Best Seasonal Highlights on the Sunshine Coast: Whale Watching, Festivals, Surfing & Hinterland Escapes Near the Beaches

Hot sunny days, school holidays and vibrant beach energy define summer on the Sunshine Coast. Peak swimming, surfing and family fun at Mooloolaba, Noosa Main Beach, Coolum, Sunshine Beach and Kings Beach in Caloundra. Major events: Woodford Folk Festival (27 Dec – 1 Jan) — one of Australia’s biggest music and arts festivals with global acts, workshops and camping; Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade (mid-late December) with hundreds of beautifully decorated boats lighting up the Mooloolah River and canals in a sparkling festive display; Carols by Candlelight in multiple towns including Caloundra, Noosa and Kawana; Christmas markets, twilight markets, community light displays and street festivals; New Year’s Eve fireworks and celebrations in Mooloolaba (Esplanade beach parties and live entertainment), Noosa beachfront gatherings and Caloundra foreshore fireworks; Australia Day (26 Jan) beach parties, BBQs, fireworks and live music across Coolum, Noosa and Caloundra; Noosa Summer Swim Festival (February) — iconic open-water ocean swims for all levels with festive beach atmosphere; Water Lantern Festival (mid-Feb) with floating lanterns, live music and night market vibes; Aussie World Lantern Festival for Lunar New Year with lights and performances; NRL pre-season matches at Sunshine Coast Stadium; Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships (late Feb); Dragon Boat Racing at Lake Kawana; Farm to Fork Lunch in Montville and hinterland winery events; recurring Eumundi Markets (Wed & Sat), Fishermans Road Markets, Kawana Waters Farmers Market, twilight and night markets in Currimundi, Caloundra and Mooloolaba; outdoor cinema nights, live music gigs, food truck festivals, beach volleyball tournaments, surf lessons and holiday entertainment programs for families; Portraits of the Hinterland Exhibition and gallery shows across Noosa, Caloundra and Maleny. Best paired with afternoons at Kondalilla Falls, Mapleton Falls or secret hinterland swimming holes for cooling rainforest escapes.

Average temperature: 25–29°C daytime, often reaching 30–33°C during heatwaves. Nighttime low around 20–23°C. Ocean temperature 25–27°C — excellent for swimming and water activities.

Mild temperatures and fewer crowds with warm sunny days and cooler evenings define autumn on the Sunshine Coast. Ideal for relaxed beach walks, hinterland drives, rainforest escapes and enjoying the shoulder season vibe at Mooloolaba, Noosa Main Beach, Coolum, Sunshine Beach and Kings Beach in Caloundra. Major events: Noosa Festival of Surfing (mid-March) — the world’s largest longboard surfing event with daily competitions, surf culture, beach parties, live music and film screenings at Noosa Heads; Mooloolaba Triathlon (mid-March) with elite and community races along the waterfront; Easter long weekend festivals, markets and family activities including egg hunts, pony rides and special programs at Australia Zoo and The Ginger Factory; Horizon Festival (early May) — a vibrant 10-day multi-arts celebration with theatre, dance, music, outdoor installations and creative workshops across Maroochydore, the hinterland and coastal venues; GourMay Mary Valley (throughout May) — a month-long food festival showcasing local produce, farm-to-table events and the popular Festival Day in Imbil with markets, tastings and maker experiences; recurring Eumundi Markets (Wed & Sat), twilight markets and night markets; hinterland events including Maleny Arts & Crafts Autumn Fair, Montville village markets, winery tastings and cheese events in Maleny; outdoor live music, food truck festivals and community gatherings; Anzac Day commemorations with dawn services and beachside ceremonies; perfect time to combine a morning at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium or Australia Zoo with an afternoon swim at Burleigh-style calm beaches or a picnic at Lake Kawana or Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

Average temperature: 22–26°C daytime high, 15–21°C nighttime low. Still warm enough for comfortable swimming on most days.

