When it comes to summer, we like to think we’re experts in the field.
Because with 100km of pristine coastline to throw down a towel, rainforest walks and cooling waterholes, the Sunshine Coast is literally designed for summer fun.
Pair that with an epic line-up of events, markets, scenic restaurants and things to do, and you’ve got yourself a summer you’ll never forget.
Family on the beach, Alexandra Headland, Sunshine Coast
Best beaches for summer fun
You’ve packed your towel, swimmers and surfboard, the only thing left to do is choose which spot of sand to stake your beach umbrella.
For sheltered swimming, Mooloolaba and Noosa Main Beach’s north facing aspect make them great choices for family-friendly beach days.
Surfers will love Alexandra Headland, Coolum and Moffat Beach in Caloundra, where the surf breaks are pumping.
And if you’re looking for long sandy stretches to stretch your legs at sunset, Kawana and Peregian Beach are your go to.
Great Beach Drive, Rainbow Beach, Gympie Region
Turn your beach day into an overnight adventure, pack the 4WD and make tracks along the sand from Noosa North Shore to Double Island Point along the Great Geach Drive.
Here you can set up camp for the night, spending your days riding the waves or snorkelling the headland before falling asleep to the sound of the ocean.
No 4WD? No worries. Jump on a day tour with Epic Ocean Adventures, Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours or Sunny Jeeps.
Boat tours and snorkel adventures
Did you know that just 15 minutes by boat off Mooloolaba is one of Queensland’s most undiscovered coral reefs?
The water surrounding Mudjimba Island is teeming with marine life - including turtles, wobbegongs, rays and fish - making it the perfect spot to jump on a snorkelling tour with Sunreef Mooloolaba or The Pressure Project.
Summer is also the perfect time to get out on the water with a boat tour, and on the Sunshine Coast you’re spoilt for choice.
Adventure seekers will love Noosa Thriller Ocean Adventures and Adventure Rafting’s Turtle Tour in Mooloolaba.
For a sunset sail – paired with a glass of bubbles – try Saltwater Eco Tours, Cavalier Cruises, Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba and The Boat in Mooloolaba, or the Noosa Ferry, Noosa Queen and M.V Catalina Noosa in Noosa.
Saltwater Eco Tours, Mooloolaba
If you’re after a relaxing day out on the water at your own pace, you can always hire a BBQ Pontoon Boat from Bill’s Boat Hire in Caloundra and O Boat Hire in Noosa.
Summer is also the perfect time to head north to the Noosa Everglades - one of only two everglades systems on earth - where the River of Mirrors is best explored by kayak or eco cruise. Kanu Kapers and Everglades Eco Safaris will get you there.
Waterfalls and rainforest stays to cool down
Booloumba Creek, Conondale National Park
The beach isn’t the only place to cool down on the Sunshine Coast.
Our leafy backyard is full of hidden waterfalls waiting to be discovered, and secluded swimming spots like the turquoise waters of Booloumba Creek in Conondale National Park.
Cooling rainforests await in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where the lush treetop canopies keep the heat at bay.
With its Rainforest Walk and onsite Discovery Centre, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a great place to shelter from the sun on a warm day.
Misty View Cottages Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Extend your stay in one of the Hinterland’s boutique rainforest retreats - Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, The Falls Montville and Misty View Cottages are great picks - and you’ll never want summer to end.
Shop up a storm at our summer markets
The Sunshine Coast is synonymous with markets, with The Eumundi Markets one of the biggest and best in the southern hemisphere.
And the Sunshine Coast’s market trail continues over summer with some of the region’s best opening their doors at twilight.
Mooloolaba Sunset Markets, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Some of our top twilight picks are: the Caloundra Twilight Markets, Marcoola Night Markets, Mooloolaba Sunset Markets, Currimundi Lake Twilight Markets, Maroochydore Moonlight Markets and the new Cotton Tree Twilight Markets.
For fresh summer produce, you can’t beat Yandina Country Markets and Kawana Farmers Market (held Saturday morning), and the Fisherman’s Rd Markets in Maroochydore and Noosa Farmers Market (both held on a Sunday).
Experience our food and drink scene
Eating Mooloolaba prawns at The Surf Club Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Nothing says ‘summer’ like a Mooloolaba prawn, and now’s the time to discover why any foodie worth their fork is talking about the Sunshine Coast’s food scene.
Your first stop is The Spit Mooloolaba where a bunch of award-winning fisheries line the marina. Take your pick of the day’s catch and enjoy alfresco on the beach.
Next, check out some of the new openings in 2025 with our new restaurant guide, jump on a food tour and embrace the slow food movement with a farm stay.
Heads of Noosa Brewing Co, Noosaville
The Sunshine Coast is also Australia’s Craft Beer Capital, with more than 26 independent breweries from the beach to the Hinterland. Kick back with a crisp IPA or zesty sour this summer.
After something a little stronger? Pop into one of our many distilleries slinging vodka, gin and rum, or check our guide to some of the best new bars on the Sunshine Coast for a summer tipple.
Holiday deals just for you
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Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
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Alexandria Apartments
Summer events
Noosa Summer Swim Festival, Noosa Heads
For a summer of love, head to the hills from 10-11 January for the Maleny Wedding Festival Summer.
This event sees some of the region’s most beautiful wedding venues throw open their doors, with local suppliers there on the day to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
In Noosa, the Noosa Summer Swim Festival (held 21-22 February) offers a huge weekend of ocean swims for the whole family.
There’s also a sizzling summer line-up scheduled for The Station Sunshine Coast, with Pete Murray performing 2 January and The Terrys on 17 January.
