With a plethora of activities to enjoy along the Sunshine Coast, you may feel like 48 hours just aren't enough to do the region justice. However, a whirlwind tour along this sunny slice of Queensland coastline can still make for an exciting two day extravaganza. Simply hire a car in Sunshine Coast and coast through the highways as you make your way to each of these sublime attractions. 

Day One

Begin your Sunshine Coast adventure by literally stopping to smell the roses at Maleny Botanic Gardens. Located at 233 Maleny-Stanley River Road, you can start your day nice and early immersed in nature. Admire the wide range of flowers in kaleidoscopic colours, as well as picturesque ponds. Delight both the senses of sight and smell as you spend time amidst the lush greens and pretty petals that spread across the 14 hectares of these gardens. Bird watchers will enjoy the Bird World walk-in aviary here, and the best news is, it costs a mere pittance for entry! 

Next, drive over to Noosa Heads, which should take just over an hour from Maleny. This is an ideal place to stop for lunch, with a myriad of restaurants and cafes spoiling you for choice. After your lunch, you'll probably will be keen to relax in the sun for a warm nap, so make the soft sands of Noosa Main Beach your bed. Just lay down a beach towel, flop on a hat, and lie in the sunshine. Once you get too warm, cool off with a quick dip in the ocean. 

Finally, after dusting the sand out of your shoes, hop back in your rental care and drive to Mooloolaba. It should take you around 40 minutes, so make sure you leave with enough time to spare before the sun sets, as this is the best time to cruise along the inner waterways of Mooloolaba. Many boat charter tours take you out onto the water of a network of rivers and canals, such as Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba, who offer a Sunset Cruise that is a lovely way to conclude your busy day. Watch the amber colours reflect on the waters as you sip on some wine from the bar on board. 

Day two

Good morning! Yesterday was a relaxing day, so now it is time to pack some adventure into your time on the Sunshine Coast. Leave Noosa behind and make your way to 2310 Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough, also less than an hour's drive. Here you will find the Sunshine Coast Big Kart Track, the largest in the country, boasting 1.2 kilometre long and 8 kilometre wide asphalt tracks. Spend time here to show off your karting skills. Fun for all ages, give a new meaning to kart wheels by frolicking through the tracks. 

Once you have satisfied your need for speed, travel to Mount Coolum National Park, just over 30 minutes away. Trek or hike to the top to appreciate stunning panoramic views of the region, standing atop a 208 metre high vantage point from the peak of Mount Coolum. 

After all this activity, conclude your day with a memorable experience – riding horseback along a beach as the moon rises. A Beach Full Moon Ride package from the award-winning Rainbow Beach Horse Rides enables you to watch the moonlight dance over the waves rolling onto the shore. The tour providers offer waterproof cameras free of charge for guests to record these precious memories. 

By the time you have finished your Sunshine Coast trip, you will probably feel like coming back as soon as possible to repeat these enjoyable escapades! 

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A photo posted by Rainbow Beach Horse Rides (@rainbowbeachhorserides) on

Aug 5, 2014 at 7:19pm PDT