Stretching more than 100 kilometres along Australia's east coast — from the sheltered bays of Caloundra in the south to the rainforest headlands of Noosa in the north — the Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland's most loved holiday regions. Beyond the famous beaches, you'll find a lush hinterland of volcanic peaks, waterfall-laced national parks, and heritage market towns just a short drive inland.
Our guided day tours are designed to show you the very best of the coast and hinterland in a single day: dramatic cliff-top walking trails through Noosa National Park, the buzzing stalls of the legendary Eumundi Markets, picture-perfect family beaches, and charming mountain villages where every café seems to serve the best coffee you've ever had. Here's everything you need to plan the perfect Sunshine Coast day out in 2026.
Noosa National Park — Australia's Most Visited National Park
Dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, koalas in the canopy and dolphins offshore — all starting steps from Hastings Street.
The Noosa Coastal Track
Originally declared a national park in 1939, the 3,000-hectare Noosa National Park is the jewel of the Sunshine Coast and one of Australia's most accessible coastal walking experiences. The star attraction is the Coastal Track — a 5.4 km trail (10.8 km return) that hugs the headland from Noosa Heads to Sunshine Beach, passing through coastal rainforest and a string of spectacular lookouts.
Key stops along the way include Boiling Pot (dramatic wave-watching over rocky outcrops), Tea Tree Bay (a picture-perfect cove ideal for a swim), Dolphin Point (where bottlenose dolphins are spotted most days), and the dramatic cliff-top at Hell's Gates overlooking Alexandria Bay. In whale season (June to October), migrating humpbacks are regularly seen from the track.
The first 1.2 km from the Noosa day-use area to Dolphin Point is paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible. After that, the trail turns to well-maintained dirt. Allow 3–4 hours for the full circuit or about 1.5 hours for the popular return walk to Hell's Gates.
Other Walks & Wildlife
Beyond the Coastal Track, the park offers several other rewarding trails. The Noosa Hill Walk (2.8 km return, ~1 hour) loops through open eucalypt woodland on the northern face of Noosa Hill — a peaceful alternative away from the coastal crowds. The Tanglewood Track links through to Alexandria Bay via a shady forest of strangler figs and is a favourite with birdwatchers.
The Emu Mountain Summit Walk (1.1 km return) in the park's southern section rewards a short, steep climb with sweeping views of the coastline from Mooloolaba to Noosa. And just south of the park, the Mt Coolum summit (1.6 km return, ~1.5 hours) delivers one of the Sunshine Coast's most iconic panoramas.
Wildlife is abundant throughout. Koalas are commonly spotted in eucalyptus trees, while black cockatoos, parrots, red goshawks, and blue-tongue lizards inhabit the forest. Look out to sea for turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whale activity. Spring wildflowers including swamp orchids and Christmas bells add colour to the heathland tracks.
The Original Eumundi Markets — Australia's Biggest Artisan Market
Over 300 stalls, live music under heritage fig trees, and the best farm-to-table produce on the Sunshine Coast.
Eumundi Markets
Since 1979, the Original Eumundi Markets have grown into the largest arts, crafts and produce market in the southern hemisphere. Every Wednesday and Saturday — rain, hail or shine — the charming hinterland town of Eumundi comes alive with more than 300 stalls shaded by magnificent heritage-listed fig trees.
Browse everything from hand-blown glassware and original artworks to artisan soaps, handcrafted furniture and local fashion. The food section is a highlight in its own right: global street food stalls, gourmet coffee roasters, fresh tropical fruit, local cheeses, and just-baked sourdough compete for your attention. Live musicians and street performers add to the festive atmosphere, making this a sensory experience as much as a shopping one.
The Saturday market (7 am–2 pm) is the larger and more popular session, attracting around 10,000 visitors, while the Wednesday market (8 am–1:30 pm) is slightly quieter and great for those who prefer a more relaxed browse. Bus services run directly from Noosa on market days.
More Sunshine Coast markets worth visiting: The Noosa Farmers Market (Sunday from 6 am) is a foodie institution with fresh seafood, local honey and farmhouse cheeses. In Caloundra, the Caloundra Street Fair runs every Sunday morning on the tree-lined main street, just two blocks from Bulcock Beach. For evening vibes, the Cotton Tree Twilight Markets (first Friday monthly) at Maroochydore Rotary Park and Currimundi Lake Twilight Markets (third Friday monthly) both pair street food with live music as the sun sets.
Best Family Beaches on the Sunshine Coast
More than 30 golden-sand stretches between Caloundra and Noosa — here are the ones our guides love most.
Noosa Main Beach
One of Australia's only north-facing beaches, Noosa Main Beach enjoys gentle waves and warm, crystal-clear water year-round. Its sheltered aspect makes it ideal for families and beginner surfers, while Hastings Street's cafés, boutiques and restaurants are literally steps from the sand. Patrolled daily.
Mooloolaba Beach
Consistently ranked among Australia's safest surf beaches, Mooloolaba offers golden sand, a lively esplanade packed with restaurants and juice bars, and a separate sheltered area at Mooloolaba Spit for calm-water swimming with little ones. Walk the boardwalk to the spit for fish and chips at Fisheries on the Spit.
