Sunshine Coast Bucket List: Ultimate Travel Guide & Itinerary

Continue reading for our curated Bucket List of the top things to see and do when travelling to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland located just one hours drive north of Brisbane.

For further information including directions to each of these locations and attractions, click through to the listing on our Aussie Bucket List website or app, and scroll down to the bottom to see their locations pinned on Google maps. You can then easily get directions from your current location to each of the attractions listed below.

About Destination

The Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, is one of the country’s most sought-after holiday destinations, famed for its pristine beaches, lush hinterland, and year-round sunny climate. Stretching from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north, the Sunshine Coast offers a blend of relaxed coastal living, natural beauty, and vibrant attractions that make it perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers alike.

Visitors flock to the region for its golden sandy beaches, world-class surf breaks, and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and stand-up paddleboarding. Noosa National Park, Glass House Mountains, and the Hinterland villages of Montville and Maleny offer hiking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic views for nature lovers. Foodies will love the thriving dining scene, fresh local seafood, farmers’ markets, and award-winning restaurants, while families can enjoy top attractions such as Australia Zoo, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, and the Ginger Factory.

Easily accessible from Brisbane (just over an hour’s drive), the Sunshine Coast is serviced by Sunshine Coast Airport with direct domestic and international flights. With its mix of luxury resorts, boutique stays, eco-lodges, and family-friendly accommodation, it caters to every type of traveller.

Whether you’re chasing surf, hinterland escapes, or a relaxing beach getaway, the Sunshine Coast delivers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty – making it a must-visit destination in Queensland.

Sunshine Coast Climate

The Sunshine Coast in Queensland enjoys a warm subtropical climate, making it one of Australia’s most popular year-round holiday destinations. With long sunny days, mild winters, and refreshing sea breezes in summer, the Sunshine Coast climate is perfect for outdoor activities, beach getaways, and hinterland adventures.

Summer (December – February)

Summers on the Sunshine Coast are warm and humid, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 29°C. Afternoon sea breezes and occasional tropical showers help keep conditions comfortable, making it ideal for swimming, surfing, and exploring the region’s national parks.

Autumn (March – May)

Autumn brings slightly cooler temperatures, averaging 16°C to 26°C, with lower humidity and plenty of sunshine. This is a fantastic time for hiking in the Glass House Mountains, relaxing on the beaches, or enjoying food and wine festivals.

Winter (June – August)

Winters are mild and dry, with average temperatures between 10°C and 22°C. Clear skies and cooler nights make it perfect for whale watching, hinterland escapes, and outdoor dining. It’s also the Sunshine Coast’s driest season, attracting visitors escaping colder southern climates.

Spring (September – November)

Spring offers warm, sunny weather with temperatures from 15°C to 27°C, ideal for beach holidays, water sports, and exploring Noosa National Park. Wildflowers bloom in the hinterland, and the climate is perfect for outdoor events and markets.

Thanks to its consistent sunshine and mild temperatures, the Sunshine Coast is an all-season destination. Whether you want a beach escape in summer, a hiking adventure in autumn, a winter whale-watching trip, or a spring food festival, the climate ensures there’s never a bad time to visit.

Best Sunshine Coast Waterfalls

DANGER: Sheer cliffs and waterfalls. One slip could be fatal—serious injury or death may result from walking near the edge. Keep to the track. Supervise children closely.

1 - Booloumba Falls

Image credit: Samantha Porter - Aussie Bucket List

Walking trail: 3km return | grade 3 | 1.5 hours

Booloumba Falls is a must-see natural bucket list attraction if you enjoy hiking and chasing waterfalls, located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Queensland. The Booloumba Falls walk in Conondale National Park, showcases the park's stunning surrounds and a wonderful variety of wildlife. The park, set in the rugged Conondale Range, features lush rainforests, tall eucalypt forest, waterfalls, boulder-strewn creeks and spectacular scenery. You'll be immersed in the natural beauty of this remarkable, sprawling expanse as you walk through tall open forest and discover Booloumba Creek's cascades, waterfalls and rock pools.

