Sunshine Coast in 5 days

Noosa beaches, hinterland villages and a laid-back alternative to the Gold Coast. Best time to visit: March-May and September-November. Average daily budget: $110 to $180 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Noosa Heads, The stylish hub - Hastings Street, Main Beach and the national park.

Morning: Noosa National Park coastal walk. A clifftop track past Tea Tree Bay and Hell's Gates, with koalas, dolphins and surf views.

Afternoon: Explore Noosa Heads, The stylish hub - Hastings Street, Main Beach and the national park.

Evening: Relax on Noosa Main Beach. A rare north-facing, patrolled surf beach right by Hastings Street.

Eat: Hastings Street dining and brunch in Noosa

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Mooloolaba, A buzzy family beach with a patrolled shore, esplanade and aquarium.

Morning: Explore the Hinterland. Montville, Maleny and the Glass House Mountains - waterfalls, lookouts and village markets.

Afternoon: Explore Mooloolaba, A buzzy family beach with a patrolled shore, esplanade and aquarium.

Evening: Eumundi Markets. One of Australia's best markets, Wednesdays and Saturdays in a leafy country town.

Eat: Fish and chips on the Mooloolaba esplanade

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Maroochydore, The regional centre with beaches, dining and the new city core.

Morning: Mooloolaba esplanade and SEA LIFE. Family-friendly beach, dining and an aquarium with an ocean walk-through.

Afternoon: Explore Maroochydore, The regional centre with beaches, dining and the new city core.

Evening: Fairy Pools at Noosa's national park - natural rock pools for a dip at low tide.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Hinterland café fare and fudge in Montville

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Montville & Maleny, Hinterland villages of cafés, galleries and mountain lookouts.

Morning: Mary Cairncross Reserve near Maleny for rainforest walks and Glass House views.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Montville & Maleny, Hinterland villages of cafés, galleries and mountain lookouts.

Evening: Kondalilla Falls - a rainforest waterfall and swimming hole near Montville.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Local produce and food stalls at Eumundi Markets

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Caloundra, A relaxed southern beach town with calm swimming spots.

Morning: Point Cartwright lookout for sunrise and whale watching in season.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Caloundra, A relaxed southern beach town with calm swimming spots.

Evening: Dinner at Hastings Street dining and brunch in Noosa, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Caloundra.

Eat: Hastings Street dining and brunch in Noosa

Hidden gems

Fairy Pools at Noosa's national park - natural rock pools for a dip at low tide.
Mary Cairncross Reserve near Maleny for rainforest walks and Glass House views.
Kondalilla Falls - a rainforest waterfall and swimming hole near Montville.
Point Cartwright lookout for sunrise and whale watching in season.

Getting around

A hire car is the best way to get around - the region is spread out and the Hinterland villages and markets aren't well served by public transport. Buses link the main coastal towns, and Noosa's centre is walkable. Sunshine Coast Airport is at Marcoola, central to the coast; Brisbane Airport is about 90 minutes south.

Safety

Very safe and family-friendly. Swim between the flags - the surf beaches have rips, though Noosa and Caloundra have calmer spots. The Queensland sun is fierce, so use sun protection year-round. Summer brings humidity and occasional afternoon storms, and stinging marine life is rare but possible in warmer months.

Sunshine Coast in 3 days | Sunshine Coast in 7 days | Full Sunshine Coast guide