Kings Beach, Caloundra
A family paradise in Caloundra with a free oceanfront saltwater swimming pool, splash fountain for kids, shaded barbecue areas, playgrounds and rock pools to explore. The protected swimming areas offer safe conditions, and a string of cafés line the foreshore. Part of the scenic 25 km Caloundra Coastal Walk.
Tea Tree Bay
A gorgeous sheltered cove inside Noosa National Park, accessible via a scenic 15-minute walk from the Noosa day-use area. The calm, clear water is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and the beach is framed by coastal rainforest. A favourite with longboarders and a lovely picnic spot. No vehicle access — you earn this one on foot.
Coolum Beach
A laid-back locals' favourite with consistent surf, a wide sandy stretch and a relaxed village atmosphere. Patrolled year-round, with excellent cafés and restaurants nearby. Pair a morning surf with the rewarding hike up nearby Mt Coolum (1.6 km return) for sweeping coastal panoramas.
Bulcock Beach, Caloundra
Sheltered azure water and sand banks make Bulcock Beach one of the calmest swimming spots on the Sunshine Coast. Overlooking Bribie Island to the south, it's a favourite for weddings, social gatherings and families with toddlers who want predictable, gentle conditions. The main street with cafés and shops is just a block away.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland — Mountain Villages, Waterfalls & Rainforest
Montville, Maleny & the Blackall Range
A world away from the coast, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland rewards visitors with cool mountain air, subtropical rainforest, and charming villages perched along the Blackall Range. Montville — the "Creative Heart of the Hinterland" — is a tree-lined main street of art galleries, artisan fudge makers, specialty coffee roasters and quirky gift shops. Don't miss Montville Coffee for what many consider the best brew in Queensland.
Ten minutes further south, Maleny is Queensland's alternative-lifestyle capital: bohemian fashion stores, eclectic art galleries, farm-gate producers and the chance to spot platypus in nearby Obi Obi Creek. Between the two towns, Kondalilla National Park offers a 4.7 km loop trail through lush rainforest to a 90-metre waterfall and natural rock pools — one of the best short hikes in southeast Queensland.
The Glass House Mountains, a cluster of ancient volcanic peaks rising abruptly from the coastal plain to the south, provide some of Queensland's most dramatic hiking. The Tibrogargan Circuit is family-friendly, while the Mt Ngungun summit trail (2.8 km return) delivers panoramic rewards for a moderate effort.
What's Included in Our Day Tours
Comfortable Transport
Air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pick-up and drop-off from Sunshine Coast accommodation. Sit back while your guide navigates the roundabouts.
Expert Local Guides
Passionate guides who share insider knowledge, local stories, wildlife-spotting tips and the best-kept secrets of the region.
National Park Access
Guided walks through Noosa National Park with commentary on ecology, wildlife and Indigenous heritage of the coastline.
Family-Friendly
Tours designed for all ages with flexible pacing, safe patrolled beaches, easy walking trails and activities kids love.
Photo Stops
We know the best lookouts and hidden angles — from Hell's Gates panoramas to golden-hour beach shots your friends will envy.
Foodie Experiences
Market tastings, hinterland café stops and recommendations for the coast's best seafood — we'll make sure nobody goes hungry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a Sunshine Coast day tour?
Our day tours include air-conditioned transport, an expert local guide, national park access, hotel pick-up and drop-off from Sunshine Coast accommodation, and commentary throughout the day. Meals and personal expenses are at your own cost unless otherwise specified in the tour listing.
How long is the Noosa National Park coastal walk?
The Noosa Coastal Track is 5.4 km each way (10.8 km return) from the Noosa Heads day-use area to Sunshine Beach. Most walkers allow 3–4 hours for the full circuit. Shorter options include the walk to Hell's Gates (about 5 km return, 1.5–2 hours) or just to Tea Tree Bay (about 2 km return, 30–45 minutes).
When are the Eumundi Markets open?
The Original Eumundi Markets run every Wednesday from 8 am to 1:30 pm and Saturday from 7 am to 2 pm, rain, hail or shine. The Saturday session is larger and more popular. Eumundi is about 15 minutes' drive west of Noosa, with bus services available on market days.
Which are the safest family beaches on the Sunshine Coast?
The safest family beaches include Noosa Main Beach (north-facing, gentle waves), Mooloolaba Beach (consistently ranked among Australia's safest), Kings Beach in Caloundra (oceanfront pool, splash fountain, playground), and Bulcock Beach in Caloundra (sheltered, calm water). All are patrolled daily by surf lifesavers.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Absolutely. Our tours visit safe patrolled beaches, easy walking trails, and engaging stops that kids enjoy. The first 1.2 km of the Noosa National Park boardwalk is paved and stroller-accessible. Children also love the market atmosphere, wildlife spotting, and hinterland ice-cream stops.
What should I bring on a day tour?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, swimwear and a towel (if visiting beaches), a reusable water bottle, a camera, and a light jacket if heading to the hinterland where temperatures can be a few degrees cooler. Cash and card are both accepted at markets and cafés.
How far is the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane?
About 100 km north — roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by car via the Bruce Highway. The region also has Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) in Marcoola with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland. Our Brisbane departure tours include pick-up from central hotels.