Unmissable things to do on the Sunshine Coast

Beyond the beautiful green trees and rolling hills you’ll become accustomed to staring out in admiration at every day in our our latest Mater Prize Home lottery No. 302, lies the rest of the Sunshine Coast. This prized piece of coastline spanning 211 kilometres in sunny Queensland is full of stunning scenery and plenty of places to make unforgettable memories.

It would be a shame to leave that Range Rover Evoque of yours, included in our prize lottery, sitting in the garage without getting to know your new neighbourhood better. Made for road trips of all types and distances, your Range Rover Evoque is a 3-cylinder, 1.5 litre petrol engine plug-in hybrid with an electric motor. It’s equipped with innovative features such as Pivi Pro1, Apple Carplay®2, Android AutoTM3 and an intuitive Touchscreen for a comfortable day out on the road.

So, where to? Check out these top places on the Sunshine Coast.

Noosa Everglades

One of only two everglades systems on earth, the Noosa Everglades is a truly special spot. The crystal clear waters of this unique network of pristine waterways and wetlands connecting the Northern Noosa River system on the Sunshine Coast is lined with tea tree forests and inhabited by over 40% of Australia’s bird species. Nicknamed the ‘river of mirrors’, it’s an incredibly photogenic destination—but put down the camera and just take it all in, from the sights to the sounds. Best enjoyed from a kayak, you’ll feel like you’ve got this picture-perfect place all to yourself.

Mount Coolum

Are you into breathtaking views? The vistas from up on Mount Coolum will leave you speechless. But first, a moment to appreciate this unique dome-shaped laccolith for its own beauty. Looking good for being 25 million years old, it was created when magma forced a bulge in the earth’s surface and then cooled without breaking through. Standing tall at 208-metres amongst a protected national park, the 45-minute or so hike to the summit rewards your efforts with stunning 360° views of the coastline, the Glass House Mountains and the Blackhall Range.

Noosa National Park

Just when you thought you’d seen the best of the Sunshine Coast you walk into the Noosa National Park. Everywhere you look the park just seems to get more and more beautiful. A walk along the headlands is a must to discover sweeping ocean vistas, rocky bays, enclosed beaches and marine life like dolphins, turtles, and when the season is right (hint: June to October), whales. End your day at Laguna Lookout to take in a spectacular sunset.

Eumundi Markets

The Sunshine Coast’s famous markets also happen to be Australia’s biggest art, craft and produce market. You’re sure to uncover cool new artisans and handmade treasures with every visit. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it’s a great place to get to know your fellow locals, enjoy a beautiful day out in the open air, and treat yourself to good food and live music. Afterwards, take a stroll down Memorial Drive to check out the cafes, bookshops and other stores.

Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach gets its name from its rainbow-coloured sand dunes that line the 23km beach. According to the legends of the Kabi people, the dunes were coloured when Yiningie, a spirit represented by a rainbow, plunged into the cliffs after doing battle with an evil tribesman. Hop on a pony’s back with Rainbow Beach Horse Rides to see this patch of pristine beach from a new perspective. For sand-boarding and sunset, check out the Carlo Sand Blow.

Hastings Street

If you’re looking to uncover the Sunshine Coast’s foodie scene, Hastings Street is a great place to start. Cafe Le Monde and Bistro C are culinary institutions, while the trendy Miss Moneypenny’s is a must for an epic cocktail, and Locale delivers amazing fine dining fare. Pair your long lunch vibe with some retail therapy. Hastings Street is home to luxury and laidback boutiques side by side, like Alterior Motif, Signature on Hastings, Bow and Arrow Trading, and Signature on Hastings, just to name a few.

Ready to see these Sunshine Coast hotspots for yourself—and to uncover more of your own? Buy your tickets today to win this Mater Prize Home lottery and get exploring! Plus, for every ticket you purchase you’re helping support the vital medical research and patient care at Mater.