A Day in Sunshine Coast
Along the shores of Southeast Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is a coastal holiday destination known for its pristine beaches, laid-back atmosphere and range of attractions. It includes the popular tourist towns of Noosa, Maroochydore, Caloundra and Mooloolaba and, as the name suggests, has a warm climate that evokes a feeling of a tropical paradise. Thinking of heading to the Sunshine Coast? With an endless list of places to go and things to do, you might just be overwhelmed with choices! Check out our top recommendations below that showcase the location’s natural beauty, golden beaches and exciting attractions.
Watch the Sun Rise over Noosa
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Noosa Heads Main Beach
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Beachside esplanade
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Cafes and restaurants
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Car parking
What’s better than starting your day watching the sun come up? Begin your Sunshine Coast journey at Noosa Heads Main Beach. Here, you can pace the golden sands at your leisure and prepare for the day ahead. If you need some liquid energy to wake you, Providore on Hastings is a short walk away and the perfect place to grab a coffee for the road and stock up on snacks for the day ahead. Want something more substantial? Check out Noosa Beach Cafe’s fresh menu paired with stunning views. Before you jump in your rental car and start exploring, we suggest taking in the beachside breeze with a lap of the Noosa Spit. An easy trail that takes about 45 minutes to complete, you’ll feel refreshed, energised and ready to hit the road!
Retail Therapy
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Local stalls and handmade goods
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Parking available
After a relaxing morning on the beach, head down South and venture inland to arrive at the Eumundi Markets. Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Markets are a popular attraction on the Sunshine Coast and renowned for the diverse and expansive range of stalls. Treat yourself to homemade food and fresh produce, browse the arts, crafts and fashion by local artisans and listen to the sounds of musicians and street performers. A uniquely Sunshine Coast experience, celebrate all things handcrafted and shop local at the Eumundi Markets. If a quaint coastal vibe is more your style compared to a bustling market, head to The Village at Peregian Beach for boutique shopping. From bookshops to antiques and homewares, The Village is an excellent alternative to Eumundi and is similarly distanced from Noosa. Now that you’ve strolled the markets and shops, it’s time to set off toward the day's main attraction.
Choose Your Aussie Adventure
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Rides, games and entertainment
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Wildlife encounters, native animals and tours
A 20-30 minute drive down South is Aussie World, a Sunshine Coast-inspired theme park. With a vast range of rides, games and entertainment, Aussie World is ideal for kids of all ages and adventurous adults. Stop by the Banana Bender Pub for a cold drink and relaxed dining in a laid-back setting, and finish the day overlooking the scenic Sunshine Coast from the top of the Ferris Wheel. If you’re more interested in wildlife, further along the Coast is the iconic Australia Zoo. Well known as Steve Irwin’s legacy, the zoo offers hands-on animal encounters, wildlife shows and behind-the-scenes tours. With plenty of food and shopping options, like the Crikey Cafe and the Crocoseum Boutique, a day at the zoo won’t disappoint. Whichever of these famed Australian attractions you visit, you’re guaranteed an interactive and fun day out!
Wash the Day Away in Caloundra
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Bulcock Beach
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Relax and recharge
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Restaurants, bars and ice cream shops
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Street parking
After a jam-packed day full of adventure and activity, your mind and body will appreciate some time spent winding down and watching the sunset. End your day at Bulcock Beach in the picturesque town of Caloundra, just a short drive away from Aussie World and Australia Zoo. It’s a quieter beach and an ideal spot for a relaxing evening spent by the water with the main strip of shops just a short walk away. Heading out for dinner? Check out Corner Pocket Bar + Grill for pub-style burgers and schnitzels or Venice Gourmet for traditional pizza and pasta dishes. For a sweet end to the evening, grab an ice cream from one of the many gelaterias as you savour the peaceful energy of this coastal town.
A day out on the Sunshine Coast will leave you in awe of the region’s stunning beaches and lively culture, urging you to visit again. Thankfully, road trips are easy with the convenience of an Ace rental car. Ready to start your adventure? Head to one of our locations, pick up the keys and begin your journey! Golden sands, clear waters and exciting attractions await you on the Sunshine Coast.
