Sunshine Coast shining brightly
Beach in the north and into its hinterland, is one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations.
Discover some of the attractions and experiences that have earned this region its well-deserved reputation.
Below the water
With more than 100km of pristine white sandy beaches, it's likely you'll choose some water-based activities on the Sunny Coast (as locals affectionately call it).
On a Sunreef tour departing from The Wharf Mooloolaba, you can snorkel with tropical fish, eagle rays, octopuses, wobbegongs, and sea turtles at Mudjimba Island's vibrant reefs. (All equipment – wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel – is included.)
For those less inclined to get wet but still eager to see marine creatures, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast at Mooloolaba is a perfect choice. This family-friendly oceanarium and wildlife sanctuary features 11 themed zones with more than 10,000 marine creatures under one roof.
SEA LIFE staff offer talks about marine animals and their natural habitats. A highlight is the presentation at Seal Island (held undercover), where trainers interact with seals to showcase their intelligence.
The Ocean Tunnel provides 360-degree views of marine life, allowing visitors to safely observe large rays, groper fish, and sharks gliding overhead. SEA LIFE is accessible with ramps and elevators, and there is free parking with a four-hour limit.
Spray of the Coast Coast at Mooloolaba Wharf.
On the water
The beautiful ketch Spray of the Coral Coast departs the jetty at Mooloolaba Wharf for a two-hour bush-tucker cruise with Saltwater Eco Tours around the canals of the Mooloolah River.
The 100-year-old gaff-rigged boat has been restored by owners Simon Thornalley and his partner Jenna Griffith.
At the helm, Simon shared stories about the Indigenous Traditional Custodians of the region, the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples, and where they foraged for food.
Cruising the waterways, we savoured delicious handmade bush-tucker-inspired canapes, prepared below deck by Skye.
Saltwater Eco Tours also offers a sunset cruise featuring live music.
Near the water
Hiring a bike from EcoTekk Sunshine Coast is a fun way to explore the Sunny Coast's bike paths.
The friendly owners, Tracey and Stuart, deliver e-bikes to your accommodation and conduct a brief safety check before you set off. (They also offer guided cycling tours.)
We started cycling from our accommodation in Mooloolaba, following bike paths and connecting to the Coastal Pathway. We stopped at Bokarina for artisan ice cream at Wallace and Wood.
After our 'strenuous' bike ride, we enjoyed a 90-minute session at TANK Bathhouse in Mooloolaba.
We relaxed in six botanicalinfused magnesium baths set at varying temperatures, then visited the dry sauna and wet steam room.
We left feeling utterly rejuvenated.
An aerial view of the Sunshine Coast on an Oceanview Helicopters flight.
Above the water
“I have the best job in the world because my job brings everyone joy,” says Karl Mayne, owner-operator of Oceanview Helicopters.
Karl’s mission is to create unforgettable experiences. You can book him for a unique pub crawl, a golf outing at courses around the Sunny Coast and Gold Coast, or even a romantic picnic on a mountain peak.
During our 30-minute scenic ride from Caloundra airport, we flew near the Glasshouse Mountains, appreciating a bird's-eye view of Mt Beerwah without the effort of climbing.
There were plenty of gasps as we flew over the ocean near Point Cartwright, admiring the swirling sand patterns and vivid blue hues.
Queensland's 'sunshine pantry'
The Sunny Coast boasts more than 900 producers, offering a plethora of food, drink, and fresh produce choices.
We dined at Rice Boi at The Wharf Mooloolaba, a short stroll from our accommodation at Mirra Chana Apartments. Open for lunch and dinner, Rice Boi has a no-booking policy. Patrons happily wait in line for its popular menu.
My standout dish was the 10-hour coconut braised beef, and the Thai yellow curry chicken spring rolls were unforgettable.
Close to Mooloolaba Beach, Casa Restaurant is the second venue by the husband-and-wife team behind the popular Casita Wine Bar (next door).
Owner Kate Yates brings a keen eye for interior design.
Casa (Spanish for home), with its whitewashed walls, exudes a casual Mediterranean-meets-coastal vibe.
The menu features small plates for sharing and larger land and sea dishes.
We also dined at SOKA in Maroochydore, enjoying a unique blend of Japanese cuisine infused with smoky flavors from SOKA's hibachi grills.
Where to stay
Mirra Chana Apartments is centrally located in Mooloolaba, within a five-minute walk of both Mooloolaba Beach and The Wharf Mooloolaba.
All apartments are self-contained, featuring fully equipped kitchens, perfect for hosting family or friends.
The property includes a small lagoonstyle pool and BBQ facilities. It's conveniently close to SEA LIFE and popular restaurants.
A giraffe feeding in Australia Zoo's Africa enclosure.
Animal attraction
Last December, Australia Zoo unveiled four luxury Crocodile Cabins overlooking a billabong that is home to freshwater crocodiles and endangered Mary River turtles.
These new cabins complement the zoo’s eight family-friendly cabins, four one-bedroom cabins, and a fully accessible three-bedroom cabin.
Guests at the Crocodile Hunter Lodge enjoy unlimited zoo entry for the duration of their stay.
A shuttle bus transfers visitors between the zoo and their accommodation, allowing for rest breaks before returning.
Don’t miss the daily Wildlife Warriors Show, where a handler entices a saltwater crocodile from the water’s edge.
On the day we visited, Robert Irwin’s appearance created great excitement among the crowd.
Visit racq.com/benefits to find out how members can save on a range of experiences, dining out and accommodation options on the Sunshine Coast.
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