Shop Escapes · Queensland
This is my home. A quieter stretch of Queensland than the Gold Coast — beaches, hinterland hills, and Noosa. Sunny Coasters tend to go to bed early and get up for the light.
It is an outdoor itinerary. Walking, swimming, wildlife; shorter options where I have them. You do not need to be a serious hiker. You will not find many days that tell you to sit beside the hotel pool. This is how I would show the Coast to someone visiting for the first time.
Noosa National Park
The coastal track, then granite into that water.
This morning, head out onto the water with Sunreef Mooloolaba and choose from one of three experiences depending on the season — and just how adventurous you’re feeling.
Sunreef Mooloolaba · River Bar & Dining · Point Cartwright
For one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on the Sunshine Coast, take the plunge and swim with migrating humpback whales. Available seasonally, generally from late June to early October.
Winter only
If getting into the ocean with a 30-tonne humpback sounds slightly more adventurous than you had in mind, stay safely onboard and join a whale-watching cruise instead. You’ll still have the chance to see these incredible animals up close — without getting wet.
Winter only
Visiting outside whale season? No whales, no problem. Head out to Mudjimba Island for a snorkelling adventure and the chance to swim alongside turtles and other marine life.
Head to River Bar & Dining, a relatively new addition to the Coast that has quickly become one of our favourite places to eat. Keep things casual with tapas on the deck, where you generally don’t need a reservation, or settle in for a proper meal in the restaurant. Bookings are recommended for the restaurant, particularly on weekends. Our picks: the karaage mushrooms, lamb pita kebabs and hot-smoked salmon tostadas.
After lunch, it’s only a short drive to Point Cartwright. Take an easy walk around the headland for beautiful coastal views, check out the colourful artwork covering the lighthouse, and keep your eyes on the ocean — during whale season, you might even spot a few more humpbacks passing offshore.
Head back to your accommodation and enjoy some well-earned downtime. Relax by the pool, head back to the beach or simply do absolutely nothing for a couple of hours.
Later days cover Caloundra and the passage, hinterland waterfalls and Glass House peaks, then Noosa’s coastal walk, river, and Everglades. Day 14 is home — or north toward Rainbow Beach and K’gari.
What’s inside
A complete self-guided itinerary from how I actually use this coast: three bases, a hire car, favourite walks and tables, and the days you should swap when Queensland weather or a Wednesday market says so. Delivered as a digital PDF.
Sunshine Coast is a self-guided PDF — three bases, the car, the walks, and how I would show my home coast to a first-time visitor. US$29.99, instant download.
US$29.99 PDF · instant download
You keep the file. Updated editions for 12 months.
