Things to do on the Sunshine Coast

A travel guide by RaD Car Hire

The Sunshine Coast is one of those places where a few local tips can completely change your trip – from sleepy coastal villages and rainforest lookouts to tiny bakeries and markets you could easily miss if you stick to the main highway. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team love helping visitors uncover those “we’re so glad we found this” spots, and many of the ideas in this guide also come from customers who return their keys raving about their favourite discoveries.

At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time in Australia. Whether you’re escaping for a beach break, visiting family or road-tripping up from Brisbane, a few insider tips from locals can make all the difference on the Sunshine Coast.

With branches across Australia and New Zealand – including our convenient depot near Sunshine Coast Airport in Marcoola – our teams are genuinely passionate about their own “home” regions, and the “Sunny” Coast is no exception. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team spend their days helping visitors plan scenic drives, choose the right beach for the day’s conditions and find good-value places to eat, and we also love collecting our customers’ top picks so we can share them with future travellers.

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best things to do in and around the Sunshine Coast – from hinterland walks and local markets to low-key beach hangs and neighbourhood eats. Instead of just listing the same big-name attractions you’ll see everywhere, we’ve focused on ideas that the RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team and our customers actually talk about at the counter.

Before you drive off to Noosa, Mooloolaba or deep into the hinterland, we definitely recommend giving yourself time to explore the region properly – it’s a relaxed, outdoorsy destination that’s made for road trips and spontaneous stops.

Sunshine Coast Activities

Kicking things off, here are some Sunshine Coast activities that the RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team likes to suggest when customers say, “We’ve heard about the beaches – what else is there?” Many of these are free or low-cost, which is ideal if you’re keeping an eye on your budget.

1. Sunrise or sunset at Mount Coolum (free)

Mount Coolum is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic landmarks, and walking to the summit is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.

The track is steep and rocky in sections, but the payoff is huge – 360-degree views from the Glass House Mountains across the coastline up towards Noosa.
The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team often recommend aiming for sunrise if you’re an early bird, or a late-afternoon climb in cooler weather, and many customers tell us it was the most memorable view of their trip.

Whilst many people head to the Sunshine Coast to enjoy the beautiful beaches, this walk is one that we hear about from so many of our customers. It’s a challenge, but that’s part of the adventure and when the pay off is this good, the challenge is totally worth it.

2. Stroll the markets like a local (free to $)

The Sunshine Coast has some of Queensland’s best markets, and our team and customers frequently point to them as trip highlights.

Eumundi Markets are the big-name drawcard, but smaller weekend markets in places like Yandina, Kawana or Cotton Tree can feel more relaxed and local.
The RaD team recommend arriving early, grabbing a coffee and wandering the stalls for fresh produce, crafts and food – it’s easy to spend only what you want and still soak up the atmosphere.

Your RaD rental car is the perfect way to get around and discover some of these amazing markets. If you are staying in an Airbnb during your visit, then these markets are the perfect place to stock up on fresh, local produce.

3. Picnic and rainforest walks at Mary Cairncross Reserve (gold-coin donation)

Perched above the Glass House Mountains, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve offers easy rainforest walks and jaw-dropping views for a tiny cost.

Entry to the rainforest walks is free, with a small optional donation for the Discovery Centre, and there are plenty of picnic tables, barbecues and a playground.
The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team often suggest bringing a picnic after a morning drive through the hinterland – families love the short, shady walks and the chance to spot birds and pademelons without a long hike.

This is another top recommendation from the team as it’s something very different from the usual Sunshine Coast activities you might expect. If you head to the markets first, it’s the perfect way to stock up on picnic items for some post-walk feasting.

4. Coastal pathways and rock pools (free)

If you’d rather stretch your legs by the sea, the Sunshine Coast is full of shared paths and coastal boardwalks that are perfect for walkers, runners and cyclists.

The stretch between Cotton Tree and Mooloolaba is a favourite tip from our team and customers – you’ll find playgrounds, coffee stops, rock pools and lookouts along the way, and you can walk as little or as much as you like.
With free parking in many spots and plenty of picnic areas, it’s a low-cost way to get a feel for different beaches in one go.

This is just one example of the many coastal walks you can enjoy in and around the Sunshine Coast. No matter where you are staying – Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Noosa and beyond – you will find an amazing coastal walk just waiting to be discovered.

5. Low-key day drives through the hinterland (mostly free, fuel only)

Because so many RaD customers are using the Sunshine Coast as a base, our airport crew are well-practised at helping people plan easy half-day or full-day loops through the hinterland.

