Get off the beaten track on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast has long been a popular tourist destination, and rightly so. With more than 100km of stunning coastline, some of the world’s best beaches, and a foodie scene to rival any other, it’s no wonder travellers flock there year-round.

But there’s a lot more to the Sunshine Coast than what you might know. Sure, you’ve probably swum in the sparkling waters of Coolum or Mooloolaba, dined along Noosa’s Hastings Street, or visited the famed Eumundi Markets, but there’s a lesser-known side to the Sunshine Coast that’s equally as impressive.

With direct flights to the Sunshine Coast soon on sale with Bonza, a quick getaway to the tropical paradise has never been easier. Here's a few ideas for getting off the beaten track and discovering the hidden gems of the Sunshine Coast...

Moffat Beach

If a visit to the Sunshine Coast is all about sun, surf, and sand for you, the sleepy beach town of Moffat Beach might just be the perfect spot. Known as the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gem, Moffat Beach is nestled in a quiet corner of Caloundra and has loads on offer when it comes to accommodation, food, and the great outdoors. Its perfect point break will appeal to surfers, while the sandy inlet of Tooway Creek provides a safe and family-friendly spot for swimming or stand-up paddle boarding. Moffat Beach is also dog-friendly, so you can even bring your best furry friend!

Top tip: After a day at the beach head to Moffat Beach Brewing Co, an award-winning small brewery in a casual beachside setting.

Blackall Range

If you’re looking for a road trip to outshine all others, it's about time you discovered the Blackall Range Hinterland Drive. An easy 30-40 minutes inland, the scenic drive weaves through the picture-perfect towns of Montville, Mapleton, Cooloolabin, and Maleny. Here you’ll discover art, craft, cafes, restaurants, and lookouts. The hinterland drive is about 55km so you can easily do it in a few short hours - but when there’s so much to explore, you could also easily fill in a whole day! The quaint towns you’ll pass through offer up a myriad of accommodation, making it the perfect location to base yourself while exploring the Sunshine Coast’s stunning hinterland.

Top tip: Pay a visit to Maleny Dairies, Queensland’s first carbon-positive dairy business where you can take a farm and factory tour, feed the calves, and taste their scrumptious dairy products.

Noosa Everglades

After wining and dining your way down Noosa’s Hastings Street, get back to nature in the Noosa Everglades - one of only two everglades’ systems on earth (the other one is in the U.S. state of Florida)! This truly unique patch of paradise is one of Australia’s most diverse ecosystems, and features 60 kilometers of pristine waterways waiting to be explored by boat, kayak, or on foot. To truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors, book a stay at the Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp for the ultimate accessible wilderness experience.

Fun fact: More than 40% of Australia’s bird species can be found in Noosa Everglades.

Woombye

Another gem in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Woombye is most famously known for being the home of the Big Pineapple. But there’s plenty more to see and do in this quaint town and surrounds, including Wildlife HQ Zoo (formerly Alma Park Zoo), Thrill Hill Waterslide Park, and TreeTop Challenge Sunshine Coast where you can explore the rainforest canopy on a series of high rope and zipline courses. After all the action, enjoy some of Woombye’s friendly country hospitality. Local favourites include the Woombye Pub, set in a rejuvenated old Queenslander, and GROUNDED café which looks like it’s straight out of a stylish Pinterest feed.

Top tip: Don’t leave the area without trying some award-winning handcrafted cheese from Woombye Cheese Company.

Getting there:

Coming soon - fly direct to the Sunshine Coast with Bonza!