Suntimes

Sunshine Coast

Noosa gets the headlines but the real Sunshine Coast is the hinterland — Maleny, Montville, Eumundi. Spirit House in Yandina is one of the best dining experiences in Queensland, full stop.

Current conditions

Weather

Sunny

Temperature

27°C

Humidity

65%

Best time to visit

September-November

Our picks in Sunshine Coast

Every spot personally vetted. No pay-for-play, no sponsored listings.

Noosa Farmers Market

Noosa
9/10
Market

Premier Sunshine Coast farmers market at Noosa Lions Park with local produce, artisan food, and excellent coffee.

Every Sunday morning. Come hungry. The mushroom toastie from the stall near the back is our annual highlight.

marketsbrunchfamily-friendlylocal-produce

Eumundi Markets

Eumundi
9/10
Market

Iconic Sunshine Coast market since the 1970s. Over 600 stalls of art, craft, food, and music.

Wednesday and Saturday. 600+ stalls. Been running for 50 years. Organic coffee near the entrance, then wander.

marketsshoppingculturemust-visit

Spirit House

Yandina
9/10
Restaurant

Thai restaurant in a tropical garden with koi ponds. One of Queensland's most unique dining experiences.

Thai food in a rainforest setting with koi ponds. It shouldn't work but it absolutely does. Book well ahead.

fine-diningunique-experiencedate-night

Sails Restaurant

Noosa
8.5/10
Restaurant

Iconic beachfront fine dining on Hastings Street. Exceptional seafood with direct beach views.

Fine dining right on Noosa Main Beach. The seafood is flawless. Lunch is better value than dinner.

fine-diningwaterfrontspecial-occasion

Hastings Street

Noosa
7.5/10
AttractionFree

Noosa's main dining and shopping strip. Boutiques, restaurants, and beach access.

The main strip. Good for a browse but the real Noosa is off the beaten track — ask us for the local spots.

shoppingdiningtourist

Noosa National Park

Noosa
9.5/10
AttractionFree

Stunning coastal national park. The Coastal Walk to Hell's Gates is unmissable.

The coastal walk is Queensland's best short hike. Dolphins from the headland, koalas in the trees. Allow 2 hours.

freeoutdoorswalkingwildlife+1

Glass House Mountains

Glass House Mountains
8.5/10
AttractionFree

Dramatic volcanic peaks. Sacred to the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples. Stunning walking and photography.

Drive through and stop at Mary Cairncross Reserve for the panorama. Mt Ngungun is the best walk (1.5 hrs return).

freeoutdoorswalkingphotography

Mooloolaba Beach

Mooloolaba
8.5/10
BeachFree

Protected north-facing beach with calm swimming, lifeguard patrols, and a lively esplanade.

The most swimmable beach on the Sunshine Coast. Protected waters, great for families. Fish and chips on the esplanade after.

freebeachfamily-friendlyswimming

Maleny Dairies

Maleny
8/10
Attraction

Working dairy farm in the hinterland offering tours and tastings. Their chocolate milk is a regional icon.

Working dairy farm you can visit. The chocolate milk is legendary. Kids love it. Combine with a Maleny wander.

family-friendlyhinterlandlocal-produce

The Canteen

Noosa
8/10
Cafe

Tucked-away cafe behind Noosa's main street. Excellent coffee and food without the premium.

Hidden behind Hastings Street. Better coffee than the main strip and half the price. Locals only vibe.

brunchhidden-gemlocal-favourite

Upcoming events

What’s happening in Sunshine Coast right now and in the weeks ahead.

Eumundi Markets

1 Jan 2025

Eumundi Markets

Iconic Sunshine Coast market since the 1970s. Over 600 stalls of art, craft, food, and music.

marketsFree
Suntimes Pick

Noosa Farmers Market

5 Jan 2025

Noosa Lions Park

Premier Sunshine Coast farmers market with local produce, artisan food, and excellent coffee.

marketsFree
Suntimes Pick

Curated itineraries

Tried-and-tested trip plans from people who actually live here.

Sunshine Coast Hidden Gems

2 days·moderate

Two days uncovering the real Sunshine Coast — beyond Hastings Street to the hinterland and hidden cafes.

Perfect for: couples

Ask about Sunshine Coast

“Where should we eat near the beach?” “What’s on this weekend?” Ask us anything — our AI concierge has local knowledge baked in.

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