Natural Attractions
You will discover some of the most special natural places in the world on the Sunshine Coast. Noosa, Cooloola, Mooloolaba and surrounding areas provide the best natural attraction in South East Queensland, including wineries, national parks, beaches and diving.
Wineries
The Sunshine Coast, is home to a variety of Queensland's best natural attractions. Nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland are amongst the regions best wineries. Take a tour of the most popular local wineries and indulge in food and wine taste testing at Noosa Valley Winery, Eumundi Winery and Moonshine Valley Winery.
National Parks
Spectacular national parks offer a mix of rugged mountains, dramatic beaches, tranquil everglades, peaceful rainforest and lakes, wild rivers, rushing waterfalls and wetlands teeming with birdlife. In the heart of the hinterland village of Buderim, you'll find the 45 hectare Buderim Forest Park which offers excellent walking and bird watching. A short stroll from Noosa's fashionable Hastings Street you'll find the sublime Noosa National Park, one of Queensland's few coastal national parks. Follow the picturesque bush and sea-view tracks past secluded coves and turquoise seas.
Beaches
The Sunshine Coast means sun-drenched beaches, sparkling water and year-round swimming in warm waters. The secluded coves and bays fringed by Noosa National Park, one of the few absolute beachfront national parks in Australia. Truly special are the dramatic coloured sand cliffs of Rainbow Beach. It's a 4x4 adventure land. Kilometres of unspoilt, white sandy beaches and turquoise rolling surf. Take a closer look at the rusting skeleton of the SS Dicky wreck on Dicky Beach, one of a handful of Australian beaches with its own shipwreck.
Fraser Island
Separated from the mainland by a small channel, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Fraser Island is World heritage listed and almost the entire island is a protected National Park. Accommodation ranges from motel units to houses and flats. On the mainland, the city of Maryborough and township of Hervey Bay provide both a stepping off point to Fraser Island and are worthwhile destinations in their own right.
Diving
Whether you are a seasoned diver or trying on a wetsuit for the first time, the Sunshine Coast offers some of the best diving experiences in Queensland. One major drawcard of diving the Sunshine Coast is that it offers variety, ranging from the newly created shipwreck of the ex-HMAS Brisbane to the shallow waters of Mudjimba (Old Woman) Island to the more adventurous dive of Wolf Rock, there are plenty of dive sites to explore.
Theme Parks, Mall and Markets
Underwater World
Discover the creatures of the deep at Underwater World, the largest tropical Oceanarium in the southern hemisphere. UnderWater World is located next to Mooloolaba Beach on the Wharf complex, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, Queensland.
Australia Zoo
Visit to the home of The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin! Just 45 minutes north of Brisbane, Australia Zoo offers a full day of adventure. Awarded Australia's Best Major Tourist Attraction for 2003/2004!
Big Pineapple
The Big Pineapple in glorious Nambour offers a day of fun and entertainment for the whole family. Just one hour easy drive north of Brisbane, on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast. Visitors to the plantation are greeted by a 16m high, fiberglass Pineapple.
Eumundi Markets
Situated in the heart of the town of Eumundi is the original Eumundi Markets which were established in 1979. View artworks and sculptures by local artists. Taste home-made lemonade, freshly baked breads, locally grown produce and fresh seasonal fruit.
Sunshine Plaza
Sunshine Plaza is built over Cornmeal Creek and is unique in bringing the waterside experience into a shopping environment. The Centre has a strong leisure focus enhanced by the Riverwalk area and an ambience that makes a visit to Sunshine Plaza a truly memorable shopping experience. First class licensed cafés and restaurants line the Riverwalk with a Westminster Chime Clocktower, a water fountain, a centre stage area with regular free entertainment, state of the art 6 screen cinema complex offers the latest in movie entertainmentand a children’s playground all close by.
Caloundra Aerodrome Museum and Sky Diving
There are many activities at the Caloundra Aerodrome that will appeal to all ages. The Queensland Air Museum had its beginnings in 1973 when a group of aviation enthusiasts decided to do something about preserving Australia's aviation heritage by purchasing a Canberra bomber. The Museum has vastly grown since then and is now a fascinating collection of all aspects of aviation heritage with special emphasis on Australia and Queensland. For the thrill seekers, prepare to jump with qualified instructors and Experience the thrill of up to 65 heart-pumping seconds of freefall. Then enjoy the scenery while you float down to your landing on one of Caloundra's soft, sandy beaches.
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