From the lush forests of the hinterland to the golden sands of the coastal shores, the Sunshine Coast is full of places to relax, explore and luxuriate, offering a holiday experience like no other. Preparing for a vacation to Queensland’s East Coast? We’ve put together a guide to the top spots to visit, places to eat and beaches to stroll, starting in Noosa.
Breakfast and Boutiques
Welcome to Noosa, where you can take a dip in pristine waters, browse chic boutique stores, and wander the National Park all in one day. Upon your arrival in the Sunshine Coast’s luxury town, take some time out to stroll along the shore of the Main Beach, letting the ocean breeze and sound of waves overlapping provide a peaceful moment. Bask in the morning air and the bright sunshine and feast on a delectable meal with breakfast at Cafe Le Monde. With alfresco dining available, a meal here provides the sought-after serenity that we all desire while on holiday. After breakfast, head down to Hastings Street for a morning of boutique shopping. Palm Noosa is among local favourites, with clothing made for summer days spent on the beach. For collectors of fine art, discover unique pieces that combine geometry with colour at Enigmatic Drawings Fine Art Gallery. For even more laid-back luxury, spend the rest of your morning at the Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort. Here, golfers can tee off surrounded by the beauty of the Noosa National Park, while those in need of a massage or facial are invited to be pampered by skilled spa therapists.
Local Wonders
After a morning of laid-back leisure, it’s time to browse the best food, produce and crafts in the region at the Eumundi Markets. If visiting the Sunshine Coast on a Saturday or Wednesday, make your way to the quaint town of Eumundi to peruse over 600 stalls at the iconic markets. Whether you’re in the market for a souvenir or gift to bring home from your holiday or want a taste of local delights, the markets are renowned for their variety of stalls and cultural atmosphere. Once you’ve driven back to Noosa, it’s time to wind down with fine dining at Sails Noosa. The menu here offers Modern Australian dining with a focus on fresh produce. There’s plenty on offer for seafood lovers, and wine enthusiasts can browse a variety of champagnes, reds, and dessert wines in the three-storey wine cellar. With outdoor waterfront dining, spend your meal watching the sunset over the beach as you sink into the holiday feeling.
Discover the Charm of the Hinterland
Just under an hour in the rental car from Noosa, take a drive out to Montville in the stunning Sunshine Coast hinterland. Discover the town’s unique charm with a walk-through Main Street, stopping in at The Clock Shop. A unique find, the shop offers all things timekeeping from cuckoo clocks to pocket watches. Plus, there are eclectic pieces to browse here with weather instruments, beer steins and music boxes just some of the items on display. At Monty’s of Montville, stock up on locally made preserves, relishes and jams or fill your bag with candies and snacks to take home a delicious piece of the Coast. As lunchtime rolls around, visitors can dine in luxury at The Long Apron. The award-winning French-inspired restaurant offers a three-course lunch menu from Friday to Sunday. Indulge in a meal full of flavour here while dining in a warm, intimate setting.
From Gardens to Gastronomic Delights
After lunch, head 20 minutes South in your rental car to the Maleny Botanic Gardens. With 23 acres of gardens to wander, admire the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast in this picturesque paradise. Waterfalls and lakes are scattered throughout the gardens, providing a blissful escape, so now’s the perfect time to reflect on your journey so far, and make plans for the evening ahead. Birdwatchers are in luck at Maleny, with five walk-through aviaries available to explore and tours which bring you up close and personal to feathered friends. For dinner, drive back out to the coastal town of Caloundra. With tastes to share, a selection of freshly caught seafood mains and delectable desserts to devour, a meal at Tides Restaurant will leave your tastebuds satisfied. As your 48 hours on the Sunshine Coast ends, saunter the shoreline one last time as you say goodbye to Queensland’s slice of paradise.
Discover the best of the coast and the hinterland with a holiday to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. From fine dining and warm hospitality to strolls through beautifully manicured gardens, an adventure here offers a blend of scenic charm and local delights, and there’s no better way to see it all than with a Hertz.
