11 epic things to do this winter
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Whale watching with Sunshine Coast Afloat

With plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures, why not immerse yourself and try them all?

1. Swim with the whales

Getting ready to swim with the Whales with Sunreef
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Getting ready to swim with the Whales with Sunreef

Between June and November, more than thirteen thousand humpback whales make their along the 'humpback highway' toward a warmer clime. Along the way, these majestic creatures pass through the waters just off Mooloolaba, allowing us an opportunity to see them up close.

During the season, Sunreef’s Whale Swim tours depart daily from Mooloolaba, where you'll join the short ride out from the marina to witness plenty of breaching, fin-slapping, and water-spouting action. Pull on that wetsuit and grab the GoPro for a magical experience you'll never forget! If you’d rather keep your toes dry, admire these magnificent creatures from a boat deck: Sunshine Coast Afloat and Whale One are your go-to whale-watching cruise experts.

2. Twilight picnic with a view

Wild Horse Mountain sunset. Credit: All About Adventure
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Wild Horse Mountain sunset. Credit: All About Adventure

What's a better way to end a glorious winter day on the Sunshine Coast than with a twilight picnic? We suggest laying down your blanket and enjoying a warming thermos of hot chocolate or tea at the stunning Wild Horse Mountain Lookout. Here, you'll be in the prime position to enjoy the cotton-candy-coloured last light spilling out over the Glass House Mountains. Don't forget to bring a camera!

3. Hit the high ropes

Treetop Challenge, Woombye
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Treetop Challenge, Woombye

Everybody loves stopping at Queensland’s Big Pineapple and snapping a pic with the world’s only 16-metre-high fibreglass pineapple, but we reckon your visit is about to get even better! Perched up to 120 metres above ground, the TreeTop Challenge in the Sunshine Coast's Nambour region is the highest adventure course in Australia. Test yourself with over 100 high ropes challenges and 12 ziplines, all while surrounded by the lush beauty of our local subtropical rainforest.

4. Jetski on a pristine beach

Jet Skiing on the Pumicestone Passage with Caloundra Jet Ski Hire and Safari's
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Jet Skiing on the Pumicestone Passage with Caloundra Jet Ski Hire and Safari's

Looking for some action and adventure? Make memories to last a lifetime by cruising through the pristine Pumicestone Passage with Caloundra Jet Ski. Spot the incredible Glass House Mountains from the water, and enjoy an action-packed adventure you won't forget. If you opt for their Sunshine Coast Jetski Epic tour, you'll be in for a treat of stunning coastal spots and opportunities to see resident wildlife (such as dolphins, turtles and dugongs) along the way.

5. Learn to surf

Coolum Learn to Surf School, Coolum Beach
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Coolum Learn to Surf School, Coolum Beach

The waves are better in winter! Have your own Julian Wilson moment and learn to surf at his local beach with Coolum Surf School. From beginners to those more experienced, a day out surfing at Coolum Beach is sure to leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. Once you've dried off, fuel up at the Coolum Surf Club with a feast of calamari, local prawns, and other plates of feel-good fare.

6. Head on a Hinterland hike

Aerial of Gardners Falls, Maleny
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Aerial of Gardners Falls, Maleny

Create your own adventure this winter by walking the impressive 58km, four-day Hinterland Great Walk. You’ll come across some amazing views and creeks, while also spotting native wildlife along the way. For something a little shorter, make tracks to Gardners Falls, or the impressive view across the Obi Obi Valley at the wheel-chair accessible lookout.

7. Go stargazing

Camping Under The Stars On Teerwah Beach, Great Sandy National Park
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Camping Under The Stars On Teerwah Beach, Great Sandy National Park

With very little light pollution, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the night sky. It makes for a great date night idea, or simply a soothing evening routine away from the city bustle. Try camping at some of our great spots, or just wander down to your nearest beach to admire the countless number of stars on display.

8. Kayak on a hidden paradise

Lake Currimundi
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Lake Currimundi

Currimundi Lake is a great location to immerse yourself in nature and is fabulous for a winter kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or fish. Follow the Currimundi Lake Canoe Trail for a sheltered six-kilometre paddle through urban and bushland areas fringed with paperbarks and she-oaks.

9. Seek out sunrise

Mt Coolum sunrise
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Mt Coolum sunrise

Crisp clear mornings mean the dawn of the day is quite a show here on the Sunshine Coast. With some of the world’s best beaches, mountain ranges and national parks, the small window of time each day where night becomes day is when the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty shines ever so brightly. We suggest enjoying the view from the top of Mt Coolum, Mt Ngungun, or McCarthy's Lookout in Maleny.

10. Find a furry new friend

Feeding the meerkats at Wildlife HQ
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Feeding the meerkats at Wildlife HQ

Feed a giraffe, get close to a cheetah or pat a rhino with one of the 23 exhilarating animal encounters on offer at Australia Zoo. Wildlife HQ also offers a range of different animal experiences, including popular primate and meerkat encounters. Or, dive in and swim with seals at Sea Life Sunshine Coast in Mooloolaba.

11. Discover an underwater wonderland

Snorkeling at Mudjimba Island with Sunreef
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Snorkeling at Mudjimba Island with Sunreef

Dive into the deep blue and immerse yourself in some of the best snorkelling on the Sunshine Coast. Mudjimba Island is home to an abundance of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, stingrays, crayfish, wobbegongs, eel, and starfish.

Don't have a boat to get you across to the island? No need to worry—Sunreef Mooloolaba can get you there!