Visitor

information
services
Caloundra Visitor Information Centre
7 Caloundra Road, Caloundra QLD 4551
Phone: 07 5420 6240
Free call 1800 644 969
www.caloundratourism.com.au

Maroochydore Visitor Information Centre

Cnr Sixth Avenue & Aerodrome Road,
Maroochydore QLD 4558
Phone: 07 5459 9050
Freecall: 1800 882 032
www.discovermaroochy.com.au

Noosa Visitor Information Centre

Hastings St, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Phone: 13000 NOOSA (66672)
www.visitnoosa.com.au

Cooloola Visitor Information Centre

24 Bruce Highway, Gympie QLD 4570
Phone: 07 5482 5444
Freecall: 1800 444 222
www.cooloola.org.au

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 Sunshine Coast
Queensland Australia

tourismsunshinecoast.com.au
 1.
Australia Zoo
Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah
www.australiazoo.com.au
Crikey! There is no other zoo like
Australia Zoo. With plenty of wildlife
action every day including exciting
croc shows, knowledgeable zoo
keepers to chat with and lots of drop-
dead gorgeous animals that can’t
wait to get up close and personal with
YOU! Open 7 days from 9am – 5pm.

2.
Bag a bargain at the markets
Bring a recyclable bag and spend some time at one of our local,
hinterland or seaside markets. Stock up on the freshest produce,
specialty fare and original creations. “Make it, bake it, grow it or sew it”
is the motto of the famous Eumundi Market, held each Wednesday
and Saturday.

Market Guide:
Wednesday: Eumundi Markets
4.
Bird’s eye view
Start your day floating at dawn in a hot air balloon above the majestic
Thursday: Cooroy Community Glass House Mountains or finish the day with the adrenalin-pumping thrill
Market RSL Hall, Maple Street of tandem skydiving over Caloundra, Coolum or Rainbow Beach.
Saturday: Eumundi Markets, For more bird’s eye views try parasailing off the Carlo Sandblow on the
Big Pineapple Growers Markets, Cooloola Coast or take a silent glider flight.
Yandina, Dagun and Nambour
Farmers Markets
Sunday: Noosa Farmers Markets,
Local Story
Noosa Marina, Caloundra Bulcock
Street and Country Market, Cotton
Tree, Peregian Beach (1st, 3rd and
5th Sunday), Imbil and Maleny 5.
Buderim Forest Park
By Helga
When you’ve had enough sand, sun and surf and want to get out of the
sun and chill out, then you must head down to the Buderim Forest Park.
It truly is a picture perfect rainforest with shaded walking tracks from
entrance to entrance.
There is nothing like taking a dip in the cool Serenity Falls water hole,

Big Kart Track

3.
Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough
P: +61 7 5494 1613
www.bigkart.com.au
it is pure heavenly bliss. There are also picnic areas and barbeques
for those wanting to make a day of it. It is definitely a must if visiting the
area and is my favourite place to unwind and get back to nature.

6.
Caloundra Coastal Path
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Looking for action? Big Kart Track has got it all! Straights, bends, This coastal pathway stretches
chicanes and hair-raising hairpins. Big Kart Track is the largest 25 km along some of the most
commercial go-kart track in Australia. The track is 1.2 km in length scenic shorelines on the Sunshine
and 8 metres wide. Pit your wits and challenge your friends to a Coast, at Caloundra. It is a
race on Australia’s fastest Go-Kart track! continuous coastal link from Golden
It is the perfect venue for group bookings and team building with 50 Beach in the south to Point
karts available. Open 7 days from 9am - 5pm Sunday to Thursday and Cartwright in the north. With sights
9am - 10pm Friday and Saturday. such as a lighthouse, lakes,
creeks and surf beaches, this scenic
trail is a perfect way to get out
and about and explore Caloundra’s
natural beauty.
 50 things to enjoy
on the Sunshine Coast
MORE ACTIVITIES THAN YOU CAN DREAM OF - One of the great things about the Sunshine Coast is that you
can do as much or as little as you like. It's home to a number of exceptional attractions and activities both man
made and natural. In order to make the most of your visit we have outlined 50 things for you to enjoy in the region.
Our locals also share their favourite places and experiences with you - look out for their 'Local Stories'.
Visit your nearest Visitor Information Centre where knowledgeable staff will make arrangements for you to visit
some or all of these attractions.
If you don’t get time to complete the whole 50 on your first visit, we look forward to welcoming
you back to the Sunshine Coast.