Mild sunny days and peak humpback whale migration define winter on the Sunshine Coast. Comfortable temperatures make it perfect for whale watching from headlands or boat tours out of Mooloolaba and Noosa, theme park visits without the summer heat, and refreshing hinterland walks at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny and Montville. Major events: Noosa Food & Wine Festival (mid-June) — a world-class celebration of local produce, renowned chefs, long lunches, wine tastings and beachfront dining experiences across Noosa; Noosa Alive! Festival (mid-late July) — 10 magical days of theatre, music, dance, literature and thought-provoking performances transforming Noosa into a cultural playground; recurring Eumundi Markets (Wed & Sat), twilight markets and night markets; hinterland events including Maleny Cheese Festival, Montville village markets, winery tastings and artisan fairs; Horizon Festival lead-in events or winter editions with outdoor arts installations and creative workshops; live music gigs, comedy nights and community festivals; outdoor cinema and winter wonderland-style family activities at Australia Zoo and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium; perfect time to pair morning whale watching cruises or headland spotting at Point Cartwright and Noosa National Park with afternoon hinterland escapes to Kondalilla Falls, Mapleton Falls or Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve for cool rainforest walks and panoramic views.

Average temperature: 19–22°C daytime high, 10–13°C nighttime low. Cool evenings but pleasant daytime sunshine — perfect for whale watching and active days.

Warm sunny days with blooming hinterland wildflowers, strong surfing conditions and shoulder-season energy define spring on the Sunshine Coast. Ideal for beach swims, rainforest walks and enjoying fewer crowds at Mooloolaba, Noosa Main Beach, Coolum, Sunshine Beach, Peregian and Kings Beach in Caloundra. Major events: Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival (late October/early November) — one of Australia’s largest multisport events with swim, bike and run courses along the Noosa River and coastal tracks; Horizon Festival (September–October editions) — a major 10-day celebration of arts, theatre, music, outdoor installations and creative workshops across coastal and hinterland venues; recurring Eumundi Markets (Wed & Sat), twilight markets and night markets; hinterland wildflower blooms and events including Maleny Arts & Crafts Spring Fair, Montville village markets, winery tastings and cheese festivals; Open Studios Sunshine Coast (October) with artists opening their studios for tours and exhibitions; beach volleyball tournaments, kite festivals and surf lifesaving carnivals; live music gigs, food truck festivals and community gatherings; perfect time to combine a morning hike spotting koalas in Noosa National Park or Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve with an afternoon surf at Peregian or a relaxed swim at Mooloolaba Beach, while enjoying the warming ocean and lush green hinterland trails.

Average temperature: 22–26°C daytime high, 15–19°C nighttime low. Warming ocean and pleasant weather — great for both beach and hinterland activities.

• 🐨 Wildlife Encounters — Hand-feed kangaroos and lorikeets, cuddle koalas and see crocodiles up close at Australia Zoo — one of the world’s most famous wildlife parks founded by Steve Irwin.
• 🌊 Beach & Surf Action — Surf the famous breaks at Noosa or Peregian Beach, paddleboard on the Noosa River, or simply relax on the golden sands of Mooloolaba, Coolum and Sunshine Beach.
• 🌿 Hinterland Escapes — Explore lush rainforest walks, waterfalls and panoramic lookouts at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Kondalilla Falls, Mapleton Falls and the Glass House Mountains.
• 🛶 Water & Coastal Adventures — Kayak the serene Noosa Everglades, take a scenic sunset cruise on the Mooloolah River and canals, or enjoy stand-up paddleboarding in calm coastal waters.
• 🎡 Family & Theme Park Fun — Spend a full day at Australia Zoo or SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium with live animal shows, interactive marine exhibits and seasonal holiday programs.

Ride a jet boat or jet ski across the Pumicestone Passage — high-speed spins and hidden islands. Experience Australia’s largest high ropes course and ziplines at Next Level in Maroochydore. Try tandem skydiving, indoor skydiving at iFLY, or the treetops challenge at TreeTop Challenge Sunshine Coast. Go karting at the Big Kart Track or quad bike adventures in the hinterland.

Cool off at Serenity Falls (Buderim) or Wappa Falls (Yandina) — secret rainforest rock pools and swimming holes. Hike to Mapleton Falls or Gheerulla Falls for dramatic drops and lush forest views. Explore Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve for elevated rainforest trails and skywalk, or discover quiet spots like Ewan Maddock Dam and the fairy pools in Noosa National Park.

Step inside the Sunshine Castle at Bli Bli — a medieval-style castle with museum displays, spooky stories, and tower views. Visit the Big Pineapple for its heritage-listed grounds, old farm buildings, and nostalgic mini train. Explore Woombye’s retro charm with antique stores, quirky cafés, and colourful murals that locals love.