The Australian Bucket List

Queensland

Sunshine CoastA favourite amongst holiday-makers, the Sunshine Coast offers an escape just north of Brisbane with superb beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, subtropical rainforests, rivers, lakes, and charming towns and villages.

Just north of Brisbane, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast offers a relaxed, yet sophisticated lifestyle. Encompassing the coastline from Caloundra to Rainbow Beach and the lush countryside of the hinterland, the beauty of this region will captivate you. The beaches of the Sunshine Coast are varied with gentle waves to serious surf, while idyllic coastal towns are perfect for both romantic getaways and family holidays. If you prefer a cosy holiday nestled amongst the hills and beautiful Glass House Mountains, then wander through the hinterland where you can browse among local delicacies at markets and fresh food stalls. Be prepared to tempt your tastebuds in Noosa, untie your purse-strings at Eumundi Markets and bring out your inner child at Australia Zoo. You’ll soon realise that one visit to the Sunshine Coast is simply not enough, it is the perfect place to 'Find Your Space'.

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Things to do

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Elaman Creek

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve comprises 55 hectares of National Estate listed subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains. A remnant of the rainforests that once covered the Blackall Range, the Reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and animal life that promises to delight with its tranquility and beauty. Step back in time in the new discovery centre, or take a relaxing walk along the rainforest tracks, have a picnic or barbecue, or relax at the café.

Take the family to Sea Life

Sea Life Sunshine Coast is an all-weather visitor attraction located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast and now has more creatures to see and things to do than ever before. At the much-loved aquarium, you can learn, explore and interact with thousands of marine life over 11 amazing and unique zones. With different fun talks and animal feeds, including the family favourite seal presentation, there's plenty for everyone to enjoy at Sea Life Sunshine Coast. The aquarium is all about giving you the chance to get up close and personal with their much-loved creatures. Why not take a Behind the Scenes tour and find out all about Sea Life Sunshine Coast's rescue, rehabilitate, and release program. Say hi to one of their cheeky resident seals in a seal experience like no other, shake a seals flipper in a seal encounter, make a splash in a seal swim or even become a trainer for the day!

Visit the Eumundi Markets

Every Saturday and Wednesday, come rain, hail or shine, the population of Eumundi explodes from 500 residents to several thousand as visitors flock to the markets. The Eumundi Markets were established in 1979 and are situated in the heart of this historic town. The iconic and towering heritage-listed fig trees rise above the 500 plus stall market. Everything is on offer from fresh food to clothes and lifestyle products. Score a bargain for yourself! There is a blend of old and new within Eumundi. The streets are lined with historical buildings, modern art galleries, boutique wineries and local history museums. The town is a must-do for anyone passing through the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Enjoy the seafood and lifestyle of Mooloolaba

Dine on the freshest seafood straight off the trawler or hop on a fishing charter to catch your own. Mooloolaba is home to the largest trawling fleet in the region and a favourite anchorage for ocean cruisers and leisure boats. Whether it's a simple serve of fish and chips at the beach, or king prawn cocktails at a five-star restaurant - Mooloolaba can dish up seafood to suit all budgets and palates. There are several patrolled beaches in this part of the coast. Alexandra Headland is a great place to find a perfectly peeling wave if you're keen to go for a surf while you're in town. When it comes to dining, Mooloolaba is home to a range of cosmopolitan cafes and family restaurants - as well as a shopping precinct by the water where you can buy everything from beach towels to designer label clothes. Mooloolaba is approximately 100 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Conservation Park

Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Conservation Park is a small remnant of wallum heath that covered much of coastal southern Queensland. Thriving on Lake Currimundi’s northern shore, this type of coastal heathland is rich in plant species, which attract birds and insects seeking food and shelter. Enjoy short walks, wildflowers, coastal birds, and views of the ocean beach and Currimundi Lake. Wander down the track from Coongarra Esplanade through the park to the beach. After the first 130 metres of wheelchair-accessible track, pause at the lake lookout. Spot the spectacular yellow-spiked flower or knobbly seed pods of the wallum banksia. Walk quietly, looking and listening for wrens, finches and honeyeaters such as the noisy friarbird. Vividly coloured heath wildflowers reach their peak flowering time in late winter and spring months. The park is named after Kathleen McArthur, a local artist, conservationist and founding member of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (1962). Kathleen was passionate about wallum heathlands and campaigned to have these plant communities protected in the Sunshine Coast region. The heathland wildflowers were a favourite subject for her botanical illustrations.

