How to Spend a Long Weekend in the Sunshine Coast

27 May 2024

Coastrek Sunshine Coast might just be the ultimate Girls Weekend away… three days of sparkling sea, wild walking and plenty of rest and relaxation. Here are our tips to ensure your weekend is nothing short of sensational, including where to eat, drink and play in this natural wonderland. 

 

Thursday

Whether you’re flying in or driving up, we recommend arriving mid-afternoon to give yourself plenty of time to check in to your accommodation, grab a bite, and put your feet up in preparation of your Coastrek adventure. 

If you’re staying in Noosa, hit Somedays for bougie pizza and a glass of natural vino, before getting an early night. If you’re looking for something closer to Mudjimba, try SOKA in Maroochydore for charcoal-prepared Japanese cuisine or Liliana’s Trattoria for nonna-style italian. 

 

 

 

Friday 

You’ll be up bright and early, so grab a bite at your accommodation and head to the start line for a caffeine hit! There’ll be a coffee shop or cart at all the start lines, don’t you worry! 

For lunch, there’s lots of cafes to peruse along the route, especially in Mudjimba and Coolum beach, but our tip would be to pack your own lunch – make our favourite roast veggie wraps to eat along the trail and ensure there’s plenty of your fave snacks in your backpack. 

After you cross that Finish Line in Noosa, it’s time to celebrate! We 1000% recommend buzzy Asian eatery Bang Bang, for bold flavour and excellent vibes. Theo’s Social Club is more of an intimate neighbourhood wine bar – no, it doesn’t take bookings and yes, it does serve pasta. And if you want to just hit the deck and order Grill’d, who are we to judge? 

 

  

 

Saturday

After a relaxing sleep in, head out for coffee, brunch and a little stretch of the legs! Cafe Le Monde is a Hastings St institution and a no brainer for delicious coffee and brekky. If you want an organic, wholefood vibe, try VanillaFood at Noosa Heads – it’s healthy foodie heaven. 

If you’re ready to soak those tired muscles and be pampered, head to The Spa at Noosa Springs. Rated one of the best spas in Queensland, this is where you get to soak, steam and be treated. Book early to avoid disappointment! 

For those who prefer a dose of nature and still have room in their legs, we’d recommend walking to Noosa’s spectacular Dolphin Point. The view is jaw-dropping and you can watch for wildlife such as – you guessed it – dolphins, turtles and even whales. 

Spend the afternoon browsing the shops on Hastings St; you’ve got Dissh, Palm Noosa, Alterior Motif and Bowery 475, as well as beloved high street stores such as Peter Alexander, Country Road, Seed, Witchery and Cotton On. 

For dinner you are absolutely spoiled for choice. Go classic with a meal at the iconic Sails Restaurant on Noosa Main Beach, or try anything from the Tony Kelly Group; some favs include Market Bistro or Giddy Geisha in Maroochydore, Rice Boi, Spero and RB in Mooloolaba, and Bocca in Bokarina. For a dark and elegant bar atmosphere, hit up Locale in Noosa for handmade pasta, slick share plates and ambience aplenty. 

 

  

 

Sunday

It’s time for whale watching, of course! Noosa in July is the perfect time to get up close and personal with the 30,000+ humpback whales that migrate up the Queensland Coast each year in search of warmer waters in which to mate and have whale babies! 

Head out on a whale watching boat – there’s loads of providers – for the full experience, then head back home with your cup full to bursting.