Sunshine Coast must-do highlights in three days

There’s no doubt you’ll have your work cut out for you exploring a region the size of the Sunshine Coast, which stretches for more than 100 kilometres from just south of Caloundra to north of Noosa, and its beautiful hinterland in just 72 hours. But if you’re up to the challenge, this itinerary will see you tick off some quintessential Sunny Coast experiences in no time.

Take a stroll around the headland at Noosa National Park.Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

DAY ONE

Morning

Begin your day with a Buddha bowl, eggs benny or avocado on toast at Boardwalk Bistro on Noosa Main Beach, or grab a coffee and a fresh croissant to go from the hole-in-the-wall Hastings Street Bakery. Then make your way along the boardwalk to the main entrance of Noosa National Park. Keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins, and whales (during their winter migration) as you join the locals on the coastal walk, perhaps stopping for a dip at one of the beautiful coves, such as Tea Tree Bay or Granite Bay, en route. At the eastern end of the latter, influencers scramble to get the perfect picture at the Insta-famous Fairy Pools – two pretty tidal pools that lie between the rocks. But be warned it’s an at times tricky and steep scramble to get to them, and the powers that be advise against it. Admire the view from the fearsomely named Hell’s Gates, where waves crash against soaring sandstone cliffs formed by erosion around 190 million years ago, before returning to Noosa. Pad out the morning perusing the shops along Hastings Street, which include boutique stores KIVARI, Husk and Peter Alexander.

Afternoon

Feast on seafood dishes like kingfish sashimi and Mooloolaba prawns at one of the breezy beachfront restaurants that back onto Hastings Street, such as Sails Restaurant, Season Restaurant or Bistro C. Then hop in the car and drive around half an hour north to embark on Everglades Ecosafari’s Serenity Cruise through the only everglades in the world outside Florida, marvelling at the reflection of twisting melaleuca trees that release tannin into the eerily still water. Make sure you pack a pair of binoculars to search for koalas in the gum trees, and spot birds such as azure kingfishers, white-cheeked honeyeaters and red-capped robins.

Tea Tree Bay is the locals’ choice for a dip.Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Evening

Settle in with a coconut chilli margarita for some Hastings Street people watching at one of the high tables at the bar at Noosa Beach House before moving upstairs to the restaurant, where former Three Blue Ducks chef Bret Cameron serves up cuisine created with ingredients sourced fresh from local farmers and fishermen. Resist ordering dessert, and instead wander down the road for a creamy gelato from Noosa institution, Massimos Gelateria, which has been operating in Hastings Street since 1995.

DAY TWO

Morning

You’ll need a full day to explore Australia Zoo — the passion project of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, which is now run by his wife Terri and their adult children, Bindi and Robert. Stretching across more than 280 hectares at Beerwah, the zoo is divided into different sections such as Africa, where you can see southern right rhinoceros, zebras and cheetah, Australian wildlife and, of course, reptiles. Start with a visit to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, where for a $2 donation you can see cute critters such as koalas and echidnas being treated from behind a full-length glass wall, or pre-book a 30-minute tour (extra cost). Various keeper talks are offered at the zoo at set times throughout the day, so make sure you check out the schedule to make a plan.

Australia Zoo: the iconic wildlife park spans 280 hectares at Beerwah.

Afternoon

Grab a table overlooking the crocodile enclosure at Crikey Café and refuel with a hearty burger, pizza, sushi or salad before heading to the Crocoseum outdoor auditorium for the attraction’s signature event – the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Show. This is where you’ll see large saltwater crocodiles leaping out of the water snapping their jaws, as well as brightly coloured native parrots and South American macaws performing impressive feats over the audience’s heads.

Evening

Stick around for dinner at Warrior Restaurant & Bar, beside the infinity-edge pool at the luxurious Crocodile Hunter Lodge just around the corner, where you can watch emus and kangaroos foraging at the neighbouring enclosure as you feast on dishes like a Sunshine Coast salumi plate, braised Cloudy Bay clams and slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Or if you’re all zoo’d out, head to one of the many other hinterland hotspots instead. You can embrace the Asian fusion offerings at The Tamarind, set amidst the tropical gardens of Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny, or Spirit House Restaurant at Yandina, where the crispy Humpty Doo barramundi is a must.

Tamarind’s Sichuan lamb dumplings are a sensation.

DAY THREE

Morning

Peruse the huge range of titles lining the shelves at Berkelouw’s Eumundi Bookshop and Cafe, located in the historic former Eumundi Trading Post building in the town’s main street, while you wait for your breakfast order. Then spend the morning wandering among the eclectic stalls selling everything from birdhouses and bee balms to crystals and candles under the fig trees at the Original Eumundi Markets, which has been going strong since 1979. Markets are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with the latter being the bigger of the two. While it appears to be one big market, it is actually made up of five separate entities sitting side-by-side, but only the Original Eumundi Markets stallholders are vetted to meet the ethos of selling local, handmade products.

Afternoon

With the smell of so many enticing flavours wafting across the markets from the myriad multicultural food stalls, you’ll want to hang around for lunch. Grab a Banh mi, empanada or some juicy dumplings and ciao down whilst taking in the live music vibes. If you’re feeling really naughty, indulge in a Portuguese tart or churros for dessert.

Depending on your preferred tipple, begin a self-guided craft brewery or distilleries tour of the Sunshine Coast across the road at the Imperial Hotel. The circa 1911 Queenslander is home to both Eumundi Brewery and Eumundi Distillers gin bar. There are more than 20 other craft breweries and around a dozen distilleries spread across the coast to visit. Terella Brewing at North Arm has a strong focus on sustainability, using water from its own vertical bar in the beer it makes. You can also grab a Maleny Dairies ice-cream and pat goats, bunnies and sheep in the farmyard while you’re there. The region’s first microbrewery, Sunshine Coast Brewery at Kunda Park, has been operating since 1998, while the funky Blackflag Brewing at Mooloolaba is also worth checking out. If gin is more your thing, you can easily tick off Sunshine & Sons, Diablo Co and Nil Desperandum at Woombye in one hit – and stop to get a bonus selfie in front of the 16-metre tall fibreglass structure The Big Pineapple, which became a tourist attraction in the 1970s and is also home to a zoo and treetops ropes course.

Grab a brewsky at Mooloolaba’s trendy Blackflag Brewing.

Evening

Take in the sunset over the Mooloolah River as you nibble on dumplings and pork buns from the deck of Asian street food eatery Rice Boi at The Wharf Mooloolaba, which underwent a $10 million refurbishment in 2017 with the aim of becoming a Santa Monica Pier-style hub (minus the Ferris wheel). Before you head back to your accommodation, indulge in a nightcap as you listen to jazz tunes at the atmospheric 1920s Art Deco-inspired cocktail bar, Boston Shaker, or the moody whiskey and tequila bar WAT Den opposite the beach in nearby Mooloolaba Esplanade.

The writer was a guest of Visit Sunshine Coast and Visit Noosa