Overview
Not sure which Sunshine Coast day trip is right for you? This page is your starting point. We run guided day tours covering everything the region offers — coastal walks and wildlife at Noosa, rainforest waterfalls in the hinterland, Eumundi Markets, Glass House Mountains lookouts, family-friendly beaches at Mooloolaba, hinterland village browsing, and golf on championship courses. Each tour includes door-to-door pick-up, a local guide, and a small group of up to 12 guests.
Pick-ups run from Sunshine Coast accommodation (Caloundra to Noosa) on all tours, and from Brisbane CBD on selected tours. Scroll down to find the right trip by destination or by interest.
Quick Pick — What Are You After?
All Day Trips
Coastal & Wildlife
Noosa & Coastal Explorer
Full 5.4 km coastal trail, Fairy Pools, Hell's Gates, koala spotting, Main Beach, Hastings Street lunch, and the Noosa River at golden hour.
View tour →Noosa National Park Tours
Choose a focused half-day walk (2.5 km) or the full Noosa day. Compare both options on one page.
Compare options →Noosa Day Trip from Brisbane
Return transport from Brisbane CBD, koala walk, Main Beach, Hastings Street, Eumundi Markets (Wed/Sat), and the Noosa River.
View tour →Hinterland & Waterfalls
Hinterland & Waterfalls Adventure
Kondalilla Falls, swimming holes, Maleny, Montville, Glass House Mountains lookouts, and hinterland produce — the green side of the Coast.
View tour →Hinterland Waterfalls
Kondalilla Falls, Mapleton Falls, swimming holes, and village stops in Montville and Maleny. For dedicated nature lovers.
View tour →Beaches & Families
Best-of-Everything
Golf
Day Trips by Interest
Markets & Food
The Sunshine Coast's food scene is driven by local producers — artisan cheese, macadamias, avocados, small-batch coffee, and honey from the hinterland. Eumundi Markets (Wednesday and Saturday) is the highlight: 600+ stalls of handmade goods, produce, and gourmet food in a tree-shaded village setting. Our Noosa Day Trip from Brisbane includes an Eumundi stop on Wed/Sat departures. The Hinterland & Waterfalls and Paradise Tour both include village time in Maleny and Montville for farm-gate cheese, fudge, and café lunches.
Wildlife
Noosa National Park is one of the best places in South East Queensland to see koalas in the wild — sighting rates are around 90% on guided walks. Dolphins are regular in the Noosa River and along the headland. From July to October, humpback whales migrate past the coast and can be spotted from headland lookouts. Mary Cairncross rainforest is home to pademelons, brush turkeys, and python-friendly trees. The Noosa Coastal Explorer is the best single tour for wildlife.
Wine & Cellar Doors
The hinterland's volcanic soil and elevated microclimate support a growing wine region — boutique cellar doors producing Chardonnay, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and alternative varieties. Wine touring can be added to any private or corporate group booking as a custom itinerary. Contact us for a tailored wine day combining cellar door visits, tastings, and a hinterland lunch.
Couples & Special Occasions
The Paradise Tour (coast + hinterland in one day) and Noosa Coastal Explorer (headland walk + Hastings Street dining + Noosa River sunset) are our most popular couples' choices. For anniversaries and celebrations, ask about our private-tour option with flexible timing, a champagne stop, and restaurant recommendations.
Seniors & Relaxed Pace
The Paradise Tour and Mooloolaba & Family Beaches involve minimal walking and are ideal for seniors. The Mary Cairncross boardwalk is flat and wheelchair-accessible. All vehicles are air-conditioned and comfortable, and the pace on every tour allows generous time at each stop.
What's Included on Day Trips
✓ Included on All Tours
- Door-to-door hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Air-conditioned small-group vehicle (max 12 guests)
- Expert local guide with commentary
- Bottled water and light morning snack
- Guided walks and wildlife spotting
- Beach towels (beach tours)
✗ Typically Not Included
- Lunch (own expense — guide recommends the best spots)
- Entry fees where applicable (e.g. SEA LIFE, golf green fees — check individual tour pages)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and market purchases
- Gratuities (optional)
Good to Know
- Duration: Day tours run 8–10 hours (Sunshine Coast pick-up) or 10–11.5 hours (Brisbane pick-up). Half-day tours run 4–5 hours.
- Pick-up: Sunshine Coast accommodation (Caloundra to Noosa) on all tours. Brisbane CBD on the Noosa Day Trip, Paradise Tour, and 6-Day Tour. Gold Coast on request.
- Group size: Small groups of up to 12 guests. Private and corporate groups can be arranged for larger numbers.
- Fitness: Most tours are easy to moderate. The full Noosa coastal trail (5.4 km) is the most active — a shorter option is always available. Hinterland walks involve some steps.
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light jacket for the hinterland, camera, and spending money.
- Weather: Tours run year-round. Guides adjust itineraries for weather. Severe weather qualifies for a date transfer or refund.
- Children: All ages welcome on most tours. The Mooloolaba Family Beaches tour is specifically designed for families with young children.
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
Guest Reviews
"We only had one day on the Sunshine Coast and the Paradise Tour covered everything — mountains, rainforest, villages, and Noosa beach. The guide was fantastic and the pace was perfect for us."
— Rebecca & Mark, Perth
"The kids loved the Mooloolaba day — SEA LIFE, rock pools, fish and chips on the beach. Easy, fun, and zero planning on our part. Exactly what we needed."
— Hayley, Gold Coast
"Did the Noosa Coastal Explorer and the Hinterland Waterfalls on consecutive days. Both completely different, both incredible. The koala spotting at Noosa and the swimming hole at Kondalilla were highlights."
— James & Lin, Singapore