The Sunshine Coast is one the most beautiful places you can visit in Australia, with landscapes ranging from golden beaches to lush green forest valleys. Wondrous sights, bustling markets, and drool-worthy culinary explosions are what the Sunshine Coast is all about.

No matter how much of a homebody you think you are, this incredible Queensland hinterland is guaranteed to blow you away. So fly into the Sunshine Coast as soon as possible, pick up your rental car at the airport, and check out these holiday must-dos.

1. Wild waterfalls

Barely 15 minutes from the coast, Buderim Forest Park is a haven of towering trees, native ferns and babbling waterfalls. Follow the walking trail throughout the beautiful nature reverse, but remember to wear your togs under that activewear because once you find the unofficially named Serenity Falls, you’re going to want to dive in.

If it’s been raining recently, you’ll get to experience the full force of the water as it cascades down into the swimming hole below. What says “tranquil nature holiday” better than reenacting shampoo commercials under a natural waterfall?

The park also has a number of electric barbecues and picnic tables available, so you’re really invited to make a day of it. Grab some local ingredients from the Sunshine Coast markets, and get the barbie going.

2. Kitsch markets

The Original Eumundi Markets are one of the most famous in Australia. It hosts sellers of locally made or grown treasures. This is the place to go to find truly unique products, whether you’re looking for a souvenir or something to spice up your dinner plans.

Food stalls include all manner of cuisines, from laksa to freshly fried donuts and paella worth killing for. Renowned opal cutters, Jensen Opals, will be more than happy to set you up with a perfect gift for your loved one from their range of handmade jewelry.

3. Perfect picnics

Make your holiday a source of the most romantic memories you’ll ever make. You can drive your rental car out to so many incredible locations on the Sunshine Coast, such as Point Cartwright or the James McKane Memorial Lookout. With such peaceful spots to relax in, why not make the most of it by turning it into a picnic date?

While on holiday with your loved one, organise a perfect date with Deep Love Picnics. This Sunshine Coast company will customise a picnic to your needs, providing everything from blankets to incredible platters. Whether you’re one for tapas, cheese, or high tea style dining, they’ll have the formula to making this picnic one to remember maybe even hiding a ring on a breadstick?

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4. Wet flippers and furry paws

The Sunshine Coast has animal encounters galore.

Animal lovers rejoice! The Sunshine Coast has animal encounters galore.

Australia Zoo is right at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Australia, and they’re keen to get everyone involved. The zoo offers a huge number of animal encounters from farmyard animals to more exotic creatures like the binturong. Pet and feed the unbelievably adorable red pandas, take a walk with regal tigers, or get close and personal with a two-tonne rhino!

If you like your animals a bit wetter, then head on down to the SEA LIFE aquarium in Mooloolaba. The aquarium hosts a number of different styles of encounters with their rescued seals. You can meet and pet the seals, swim alongside them, or even be an honoured guest backstage and play seal trainer for a day!

If you’re planning to make a proper adventure out of your holiday, you can take your rental car south and experience the amazing east coast views before dropping it off at either of our Brisbane locations.

To sort out your car rental ASAP, drop us a line now!