2026 Travel Guide

Best Adventure Activities on the Sunshine Coast

From heart-pumping ziplines and everglades kayaking to swimming alongside humpback whales — your ultimate guide to the Sunshine Coast's most thrilling outdoor experiences.

Updated February 2026  ·  10 min read

Queensland's Sunshine Coast stretches more than 100 kilometres along Australia's east coast, from the laid-back beaches of Caloundra in the south to the rainforest-draped hinterland behind Noosa in the north. While the region is world-famous for its golden beaches and relaxed café culture, it also packs a serious punch when it comes to adventure.

Whether you're chasing adrenaline at 14,000 feet above Noosa, paddling glassy waterways through one of only two everglade systems on the planet, or coming face-to-face with humpback whales in open ocean, the Sunshine Coast delivers unforgettable outdoor experiences for solo travellers, couples and families alike. Here are the best adventure activities to add to your 2026 itinerary.

1

TreeTop Challenge — High Ropes & Zipline at the Big Pineapple

📍 76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye QLD 4559

Nestled within 10 acres of lush coastal rainforest at the foot of the iconic Big Pineapple, the TreeTop Challenge is Australia's highest and largest high-ropes adventure park. The main course features 120 challenges and 12 ziplines — some spanning up to 140 metres — across six courses that progress from easy warm-ups to heart-stopping extreme Black Diamond levels reaching over 30 metres above the forest floor.

A separate Juniors TreeTop Challenge, designed entirely for children aged 4 to 9, offers five courses with 70+ challenges and five ziplines, all fully supervised. After conquering the canopy, explore neighbouring attractions including Wildlife HQ Zoo and the Montville Coffee Café — all within the same precinct.

Ages 4+ From A$70 / person Allow 2–3 hrs Open daily 9am–5pm
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2

Kayaking the Noosa Everglades

📍 Departs Boreen Point, Great Sandy National Park

Hidden within the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park, the Noosa Everglades form one of only two everglade systems in the world. Known as the "River of Mirrors" for its still, reflective waters, this ancient waterway is home to over 44% of Australia's bird species and more than 1,300 plant species — a biodiversity hotspot best explored by kayak.

Award-winning operator Kanu Kapers runs guided and self-guided tours ranging from half-day paddles to multi-day camping expeditions. Guided full-day tours include a gourmet brunch prepared with local produce, expert commentary on the ecosystem, and all equipment. For a shorter alternative closer to Noosa Heads, By Earth & Ocean offers three-hour kayak tours through the southern Noosa Everglades system around Lake Weyba, where you can paddle above juvenile stingrays in UNESCO-protected waters.

All ages & abilities Half-day to 3+ days No experience needed Year-round
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3

Swim with Humpback Whales off Mooloolaba

📍 The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557

Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate along Australia's east coast — and the Sunshine Coast is one of the premier places in the world to swim alongside them. Sunreef Mooloolaba, the longest-established dive centre on the Sunshine Coast (operating since 1976), runs Australia's first swim-with-humpback-whales program from July to October each year.

Four-hour tours depart from The Wharf in Mooloolaba with groups of up to 20 participants. All wetsuits and snorkelling equipment are provided, and PADI-certified divemasters guide each encounter. Once a whale is sighted, the boat positions itself at a respectful distance and swimmers enter the water on the whales' terms. Their natural curiosity often brings them remarkably close. No scuba certification is required — just confidence in open water and a sense of adventure.

Jul–Oct season ~4 hours Gear provided No dive cert. needed
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4

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast & Shark Dive Xtreme

📍 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557

Formerly known as Underwater World, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a multi-award-winning all-weather attraction at The Wharf in Mooloolaba. Spread across three levels with 11 interactive zones, highlights include an 80-metre Ocean Tunnel, tidal touch pools, the Seahorse Kingdom, a Little Blue Penguin exhibit, and daily seal presentations.

For the truly adventurous, Shark Dive Xtreme offers the Sunshine Coast's only cage-less shark dive — an underwater encounter with Grey Nurse Sharks, reef sharks, stingrays and hundreds of tropical species inside the Ocean Tunnel. No scuba certification is required (participants must be confident swimmers aged 14+). Behind-the-scenes tours and seal swim experiences round out the offerings.

All ages Open daily 9am–3pm Shark Dive from A$299 All weather
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5

Australia Zoo & Wildlife HQ

📍 Australia Zoo: 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah  |  Wildlife HQ: Big Pineapple, Woombye

No visit to the Sunshine Coast is complete without a trip to Australia Zoo, the world-famous wildlife park founded by the Irwin family. Home to over 1,200 animals — including crocodiles, tigers, giraffes, rhinos and red pandas — the zoo spans more than 100 acres and features live wildlife shows, hands-on encounters, and the legendary crocodile feeding demonstrations.

For a more intimate experience, Wildlife HQ Zoo at the Big Pineapple in Woombye offers close-up encounters with over 200 animals, including koalas, wombats, dingoes and exotic birds. It's an ideal pairing with the TreeTop Challenge next door — tackle the ziplines in the morning, meet a koala in the afternoon.

All ages Full-day experiences Year-round Family-friendly
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6

Skydive Noosa

📍 Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, Skydive Noosa offers tandem skydiving from up to 15,000 feet over some of the most spectacular coastline in Australia. Freefall for up to 60 seconds at speeds reaching 220 km/h, then drift under canopy with panoramic views stretching from Noosa's turquoise bays to the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains.