Marvel at The Breadknife, an impressive rock formation that marks the junction of Peters and Booloumba creeks, and cool off in the refreshing mountain water with a swim at the base of the falls. Allow two hours for this three kilometre return walk. The Booloumba Falls walk follows a well-defined track and requires average fitness levels. Follow the track to the junction of Peters and Booloumba creeks, where the Booloumba Gorge features a lookout over cascades, falls, rock pools and The Breadknife rock formation.

All park roads are gravel and at present suitable for high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles only. Booloumba Creek Road includes several creek crossings. Add Booloumba Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

2 - Artists Cascades

Image credit: Samantha Porter - Aussie Bucket List

Walking trail: Grade 4 | 10.6km return hike | allow 4 hours

The Artists Cascades Hiking Trail in Conondale National Park, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, is a must-do adventure for nature lovers. This scenic 11 km return trail takes hikers through lush subtropical rainforest, towering eucalyptus trees, and alongside trickling creeks before reaching the stunning Artists Cascades waterfall – a serene swimming hole surrounded by mossy rocks and ferns.

The walk forms part of the Conondale Range Great Walk, making it a popular choice for day hikers as well as those tackling longer multi-day treks. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, bird calls echoing through the forest, and interpretive signs highlighting the region’s rich ecology. The trail is graded moderate, with some uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear and a reasonable fitness level are recommended.

Located near Kenilworth, the Artists Cascades hike is around 90 minutes’ drive from Brisbane and easily accessible from Sunshine Coast towns like Maleny and Montville. The reward at the end – a picturesque natural waterfall and cool rock pools – makes the effort worthwhile, especially on warm summer days.

Whether you’re chasing a refreshing swim, a full-day hiking experience, or a chance to immerse yourself in Queensland’s pristine hinterland, the Artists Cascades Trail offers one of the Sunshine Coast’s most breathtaking walking adventures.

Add Artists Cascades to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

3 - Kondalilla Falls

Image credit: QLD Government

Walking trail: Grade 4 | 4.6km return hike | 2 hour return

The Kondalilla Falls Hiking Trail in Kondalilla National Park is one of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s most popular bushwalks, offering breathtaking scenery, lush rainforest, and a spectacular 90-metre waterfall. Starting near Montville, this trail leads hikers through subtropical rainforest, tall eucalypt forest, and vine-covered gullies before descending to the base of Kondalilla Falls, where rock pools and cascades provide the perfect place for a refreshing swim.

The main Kondalilla Falls Circuit is around 4.6 km return, graded moderate, with steep sections and over 300 steps. For those looking for a shorter walk, the Picnic Creek Circuit (1.7 km) offers an easier option with beautiful lookout points. Along the way, you can spot diverse wildlife, from colourful birdlife to goannas, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.

Just a short drive from Maleny and Mapleton, and about 90 minutes from Brisbane, Kondalilla Falls is easily accessible and a must-do for anyone exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. With picnic areas, barbecues, and lookout spots near the trailhead, it’s a fantastic destination for families, hikers, and day-trippers seeking an unforgettable natural escape.

Add Kondalilla Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

4 - Mapleton Falls

Image credit: Samantha Porter - Aussie Bucket List

Walking trail: The lookout is just a short stroll to the lookout from the carpark

The Mapleton Falls Hiking Trail in Mapleton Falls National Park is a short but spectacular walk in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Just outside the village of Mapleton, this easy 1.3 km circuit track takes visitors through lush eucalypt forest and rainforest, leading to a dramatic lookout over the 120-metre Mapleton Falls plunging into the Obi Obi Gorge.

The trail is family-friendly and well maintained, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Along the walk, you’ll find interpretive signs, shaded picnic areas, and platforms offering breathtaking views of the valley, surrounding ranges, and cascading falls. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting species such as peregrine falcons, while nature lovers can admire towering blackbutt trees and subtropical vegetation.

