Things to do on the
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is an aquatic playground like no other. Beaches, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding or boating, the Sunshine Coast has it all!
The only thing more refreshing than the water is the lifestyle. With its sunshine, endless coastline, lush rainforests and easy smiles – it’s a place where you’ll feel like a local from the moment you arrive.
The Sunshine Coast is host to a range of world-class sporting, music, cultural and food events, and is renowned as a foodie paradise!
A safe and welcoming community, you will get to enjoy the benefits of studying in a friendly and inclusive environment in one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations.
The Sunshine Coast is the only place in Australia where three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sit side-by-side.
On the Sunshine Coast, we care about our environment, from the sparkling coastline to the ancient peaks of the Glass House Mountains and verdant green rainforests. And more importantly, we care about preserving it for years to come.|
It’s this commitment to living sustainably with nature that makes the Sunshine Coast so special. The Sunshine Coast is the only destination in Australia where three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sit side-by-side.
The Sunshine Coast Council region was declared a Biosphere by UNESCO in June 2022, joining the existing Noosa and Great Sandy Biosphere Reserves. Together they create a biosphere corridor that stretches uninterrupted along our slice of pristine Queensland coastline.
You can discover our nature haven on an eco tour that connects people to place, and go green in our leafy backyard on a guided trek or nature walk. Immerse yourself in the beauty of our region while learning about conservation, and sleep peacefully at night in accommodation where sustainability is a way of life.
Tread lightly on the Sunshine Coast with an eco escape and discover just what makes our region one of Australia’s most pristine natural wonders.
What is a Biosphere?
A biosphere is an international site of excellence, recognised by UNESCO as an area of natural beauty where people live and work. Biospheres are places, just like our region, where active conservation sits alongside responsible development and people living sustainably.
What makes our Biosphere Corridor so special?
– The Sunshine Coast is the only place in Australia where three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sit side-by-side: the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Great Sandy Biospheres
– Together, the three biospheres form an uninterrupted biosphere corridor across the Sunshine Coast
Attractions
The Sunshine Coast has every kind of attraction you could want and need, from natural attractions including mountains and waterfalls, as well as theme parks, zoo’s, aquariums, food attractions and much more!
Here are our top picks:
Mount Coolum
Mount Coolum National Park dominates the skyline of the Sunshine Coast. Climb the steep, rough 800 metre trail up the Mountain to reach spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast!
Kondalilla Falls
A refuge for many native animals and plants, Kondalilla National Park is a great place to experience magnificent waterfalls, rock pools and freshwater creeks and is a fantastic nature walk.
Australia Zoo
Get up close and personal with native and exotic wildlife at Australia Zoo! Located an hour north of Brisbane, on the Sunshine Coast; Australia Zoo will provide animal experiences like no other! Take a selfie with a kangaroo, have a cuddle with the furry koalas, go on an African safari and watch the croc show! We recommend you plan your day to make sure you don’t miss any animals.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Experience an aquatic wonderland where you can learn, explore and interact with thousands of marine life, over 11 themed unique zones. Explore the Jellyfish Kingdom, Seahorse Sanctuary, Seal Island, Shark Shipwreck, Turtle Temple and more! SEA LIFE is the perfect rainy day activity and a must do when you’re new to the Sunshine Coast.
Aussie World
If you’re looking for thrills and excitement then look no further than Queensland’s best value family theme park! There are rides that will get you soaked, make you green and dizzy, there are simulators and slides, bumps and coasters! Aussie World will make you feel like a big kid at heart! With more than 30 rides, attractions and shows, Aussie World has enough FUN for everyone!
The Ginger Factory
Learn how ginger is grown and harvested before tasting a delicious range of ginger inspired treats! The park features great shopping facilities, modern dining, educational tours, fun rides and beautiful sub-tropical garden walks. The Ginger Factory is the perfect place to take your friends and family to experience the authentic taste of Queensland.
The Big Kart Track
Get your adrenaline pumping at the Big Kart Track! From Monday to Sunday this action-packed attraction is open rain, hail or shine. With Australia’s largest commercial track you can hit speeds up to 70km/hr. Rally a group of friends together and set the challenge for the king of the track!
Mary Valley Rattler
The historic Gympie Station is now open having undergone a full restoration. The Station houses a gift shop, museum and The Station Cafe. The Mary Valley Rattler rail journey into the Mary Valley will be back on track soon – stay tuned!
There are FREE station tours every Wednesday and Saturday at 11:00am where you will learn the stories of the Mary Valley line, its people and its history.
Festivals & Events
The Sunshine Coast is home to a range of exhilarating sporting, cultural, music and food events including the famous Noosa Triathlon Multisport Festival and Ironman 70.3 events, Woodford Folk Festival, Big Pineapple Music Festival, Caloundra Music Festival, Noosa International Eat & Drink Festival, and home to the Sunshine Coast Lightning netball team.