One popular suggestion is a loop taking in Maleny, Montville and Mapleton – think short walks, quirky shops, cheese factories and lookouts with huge views back to the coast.
Customers often mention how much they enjoyed these slower days following local tips, pulling over at viewpoints or farm gates whenever something catches their eye, rather than rushing between major attractions.

No matter what you are looking for, our team has the local knowledge to guide you to the best places that are guaranteed to tick all your boxes.

Image credit: The Crocodile Hunter Lodge

Sunshine Coast Places to Eat

Choosing where to eat is always a hot topic at the RaD Sunshine Coast Airport counter, and the region definitely punches above its weight when it comes to good food. The team have pulled together a mix of places and styles that staff love personally and that customers keep talking about when they return their cars.

Below are some styles of places to look for, along with an idea of budget using $ (Budget‑Friendly) to $$$$ (Luxury).

Warrior Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Budget: Upscale ($$$)
Suburb: Beerwah
Highlights: Located at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Warrior plates up thoughtful Modern Australian dishes that hero local Sunshine Coast produce and native ingredients, all overlooking bushland and resident wildlife. It’s a spot the RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team love to recommend for a special night out after a day at Australia Zoo, and guests often talk about how the warm service, paddock‑to‑plate flavours and lodge setting make it feel like a uniquely “Sunshine Coast” dining experience.

Dee Den

Cuisine: Modern Thai / Asian fusion
Budget: Moderate to Upscale ($$ – $$$)
Suburb: Buderim
Highlights: Dee Den takes Thai flavours in a playful direction, with vibrant, share‑style plates and clever twists on classics served in a cosy, neighbourhood space up on the hill in Buderim. It’s a favourite of the RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team for date nights and small groups, and customers regularly mention the friendly staff, fun cocktails and creative menu as a refreshing change from standard takeaway Thai.

Spirit House

Cuisine: Contemporary Asian / Thai
Budget: Upscale to Luxury ($$$ – $$$$)
Suburb: Yandina
Highlights: Hidden among lush tropical gardens and lily ponds, Spirit House delivers big, punchy South‑East Asian flavours in a serene, almost other‑worldly setting that feels miles from the coast. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team often suggest it for long lunches or special occasions, and diners rave about the exceptional service, cooking school options and the feeling that they’ve stumbled on a true destination restaurant in the hinterland.

Embassy XO

Cuisine: Modern Chinese and Asian fusion
Budget: Upscale ($$$)
Suburb: Sunshine Beach
Highlights: Perched above Sunshine Beach’s village strip, Embassy XO pairs polished share plates and modern takes on Chinese favourites with an intimate dining room and excellent wine list. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team likes to recommend it to guests staying around Noosa who want something a little more refined than the main strip, and it’s often mentioned by customers as a standout for its flavours, ambience and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Bottarga

Cuisine: Italian / seafood‑focused Modern European
Budget: Upscale ($$$)
Suburb: Maroochydore
Highlights: Bottarga specialises in refined, produce‑driven dishes with a strong Italian and seafood influence, showcasing local fish, house‑made pastas and carefully matched wines in a stylish but relaxed setting. It’s a go‑to recommendation from the RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team for food‑lovers staying around the central coast, with many guests commenting on the thoughtful service, balanced flavours and the sense of enjoying “city‑level” dining by the beach.

Additional cafes and casual eats the RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team and our customers love:

Velo Project – tucked‑away café known for creative brunch plates, speciality coffee and a cosy, community feel ($$)
Maiori Pizza – laid‑back pizzeria turning out excellent wood‑fired pies with Italian toppings, great for casual dinners ($$)
Ricks Garage – retro‑style diner and bar in the hinterland with big burgers, live music and classic car vibes ($$)
El Bigoton – Latin street‑food spot serving arepas, tacos and other South American favourites, ideal for a cheap, flavour‑packed feed ($–$$)
Prickly Pinata – colourful Mexican joint with tacos, margaritas and a fun, family‑friendly atmosphere ($$)
Indiyum – bright, modern Indian restaurant on the coast, popular for its generous curries, naans and good value set menus ($$)
One Block Back – neighbourhood café with serious coffee, interesting brunch options and a relaxed, local crowd ($$)
Izba – Caloundra espresso bar and bakery turning out strong coffee and Eastern‑European‑inspired sweets and savouries ($)
The Edge – hinterland café/restaurant with big views, making it a great coffee or lunch stop on a scenic drive ($$)
Gun Coffee Roaster – small‑batch roastery and café beloved by locals for its espresso, filter brews and simple, tasty bites ($–$$)

Image credit: Pelican Water Resort

Sunshine Coast Accommodation

The Sunshine Coast has a huge variety of places to stay, from simple motels and holiday parks to luxury beachfront resorts and boutique hinterland cottages. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team regularly help travellers match their accommodation to their route and budget – and the constant stream of customer feedback means we know which spots are hitting the mark.