No experience is required — you'll be harnessed to a highly qualified instructor who handles the technical side while you soak in the views (and the screaming). Photo and video packages are available to capture every moment. It's consistently rated one of the top skydiving locations in Queensland for its combination of coastal scenery and reliable conditions.

Ages 12+ (with guardian) 60-sec freefall No experience needed Year-round
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7

Learn to Surf at Noosa

📍 Noosa Main Beach & First Point, Noosa QLD

Noosa Main Beach is widely considered one of the best learn-to-surf spots in Australia, thanks to its long, gentle right-handers and warm, crystal-clear water. Sunshine Coast surf schools such as XL Surf Academy, Go Ride A Wave and Noosa Learn to Surf run daily lessons for all ages and abilities, with instructors certified as surf lifesavers.

Most beginner lessons last around two hours and include all equipment — soft-top boards, rash vests or wetsuits, and plenty of encouragement. For intermediate surfers, Sunshine Beach and Coolum Beach deliver more powerful, consistent breaks with far fewer crowds than the Gold Coast. The Sunshine Coast's five iconic point breaks at Noosa are a bucket-list session for surfers worldwide.

All ages (from ~5) From A$79 / lesson 2-hour sessions Year-round
Book Surf Lessons
8

Hinterland Hiking & E-Bike Adventures

📍 Glass House Mountains, Maleny, Montville & Mapleton

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a world away from the beach — think ancient volcanic peaks, subtropical rainforest, cascading waterfalls and panoramic ridgeline walks. The Glass House Mountains offer some of Queensland's most dramatic hiking, from the accessible Tibrogargan Circuit to the challenging summit scramble up Mt Beerwah. At Kondalilla National Park, a 4.7 km loop trail leads you through rainforest canopy to a stunning 90-metre waterfall and rock pools perfect for a refreshing dip.

Prefer two wheels? Guided e-bike tours through the Blackall Range let you cruise between Maleny and Montville along scenic ridgelines, stopping at lookouts, artisan cheese producers and craft breweries along the way. Operators like ecoTekk Sunshine Coast offer tours across multiple locations, from Caloundra's coastal paths to Noosa's hinterland trails.

All fitness levels Free (national parks) Year-round Dogs on some trails
Explore Hinterland

Planning Tips for Your Sunshine Coast Adventure

Best Time to Visit May–October offers dry, mild weather. Whale season runs Jul–Oct. Summer (Dec–Feb) is warm but wetter.
Getting There ~1.5 hrs drive north of Brisbane. Direct flights into Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) from Sydney, Melbourne & more.
Book Ahead Popular activities like whale swims and TreeTop Challenge sell out in school holidays. Book at least a week ahead in peak periods.
What to Bring Sunscreen (SPF 50+), reef-safe if snorkelling, a reusable water bottle, hat, and comfortable shoes for hinterland hikes.

Adventure Activities FAQ

What are the best adventure activities on the Sunshine Coast?

Top adventure activities include TreeTop Challenge ziplining at the Big Pineapple, kayaking the Noosa Everglades, swimming with humpback whales off Mooloolaba, visiting Australia Zoo and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, skydiving over Noosa, hiking the Glass House Mountains, surfing at Noosa Main Beach, and exploring the hinterland on e-bike tours.

Are Sunshine Coast adventure activities suitable for kids?

Many Sunshine Coast adventures cater to families. TreeTop Challenge has a dedicated Juniors course for children aged 4–9, while the main course welcomes ages 8 and up. Kayak operators offer family-friendly tours on calm waterways, Australia Zoo and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast are ideal for all ages, and learn-to-surf schools welcome children from around age five upwards.

When is the best time of year for Sunshine Coast adventures?

The Sunshine Coast enjoys a subtropical climate, so adventure activities run year-round. June to October is prime whale season for swimming with humpback whales off Mooloolaba. The drier months of May to October are ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. Water sports like surfing, kayaking and snorkelling are excellent throughout the entire year.

How far is the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane?

The Sunshine Coast is approximately 100 kilometres (about 1 to 1.5 hours' drive) north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway. The region is also serviced by Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) in Marcoola, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland.

Can I swim with humpback whales on the Sunshine Coast?

Yes! Sunreef Mooloolaba operates Australia's first swim-with-humpback-whales experience, running from July to October each year. Four-hour tours depart from The Wharf in Mooloolaba and include wetsuits and snorkelling equipment. No scuba certification is needed — just confidence in the water.

Do I need to be physically fit for TreeTop Challenge?

A reasonable level of fitness is helpful since you'll be climbing through the treetops, but the courses are designed with a range of difficulty levels. Easy and medium courses are accessible for most people, while the extreme Black Diamond courses are physically challenging and suited to those aged 14+ who are up for a real test. The full park takes 2–3 hours to complete.

Continue Exploring the Sunshine Coast

Best Beaches on the Sunshine Coast

From Noosa Main Beach to hidden coves at Coolum — find your perfect stretch of sand.

Where to Eat on the Sunshine Coast

Top restaurants, beachside cafés and hinterland dining experiences for foodies.

Family Activities & Things to Do

Kid-friendly attractions, rainy day ideas and the best family holidays on the coast.