15 Romantic Things To Do On the Sunshine Coast

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If you’re planning a romantic getaway in Queensland that doesn’t involve islands, scorching temperatures, and sand following you back to your cosy cabin, then you might want to consider the Sunshine Coast.

It’s not often Caz and I get away alone and reconnect as a couple, so when we go for a romantic getaway, we like to make the most of it and pack lots of romantic activities into our days.

Whether you’re looking for walks in nature, long lunches, wine tastings, views of majestic mountain peaks, massages, spa baths, or just places to enjoy uninterrupted conversations and serenity, you’ll find plenty of romantic things to do on the Sunshine Coast.

If you don’t believe me, here are some things we got up to…

Romantic Things To Do On The Sunshine Coast

1. Admire views of The Glass House Mountains

We headed straight for the Glass House Mountains with a quick pit stop at the Information Centre. Wherever we travel, we always make a point of visiting the info centre to chat with the locals in the know.

After getting some insider tips, we headed to The Lookout, a short drive from town where you’re treated to an incredible 180-degree panoramic view of the mountain peaks.

The Glass House Mountains are made up of 16 volcanic crags that rise up dramatically from the landscape.

They’re said to be 20 million years old and a part of the Aboriginal ‘songlines’, navigational landmarks once used by Aborigines to find their way, and are a prominent feature of local Aboriginal legend.

2. Hike up Mount Ngungun

Whilst you might not see walking trails as a feature of your couple’s getaway, we personally love nature walks. Having the bonus of not having our kids present allowed us to move at an adults pace and enjoy a more challenging hike.

When we reconnect as couple, a walk in nature is high on our list – treating our bodies and relationship at the same time.

I recommend the Mt Ngungun walk. It’s an easy 2.8 km return walk up to the peak and you’re rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of all four major peaks of the Glass House Mountains. 

It’s not too challenging or technical, but it traverses through a serene forested environment which offers the perfect backdrop for intimate conversation and alone time together.

3. Have a picnic in Maleny Botanic Gardens

I had no expectations for the Maleny Botanic Gardens, and besides visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, I’m never one to get too excited about gardens. But wow, these gardens blew us away!

Caz and I wondered around the 6 kilometres of walking paths for quite some time checking out all the water features, colourful plants and exquisite landscaping.

The highlight for me is their location, they’re surrounded by rainforest with uninterrupted views of the Glass House Mountains to the coastline.

Whilst there, check out the aviary tour. Caz got a good old laugh when I had a coloured macaw swoop down and perch on my shoulder, giving me a piercing squawk in my ear, the cheeky bugger! He was a lot calmer with her. 

Before leaving be sure to indulge in the Devonshire Tea. The scones with jam and cream were tasty and the coffee good. And how about more of these views!

4. Go Boutique Shopping in Maleny or Montville

Caz was in her element with a spot of shopping in the charming country villages of Maleny and Montville.

They’re famous for their thriving arts community and have many artisan shops, cafes, boutique clothes, crafts and art galleries for you to peruse. 

In Montville, she grabbed a few bright scarfs and jewellery for her and the kids. Then we wandered in and out of the numerous galleries and shops along the main street which is set in picturesque surroundings of a shady tree-lined street with views all the way down to the coast.

What I most enjoyed was the architectural styles of the buildings ranging from Tudor to Irish, Bavarian and Swiss.

And the Flame Trees in Montville were in full bloom and mighty impressive!

5. Swim under waterfalls in Kondalilla National Park

Another walk we did was at Kondalilla Falls in Kondalilla National Park, through the ancient lush rainforests.

Depending on the time of year take your swimmers for a refreshing dip in rock pools on the way. The walk is a relatively easy 4.4km return, but can be a steep climb out if you go all the way to the bottom of the falls.

Unfortunately, there was no water flowing from the falls, but Kondalilla Falls is said to be spectacular and plunge 90 metres into the rainforest valley.

5. Watch a sunrise at Gerrards Lookout

Now you have to get up early for this, and I mean ridiculous o’clock at 4.30am, and you’re probably thinking hey, I’m on a kid-free retreat, I’m sleeping in!

I totally hear ya, and I did that on the other two mornings, but I’m glad I made the effort on one occasion to start my day with the sun rising up over the ocean and Caloundra on the coast.

Watching the sun rise with your favorite person is one of the most romantic activities you can do, and it doesn’t matter where you are, you’ll never forget the time you watched the sun rise together.

6. Eco safari on the Noosa Everglades

The Noosa Everglades are one of those hidden gems that often get missed out in favor of the Sunshine Coast beaches, but you shouldn’t miss this natural oasis to the North of the Sunshine Coast.

The Noosa Everglades are a series of protected waterways and tropical wetland that connect the Northern Noosa River to the ocean. It sits on two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and is also often referred to as the River of Mirrors due to the amazing reflections in the water. 

For adventurers looking for something exciting to do together, an Eco Safari is the best way to explore this wetland.

