Accommodation

Refreshed coastal stays

Glen Eden Beach Resort is located in one of the Sunshine Coast's most in-demand villages, Peregian Beach. Located just 10-minutes' from Noosa with direct beach access, the resort is under new management and the resort is getting a fresh new look – with refurbished public spaces and furnishings. In Mooloolaba, Mirra Chana's beach-level three-bedroom apartments have undergone impressive renovations with contemporary furnishings, deluxe bathrooms and fully-equipped full-size kitchens. Mirra Chana resort is the perfect beachside getaway with direct access to Mooloolaba Beach and only a short walk from The Wharf Mooloolaba. Richard Branson's Sunshine Coast home, Makepeace Island, has reopened to the public following extensive refurbishment including new bathrooms and furniture, a new tennis court and barge. This heart-shaped private island resort caters for groups up to 22 guests exclusively, with three two-bedroom villas and four private rooms with ensuites in the Bali House. Ramada Marcoola Beach is undergoing a $2million “Hamptons-style” refurbishment of 24 of its holiday apartments and hotel rooms to be completed late 2024. Construction has started to transform the rooms with a classic coastal theme and natural materials inspired by the resort's beachfront. The apartments will be lined with vinyl timber flooring, dark blue carpets, light blue walls and a new balcony setting. The resort features an outdoor lagoon pool, children's wading pool, day spa, gym, onsite restaurant and bar, and six function rooms as well as complimentary sports equipment hire.

New heritage homes open their doors

Despite being built in 1916, Elsie's Cottage opened for guest stays for the first time last month. This enchanting hinterland retreat is named after the youngest granddaughter of Joseph and Alice Dixon, pioneers of the Sunshine Coast in the 1800s. The cottage has been lovingly restored by Joseph and Alice's great-great-grandson Matthew Clarke and his wife, Sarah. The cottage sleeps four and has two exquisite ensuite bedrooms and boasts panoramic views over the Blackall Range to the coast. Built in 1895, Montville Estate offers a large original homestead as well as a private self-contained luxury cottage on a sprawling 1.5 acre property. In early 2024, the owners of Montville Estate opened the entire state to guests for the first time following a luxury redesign of the property and its estate. In the Gympie Region, an atmospheric cottage has been created out of the heritage building, The Wimberley (c. 1911), which was once part of Wimberley & Sons Grocery & Hardware Store in the hinterland village of Goomeri. Fully renovated and accessible, this two-bedroom boutique stay is the perfect base for exploring the rail trail and the region's renowned local produce.

Hinterland stays for the whole family

Thirlestane Farm is a quintessential farm workers cottage renovated to an exceptionally high standard with an adjoining newly built barn set in 28 acres of peaceful rolling hills in Cooroy, just 20-minutes' to the stunning beaches of Noosa. Sleeping up to eight guests, these two properties are ideal for families or small groups to escape to the country to relax and soak up the serenity of the farm – complete with highland cows! Into The Wild has launched their second tiny home on the Sunshine Coast, Tiny Aahana, perfect for tranquil family getaways. The first of Into The Wild's family builds in Queensland, Tiny Aahana sleeps up to six guests and is equipped with all the amenities needed for a relaxing break, including an outdoor bathtub with sweeping views of the lush landscape.

Attractions & tours

Reaching new heights in the hinterland

Oceanview Helicopters is set to launch a new 'Picnic on a Peak' experience that will provide the ultimate aerial tourism and local food experience on the Sunshine Coast. Taking flight from September, guests will traverse some of the Coast's 100 kilometres of beaches before heading into the hinterland to collect produce from local suppliers before flying to a hidden gem perched on top of the Blackall Range for a gourmet picnic with sweeping views.

New immersive animal encounters

Mooloolaba's SEA LIFE has launched a new 'behind the scenes' Ultimate Animal Experience which includes the opportunity to swim and meet with the seals, feed the penguins and get an exclusive look at the seal and penguin back of house areas. The three-hour guided tour is hosted by one of SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast's marine specialists and is limited to just two guests at any one time for a more memorable and intimate animal encounter. For those wanting to get out on the water, Epic Ocean Adventures has launched a first-of-its-kind whale encounter with the introduction of whale watching ocean kayak tours. The new tour is one of Australia's most unique minimal impact whale watching tours and departs daily from Noosa during whale migration season (June-November).

Food & drink

A new distillery in the heart of Maroochydore

Established by two mates with a passion for fine spirits, Hayden Mokaraka and Trent McEvoy will open Buderim Distilling Co on Ocean St, Maroochydore, later this month. Offering craft spirits from the on-site distillery along with the best local craft beers and a global wine selection, they offer taste testings, share plates and a wide selection of cocktails made from locally-sourced ingredients.

Brand-new farm-to-cup coffee experience

Glasshouse Plantation has reopened after renovations complete with a working coffee farm for a full farm-to-cup coffee tasting experience, all accompanied by stunning Glasshouse Mountains views. Visitors can enjoy sipping on locally-grown coffee, farm tours and tastings.

Events

The Big Pineapple Festival – 19 October

One of Australia's most-loved outdoor concerts has been confirmed at Australia's most-loved 'Big Thing'. Heavy metal guns The Amity Affliction, global sensation Tones and I, and hip-hop trio Bliss n Eso are the big names heading this year's Big Pineapple Music Festival. The festival, returning on October 19 after a three-year hiatus, is being billed as “an unforgettable day of live music, delicious food and vibrant experiences”. Presented by Triple J, the festival promises some of Australia's most celebrated artists as well as local names.

Pop & Pour Festival – 26 October

The Sunshine Coast Pop & Pour Festival is a one-day brewery and distillery adventure unlike any other. Hop aboard the fleet of Pop & Pour's hop-on-hop-off buses and embark on a journey through the Sunshine Coast's vibrant beverage scene. 10 of the region's top breweries and distilleries will be open for tastings, each offering a unique taste of the local craft.