Easily accessible from Maleny, Montville, and Nambour, and just 90 minutes from Brisbane, Mapleton Falls is the perfect half-day escape. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing rainforest stroll, a scenic picnic spot, or one of the best waterfall lookouts on the Sunshine Coast, this hiking trail offers an unforgettable Hinterland experience.

Add Mapleton Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

5 - Buderim Falls

Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

The Buderim Falls Hiking Trail, also known as Serenity Falls, is one of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s most beloved short walks. Located in Buderim Forest Park, this tranquil trail winds through subtropical rainforest filled with strangler figs, palms, and trickling streams, leading to the picturesque Buderim Falls cascading into a rock pool below a charming wooden bridge.

The trail offers two main access points – Lindsay Road for a shorter, 350-metre walk to the falls, or Quorn Close for a longer 600-metre rainforest track. Both options are relatively easy and family-friendly, making the falls a popular spot for locals and visitors. After rainfall, the waterfall is at its most impressive, creating the perfect backdrop for photography, picnics, and quiet nature escapes.

Just a few minutes from Buderim town centre and under 20 minutes from Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, Buderim Falls is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most accessible hinterland walks. With shaded picnic areas, boardwalk sections, and a magical rainforest atmosphere, it’s an unmissable experience for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.

Add Buderim Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

Best Sunshine Coast Mountain Summits / hikes

6 - Mount Ngungun Summit

Image credit: Visit Sunshine Coast

Walking trail: 2.8km return | 2 hours | Grade 4

The Mount Ngungun Hiking Trail in the Glass House Mountains National Park is one of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s most iconic climbs, offering panoramic views from its summit. At just 2.8 km return, this relatively short but moderately challenging hike takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, making it perfect for beginners and experienced hikers alike.

The well-maintained trail winds through open forest and rocky pathways before opening up to breathtaking views over the surrounding Glass House Mountains peaks, including Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Beerwah, and Mount Coonowrin. The summit also features striking volcanic rock formations, providing a dramatic backdrop for sunrise and sunset photography.

Easily accessible from Glass House Mountains township, and just an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, Mount Ngungun is one of the most popular hikes on the Sunshine Coast. Its combination of manageable distance, rewarding views, and natural beauty makes it a must-do for locals and visitors exploring the hinterland.

Add Mount Ngungun Summit to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

7 - Mount Coolum Summit

Image credit: Tourism and Events QLD

Walking trail: 1.6km return | 1 - 1.5 hours | Grade 4

The Mount Coolum Summit Hiking Trail is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular climbs, rewarding hikers with sweeping 360-degree views over the coastline, hinterland, and Glass House Mountains. Located in Mount Coolum National Park, this steep but short trail is 1.6 km return and typically takes 60–90 minutes to complete.

The track begins with a gentle ascent through coastal bushland before climbing steep rocky steps to the summit plateau, 208 metres above sea level. From the top, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of Noosa, Maroochydore, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding hinterland ranges. The trail is best tackled at sunrise or sunset for dramatic skies and cooler temperatures.

Easily accessible just 15 minutes from Maroochydore and 90 minutes north of Brisbane, Mount Coolum is a must-do for visitors and locals alike. Its mix of manageable distance, challenging incline, and spectacular summit outlook makes it one of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast.

Add Mount Coolum Summit to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

8 - Mount Beerwah 

Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Walking trail: 2.6km return | 3-4 hours | Grade 5 (experienced climbers only)

The Mount Beerwah Summit Hiking Trail in the Glass House Mountains National Park is one of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s most challenging and rewarding climbs. Rising 556 metres, Mount Beerwah is the tallest of the Glass House Mountains, offering experienced hikers an exhilarating ascent and unmatched panoramic views from the summit.

The trail is approximately 3.5 km return and is graded difficult, with steep rock slabs, exposed sections, and technical scrambling required. It is recommended only for hikers with a high level of fitness and confidence in rock climbing conditions. The climb rewards adventurers with breathtaking views of neighbouring peaks such as Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Ngungun, and Mount Coonowrin, as well as sweeping vistas across the Sunshine Coast and hinterland.