Have a blast at Aussie World

Experience one of Australia's favourite Theme Parks! With so many thrilling rides and attractions on offer, Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast is a fun day out for the entire family. If you're looking for thrills and excitement then you will find it all right there! Some rides will get you soaked, make you green and dizzy, there are simulators and slides, bumps and coasters! For the kids or the big kids at heart, they offer fun for all ages. Cruise into the Fun Café for snacks, lunch, ice cream or drinks and don't forget to grab an awesome souvenir show bag from the Fun Shop!

Visit Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo, one hour north of Brisbane on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is home of The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Nestled on more than 110 acres and with more than 1200 amazing animals, it’s the most interactive conservation destination on the planet! You can cuddle a koala, feed their gorgeous kangaroos or even walk a wombat! Don’t miss the amazing African animals on their very own savannah, or head to South-East Asia to visit their majestic tigers and their gorgeous red panda. Take a trip to Bindi’s Island, where you can climb a three-story treehouse, but look out! With that view, you might spot ring-tailed lemurs, giant Aldabra tortoises, colourful parrots and so much more. Don’t miss the Wildlife Warriors Show at noon in the world-famous Crocoseum, with all the slithering, swooping, jaw-snapping action of epic saltwater crocodiles, birds and snakes! Get up-close and personal with their gorgeous wildlife by booking an animal encounter. If you miss out, not to worry! Check out the free daily shows on offer and then explore the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the busiest wildlife hospital of its kind in the world. At Australia Zoo, it's as wild as life gets!

Explore Glass House Mountains National Park

The Glass House Mountain peaks are a distinctive landmark in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Craggy peaks tower over a scenic patchwork of pine plantations, bushland and cultivated fields. Many of the peaks are protected in Glass House Mountains National Park and are listed on the Queensland and National Heritage Register as a landscape of national significance. Named by Lieutenant James Cook during his epic voyage along Australia's east coast, the Glass House Mountains are intrusive plugs formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The peaks are known as Mount Beerburrum, Mount Beerwah, Mount Coochin, Mount Coonowrin (Crookneck), Mount Elimbah (The Saddleback), Mount Ngungun, Mount Tibberoowuccum, Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Tunbubudla (The Twins), Wild Horse Mountain (Round Mountain) and Mount Miketeebumulgrai. Enjoy scenic views from the lookout in Beerburrum State Forest or explore one of the walking tracks through open forests to lookouts offering panoramic views. Some walks are easy while the challenging summit routes are for experienced walks with climbing expertise. The summit routes on Mounts Ngungun and Tibrogargan are also suitable for roped sports for experienced and well-equipped climbers. The Glass House Mountains area is spiritually significant to the Aboriginal Traditional Owners, with many ceremonial sites still protected today.

Relax in Noosa

Combine natural beauty with award-winning restaurants and a sleepy-town atmosphere and you'll get an idea of what Noosa has to offer. Listed as an official Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Noosa is home to a range of pristine natural environments - from waterways full of birdlife to rocky headlands where you can watch whales swim past. Noosa National Park has a variety of walking trails that pass by secluded ocean bays - ideal for a dip at any time of the year. Noosa's Main Beach is one of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast of Australia and is calm on most days, which makes it a great spot for families and those learning to surf. For those who like to get out on the water, the Noosa River connects with a series of beautiful lakes and is best experienced by canoe, kayak or river cruise. After exploring the natural wonders, head to Hastings Street - a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare where locals and visitors enjoy shopping, al-fresco dining and people-watching. Inland you'll find the vibrant town of Eumundi - home to the world-famous Eumundi Markets where local food producers, musicians and artists share their wares and talents with the public.

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