If you're looking for a weekend of pristine white beaches, relaxing coastal vibes and more than a few cosmopolitan comforts, the Sunshine Coast is calling. A magical destination all year round, in the space of just 48 hours you can experience some of Australia’s best attractions, from hinterland breweries to pristine waterways and world-class eats. Here’s some suggestions to help you enjoy some of the best things to do in the Sunshine Coast.

The best way to settle into any coastal town is to wiggle your toes in the sand. And in this gorgeous slice of Australia, the beaches are ready to welcome you. One of the best things to do in Bokarina is to take a stroll along Bokarina Beach, a coastal gem with family friendly surf and a promenade that encompasses the town’s charms.

For pure white sand and a taste of Sunshine Coast lifestyle, take a stroll along Mooloolaba Beach. Voted one of the top 10 best beaches in the South Pacific, this chilled swim spot also stretches alongside seafood eateries and shops. It’s hard to beat this gorgeous location for an evening picnic or refreshing dip.

If you’ve already dived in, it might be time to soak in some Mediterranean vibes at Pavilion Mooloolaba. With rooftop views of the beach and water, this eatery is also an ideal place to grab a morning cuppa or afternoon tipple or two. You’ll find breakfast and lunch menus here, with plates ranging from belgian waffles to mouthwatering seafood platters.

Another lunchtime fave, only five minutes walk from Mooloolaba Beach, Mooloolaba Wharf is hub of Sunshine Coast activity overlooking the Mooloolah River and Marina. This is where you’ll find juice bars, alfresco restaurants and a little boutique shopping and even fishing charters on the serene waters of the Mooloolah River.

For a signature dining experience, Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba offers lunch and sunset cruises, with succulent seafood sourced from the local Mooloolah River Fisheries. The Bottomless Lunch Cruise will take you on a memorable excursion along the Mooloolah River with bubbles, beer, seafood galore. And, of course, with a live DJ.

Ready to get up close to the local marine life? At SEA LIFE Mooloolaba showcases some of its most famous residents with activities that include feeding penguins to close encounters with sharks, rays, turtles in the glass ocean tunnel, tidal touchpool. There are also extra special experiences - including dives with sharks and behind-the-scenes tours. Guaranteed to thrill!

What better way to indulge in an Italian feast than on the beach? Bocca Italian is a cozy and modern Italian restaurant which remains a local favourite for its mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and fresh seafood. The beachside ambience and friendly service make it a local favorite.

For a classy, stylish, and sophisticated throwback, take a booth at Boston Shaker Bar on Mooloolaba Wharf. Inspired by the Prohibition Era of 1920-1933, this Art Deco-themed hideaway serves signature concoctions such as the Prohibition Sour - a refreshing citrus cocktail.

If the morning sunshine and surf give you an appetite, you’re in the right place. For fresh coffee and local delights, head to B Fresh Market Café and Deli in Bokarina. Open from Friday through to Sunday, this local favourite has been serving up local delicacies and gourmet produce for 35 years, from delicious cheeses to charcuterie boxes, Italian pastries and spiced cherry pie.

For a proper sit-down coffee stop, visit Velo Project in Mooloolaba. Hidden away from the main strip, this serves excellent specialty coffee and breakfast options that include Californian crumpets, Thai salads and Bae Rolls in a rustic setting. Fifteen minutes drive away, Kawana Waters Farmers Market is a vibrant go-to with fresh produce from local farmers and artisans and vendors. Another great spot to grab breakfast while soaking up the community vibe. 

Only 15 minutes drive from Mooloolaba or Bokarina, Point Cartwright is a stunning slice of headland at the northern end of Kawana beach. Famed for its surf beach, a short walk up the hill will reward you with panoramic views of the glittering waterways, Mooloolaba, the Mooloolah River mouth and Mount Coolum to the north. Keep in mind that this beach is not patrolled. 

A 20 minutes drive from Mooloolaba, the region’s lush forests are also on full display at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden at Tanawha. Wander through 83 hectares of landscaped gardens, amid stunning natural eucalypt and rainforest, and along creeks and thriving wetlands. You’ll also spot a number of sculptural works.

If it happens to be a Wednesday or Saturday, you’ll want to hit the Eumundi Markets at the northern end of the Coast. This is another popular artisan market - a little further from town - which offers plenty of goodies. Bite into Brazilian cheese bread, pide or a bagels, as you browse the arts stalls filled with pottery, paintings and handcrafted jewelry. 

Around an hour’s drive from Mooloolaba you’ll find Pomona, situated at the base of Mount Cooroora . The town dates back to the late 1800s and has some wonderful heritage attractions. Visit the world’s longest operating silent movie theatre — The Majestic Theatre – and the community art gallery housed in the old railway station buildings. 

The Pomona Distilling Company bar and bistro is a working gin distillery that occupies what was originally a bakehouse. Enjoy the rustic setting and a tasting paddle of small batch gins, before tucking into a lunch of share plates, burgers and snacks. Just remember that a booking is essential.

If you’ve got a monster appetite after all those Sunshine Coast activities, go for a serve of burgers with attitude. Hello Harry’s in Bokarina is home to the Dirty Harry Burger, which features double smashed beef patties and double American cheese, the Pitt Master, which will feed you a burger with Texan brisket, Louisiana pulled pork and more. A satisfying way to conclude 48 hours!

Where to stay 

With pools, shops, cafes, Bokarina restaurants on your doorstep – not to mention some of the best beaches in the Sunshine Coast – Bokarina Beach Apartments is a great Sunshine Coast accommodation option with options from cosy apartments for two to spacious apartments with room for the whole family.

For luxury Mooloolaba accommodation by the ocean - and right on the doorstep of things to do in Mooloolaba - Breeze Mooloolaba is a winner. For resort-styled accommodation, First Light Mooloolaba is a great option just a short stroll from the beach and all the best places to eat in Mooloolaba. 

_{Header Image from Visit Sunshine Coast.}