7.
Cooloola Wilderness Trail
www.epa.qld.gov.au
Found in the Great Sandy
National Park the Cooloola
Wilderness Trail, is an excellent
2-4 day camping trip with
multiple walking tracks to choose
from. There are five campsites
available along the route. The
track was created in 1986
to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the rescue of Eliza
Fraser. It is an approximation of the
10.
Cycle the Noosa Trail Network from Kin Kin
Set off on one of six picturesque hinterland trails that make up the Noosa
Trail Network. Choose to walk, horse ride or mountain bike or for more
adventure, why not combine a few trails together?
11.
Dine out in style
With surf, sun and tranquil hinterland as the backdrop, the pursuit of
fabulous food is high on the agenda on a Sunshine Coast holiday. With many
menus featuring local produce, you can literally taste your way around the
Sunshine Coast. Try an award winning restaurant, fish ‘n’ chips fresh from
the trawlers or enjoy a classic Aussie Meal at one of the many Surf Clubs -
whatever your taste buds crave, you’ll be sure to be satisfied.

8.
Cruise the waterways
route followed by Eliza.
12.
Cruise away on a picturesque river cruise exploring some of the natural Dive the Ex-HMAS Brisbane
wonderlands and harbours of the Sunshine Coast. Multiple operators can Mooloolaba
help you explore the Noosa Everglades, Noosa and Mooloolah Rivers and www.scubaworld.com.au
Pumicestone Passage in Caloundra. www.sunreef.com.au.
Dive the site of one of Australia’s
most distinguished warships. The
ex-HMAS Brisbane has grown into an
impressive artificial reef and lies at
a depth of 27 metres off the coastline
of Mooloolaba. Beautiful all year
diving conditions and ease of access
have made the former destroyer one
of Australia’s most talked about dive
sites. ScubaWorld and Sunreef hold
permits to dive the site.
9.
Coast the region by Harley Davison
www.freedomwheels.com.au
For the ultimate two-wheel, wind-in-your hair adventure climb aboard a
Harley Davidson and cruise the hills and valleys of the scenic hinterland. Why
not drop into a local winery, cheese factory or art gallery along the way?
13.
Dive with Grey Nurse Sharks

18.
Cooloola
Add a little more adrenalin to your dive by visiting Wolf Rock, one of the few
places in the world where you can dive with large schools of grey nurse sharks.
Wolf Rock is a formation of four volcanic pinnacles found north of Double Island
Point and is considered to be one of Australia’s top ten diving destinations. Ginger Factory

14.
Tin Can Bay
Feed the Dolphins
Tin Can Bay is one of only three places in Australia where you can hand feed
the rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Feed the wild dolphins at the water’s
edge as part of a tour from Rainbow Beach or self drive to Tin Can Bay. Feeding
starts at about 8am and continues until approximately 11am (unless the
dolphins decide to leave beforehand).
50 Pioneer Road Yandina
P: +61 7 5446 7100
www.gingerfactory.com.au
Visit the home of Buderim Ginger and experience the authentic tastes
of Queensland. Spend the day enjoying the delicious flavours, fabulous
shopping and educational tours or let the kids chase the gingerbread
man around the globe on the Overboard ride. The Ginger Factory is
now also home to the Superbee Live Bee Show and The Buderim
Ginger Cooking School. Open 7 days, 9am to 5pm, Free Admission –

15. fees apply for tours and rides.

Find a hole in your diary

Tee off against spectacular scenic
backdrops and test your skills at
19.
Glass House Mountains
Climb, abseil or simply take in the spectacular view of the Glass House
one of the Sunshine Coasts five Mountains. Steeped in Aboriginal Legend, the Glasshouse Mountains are a
championship golf courses. Choose series of spectacular volcanic plugs rising dramatically from the coastal plain.
from Greg Norman designed Club
Pelican, Twin Waters or Hyatt Regency
Coolum - the home of the Australian
PGA championship, Peregian Springs
(members only) and Noosa Springs.

