rod the skipper was so informative about the whole place and Kerry made sure we didn’t go thirsty.

GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE THE EVERGLADES.HIGHLY RECOMMEND.