The purpose built eco boats have wide open viewing windows and some tours even come with wine or beer included. Sit back and relax as you enjoy this natural oasis without spoiling the environment. It’s one of the top things to do in Noosa!

7. Go whale watching

Another popular thing to do on the Sunshine Coast is to go whale watching. From July to Mid-October, humpback whales visit the shores here on their annual migration, and the best way to see them is from a whale watching cruise.

These cruises take you out to see whales in their natural habitat, but without being intrusive. It’s also common to see pods of dolphins playing in the waters, and other marine life and sea birds.

Watching whales breaching in the ocean is a memory you’ll never forget, especially if you witness it with your special someone.

Some of the best places to take whale watching cruises from the Sunshine Coast are from Noosa and Mooloolaba Beach.

8. Hop on a craft beer tour

Caz and I love visiting local breweries and sampling craft beer – it’s something we’ve always done and have associated as a date activity since before children.

There are more than one incredible boutique breweries on the Sunshine Coast, so a craft beer tour is one of the best ways to discover the best of the best.

On a brewery tour, you’ll visit four of the best breweries; 10 Toes, Sunshine Coast Brewery, Moffat Beach Brewery, and Sunshine Brewery, and sample some of their award-winning beers.

These tours also come with lunch included!

9. Check out Australia Zoo

Founded by the late and globally-loved animal conservationist, Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is Australia’s most famous zoo and an unmissable attraction on the Sunshine Coast.

We’ve visited Australia Zoo many times, and every time we come away with a deep sense of love for every animal on the planet. In fact, I used to work there when Kalyra was born and helped construct the African animal enclosures!

For animal lovers, or for those looking for a unique day out, Australia Zoo is the perfect place to go on a date day. Don’t miss the famous Wildlife Warrior bird and croc show held in the Crocoseum every day at 12 pm!

Don’t forget to visit the wildlife hospital to learn about all the great work they do in protecting our wildlife.

10. Take a cooking class

One of the best date ideas we’ve had together is to take a class together. When Caz and I are learning together, we’re also learning about each other.

Spirit House Cooking School in Yandina is a great place to learn how to cook Thai cuisine. And best of all, you get to eat what you’ve made after!

If you want to learn to cook healthy options, check out Mix Taste Eat: Cooking Workshops, which offers workshops on how to make healthier options of dishes we know and love.

If you’re not sure what you want to make, Cooking on Witta Maleny has a wide range of classes, from Italian to Mediterranean to Middle Eastern cuisines.

You can also learn the art of tempering chocolates at Maleny Chocolate Co if you or your partner has a sweet tooth.

11. Take surfing lessons

Queensland, and all of Australia really, is well known for its surf culture. If you’ve never tried surfing before, there is no better way to spend a date day in the Sunshine Coast than taking a surf lesson together.

Cheer each other on as you tackle waves together, and laugh at each other as you fall off your boards (multiple times, it’s not as easy as it looks!).

Caloundra Surf School is one of the leading surf schools on the Sunshine Coast, and offer both private and group lessons. Surfing lessons take place from either Currimundi Beach, Dicky Beach or Happy Valley.

If you’re already schooled in surfing, I recommend taking a board out by Alex Headland, just north of Mooloolaba Beach, which is a popular spot for surfers.

12. Shop for picnic supplies at Eumundi Markets

Eumundi in the Noosa hinterland is a quaint historical town that dates back to 1890-1930. It’s such a cute place, with tree-lined streets filled with art galleries, boutique wineries, and cafes.

The Eumundi Markets, which are held every Saturday and Wednesday, are one of the largest artisan markets in Australia.

It’s the perfect place to shop for fresh produce to take on a picnic, or pick up souvenirs from your trip.

Browse the stalls filled with clay figurines, paintings, and jewellery or grab a bite to eat and watch the buskers and didgeridoo players.

Afterwards, take your produce to Noosa and hike up to Noosa National Park to find a nice spot to throw down a picnic blanket and eat with some amazing coastal views.

13. Watch a sunset at Mooloolaba Beach

Mooloolaba Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Sunshine Coast, and for good reason.

It has pristine white sand, a relaxed atmosphere, and a grassy area where you can unpack a picnic and share a glass of bubbles whilst watching the sun dip below the horizon in the distance.

A great sunset viewing spot is the Mooloolaba Surf Club. It’s one of our favourite surf clubs in Australia – it has a relaxing atmosphere with large open windows, a gentle sea breeze blowing through, and some light acoustic music playing!

14. Relax in a day spa at Ikatan Spa

Ikatan Spa is a luxury day spa set in the tropical rainforest of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. If you’re looking for a relaxing spa weekend, this is the place to go for it.

This award-winning Balinese spa combines nature with relaxing treatments, allowing you to feel serenity and rejuvenation.

They offer packages by the hour, from 1 hour treatments all the way up to 8 hour treatments. Browse spa packages here!

ikatan Day Spa is open 9:00am – 6:00pm, Monday – Saturday and closed on Sundays and public holidays.

15. Take a day trip (or longer) to Fraser Island (K’gari)

For the adventurous couple, head to Fraser Island. This is the world’s largest sand island and is famous for its beach highway, an 75 mile stretch of beach that serves as the main road around the island.

