With its beautiful beaches and unique attractions, the Sunshine Coast is an endless source of scenic day trips.
Make the most of your Queensland holiday by visiting these mesmerising day trip destinations.
Maroochydore
Maroochydore is renowned for its postcard-worthy landscapes and shopping precincts. While it’s now the Sunshine Coast’s central business district, the city hasn’t lost any of its easy-going charm. Maroochydore is brimming with things to do – day trips to this vibrant corner of the Sunshine Coast can be enjoyed at any of the following local attractions:
- Sunshine Plaza – This sprawling urban centre is the largest shopping centre on the Sunshine Coast, perfect for a good dose of retail therapy. Featuring an amazing River Walk lined with cafes and bars, Sunshine Plaza is a great place to also grab a bite to eat.
- Maroochydore Beach – A popular surfing spot, Maroochydore Beach is sprinkled with playgrounds and picnic tables and barbeques.
- Cotton Tree Markets – Held every Sunday morning, these markets can be found just across from Cotton Tree Beach on King Street. Expect to uncover creations from local artisans and designers that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Twin Waters – Surrounded by a lagoon, Twin Waters is conveniently located near beaches, shopping centres, parks and accommodation. Some parts of Maroochydore can feel like a hive of activity, but this enclave offers plenty of peace and quiet.
The Hinterland
The Sunshine Coast is best known as a beach lover’s paradise, but it’s also home to a lush hinterland region. Perfect for scenic drives, the area’s mountainous landscape is breathtakingly beautiful all year round. Much of the region is located well above sea level in the Blackall Range, providing refuge from the heat and humidity in summer.
Along with hiking trails, rugged mountain ranges, wineries and dairy farms, a collection of quaint country towns can be found scattered throughout the Sunshine Coast hinterland, including:
- Maleny – Situated in the heart of the area, Maleny is famous for its relaxed culture and superb restaurants. If you enjoy the outdoors, take in one of the popular bushwalking tracks or picturesque waterfalls.
- Montville – This tiny town’s rolling green hills and wineries have made it the wedding capital of the Sunshine Coast. Of course, you don’t have to be getting married to appreciate this town’s charm – it’s just as popular with day trippers.
- Flaxton – Located down the road from Montville, Flaxton is made up of Tudor and Irish cottages. Given its cool and often misty climate, you’ll feel as though you’ve wandered into an English countryside when visiting this unique rural community.
No matter where you plan to stop along the way, the hinterland offers the perfect backdrop for day trips from the Sunshine Coast.
Caloundra
Not only is Caloundra the southernmost town in the Sunshine Coast region – it’s also one of the most peaceful. This sleepy little city is still popular with beachgoers; it just doesn’t have the same high-energy atmosphere as somewhere like Maroochydore.
To experience the best of Caloundra, be sure to visit Kings Beach. With rolling surf, a rock pool for the little ones, and waterfront cafes, it’s not hard to see why this stretch of coastline is the most popular beach in town.
If you’re in search of the perfect wave, Caloundra’s surfing conditions are at their best during winter, thanks to light offshore winds – just be sure to pack your wetsuit.
To end your road trip to Caloundra on a high note, watch the sunset from one of the city’s scenic boardwalks.
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