Aspect Apartment Caloundra

Budget: Upscale ($$$)
Suburb: Caloundra
Features: Aspect offers spacious 1, 2 and 3‑bedroom self‑contained apartments in the heart of Caloundra, many with large balconies and sweeping views over Bulcock Beach, the Pumicestone Passage and the Glass House Mountains. It’s a favourite with the RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team for families and longer stays, thanks to full kitchens and laundries plus resort facilities like two pools, spa, sauna, tennis court and BBQ areas – all an easy walk from cafés, the esplanade and multiple beaches.

Spicers Clovelly Estate

Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
Suburb: Montville (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
Features: Spicers Clovelly is a boutique French‑inspired retreat set among manicured gardens in Montville, with beautifully styled suites, a celebrated on‑site restaurant and an intimate, adults‑focused atmosphere. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team often recommend it for romantic getaways and special occasions, with guests loving the combination of country‑house charm, fine dining and easy access to hinterland walks and viewpoints.

Ingenia Holidays Noosa North

Budget: Budget-friendly ($)
Suburb: Tewantin (northern Sunshine Coast, near Noosa)
Features: Ingenia Holidays Noosa North is a family-focused holiday park with a mix of powered caravan sites, cabins and glamping options like safari tents, all centred around a heated pool, kids’ wading pool, playground, jumping pillow, games room and camp kitchen. Just 15 minutes from Noosa’s beaches and Hastings Street, it’s a top RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team pick for budget-conscious families who want affordable self-contained stays with plenty of on-site activities, and customers rave about the spacious sites, friendly vibe and easy access to the region’s best attractions.

Pelican Waters Resort

Budget: Moderate ($$)
Suburb: Pelican Waters (near Caloundra)
Features: Pelican Waters Resort overlooks waterways and a golf course just south of Caloundra, combining hotel rooms and apartments with pools, tennis courts and on‑site dining in a quieter residential setting. It’s well suited to couples, golfers and families who prefer a relaxed base away from the busy esplanade, and the RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team like recommending it to self‑drive guests who don’t mind a short, easy run into town or to the nearby beaches.

Ivory Palms Resort Noosa

Budget: Moderate to Upscale ($$ – $$$)
Suburb: Noosaville
Features: Ivory Palms is a family‑friendly resort in Noosaville with a mix of villas and apartments set around multiple pools, tennis courts, BBQ areas and leafy gardens, just a short walk from the Noosa River. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team often send families and groups here because the self‑contained layouts, kids’ facilities and on‑site café make longer stays easy, while a quick drive or bus ride gets you to Noosa Heads and the national park when you want beach or shopping time.

Sunshine Coast Beaches and Attractions

Beaches and nature are at the heart of the Sunshine Coast, and having a rental car means you can easily match the day’s conditions – and your mood – to the right spot. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team are constantly helping visitors decide which beaches to try next and which lesser‑known attractions are worth the drive.

Sunshine Coast Beaches

Mooloolaba Beach

Location: Central Sunshine Coast, just south of Maroochydore
Features: Mooloolaba’s patrolled beach has gentle waves, a protected swimming area and a lively esplanade lined with cafés, shops and playgrounds, making it a great all‑rounder for families and couples. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team often suggest it as a good “first beach” to get your bearings, especially around sunrise or late afternoon when the light is beautiful and parking is easier.

Alexandra Headland (“Alex”)

Location: Between Maroochydore and Mooloolaba
Features: Known for its surf break and laid‑back feel, Alex has a large grassy park, skate ramp, exercise equipment and barbecues overlooking the waves, making it a local favourite for picnics and casual hangs. It’s an easy, low‑cost day out – just bring your esky, pick a patch of grass and watch surfers and longboarders do their thing.

Kings Beach, Caloundra

Location: Southern end of the Sunshine Coast
Features: Kings Beach offers an oceanfront saltwater pool, fountains and water play area for kids, plus a wide sandy beach with rolling waves and a long promenade. The RaD team love recommending it to families because you can easily split your time between the pool, playground and sand without needing to move the car.

