Top Noosa & Sunshine Coast Nature and Wildlife

The Noosa River system is unique as its entire upper catchment is protected in National Park. Throughout the afternoon cruise take the opportunity to observe and photograph the spectacular mirrored waterways and unique eco system. Australia’s Everglades are found in the Northern end of the Noosa River system, perched within the sand dunes of the Cooloola National Park. An untouched, pristine wilderness area awaits you…. Over 44% of Australia’s bird species reside within this spectacular region. Pure freshwater pulses out of the Cooloola Sandmass and filters through the tea tree infused ecosystem into this unique river system - creating the most spectacular reflections you will ever see. Enjoy a complimentary glass of “Beer OR Bubbles” whilst gliding down the reflective waterways of Australia’s Everglades. Watch the stunning colour changes as the sun sets slowly over this magnificent wilderness area before returning to Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp.

Discover the wildlife of Noosa as you embark on a scenic dolphin-watching tour down the Noosa River. Join a small group and board your vessel for your scenic cruise that begins in the Noosa Marina. Cruise past scenic landscapes and sights, such as Hell’s Gate, and keep your eyes peeled for the playful mammals.

Get away from the rowdy crowds on the Sunshine Coast and make some new feathered friends in the heart of Queensland with this unique hinterland experience. Enjoy interactive encounters with native and exotic birds in the walk-through aviaries at Maleny Botanic Gardens. Meet cockatoos, macaws and more and get one-of-a-kind photo opportunities with these friendly birds – on your hand, on your head, and against the backdrop of the scenic Glass House Mountains.

Double Island Point is one of the best places in Australia to learn to surf and this half-day tour from Noosa is ideal for first-time surfers. Follow the Great Beach Drive to the island by 4WD, enjoy magnificent views of Rainbow Beach, then join an expert instructor for a surf lesson on the island’s gorgeous beach.

Enjoy a whale-watching excursion off the Mooloolaba coast. Choose a convenient departure time from a variety of options and relax with convenient hotel pickup (at an additional cost). Then, search for humpbacks as they migrate along Australia’s east coast. Enjoy a picturesque cruise with humpback viewing guaranteed—your outing is free if you don’t see one—and watch for dolphins, turtles, and other magnificent marine life.

Go kayaking with dolphins and 4-wheeling on the beach during a half-day tour on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane. Visit a National Park location that is only accessible by 4WD vehicle, and kayak around Double Island Point looking for dolphins, migrating whales, turtles, rays and more. Includes kayak equipment and instruction, light refreshments, and transportation by 4WD and ferry.

Make the end of your vacation easier and avoid the hassle of planning rides for your return home with help from this Brisbane Airport departure shuttle transfer from Sunshine Coast hotels. You can get picked up at a hotel or private residence, anywhere along the coast from Caloundra to Noosa, and get dropped off at the airport.

Swoop over the dramatic landscapes of Australia’s Sunshine Coast on this exhilarating 10-minute seaplane flight from Maroochydore. Enjoy stunning aerial views as you fly over the golden sands of Mooloolaba Beach, swoop low over the Maroochy River and glide over Point Cartright. Best of all: with numbers limited to just three passengers, you’re guaranteed a window seat, ensuring magnificent bird’s eye views.

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This Hinterland Scenic Food & Wine tour includes local cheese tasting in Maleny, a fabulous 2-course lunch, wine tasting, a visit to the quaint Hinterland village of Montville followed by a touch of luxury with a platter of handmade Belgian chocolates.

Planning your ride from the Sunshine Coast to the Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) can be difficult, but this Sunshine Coast Airport departure transfer makes it easy. End your trip on a good note, and ride this climate-controlled, comfortable transfer from your hotel to the airport. This transport service will pick you up anywhere on the Sunshine Coast, from Caloundra to Noosa.

Go shopping at Eumundi market, considered one of Australia’s premier markets for artisan crafts. Round-trip transfers from your accommodation in Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum, or Noosa make it easy to visit this market for three hours on a Wednesday or Saturday morning during your vacation on the Sunshine Coast.