16.
4WD Fun
Create your own itinerary through one of the designated forest drives of the
Mary Valley or join a 4x4 adventure tour to the Great Sandy National Park.
Catch the ferry from Tewantin and visit Noosa’s North Shore for some 4WD
action along a 50 kilometre beach highway. A choice of camping or luxury
accommodation is also available.

20.
Great Sandy National Park
Visitors can cross the river to camp, fish, ride a horse or join a camel trek in
the Great Sandy National Park. Four-wheel drive vehicles can continue along
the 50-kilometre stretch of beach to Double Island Point and the Teewah
Coloured Sands.

21.
Hire a boat
Be your own captain and round up the crew for a fun day out on the water

17.

Caloundra
Giddy Up!
with friends or family. Boats can be hired from a number of locations across
the Sunshine Coast including the Maroochy & Noosa Rivers, Caloundra,
Rainbow Beach & Tin Can Bay. One day not enough? Then hire a house boat
from Tin Can Bay or Rainbow Beach Marinas and explore the Great Sandy Strait
www.sctc.com.au
at your own pace.
Experience the glamour and excitement of thoroughbred racing at the
Sunshine Coast Turf Club. This is an excellent day out with friends and family.
Twilight racing is held on Saturdays and afternoon racing on Sundays. 22.
Horse Riding on the beach
www.equathon.com
Enjoy horse riding along some of Sunshine Coast’s famous beaches including
Noosa North Shore and Rainbow Beach.
 28.

Landsborough
Landsborough Museum

www.landsboroughmuseum.org.au
Established in 1976, Landsborough Museum is one of the largest social
history museums between Gympie & Brisbane. Exhibiting memorabilia,
documents, photographs and stories of indigenous and non-indigenous
peoples whose heritage can be linked to this region.

23.
Indulge in a local drop
Meander through some of the hinterland’s most stunning natural settings
Open from Wednesday – Sunday 9.00am to 3.00pm.

and pop in to a number of gorgeous boutique wineries, located in the Local Story
Blackall Range, Kenilworth and Traveston areas. Cellar doors include Flame
Hill Vineyard, Blind Man’s Bluff, Dingo Creek Vineyard, Little Morgue Winery,
Maleny Mountain Wines and Maroochy Springs.

24.
Improve your culinary skills
Learn to cook at one of the Sunshine Coast’s famous cooking schools and
29.
Location, location, location
By Adam
impress your friends at your next dinner party. Classes are scheduled at
My favourite space on the Sunshine Coast is the secluded and scenic
Spirit House and The Ginger Factory in Yandina, On the Ridge in Kureelpa
Mt Tinbeerwah. This photo was taken after a short climb to the top of
and Amytis Gardens Retreat & Spa in Kiels Mountain.
the Mountain from the car park. One of the Sunshine Coast’s secluded
lookouts; it provides 360 degree views of the coastline and hinterland.
Make it even better by watching the sun set with a bottle of wine.
Just marvellous.

30.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

25.
148 Mountain View Road, Maleny
www.mary-cairncross.com.au
Wander through the 52 hectares of subtropical rainforest at the Mary
Cairncross Scenic Reserve. A remnant of the rainforests that once covered
the Blackall Range, the Reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and
Jet Ski on Pumicestone Passage animal life which promises to delight with its tranquillity and beauty.
P: 0434 330 660
www.caloundrajetski.com.au
Jet Ski along the pristine waters of the Pumicestone Passage Marine
Park on a fully instructed and guided eco tour with Caloundra Jet Ski. No
licence is required. Experience the freedom of gliding your machine along
mangrove lined waterways & channels, past protected wetlands, birdlife
and uninhabited islands, while taking in views of the iconic Glass House
Mountains.
Tours available include the 40 min ‘Lighthouse Reach’, the popular 80
min ‘Glass House Twister’ and the full-on 3 hour ‘Toorbul Express’. We
promise not only thrills and excitement, but also unsurpassed natural
beauty, isolation and a real Jet Ski adventure journey. It’s SERIOUS
RIDING and SERIOUS FUN.
31.
Mary Valley Rattler
Old Railway Station Tozer Street, Gympie

26.
Kayak Adventures
The Sunshine Coast pristine waterways and beaches provide a perfect
playground to venture out on a kayak. Take a guided kayak tour of the
Noosa Everglades or Caloundra’s Pumicestone Passage Marine Park or
hire your own!
www.thevalleyrattler.com
All aboard! - “The Valley Rattler” steam heritage tours run every Saturday,
Sunday and Wednesdays. The Rattler’s spectacular journey begins at historic
Gympie Railway Station and travels through the scenic Mary Valley, stopping
at the fully restored, landscaped and original stations of Dagun, Amamoor,
Kandanga and Imbil - where good, old fashioned country hospitality can

27. Local Story

Kings Beach Playground
be enjoyed.

