Sunshine Coast 5 day holiday guide

Wondering what to do in Sunshine Coast? Well, wonder no more! The Sunshine Coast provides a lovely blend of nature and activities and is a popular destination for holidaymakers from all over the country and the world.

Home to many beautiful beaches strewn throughout its reaches that are far less crowded than those found in many other tourist destinations, a series of beautiful rivers and waterways that make for excellent boating, fishing, whale watching, swimming, and much more.

A city with a laid-back atmosphere, the Sunshine Coast is known for its sunny weather which in turn leads to there always being plenty to do outside.

We've put together a series of recommended itineraries for visitors to the Sunshine Coast, regardless if you are staying for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. We hope that our suggestions will assist the first-time visitor in formulating an efficient and highly enjoyable Sunshine Coast sightseeing plan that assures no essential sight is left unseen, and that your time on the Sunshine Coast is maximised to the fullest!

Location: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

As Queensland's largest oceanarium, SEA LIFE has long been a favourite of both adults and families with kids visiting the Sunshine Coast. While at SEA LIFE you'll be able to come face-to-face with sharks, rays and a huge array of other amazing creatures as you walk through the 2.5 million litre oceanarium.

Be enchanted by seals as they show off during the famous seal show, and enjoy over 14 daily tours, talks and feeds. This Sunshine Coast attraction is great for both kids and adults alike, and come school holidays is thriving with animal lovers of all ages.

Relax at The Spit

Location: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

A popular destination for divers, swimmers and beachgoers, the Mooloolaba Spit offers visitors a range of facilities to enjoy including public playgrounds, barbeques, picnic tables and outdoor showers. Located just down the road from SEA LIFE, this end of the beach is not usually as crowded as the main section in Mooloolaba, which means you'll have enough space to spread out in the sun or shade and enjoy the beautiful Sunshine Coast weather.

If you're looking to grab a bite to eat there are a number of different establishments to choose from including fresh fish and chips and sushi. To make your visit even more convenient there is plenty of street parking and a multi-story parking lot in the area.

Location: 76 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye

Suspended in the rainforest, take the kids on a treetop adventure on Australia’s highest courses. Ranging from easy to difficult, the treetop challenge in the Sunshine Coast features 100 obstacles and ziplines to tackle.

Fly through the rainforest like Tarzan at Australia's biggest adventure course, The TreeTop Challenge Sunshine Coast. Soar through the rainforest on 12 massive flying foxes and zip lines and overcome 100 epic challenges in five courses that increase in difficulty as you build your confidence. Bring the whole family along and tree hop through the high ropes courses at your own pace with staff on hand to supervise your adventure at all times.

The first two green courses are easy while the final three are more difficult challenges suitable for daredevils 14 years+. Suspended in the rainforest at up to 25 metres above ground, the views from the tree canopy are stunning and will stretch each participant beyond their comfort zone. Located at The Big Pineapple, this is a treetop adventure unlike any other in Australia.

Location: 73 Frizzo Rd, Palmview

Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast is part theme park, part country fair combining all the thrills and feed good laughs for the entire family to enjoy. With over 30 amusement rides, it's impossible for kids not to have a good time.

Sunshine Coast's leading theme park, Aussie World means fun for the entire family. It is located alongside the Pub at Aussie World on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Aussie World is jam-packed with dozens of rides and attractions for both the young and the young at heart. Be Boggled in Professor Boggleworth's Illusionarium, be brave on the Redback, take on the Plunge, or have a blast on the Ballroom Blitz, water play area Leak'nLogs, Giant Slide, Dodgems, The Wasp, Speed Stars, Bombora Bounce, Platypus Ponds Mini Golf, Ferris Wheel Speed Stars or the Space Shaker Swinging Ship.

It is impossible to miss Aussie World as it is conveniently located on the Bruce Highway near Caloundra and is an ideal place to visit on the Sunshine Coast whether you are looking for a half day or full day activity. The amusement park is open daily from 10am to 3pm during the school holidays and open Wednesday to Sunday outside of the peak school holiday periods. Extended hours apply on weekends and public holidays.

With a thriving whale sightseeing industry and a number of factors working in its favour such as high whale numbers and reliable weather, the Sunshine Coast makes for an excellent whale watching spot during the annual migratory season.

As the Sunshine Coast recently continues to become more popular as a tourist destination, so too does the quantity of its whale watching tour options, with visitors now spoiled for choice of itineraries and operators with which to see these gentle ocean giants up close.

Companies such as Noosa Thriller, Sunreef Mooloolaba, Adventure Rafting, Whale One, Sunshine Coast Afloat and many more all offer their own unforgettable whale watching experience with the departure point being the main differentiating factor.

The Sunshine Coast’s whale watching tour and cruise options are typically divided up into two separate categories – those which depart from Mooloolaba, and those which head out from Noosa.

The Sunshine Coast's whale watching scene has high whale numbers, reliable weather and gorgeous scenery. You can even jump in the water for an unforgettable swim with majestic Humpback Whales.

Location: 2310 Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough

After you've had your fill of scenic relaxation, it's time to get active and hit the smooth surfaces of the Sunshine Coast's Big Kart Track for a go-karting experience that has it all. Straights bends, chicanes and hairpins with tracks to cater for kids and the whole family make this a great venue to speed away an afternoon.

The perfect way to finish off your stay on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Big Kart Track offers the choice of a round of the big track or the kids track for the younger drivers, with 10, 15, and 30-minute sessions. A great competitive outlet for the whole family to enjoy, get buckled up and racing to see who'll cross the finish line first.

In addition, if you are looking for further ideas on activities, attractions and other things to do in the Sunshine Coast, don’t hesitate to check out our Sunshine Coast page for an extended catalogue of things to do!