Visit Noosa’s beautiful National Marine Park the exciting way on this high-speed 500 HP jet boat ride. Keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins, and seabirds as you zoom along the coastline and past some of Noosa’s most beautiful natural landmarks. Surf the ocean swell and enjoy some thrilling twists and turns in your powerful boat along the way.

If you’re trying to choose between taking a bus tour or a boat tour of the Sunshine Coast you don’t have to with an amphibious Aquaduck tour. The one-hour tour starts on the beach and follows canals, waterways, and local streets. Learn more about the history and culture of the Sunshine Coast from the commentary and enjoy the excitement of riding in this special vehicle.

Animal lovers will enjoy this small-group dolphin-watching tour from Noosa. Cruise into Noosa’s National Marine Park on the lookout for local dolphins as well as sea turtles and manta rays, among other wildlife. Dolphins are present in these waters year-round so there’s a good chance of seeing them. Enjoy beautiful views of the coastline of Noosa National Park along the way.

Explore the Noosa river by water bike on this self-guided two hour tour. The bikes are easy to ride and are a great way to see wildlife in the river. This is a small group activity of 8 max. You can either use the provided itineraries, or just go wherever you like. Meet in Noosa near the Big Pelican, get on your bike, and explore the Noosa River.

Escape the mainland—and discover Fraser Island’s UNESCO-listed scenery—on this seamless day trip. Depart in the morning directly from your Noosa or Rainbow Beach accommodation, and travel in the comfort of a custom-built 4x4 vehicle. You’ll discover the highlights of Fraser Island—the world’s largest sand island. Stop for breakfast on Seventy-Five Mile Beach, swim in Lake McKenzie, discover the Central Station Rainforest, and much more.

Whales are a common sight off the coast of Mooloolaba, particularly during their migration period in the winter months. Seek some out on this half day cruise out into the Coral Sea; if you spot some, there’s even a chance you’ll get to swim with them, getting close to these majestic giants with the help of the boat crew. Even if you don’t, this relaxing cruise is a great way to get away from the busy resorts and tourist attractions on the Sunshine Coast for a few hours.

Spot humpback whales and dolphins swimming in their natural habitat during a spectacular whale watching cruise from Mooloolaba. Listen to the crew's informative commentary about the whales, which migrate annually between Australia and Antarctica, and learn about other marine life of the Sunshine Coast that you get to see firsthand. Your 22-passenger vessel provides optimal viewing opportunities without the crowds.

The sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Double Island Point offer a stunning backdrop for a water sports adventure. On this full-day 4WD excursion, soak up the scenery within Great Sandy National Park, then take to the water for a thrilling SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) lesson, and look out for sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and stingrays as you paddle along the coast.

Explore the Noosa river by water bike on this self-guided two hour tour. The bikes are easy to ride and are a great way to see wildlife in the river. This is a small group activity of 8 max. You can either use the provided itineraries, or just go wherever you like. Meet in Noosa near the Big Pelican, get on your bike, and explore the Noosa River.

Stay in an award-winning eco-resort, the Kingfisher Bay Resort, on this three-day trip to Fraser Island. Experience both relaxation and adventure on this tour, with beach and resort-based activities as well as wildlife spotting and a four-wheel drive along the beach. An ideal trip for travelers who want a convenient and idyllic getaway but who don’t have much time in Queensland.

Rather than spending three hours or more driving yourself along the winding backcountry roads to and from Rainbow Beach, take a shortcut and cut along the coast in a 4x4 to start off this thrilling off-road day trip. Accompanied by your driver/guide, spend the day revelling in the dramatic landscapes of the around the Great Sandy National Parks. Go surfing off Double Island Point, take a kayak out to look for local marine life, or explore the sprawling native bush around this aquatic paradise.

• Opt to dive into the wreck of the HMAS Brisbane, a decommissioned guided missile destroyer that was scuttled 2.9 nautical miles off the Sunshine Coast • Light snacks on board • HMAS Brisbane dive includes marine parks fees and Guides. Equipment hire is not included but available for hire. • Available 7 days a week