Caloundra
By Zeta
We moved to the Sunshine Coast from the UK a year ago. The children
love it. There’s the grass area, lovely beach, outdoor sea water pool, BBQ
area, trampoline, water jets and it’s the perfect family day out at Kings
Beach. We explore all the Sunshine Coast beaches and this is one of our
favourite family places.
32.
Meet the growers
Meet the producers, stock up on fresh food or buy handmade creations at
the local farmers markets? Every Saturday at the Nambour Showgrounds
and every Sunday at Noosa AFL grounds, the farmers markets sell fresh,
locally grown, organic and seasonal produce, freshly baked bread,
preserves, smoked meats, herbs and spices and plants. Or why not join a
tour or venture out at your own pace along the Noosa Food Trail and sample
some of the best local food and wine at farm gates, cellar doors, and eateries?
33. Local Story
Panning for gold!
By Olivia
38.
Step back in time with a Silent Movie
3 Factory Sreet, Pomona
We often take the whole family to Gympie for the day. First stop is at the www.themajestictheatre.com.au
Gympie Information Centre where we purchase our fossicking licence
Take in an original silent movie at the Majestic Theatre in Pomona, built
and hire some tools. Then we drive to the designated gold panning area
in 1928 and regarded today as the world’s only continuously running silent
to have a go at panning for gold. It is wonderful to be out in the fresh air
movie theatre. Silent movies are shown 2-3 times per week and are
doing what many did years ago to earn a living. The kids enjoy digging
sometimes accompanied by Ron West, a living legend who plays the eight
and panning, splashing and exploring the area.
rank theatre organ.
Afterwards with often no gold reward, we share a nice picnic lunch
and the kids play in the playground. Also worthwhile is a visit to the
Gold Mining Museum. 39.
Sunshine Coast Gallery Trail
34.
Queensland Air Museum
Caloundra Aerodrome, Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra
www.scap.org.au
The Sunshine Coast is home to many
quality art galleries that showcase the
www.qam.com.au work of leading local, national and
The Queensland Air Museum is a fascinating collection of all aspects of international artists and craftspeople.
aviation heritage with special emphasis on Australia and Queensland. The Pick up your copy of the Sunshine
museum is comprised of over thirty aircraft with various displays and other Coast Gallery Trail brochure from your
aviation memorabilia. Open daily 10am - 4pm. local Visitor Information Centre and
explore these exceptional galleries.

40.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
www.epa.qld.gov.au
As one of the 6 designated Great Walks in Queensland why not challenge
yourself to complete the 58 km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk? If a
leisurely pace is more your style book yourself into a local bed and breakfast as
many will drop you at the beginning of the walk and pick you up four hours later
at the end of the first section. However you choose to take it on you will enjoy
spectacular views of the hinterland and sub-tropical rainforest.
35.
Relax in a day spa
Indulge and recharge at one of the Sunshine Coast’s soothing day spas.
Hyatt Regency Coolum, Noosa Springs, Crowne Plaza Pelican Waters,
Sheraton Noosa Resort and Novotel Twin Waters all provide a serene
environment and a selection of spa treatments in their onsite day spas.
To sample a local boutique spa, visit Amytis Gardens Retreat & Spa (Kiels
Mountain) or Ikatan Spa (Doonan).

36.
Shop up a storm
Indulge in some holiday retail
therapy. Choose from dazzling
41.
Surf and sail
Take on the role of student and sign up for surf or sail class. Try your hand at
boutiques and specialty stores
a learn to surf lesson at one of the many beach locations across the Sunshine
found on Noosa’s Hastings Street
Coast with waves perfect for beginners. Learn to put up your sail and enjoy the
and Mooloolaba Esplanade. Find
views off the magnificent Mooloolaba coast.
something truly unique at the
outdoor markets or in the quaint
Hinterland village of Montville, or
enjoy an all-in-one retail precinct at
the Sunshine Coast Plaza.

