Just above the city of Brisbane in the south of Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is a popular tourist spot renowned for its great climate and super outdoors lifestyle. There’s loads of articles that deal with the most popular attractions in this part of Australia’s east coast, but here I’ve pulled together my best local knowledge to bring to you 5 little known things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
5. Go to the Peregian Originals
I love Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast, mostly because of the real community feel that this little village has. This climaxes once a month on a Sunday, when a free music event happens just above the beach in a small park area.
Known as the Peregian Originals this great event brings many Sunshine Coast locals out and, as well as being a great place to chat, socialise, enjoy the music and dance in the sun, you can also walk just 2 minutes away and enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea. Perfection!
4. Enjoy First Bay
At the end of the Coolum boardwalk lies the beautiful cove of First Bay, probably my favourite beach along the whole of the Sunshine Coast. Small and stunning, this tucked away little gem has some great swimming, as well as beautiful pandanus to get some shade under when the sun gets too hot.
Being only a small cove, the tide does get pretty high here, restricting the amount of sand to lie on, but time it right and this incredible bay gives you the perfect Australian coastal colourscape without the crowds.
3. Escape to D’Aguilar National Park
Situated at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, nearest to Brisbane, D’ Aguilar National Park is a protected area of land, which sits at altitude and, as such, offers plenty of opportunities for some beautiful lookout and countryside views.
There is also some great forest driving tracks to be enjoyed here, as well as gorgeous streams to bath in and some excellent camping to be had. We stayed in Archer’s Camp Ground in the Mount Mee section of the park when we were last there, and loved it. This was a large, grassy campground with some good facilities, but there are plenty of more remote campsites that can only be accessed by hiking in D’Aguilar if that’s what you’re looking for.
2. Camp at Charley Moreland
One of the best and cheapest camp grounds in the Sunshine Coast area can be found in Conondale National Park, which is situated up in the rolling, rural hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
The park is located in the forested foothills of an otherwise rural, farming area and boasts beautiful bush walks and some super 4wd drives that take you through the forest and are a great way to check out some of the awesome viewing spots as you get higher into the hills.
Camping at Charlie Moreland Campground is a delight, with loads of amenities and a super little creek to swim in. With fire pits and plenty of stars, this is a great place to get to enjoy the beautiful nature of this area at its best.
1. Walk Kondalilla Falls
Near the quaint hinterland town of Maleny, lies the beautiful Kondalilla Falls. Well-marked trails make this a perfect place for a stroll and your efforts can be rewarded with a refreshing dunk in the pools at the top of the falls at the end.
A visit here really is one of the best day trips from the beachside communities of the Sunshine Coast and you can use it as a chance to explore Maleny too. A number of artisan food produces inhabit this town and its surrounding areas, making Maleny a real foodie hotspot. Choose from a tour of the Maleny Dairies, Maleny Mountain Winery, the Maple Street Co-op, or check out the fabulous array of eating possibilities dotted around the town itself.
So that’s my list of 5 little known things to do on the Sunshine Coast. It can be great to get away from the crowds and with these pieces of local knowledge, you’re bound to do just that.
