8 Awesome Free Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is an absolute treat for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are 8 free things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
The fantastic thing about nature rich locations is that nature has so much to offer if you have a spirit for adventure, and often at no (or very low) cost. The Sunshine Coast is no exception, you will be spoilt for choice, and there are some options for those super hot or rainy days too!
Let’s go.
1. Chase Waterfalls
The Sunshine Coast hinterland is gifted with a couple of beautiful waterfalls. Some require more of a walk to access than others but the scenery will be well worth the effort. Also, try to visit these falls after some rain as they can dry to a trickle during dry spells.
Check out:
Gardeners Falls – a short walk, swimming area
Kondalilla Falls – for the more adventurous, one of the largest falls, 5km loop & rock pool for swimming
Serenity Falls – magical rainforest with bridge to view falls, can be really busy
Gherulla Falls – smaller falls in beautiful rainforest, swimming area
2. Go for Walk in the Wilderness
There is beautiful rainforest and bushland dotted across the Sunshine Coast in which you can take a walk to explore.
Some good rainforest walks include:
3. Go Kayaking
There are some truly wonderful places to go paddling on the Sunshine Coast. For this activity to be free you would obviously need to own or borrow a kayak/canoe. You can also rent kayaks in Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Noosa and surrounding areas.
Check out some of these great spots to explore:
Caloundra: Currimundi Lake, Pumicestone Passage
Landsborough: Ewen Maddock Dam
Maleny: Baroon Pocket Dam
Mooloolaba/Maroochydore: Maroochy River Canoe Trail, Maroochy Water Canals, Mooloolah River
Noosa: Noosa River, Noosa Everglades (Cooloola), Lake MacDonald, Lake Cootharaba, Lake Weyba
4. Visit a Market
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to markets on the Sunshine Coast. Explore for free or buy fresh produce, homemade goods and wares to your hearts content.
Here are some great one’s to try:
Eumundi Market – one of the oldest local markets. Open Wednesday’s and Saturday’s come rain or shine!
Cotton Tree Market – for local-made fashion, crafts, food and more.
Kawana Farmers Market – for fresh fruit & veg (open Saturday’s)
Marcoola Markets – Street food & more….Friday nights
5. Explore a Botanical Garden
The Sunshine Coast is blessed with three botanical garden’s. Two are free and one charges a day-fee, let’s take a look..
Noosa Botanic Gardens – a beautiful well-manicured area on Lake MacDonald. Perfect for a picnic.
Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens – Quiet and scenic bushland area, great to picnic or BBQ
Maleny Botanic Gardens – Private Gardens that charge a daily fee. Really beautiful gardens & views if you can afford it (from $17)
6. Visit a Gallery or Museum
So it’s raining, again…
Some great indoor options include free galleries & museums.
Caloundra Regional Gallery – big gallery open 7 days per week, free unless there is a special exhibition on
Rainforest Discovery Centre – eco-exploration centre open 7 days a week
Yandina Historical House – art gallery, cafe and museum open Monday – Friday
7. Have a Picnic
Apart from having a picnic on one of the many beautiful beach spots along the Sunshine Coast, here are some sand-free options. They all have BBQ facilities.
Alexandra Heads Park – especially good for sundowners
Buderim Village Park – great views & plenty of rolling lawn area
Glass House Mountains Lookout – Breathtaking views of Glasshouse Mountains
Wappa Dam – located in Nambour, this is a beautiful and spacious green spot, great year-round
8. Watch a Sunrise / Sunset
As we know the sun sets in the west, not over the ocean, however you will see sunset ambience in any direction.
Here are some great sunrise/sunset spots on the Sunshine Coast:
Alexandra Heads Park – especially good for sundowners
La Balsa Park – great for both sunrise/sunset
Mount Coolum – sunrise & sunset (bring a head torch)
Maroochy River Mouth (Cotton Tree) – great for sunset drinks
Mount Ngungun – Glass House Mountains, sunrise & sunset (bring a head torch)
With this many options (and these are only a few) it will be very hard to get bored on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
