Ride the Aqua duck
First up on the list of unique and unusual experiences on the Sunshine Coast is a ride on the Aqua Duck. This one-hour tour takes you along Mooloolaba Beach, the Esplanade and Sunshine Strip, as well as cruises through the canals and waterways, a truly unique experience to be had. Passing by natural landscapes and peaceful waterways, as well as mega-mansions and the heart of town, this is sure to amaze and delight every traveller. Not only is this a great way to see all that this beautiful area has to offer, you’ll also be just moments from great cafes, eateries and restaurants to refuel at after your tour.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Swim with seals
One experience that you’re sure to never forget is a swim with seals. The team at Sea Life Sunshine Coast invite you to learn all about these incredible creatures, before getting up close and personal with them. They have a range of experiences to choose from, each one amazing, but if you can we highly recommend getting in the water and frolicking with these beautiful resident seals. While at Sea Life you’ll also be able to witness and experience everything else that they have to offer, all of which is sure to delight and amaze.
See the Mary Valley from a steam train
If you’re a lover of train rides, then this is a great experience to add to your travel itinerary. The Mary Valley Rattler invites you to hop onboard in Gympie and travel throughout the Mary Valley region. This unique heritage steam train has been lovingly restored and promises a comfortable and enjoyable trip throughout the hinterland. They have a fleet of heritage trains to choose from, as well as different packages and journeys to decide between, all of which promise a wonderful day in the countryside.
Visit The Ginger Factory
The iconic Ginger Factory has fun rides, fascinating tours, a delicious café and ice creamery, as well as sub-tropical gardens that you can wander along and a train that takes you right around the park. Entry is free and they are open every day, making this a great addition to your travel itinerary when on the Sunshine Coast. Be sure to go on a ginger tour to see where all the Buderim Ginger products are made, as well as witness a live bee show, and enjoy a tasty ginger ice cream at the ice creamery.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Ride an eco-vessel through an everglade
A truly unique and unforgettable experience is to ride an eco-vessel along the everglades. The Noosa everglades are one of only two in the world and represent a unique eco system that is awe-inspiring. Whether you take the Noosa Everglades Eco Safari, or hire a canoe and paddle down the winding mirrored waterways, this will be a beautiful way to spend your time in nature. You can swim in the tea tree infused waters, as well as spot the array of wildlife that call this special part of the world home. Plus, bird lovers will be delighted to hear that this area is home to about 45% of the native birds found in Australia.
Take a paddle board wildlife tour
A paddle board adventure is pretty iconic to the Sunshine Coast, and luckily for you the team at Thrill Experiences in Noosa Heads have an awesome tour waiting for you. They will take you on a wonderful stand up paddle adventure, along the beach up to Double Island Point. Here you’ll jump on a paddle board and glide along the crystal clear lagoons, spotting an array of wildlife as you do, such as turtles, dolphins, fish and rays. Whether you’ve been on a paddle board before or not, this will be a wonderful experience to add to your Sunshine Coast visit.
Enjoy a three-wheel trike tour
Ever thought of jumping on a three-wheel trike and going on an adventure through the coastal towns of the Sunshine Coast? Horizon Trike Tours run from Caloundra to Noosa, and through the scenic hinterland from Mapleton to Maleny and beyond. You’ll be sitting comfortably on an elevated passenger seat as you’re taken around with your personal driver. They have a range of tours to choose from, or you can design your own to see the Sunshine Coast in a fun and unique way.
Cuddle camels
How does cuddling a camel sound? Well luckily for you this could be one experience you get to enjoy while visiting the Sunshine Coast. Q Camel offers farm visits and tours where you can learn about these majestic animals, as well as get up close and personal with them. This is also a working camel milk farm, meaning you can taste their delicious milk and see their range of camel milk skincare products. Camel cuddles happen every Saturday so make sure to book ahead to ensure you can get a picture and cuddle with these beautiful creatures.
Go horse riding along the beach
There is something so magical about a horse ride, and a horse ride up the beach is even better. The team at Equathon offer an incredible experience where you tour along the Noosa North Shore on horseback. They have two tour options, one is a one-hour private beach ride, and the other is a two-hour private beach and bush ride. These tours are suitable for every experience level and promise to be an unforgettable holiday experience. Not only will you get to ride on one of their beautiful horses, but you’ll be in a stunning Noosa beach and bush setting.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Take a culture tour on a heritage vessel
Those who love to add a cultural experience into their trip are going to love the Saltwater Cultural Tour. Setting off from Mooloolaba, and gliding down the canals, you’ll be aboard a heritage-listed vessel that adds to the cultural feel. While aboard you’ll be immersed in the storytelling and entertainment, learning about the Indigenous culture and maritime history. While enjoying all of this you’ll be served with delicious bush-tucker inspired canapes, local beers, tasty wine and their signature lemon myrtle cocktail. This tour runs for two hours every Saturday and promises to be a fun and enjoyable experience.
Where to stay in the Sunshine Coast
Big4 Ingenia holidays Noosa
When it comes to great places to park your maui campervan on the Sunshine Coast, there are a few great places to choose from. One of our go-to’s is the
Big4 Ingenia Holidays Noosa
Located just minutes from Noosa and offering modern facilities including a swimming pool, jumping cushion and games room, this promises to be a great stay for the whole family.
Big4 Caloundra holiday park
Another of the Big4 Holiday Parks that we love is located down the other end of the coast in Caloundra. Set right on the water’s edge of the popular Pumicestone Passage, and just moments from beaches and shops, this holiday park will be the perfect spot for your maui motorhome.
NRMA Lake Somerset holiday park
A little further into the country you’ll find the NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park. Just a short drive from the towns of Kilkoy, Esk and Woodford, nestled in the heart of the Valley of the Lakes, this is sure to be a wonderful stay for water sports enthusiasts, those who love to fish and nature lovers alike. You can get out on the river, relax at your campsite, or head out on the road and access all that the Sunshine Coast has to offer in no time.
Try something new in the Sunshine Coast
If the Sunshine Coast is calling your name, and you’re ready to hit the road and experience these unique and unusual activities and places, be sure to check out our great hire deals as well as more epic travel inspiration blogs.