Access to the trailhead is via Beerwah township, around an hour north of Brisbane. Hikers should attempt the climb in dry conditions, wear sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water. While demanding, the Mount Beerwah Summit Trail is considered one of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast for those seeking an adrenaline-fuelled adventure and incredible summit views.

Add Mount Beerwah to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

9 - Mount Tibrogargan

Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Walking trail: 3km return | 2 - 3 hours | Grade 5 (experienced climbers only)

The Mount Tibrogargan Summit Hiking Trail in the Glass House Mountains National Park is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most famous – and most challenging – hikes. Rising 364 metres, this steep and exposed climb requires rock scrambling and a high level of fitness, making it suitable only for experienced hikers and climbers.

The summit trail is approximately 3 km return and involves navigating vertical rock faces, loose sections, and narrow ledges. While demanding, the reward is spectacular: sweeping 360-degree views over the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, neighbouring peaks like Mount Beerwah and Mount Ngungun, and the coastline stretching to Caloundra and Moreton Bay.

For those not ready to tackle the summit, the base of Mount Tibrogargan offers several family-friendly walking tracks with excellent lookout points. The mountain is located near Beerburrum, about an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, and is best climbed in dry conditions with proper footwear and preparation.

Considered one of the toughest hikes on the Sunshine Coast and suitable for experienced climbers only, the Mount Tibrogargan Summit Trail delivers a thrilling adventure and some of the most iconic views in Queensland.

Add Mount Tibrogargan to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

ACCOMMODATION

10 - Petrichor Estate Dome

Image credit: Aussie Bucket List

Luxury Glamping in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The Petrichor Estate Dome in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers a unique luxury glamping experience surrounded by rolling hills, lush rainforest, and breathtaking mountain views. Located near Maleny and Montville, this private geodesic dome combines eco-friendly design with boutique comfort, making it one of the most sought-after romantic getaways in Queensland.

The spacious dome features a king-sized bed, modern bathroom, kitchenette, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the stunning hinterland landscape. Guests can relax on the outdoor deck, soak in the private hot tub, or stargaze under crystal-clear night skies. With thoughtful touches like luxury linens, ambient lighting, and panoramic views, the Petrichor Estate Dome blends nature and indulgence seamlessly.

Perfect for couples, honeymooners, or those seeking a peaceful retreat, the dome is just minutes from Maleny’s wineries, Montville’s artisan shops, and iconic attractions like Kondalilla Falls and the Glass House Mountains. Its secluded setting makes it an ideal base for exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland while enjoying privacy and relaxation.

Add Petrichor Estate Dome to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

11 - Petrichor Estate Luxury Holiday Home - Main Residence

Image credit: Welcome Ready

Luxury Holiday Home in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The Petrichor Estate Main Residence is a premium holiday home in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, offering a luxurious escape for families, groups, and special occasions. Nestled in the rolling hills near Maleny and Montville, this spacious estate combines modern comfort with breathtaking hinterland views, making it one of the most sought-after large accommodation options in the region.

The newly renovated luxury residence features four bedrooms, an infinity pool and outdoor firepit with the most incredible views over the Sunshine Coast coastline, expansive living areas, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, and stylish open-plan design that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining on the wide verandahs, relax by the fireplace, or unwind while taking in panoramic views across the Glass House Mountains and surrounding countryside.

Perfect for weddings, retreats, or extended family stays, the Petrichor Estate Holiday Home provides privacy, space, and luxury in a stunning natural setting. Just minutes from Maleny’s wineries, Montville’s boutiques, and attractions like each of the waterfalls and hiking trails listed above, it offers the ideal base to explore the region while enjoying the comforts of a high-end private retreat.

Add Petrichor Estate Luxury Holiday Home to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

Or, find your dream accommodation on Expedia

We hope that you are able to tick these Sunshine Coast experiences off your Aussie Bucket List soon! Feel free to browse our other blog posts for further inspiration on travelling Australia.

Article by Samantha Porter - Aussie Bucket List Founder & Travel Writer

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