Sunshine Coast Beaches
The Sunshine Coast beaches are quite simply some of the best in the world. With wide stretches of clean, white sand and a choice of surf or calm bays sparkling with warm water.
Popular beaches include Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Coolum and Noosa and most beaches on the Sunshine Coast are patrolled by surf lifesavers for your safety.
Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach is one of few north-facing beaches on Australia’s east coast, ensuring you’ll enjoy near perfect conditions all year round. It is one of the safest and most family-friendly surf beaches in Australia. The bustling esplanade boasts an enviable array of award-winning accommodation, restaurants, cafés and boutique shopping and you’re not too far from the Parkyn Parade seafood precinct and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
Alexandra Headland
Alexandra Headland’s main attraction is its magnificent coastal frontage of beach, headland and parks extending for kilometres north and south. On any day, you can enjoy watching the surfers, or better yet join them. There are many places to sign up for surf lessons and rent boards. For the skaters and bikers, there is an outdoor skate park right alongside the beach. Also provided are picnic and barbecue facilities; so why not enjoy lunch on the barbie with family and friends.
Cotton Tree
Cotton Tree is fringed by the sandy banks of the Maroochy River to the north and the white silica beaches of the blue Pacific Ocean to the west. Surrounded by so much clean, pristine water, it’s only natural that Cotton Tree is home to an impressive range of watersport activities. Hire a boat and head to Pincushion Island at the mouth of the river. This tall sand and rock formation is famous with the locals for its fishing and confounds visitors as it appears to move position with the changing tide.
Kings Beach
Between the enchanting rockpools, the child-friendly water fountain with its time-delayed surprise spurts of water, the oceanfront saltwater swimming pool, and the gentle beach break with protected swimming areas, a Kings Beach visit is totally exhilarating.
Kings Beach has a festive atmosphere year-round, so whenever you visit, you’ll be assured of plenty of fun in the golden sunshine.
Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach has a laid-back, holiday atmosphere which makes it quite distinct from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring beach towns. The home break of pro surfer Julian Wilson, the beach’s consistent waves and glassy waters make it a favourite for surfers and body boarders.
Coolum Beach is backed by a shopping and entertainment strip featuring a range of fine dining and casual eateries. Fronted by a large grassy beachfront park and skate ramp, it’s a great spot for barbecues, playing cricket and kicking a ball. Coolum Beach has a proud surf club culture and lifesavers have patrolled the waters since 1919.
Mudjimba Beach
This secluded stretch of golden beach is surrounded on two sides by the clear, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and Maroochy River and flanked by the Maroochy River Conservation Park. Opposite the beach you will find a small strip of shops, including cafe’s and a bakery. Bring you coffee back to the beach and relax whilst taking in the ocean view and the site of Old Women Island as a backdrop.
With its wide open beach, Mudjimba attracts serious surfers in search of the perfect swell; however the patrolled areas of the beach are also safe for the kids to practice on the boogie board.
Access to World Heritage listed Fraser Island
From the Sunshine Coast you can catch a car ferry from Tewantin and explore the Noosa North Shore, the Great Sandy National Park and World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.
What our students say…..
“Balancing World-Class Study with the Great Outdoors“
Studying on the Sunshine Coast is about more than just hitting the books — it’s about finding balance, recharging, and making the most of an incredible lifestyle.
I’m Zac, a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) student at UniSC and a Study Sunshine Coast Ambassador. What excites me most about studying here is the way you can pair world-class education with experiences in the great outdoors. One day I might be deep in research and assignments, and the next I’m on a boat off Mooloolaba watching whales breach just metres away. Seeing these massive yet gentle animals up close was one of those moments where you stop, take it all in, and feel grateful to call this place home.
Camping along Noosa North Shore and up at Double Island Point has been another highlight. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves, waking up under a sky full of stars, and sitting around the fire with mates is something that never gets old. It’s simple, relaxing, and the perfect way to disconnect from screens and reconnect with people.
That’s what I love about the Sunshine Coast — you really get the best of both worlds. UniSC offers high-quality, supportive study opportunities, while right outside the classroom you’ve got beaches, national parks, and adventures waiting. Whether it’s a morning run along the sand, a hike through the hinterland, or a quick ocean swim before lectures, there’s always a way to recharge.
The balance here is what makes it special. Unlike bigger cities, everything is close by, and the pace is relaxed. You can focus on your studies, enjoy friendships, and still have space to explore. For me, that mix of world-class study and a lifestyle built around nature and community is what makes the Sunshine Coast such an incredible place to be a student.
— Zac, UniSC Occupational Therapy student & Study Sunshine Coast Ambassador
