Recharge the batteries with a long weekend on the Sunshine Coast

Unlock a world of pristine waterways, tranquil forests brimming with wildlife and plenty of sun-drenched beaches to dip your feet into during a long weekend in the Sunshine Coast. If you are in need of a short break to recharge the batteries then you’ll be delighted to know that travel in Queensland is Good to Go.

Escape the ordinary and turn one day of annual leave into a three day weekend getaway in the Sunshine Coast that will leave you feeling better than when you arrived. With flexible booking options and discounted deals available, now is the perfect time to start planning a long weekend in the Sunshine Coast.

Whether you’re a first time visitor or a returning traveller, here are the top things to do in the Sunshine Coast to help you unwind, reconnect with nature and ensure your visit is truly a unique and memorable one.

Noosa Everglades

Just a short distance away from the resorts and buzz of Noosa’s Hastings Street dining and shopping precinct, a tropical wetlands can be found in upper Noosa River. The Noosa Everglades are one of only two everglades systems in the world and it is believed that 44 percent of Australian bird species can be found here in the pristine wilderness.

During a serene Noosa Everglades Afternoon Cruise or Cruise, you’ll soon come to understand why the waterways are described as the ‘River of Mirrors’ with its mesmerising still waterways and untouched sub-tropical rainforest.

Wildlife experiences

The Sunshine Coast is surrounded by sub-tropical rainforests, national parks and sparkling oceans that provide a safe haven for native and migrating wildlife. Visitors don’t need to travel too far to enjoy a once in a lifetime encounter with wildlife in natural environments or in zoos and aquarium settings where the focus is on education and conservation.

A visit to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a wildlife experience that could easily occupy your hours. From the interactive touch pools and dazzling jellyfish to the Little Blue Penguins and the sharks and seals who compete for your attention and rule the roost of their own exhibits - there is plenty to see and do here. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a very affordable activity suitable for all ages and an all-weather attraction providing respite from the warmer days or drizzly rain.

Water sports

If you are itching to get out on the water, there are plenty of water sports to try during a short break in the Sunshine Coast. Combining sightseeing with the right amount of adrenaline, a Caloundra Jet Ski Tour is a wonderful way to learn about the history of the area and capture some of the best views of the Glass House Mountains from the water. A 60 minute hot lap covers over 30km of open waterways and we bet you’ll be grinning from ear to ear throughout the extraordinary experience.

Further North, hold on tight for a hair raising, wave riding Ocean Jet Boat Ride in Mooloolaba. See the iconic Point Cartwright lighthouse and discover the history of Mudjimba Island during a 60 minute Mooloolaba ocean jet boat ride. For those who are keen to get in the water, a two hour surf lesson at Noosa Beach with a qualified instructor is a great way to find your sea legs and learn a life long skill in a relaxed environment.

Outdoor adventures

If you enjoy being outdoors then you’ll love this 4WD Dolphin Kayaking Adventure to Double Island Point for a once in a lifetime paddle in crystal clear waters inhabited by Bottlenose Dolphins. Departing from Noosa, the journey to reach the launch point is half the fun, travelling into the Great Sandy National Park by 4WD along the beach. While dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, you can be pretty certain that you will spot a few while paddling. You should also keep your eyes peeled for turtles, manta rays and migrating Humpback Whales (between June and November).

The beaches of the Sunshine Coast

Travel in Queensland is Good to Go and there is a patch of sand calling your name at Sunshine Coast’s beautiful beaches. No visit to the region would be complete without dedicating some time for a swim in the ocean, enjoying a beachside meal or perhaps cooling down with a scoop of tasty gelato while walking the coastal pathways. You’ll be spoilt for choice with over 100km of gorgeous coastline from Caloundra to Tewantin and the Cooloola Coast. In fact, the hardest part is deciding which beach to visit.

Caloundra is a beach that ticks all the boxes with swimming and surfing spots, coastal walks and top water sports experiences. It is also within a 30 minute drive to wildlife parks, tree top challenges, whale watching adventures and more. Mooloolaba is the place to go for a fresh seafood feast, a refreshing swim, fun on the waterways on a sunset cruise and a visit to the SEA LIFE Mooloolaba Aquarium. If you’re keen to hit the waves, then Coolum Beach is a great place to surf and enjoy some spectacular views during a nature walk to the Mount Coolum summit. Further north, Noosa Heads beckons travellers searching for relaxing days in the sunshine, calm water beaches and nearby Noosa National Park in addition to a smorgasbord of gourmet restaurants and boutiques to discover.

Get to know the Sunshine Coast and discover some of the region’s best kept secrets during a short break in Queensland. Take advantage of flexible booking options and discounted experiences for an extraordinary adventure that offers relaxation, adventure and unforgettable wildlife experiences. To start filling your itinerary with unique experiences, you can find more information and book Sunshine Coast attractions and tours here.