The best of the Sunshine Coast are located only a short drive away from Coolum
Australia Zoo
Steve and Terri Irwin's vision has always been to make Australia Zoo the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the entire world, and there is no other zoo like Australia Zoo.
Australia Zoo is located 40 mins south of Coolum and is the perfect family day out. At Australia Zoo you can view over 1,200 animals including those found in our African Savannah, South-East Asia exhibit and Bindi’s Island – as well as the original part of the zoo with all your Aussie favourites!
Australia Zoo won the Australian Tourism Awards for 2003–2004 in the category Major Tourist Attraction. In 2004, the Australian Animal Hospital was opened next to the zoo to help with animal care and rehabilitation. More recently, the zoo was a finalist in two categories for the 2010 Queensland Tourism Awards. Visitors will see a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and can view crocodile feedings, hand-feed elephants, and have hands-on animal encounters.
Sea Life Aquarium
No trip to the Sunshine Coast is complete without visiting SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast an all-weather visitor attraction. Located only 20 mins south of Coolum.
Situated right at The Wharf in Mooloolaba, just moments from the main Esplanade, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is home to thousands of marine and freshwater animals – including sharks, crocodiles, seals, turtles, stingrays, tropical fish and more.
Explore 11 fun and interactive animal zones – across three levels, including the tidal touch pool, seahorse sanctuary, jellyfish kingdom and take a look at our brand new Jawsome Sharks in the 80m Ocean Tunnel.
With different fun talks and animal feeds, including the family favourite seal show, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
Ginger Factory
Head 18 minutes inland to the quaint town of Yandina to visit the iconic Ginger Factory.
Offering fun rides, fascinating tours, a kids play area, ice creamery, ginger train and live bee show. The Ginger Factory has free entry and is open seven days a week.
K’Gari (Fraser Island)
K’Gari (Fraser Island) is one of Australia’s gems. Off the coast of Rainbow Beach which is a 1 hour and 45 min drive north of Coolum. It is the world's largest sand island, stretching over 120km.
You will need a 4wd to explore K’Gari and this incredible island is worth the effort.
Panoramic viewpoints include Indian Head, a rocky outcrop on the island's easternmost tip, and the Cathedrals, a cliff famous for sculpted ribbons of coloured sand.
It's a camping and ecotourism destination, with beaches and swimming sites at Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby and other freshwater pools.
Eumundi Markets
Renowned for its locally made artisan treasures, there’s no other market quite like it. Mark it in your diary - open rain, hail or shine every Saturday and Wednesday. The markets are located only 20 mins from Coolum.
Step into an ever-evolving collaboration of talented locals seeking to share their gifts with the world. The Original Eumundi Markets is the biggest and the best art and craft market in Australia.
Meet the talented hands behind handcrafted furniture, homewares, artworks, ceramics, cutting-edge fashion and jewellery, and chat to the farmers and bakers selling fresh produce and gourmet delights.
When you need a shopping break, rejuvenate with a massage, have your palm read or lose yourself in the stellar line-up of musicians and street performers. It’s an experience like no other.
Noosa Heads
Noosa is only a 20-minute drive from Coolum and is at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast.
It is famous for its outstanding natural beauty and Noosa National Park. A coastal trail runs along the headlands connecting Noosa to Sunshine Beach.
Noosa is also famous for its shopping and restaurants options on Hastings Street and at Noosa Junction.
The Noosa Everglades are not to be missed and exploring this area by canoe or kayak is the best way.
Inland, Lake MacDonald has the Noosa Botanic Gardens, plus an amphitheatre.
Mooloolaba Cruises
Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba, based at The Wharf Mooloolaba, invites you and your guests to enjoy the sights and excitement of the Mooloolaba canals and harbour from the luxury of our 35 Ft European all-weather vessel.
The extremely popular seafood lunch cruises depart at 11 am and 1 pm daily and they recommend booking in advance.
They also offer a sunset cruise for you to enjoy spectacular Mooloolaba sunsets and a cocktail or two. The sunset cruise departs Thursday to Sunday (Summer 5.30 pm, Autumn 5 pm and Winter 4.30 pm).
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Discover the ancient volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains, walk through the lush rainforests, take in the breathtaking scenery - lose yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Enjoy the quaint rainforest towns of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton. For more information about the Sunshine Coast hinterland check out their website.
Aussie World
Aussie World is a time-tested theme park featuring a range of rides & attractions, plus shops & casual dining options.
This family-friendly day out will excite the adrenaline junkie in everyone and will leave you wanting more rides.