37.
Spot a koala in Noosa National Park
www.epa.qld.gov.au
A short stroll from Noosa’s fashionable Hastings Street you’ll find the
sublime Noosa National Park, one of Queensland’s few coastal national
parks. Perfect for bushwalkers, nature lovers, picnickers and surfers. Stroll
through the park and spot resident koalas dozing in the trees, swim or surf
at coves and beaches found around the scenic headlands, and retreat into
the cool forests of the inland tracks.
 42.
Take a Gondola to dinner
www.gondolasofnoosa.com
One of the most romantic ways
to spoil your loved one is to cruise
the Noosa River in a Gondola at
Sunset. Arrive at dinner in style
or simply enjoy a sunset sipping
on champagne.
46.
Throw in a line
The calm waters of Mooloolaba Spit and Golden Beach are perfect for kids
to make a splash & learn to fish. Try your hand at surf fishing at the Inskip
Peninsula Recreation area and Noosa North Shore. Or head out on a deep
sea fishing charter trolling for snapper, coral trout, marlin and mackerel.
The river mouths of the Noosa and Maroochy Rivers are also the perfect spot
to hire a boat and drop a line.

43.
Take in the calm behind the coast
The Sunshine Coast hinterland stretches from the world-heritage listed Glass
House Mountains, through the Blackall Range and up to the scenic and
unspoiled Mary Valley. Home to stunning views, rainforest walks, fresh produce,
local wines, cheeses, fine arts and crafts and cosy B&Bs and cottages it is
worth not only a day trip but a getaway in its own right.

47.
Whale Watching
The Wharf, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
www.whaleone.com.au
From June to November experience the majestic migration of some 8,000
humpback whales off the Sunshine Coast shoreline. Join Steve’s Whale One
at Mooloolaba or view the migration from various viewing points across the
Sunshine Coast including Point Cartwright, Noosa National Park and Coolum.

44.
Tell the kids to ‘Get Lost’!
Tanawha Tourist Drive, Tanawha Valley
www.bellmaze.com
Bellingham Maze is a unique outdoor maze and puzzle attraction with activities
for the whole family. The main attraction is the giant living hedge maze but with
a picnic area and aviary housing around 100 beautiful birds, it is also a great
place for a family picnic. Open 7 days from 9am – 5pm.
48.
Visit a Surf Club
After a day enjoying the beach & soaking up the sun, kick back and enjoy
a cool beverage at one of the many beach front Surf Clubs and immerse
yourself in the Queensland coastal lifestyle.
49.
Visit a World Heritage Listed Icon
www.frasercoastholidays.info
Fraser Island begins just off the tip of the Sunshine Coast. It is accessible
as a day or overnight trip from Noosa or with your own 4WD from Noosa
& Rainbow Beach. Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island
steeped not only in Australian history but natural beauty that will leave
you breathless.

45.
The famous Ettamogah Pub & Aussie World
Bruce Highway, Palmview
www.aussieworld.com.au
The Aussie World family fun-park is reminiscent of the old Australian
fairgrounds and has over thirty rides and games, guaranteed to please every
one of all ages!
While you’re there, have your photo taken in front of the Ettamogah Pub –
the most photographed pub in the world! It has an interesting history and a bar
and grill upstairs that serves up favourite Aussie meals. Look out for the 1927
Chevy truck on top of a bright red roof just off the Bruce Highway – you can’t
miss it! Open 9am – 5pm everyday
UnderWater World
The Wharf, Mooloolaba
P: +61 7 5458 6226
www.underwaterworld.com.au
50.
UnderWater World is a multi-award winning all weather tourist attraction
located at the Wharf, Mooloolaba. Take a journey to another world at
Queensland’s largest Oceanarium and aquarium. Be enticed by over
5,500 sea creatures! See sharks, sting rays, seals, otters and so much
more, as you are swept over four thrilling, interactive levels. Be amazed
by the billabongs, coral reefs, rock pools, QLD’s best seal show, and our
world-famous 2.5 million litre Oceanarium tunnel.
You can also book ‘a once in a lifetime‘ experience like a Behind the
Scenes Tour, a Seal Swim, Seal Encounter or Shark Dive!