We truly are blessed to live in this beautiful part of the world, with its stunning beaches and year-round holiday vibes. Even winter on the Sunshine Coast brings blue skies, making it easy to chase that winter sun. And with so many local spots to discover and experiences to enjoy, there is no shortage of ways to spend the season. Here’s how to make the most of winter on the Sunshine Coast.
Pick your own sweet delights
Winter marks the peak of strawberry season in the southeast, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by visiting a strawberry farm. At McMartin’s Strawberry Farm in Bli Bli, families can wander through rows of ripe strawberries, picking their own baskets of the colourful favourite. Afterwards, indulge in a scoop (or two) of the award-winning ice cream or relax on the deck with a coffee, all while the kids enjoy the playground. Further south, Rolin Farms offers a similar experience. Located a half-hour trek from Caloundra (15 minutes from Glass House), this farm provides visitors with the opportunity to pick their own strawberries or buy fresh.
Warm up
As the air cools, there’s nothing more inviting than sitting by a cosy fireplace. The Coast — in particular the hinterland — is home to a number of restaurants and bars that light up during winter. Nestled in Montville, Flame Hill Vineyard offers a rustic charm with its estate-grown, hand-picked premium wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and purchase their favourite drops at the cellar door, all while enjoying the fire, or pop into the restaurant, where a second fireplace keeps diners comfortable. Another local favourite to visit is Secrets on the Lake, where dining on the deck means sweeping water views and a menu crafted from locally sourced products. Visitors can relax on couches in the reception area, warming up by the beautiful fire. Meanwhile, the award-winning Spicers Tamarind Retreat, with its outdoor fire pit, is another popular hinterland location to catch up with friends while enjoying a drink. Closer to the coast, fine dining institution Harry’s on Buderim has a gas fireplace to keep the private dining room warm through winter.
Pack a picnic
Winter on the Sunshine Coast is synonymous with clear skies and gentle breezes, making it the perfect time for outdoor picnics. If you haven’t yet paid a visit to Little Cove Beach, now is the time to do so. Lesser known than its world-famous counterpart, Noosa Main Beach, Little Cove sits on the edge of the Park Road Boardwalk, which connects to Noosa National Park. The tree-hugged beach stretches 100 metres. Meanwhile, Point Perry in Coolum offers a scenic lookout surrounded by Norfolk pines, providing panoramic ocean views, while Point Arkwright boasts expansive vistas up the coast to Noosa Headland and down to Moreton Island, with picnic shelters available for visitors. Chambers Island in Maroochydore is another idyllic spot. Accessible via a pedestrian bridge from Bradman Avenue, the island features shaded open spaces, play equipment for children and picnic facilities.
Explore hidden trails
Winter’s mild temperatures make it an ideal time to explore the Sunshine Coast’s diverse trails. Why not take a walk and explore a section of the region that you have not yet had a chance to enjoy? The Fig Tree Walk in Kenilworth has a 780-metre circuit through the rainforest, where visitors can take in the 150-year-old Moreton Bay fig trees. Staring up at these magnificent trees, you can’t help but think about the past and what the surrounding areas must have looked like a century or more ago. Up in the hinterland, Mapleton National Park features mountain scenery, numerous creeks and small waterfalls. For panoramic coastal views, the Emu Mountain Summit Walk in Noosa National Park is a must. Also known as Mount Peregian (which is the Aboriginal word for emu), the summit provides spectacular views from Noosa in the north to Maroochydore in the south. The 1.1-kilometre return path is suitable for children and is littered with vibrant wildflowers. Prefer something gentler? The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve near Maleny features an easy loop walk beneath towering trees and an elevated boardwalk perfect for spotting pademelons and birds.
Enjoy a taste sensation
Winter is a season of hearty appetites — and we aren’t just talking about good old pumpkin soup. Here on the Coast, you will find all sorts of culinary delights at our plethora of markets. We’re talking traditional Greek fare to belly-tempting sweets. Keep an eye out for Yassou Greek Street Food that pops up at the Caloundra Street Fair held on Sundays in Caloundra’s Bulcock Street. You’ll also find Mexican flavours (try the taquitos!), fresh juices, sweets and freshly baked sourdough. Of course, The Original Eumundi Markets, held every Wednesday and Saturday, is another foodie haven. Visitors can sample fresh honey, jams and chutneys, cakes and other sweets. Notable food vendors include Dou Dou French Crepes, Riza’s German sausage hut and Turkish Gozleme. Delish!
Take a paddle
Okay, so the ocean might be a tad too chilly for some of us, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still take a paddle. And by paddle, we mean in a kayak. Winter is one of the best times to take to the water — without the summer heat. Pumicestone Passage, which stretches between Caloundra and Bribie Island, is a favourite spot for both beginner and experienced kayakers. Keep an eye out for fish, turtles and pelicans as you glide through mangrove-lined channels or over towards Bribie Island. Elsewhere, the Noosa River offers a relaxed, scenic paddle with cafés and picnic spots along the banks, while Lake Baroon, set between Montville and Maleny, provides calm freshwater with a pretty background. For a peaceful row, give the Currimundi Lake canoe trail a try, and drift past she-oaks and paperbark trees.
Tip: Visit Sunshine Coast Council’s https://adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to discover both popular and lesser-known waterways to paddle.
Discover pretty villages
Peregian Beach is a laid-back coastal village with a relaxed, bohemian vibe. With its niche boutiques, bustling coffee spots and beautiful beach, it’s a great spot for a stroll and a cheeky wine at one of the eateries. Our recommendation? Try Periwinkle Restaurant with its French Mediterranean-inspired menu. If you feel like taking your adventure a little further north, jump in the car and pay the township of Kin Kin a visit. This true blue country town is known for its down-to-earth people and genuine vibe. Check out the Kin Kin Depot with its retro treasures, explore the Kin Kin Creation Markets on the first Sunday of the month, stop by the General Store for some fresh produce, or pack your hiking shoes and head to Doggrell Forest Trail with its easy 1.2-kilometre round walk. Looking for more adventure? Further south in the hinterland, Mapleton offers a tranquil escape with its rainforests and waterfalls. Explore the township, stop for a coffee and then enjoy a short walk through Mapleton Falls National Park.
As you can see, winter on the Sunshine Coast is a season of beauty and relaxed adventures. Whether you’re picking fresh strawberries, warming up by a fire or exploring hidden trails, there is plenty to do.