Drive a 4X4 along the beach, stop off to see the Maheno Shipwreck, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake MacKenzie, wade through Eli Creek, or watch whales swimming from the shores.

For a unique experience, either for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply because you can, take a scenic flight over the island and have your best chance of seeing whales!

Here’s how to visit Fraser Island in a day.

Video: Fraser Island

Watch our video of our trip to Fraser Island here!

Where To Eat & Drink In The Sunshine Coast

Relaxing over long lunches and eating out at fancy restaurants is made possible on a couple’s getaway.

When do you get to do that with the kids around? I mean we do, but if you’re a parent with young kids you know it’s never really relaxing.

Many of our lunchtime dining options provided us with incredible views over the Noosa Hinterland and out to the ocean.

The Lookout Cafe

Our visit to the info centre at the Glass House Mountains coincided with lunch and the ladies recommended the Lookout Cafe.

Great suggestion! I had this huge and delicious smoked salmon baguette and Caz enjoyed her chicken and mango salad.

And let’s not forget the views – they don’t call it the Lookout Cafe for nothing!

Poets Cafe

Also in Montville, Poets Cafe is a charming building that overlooks the valley and coastline and a relaxing spot for lunch.

I had another smoked salmon baguette washed down with a local ginger beer from Buderim, a refreshing drop on what was a humid day, and Caz enjoyed the salmon fish special.

Secrets on the Lake

We didn’t even know there was a lake near Montville, and a great way to take in the views of Lake Baroon is by heading to Secrets on the Lake for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

The cafe is situated in a hotel, with the rainforest right next to the lake providing panoramic views of the water, mountains and rainforest.

My spaghetti didn’t disappoint and we both topped up with my all-time favourite, sticky date pudding!

The Long Apron Restaurant

If you’re in need of some fine dining, put dinner at the famous Long Apron Restaurant, inside Spicers Clovelly Estate on your itinerary.

At this award winning restaurant – it’s ranked in the Top 100 Restaurants in Australia by The Australian Gourmet Traveller – our night started off with a pre-dinner drink and an edible tree, how cool is that?!

The night continued over good conversation, dimmed lights, lovely red wine and food that lived up to its reputation.

Flame Hill Vineyard

I’ve said it before, Queensland is full of surprises, and a visit to Flame Hill Vineyard proved to be another pleasant surprise and reinforced that Queensland has good wine!

After tasting a few wines at the cellar door we retreated with a bottle to a table offering picturesque views over the surrounding bmountain vistas.

It’s a lovely setting within a contemporary Queenslander, and I think our next trip back up to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland will include a lunch date at Flame Hill.

Montville Bar & Grill

For something a little more casual on our final night, we jumped on the courtesy bus to the Montville Bar & Grill.

I love a good beer garden, and the ambience outside on a warm night was light, fun and friendly. And my oysters and southern sticky lamb shank was sensational.

I can envision myself back here on a winters night, all cosy inside the black and white tudor building enjoying a hearty meal and a nice pint of Guinness on tap. Ahh, memories of the UK!

Where to Stay in the Sunshine Coast: Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat in Montville

I’m convinced we found the ideal couples retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, but I’ll let you be the judge!

If the idea of swinging in a hammock on your private deck in the middle of the rainforest with king parrots swooping past to grab their afternoon snack from the bird feeder sounds like you, read on.

If freshly baked croissants or muffins delivered to your cottage of a morning, along with a gourmet breakfast hamper filled with local produce appeals to your appetite, stay with me here.

If a BBQ dinner of delicious fresh salmon cooked in the Weber on your deck and either eaten outside or brought in to have a candlelit dinner with your favourite tunes playing appeals to your senses, continue on.

If a massage between activities to work away those tired and tense muscles from the comfort of your living room sounds too good to be true, this can be your reality too.

If a walk along a private nature trail with a glass of wine in hand – yes they encourage this – that includes wifi so you can tease your friends online if you feel inclined whilst you swing in your “other” hammock, raise your hand.

If a refreshing dip in a pool surrounded by rainforest is on your list, they’ve got you covered.

Have I convinced you yet?

Then there’s only one thing left to do when you arrive: light the candles, grab a glass of champagne and slink into the deep double spa bath with the rainforest as your backdrop.

I’m talking about staying at Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat in Montville, accommodation specially designed for couples. Our pavilion, one of only six, was surrounded by sub-tropical rainforest bordering Kondalilla National Park.

It was hard leaving this property in Maleny and exploring the region each day, we were that relaxed, but it proved to be the perfect base to come home to each afternoon and unwind.

Video review of Natures Escape Rainforest Retreat

Our couples retreat at Narrows Escape in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland wasn’t just about us reconnecting with each other, which we did a lot of, but about reconnecting to nature uninterrupted.

What better gift can you give your children than to return home a better version of yourself with waiting arms to swoop up your kids with love and a high-five for nanny?

I think we need to fly nanny up from Sydney more often!

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