Sunshine Coast Tourist Attractions
An hour north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast trades the Gold Coast's theme parks for a quieter mix of beach towns, hinterland villages, and one genuinely world-class wildlife park. Here's what to prioritise in 2026.
Noosa Main Beach and National Park
Noosa's beach curves gently enough to swim comfortably most days, and the adjoining national park headland walk is one of the few coastal walks in Australia where you can reasonably expect to see wild koalas. Go early morning to beat both the heat and the crowds on the headland track.
Australia Zoo
Founded by the Irwin family and still run by them, this is a genuinely different experience from a standard zoo — live wildlife shows, close-up animal encounters, and a scale that easily fills a full day. Book tickets ahead in school holiday periods, when it sells out.
Glass House Mountains
A cluster of volcanic peaks visible from much of the Sunshine Coast, with walking tracks ranging from an easy lookout stroll to a genuine rock scramble up Mount Ngungun. The lookout at Wild Horse Mountain needs no walking at all and still gives a view over most of the range.
Montville and Maleny (Hinterland Villages)
Two hinterland towns roughly 30 minutes apart, both built around galleries, cafes, and cooler hill-country air. Montville leans more touristy and shop-lined; Maleny feels more like an actual working town with a Saturday market worth timing your visit around.
Sunshine Coast Attractions at a Glance
| Attraction | Best for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Noosa Main Beach & National Park | Swimming, wildlife walk | Half day |
| Australia Zoo | Wildlife encounters | Full day |
| Glass House Mountains | Walking, lookouts | Half day |
| Montville & Maleny | Hinterland villages, markets | Half to full day |
If You're Also Visiting the Gold Coast
The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast sit on opposite sides of Brisbane, roughly two and a half hours apart by car — realistic as two separate legs of a trip, not as a single day combining both. If your route continues south past the Gold Coast, the towns around Byron Bay are the next natural stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane?
About an hour's drive from Brisbane, making it a realistic day trip or a base for a longer stay without needing to fly.
Is Australia Zoo worth a full day?
Yes — between the wildlife shows, animal encounters, and the size of the grounds, most visitors need the better part of a day to see it properly.
Is the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast better to visit?
The Gold Coast suits visitors who want theme parks and nightlife; the Sunshine Coast suits those who want quieter beaches, hinterland villages, and wildlife-focused days like Australia Zoo.