The Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland’s most sought-after holiday destinations, instantly evoking images of sun-drenched beaches. But there’s so much more to experience here than just the shoreline. We’ve put together the top 10 most unexpected activities you can enjoy on your next Sunshine Coast visit.
Glass House Mountains & Bribie Island Heli Flight – For 2
From $930 per person
Explore the volcanic landscape of the Glasshouse Mountains by air as you cruise over the lush mountain landscape, Bribie Island, and Caloundra’s amazing beaches. Sunshine Coast helicopter flights will depart from Caloundra Airport and embark on a breathtaking journey to the Glasshouse Mountains.
Why it’s great:
- Ideal for couples celebrating an important milestone
- Combines adventure, incredible views & an unforgettable experience
Small Group Whale Watching Tour from Mooloolaba
From $135 per person
Get up close to one of nature’s most spectacular migrations on this intimate whale-watching cruise departing from Mooloolaba. With a maximum of just 23 passengers on board, you’ll enjoy views of humpback whales as they play in the waters off the Sunshine Coast. Led by an experienced crew providing expert commentary, this small-group cruise offers a more personal wildlife experience than larger whale-watching vessels. The whale-watching season runs from July to October.
Why it’s great:
- Ideal for all ages, the perfect family activity
- Small group experience with guaranteed rail-side viewing and no crowds
- An expert crew provide fascinating insights into whale behaviour
Australia Zoo Entry with BONUS Wildlife Hospital Entry
From $77 per person
Located in Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, the zoo is a full-day experience dedicated to conservation, education, and up-close animal encounters. Visitors can explore expansive habitats, catch live wildlife shows in the Crocoseum, hand-feed kangaroos, and meet everything from koalas to crocodiles. With over 100 species to discover and engaging keeper presentations throughout the day, it’s a must-do attraction for families, wildlife lovers, and international visitors.
Why it’s great:
- The home of Steve Irwin’s legacy with the world-famous Crocoseum wildlife shows
- Hands-on animal encounters, including koala cuddles and kangaroo feeding
Maleny Botanic Gardens Aviary Tour
From $47 per person
Tucked away in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Maleny Botanic Gardens is a peaceful, privately owned escape known for its sweeping views of the Glass House Mountains, terraced gardens, and tranquil waterfalls. Visitors can wander through kilometres of walking paths filled with vibrant flowers, lakes, and landscaped picnic spots, or upgrade their experience with entry to Bird World, home to hundreds of exotic and native birds in immersive walk-through aviaries. It’s a relaxed, nature-filled day out that combines scenic beauty with hands-on wildlife encounters – perfect for couples, families, and anyone wanting a slower-paced hinterland experience.
Why it’s great:
- Ideal picnic-style day out with waterfalls, lakes and quiet garden spaces
- Perfect for families and couples seeking a slower-paced hinterland experience
Noosa Hinterland Tasting Tour
From $300 per person
Discover the flavours of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland on this relaxed guided tasting tour through some of the region’s best breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Departing from Noosa and surrounding areas, this full-day experience takes you through scenic country towns like Cooroy, Pomona, and Traveston, where you’ll sample everything from craft beer paddles and small-batch gin to locally produced wines and mead. Along the way, enjoy a delicious lunch, meet local producers, and soak up sweeping hinterland views on a social, easygoing day out designed for food and drink lovers.
Why it’s great:
- Includes guided tastings, lunch, and return transport for a stress-free experience
- Perfect for couples, groups, foodies and birthday trips
Montville Scenic Food & Wine Tour
From $275 per person
Indulge in a beautifully relaxed day in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, combining two of life’s favourite things – elegant high tea and boutique wine tasting. This guided experience takes you through scenic hinterland towns where you’ll enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of sweet and savoury high tea treats, followed by visits to local wineries for cellar door tastings. Along the way, soak up rolling countryside views, charming village stops, and a slow-paced itinerary designed for relaxation, indulgence, and connection. It’s the perfect blend of refined dining and regional flavour, ideal for couples, groups, or anyone wanting a more luxurious take on a Sunshine Coast day trip.
Why it’s great:
- Combines two premium experiences: traditional high tea + boutique wine tasting
- Perfect for couples, hen’s groups, birthdays and special occasions
Mt Tinbeerwah to Noosa E-Bike Adventure – 3 Hours
From $179 per person
This guided e-mountain bike adventure takes you on an unforgettable downhill journey from the summit of Mt Tinbeerwah through the lush hinterland and all the way to the waterways of Noosa. After a short walk to the iconic Tinbeerwah lookout, where panoramic views stretch across the coastline and national park, you’ll hop on a high-quality e-bike and cruise effortlessly through sub-tropical rainforest trails in Tewantin National Park. The ride continues through wetlands, mangroves, and creek-lined paths before finishing along the scenic Noosa River and Lake Doonella, making it a perfect blend of adventure and nature.
Why it’s great:
- Epic “summit to sea” experience from rainforest peaks to coastal waterways
- Perfect for adventure seekers, couples, active travellers and nature lovers
Sunshine Coast High Ropes and Zipline Adventure
From $70 per person
Set in the lush rainforest at the iconic Big Pineapple, the Sunshine Coast Treetop Challenge is Australia’s largest and highest high ropes adventure park. This adrenaline-filled experience takes you through a series of suspended obstacle courses set high in the tree canopy, featuring ladders, rope bridges, climbing challenges, and massive flying fox zip lines. With multiple courses that progressively increase in difficulty, visitors can start easy and build confidence before tackling more extreme sections. It’s a self-paced adventure designed for families, groups, and thrill-seekers looking for an active outdoor experience in nature.
Why it’s great:
- Australia’s highest high ropes course with up to 100+ challenges and zip lines
- Perfect for adventure seekers, groups, team-building and families with older kids (aged 8+)
Mary Valley Rattler VIP Shared Booth Experience – 3 Hours
From $159 per person
Step aboard one of Queensland’s most iconic heritage rail journeys with the Mary Valley Rattler VIP Shared Booth Experience. Departing from historic Gympie Station, this 3-hour return steam train journey takes you through the scenic Mary Valley countryside to the charming township of Amamoor. Guests enjoy priority pre-boarding, reserved seating in a shared VIP booth, and personalised service throughout the trip. Along the way, relax as you cross rolling farmland, bridges, and river landscapes while a carriage host shares insights into the region’s railway history. The experience also includes a locally sourced tasting plate on board, plus a two-course lunch and beverage served at Rusty Rails Café upon return to Gympie.
Why it’s great:
- Includes premium touches like a tasting plate, onboard service, and a two-course lunch
- Perfect for couples, mature travellers, history lovers & relaxed day-trippers
The Ginger Factory Play Taste & Discover Bundle
From $55 per person
Located in Yandina, the Ginger Factory is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular family attractions. The Play, Taste & Discover Pass gives visitors full access to the site, including the guided factory tour, the Live Bee Show with honey tastings, and unlimited rides on the iconic Ginger Train and Overboard boat ride. Set within lush subtropical gardens, the experience is both educational and entertaining, making it a great all-weather activity for families and visitors of all ages.
Why it’s great:
- All-in-one ticket includes rides, tours, tastings, and garden access
- Perfect rainy-day or family-friendly activity with interactive experiences for kids
- Best for families and school holiday visitors
From breathtaking helicopter flights to rainforest adventures, gourmet food and wine tours, unforgettable animal encounters, and unique family attractions, the Sunshine Coast offers so much more than just beautiful beaches. No matter your interests, there’s an experience waiting for you.
Ready to make the most of your visit? Book your next adventure now with Tours QLD and discover the unexpected side of the Sunshine Coast!