Peregian Beach

Location: Between Coolum and Noosa
Features: Peregian is a relaxed, village-style beach with a quiet patrolled swimming area and a central square of cafés, boutiques and a small playground just back from the sand. Customers often mention how much they appreciate its slower pace and local feel compared with more famous beaches further north.

Rainbow Beach / Double Island Point (day trip)

Location: Northern Sunshine Coast region (best visited with a full day and checking tides)
Features: For those with time and the right vehicle, a day trip up towards Rainbow Beach or Double Island Point offers incredible coloured sands, long stretches of wild beach and a sense of adventure that’s very different from the main resort towns. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team recommend planning this carefully – including checking conditions and access – but many visitors say it ended up being the standout day of their trip.

Sunshine Coast Attractions

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

Cost: Rainforest walks free; gold‑coin donation for Discovery Centre
Location: Near Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Features: This reserve combines tranquil rainforest walking tracks with an excellent Discovery Centre and a viewing platform across to the Glass House Mountains, making it one of the region’s most rewarding low‑cost outings. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team often recommend pairing it with a hinterland drive and café stop, and families love the manageable tracks and educational displays.

Mount Coolum National Park

Cost: Free
Location: Mount Coolum, near Marcoola and Coolum Beach
Features: The steep but well‑defined track up Mount Coolum rewards fit walkers with panoramic views of the coastline and hinterland, all without any entry fee. Our team always remind visitors to pick a dry day, wear proper shoes and set off early to avoid heat, but the feedback we hear is that it’s absolutely worth the effort.

Big Pineapple and surrounding attractions

Cost: Free to visit the site; selected attractions and events ticketed
Location: Woombye, near Nambour
Features: The Big Pineapple is a classic slice of Aussie roadside kitsch, and while it’s evolving with new events and experiences, it remains a fun, quick stop for photos and a leg stretch on your way north or south. Many RaD customers combine it with nearby cafés and farm gates, turning it into part of a relaxed country drive.

Noosa National Park

Cost: Free
Location: Noosa Heads
Features: Noosa National Park’s coastal track offers turquoise coves, possible dolphin and turtle sightings and shady forest sections, all within walking distance of Hastings Street. The RaD Sunshine Coast Airport team recommend starting early to beat the parking rush and taking plenty of water – visitors consistently rate this walk as one of the best free activities on the Coast.

Seary’s Creek

Cost: Free (parking fees may apply in the wider Cooloola Recreation Area)

Location: Cooloola Recreation Area, north of Noosa
Features: Seary’s Creek is a crystal‑clear, tea‑coloured swimming spot with boardwalk access, shallow sections for kids and gently flowing channels that are perfect for floating with inflatables. It feels like a natural water park, and the RaD team often tip it to families looking for something different to the beach – just remember to pack snacks, shade and your floaties.

Renting a car in the Sunshine Coast

If you’re flying into Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore), the RaD Sunshine Coast team make it easy to pick up your vehicle and get your holiday started. Our depot in Marcoola is just moments from the terminal, and customers regularly comment on how straightforward and friendly the whole process is – a welcome change after a flight.

Why choose RaD at Sunshine Coast Airport?

Easy airport pick‑up
If you’re arriving at Sunshine Coast Airport, the RaD team will have your car ready and waiting, with all of the paperwork sorted before you land. Visitors tell us they love being able to step off the plane, grab their luggage and be on the road to Noosa, Mooloolaba or the hinterland within minutes, without navigating crowded terminal desks.
Cars and prices for every style of trip
The Sunshine Coast fleet covers everything from compact runabouts for couples through to SUVs and people movers for larger families or groups, with a mix of late‑model and budget options depending on how much you want to spend. Many reviews highlight how affordable the daily rates are compared with other operators in the region, and how reliable the vehicles are for longer drives up and down the coast.
Local knowledge from a coastal crew
What really makes a difference here is that the team live and play on the Sunshine Coast themselves – they know which beach is likely to be sheltered on a windy day, which markets are worth an early start and which roads offer the best views into the hinterland. Regular RaD customers say they value this “human GPS” aspect just as much as the car itself, and they keep coming back because the team genuinely care about helping them make the most of their time in the region.

Whether you’re planning a chilled week split between a couple of beach towns, a short break packed with hikes and viewpoints, or a longer Queensland road trip, renting a car with RaD at Sunshine Coast Airport gives you the freedom to follow your own itinerary – and to take full advantage of those local tips from our team and from the travellers who’ve already fallen in love with the Sunny Coast.