Australia · TOURS IN SUNSHINE COAST
Good tours in Sunshine Coast fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Settle into a private booth for a 90-minute lunch cruise through Mooloolaba’s river and canals. Choose fish, calamari, locally caught prawns, or an Aussie burger, then add drinks or upgrades from the licensed bar. The crew, including Ollie, Tommy, and Shorty on different sailings, provide light, local commentary.
“Captain shared stories about people that owned homes in the area and experiences he had with Steve Irwin.”
Ride an eco safari vessel through the calm Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems on Earth. Guides such as Peter, Sonny, Jan, and Teri add local stories, humor, and help spotting birds, koalas, kangaroos, and lizards. Your ticket includes a drink and optional Noosa pickup.
“Really enjoyed the tranquility and beauty of the everglades. Excellent commentary on board with a welcome glass of local beer/prosecco. We had the bonus of spotting a koala in its natural habitat which was awesome .”
Meet your English-speaking Level 1 instructor at Noosa Heads for a safety briefing, beach practice, and two hours in the water. Go Ride A Wave supplies a soft-top board, rash shirt or wetsuit, sunscreen, and secure storage. Instructors such as George, Reesy, Cici, and Valentino focus on first-timers, helping you catch waves and stand safely.
“Great afternoon out in the surf. Suzy & Ellie went through everything clearly and then let us out to play. They helped out where needed, gave helpful feedback and I had a great time. Thanks girls 🫶”
At Maleny Botanic Gardens, you’ll join a guided walk-through aviary where cockatoos, macaws, and other birds may land on your hand, shoulder, or head. Lydia is one guide praised for helping everyone get a photo. Allow one to four hours for the aviary, gardens, picnic views, and optional golf buggy hire.
“Loved seeing all the different colourful birds and learning abt their personalities and quirks and having the experience of them landing on our heads and shoulders . Can be hard to hear the tour leader at times . Was a rainy day but still enjoyed the views and coffee in the rotunda and driving around the gardens in the buggy”
Cruise from The Wharf through Mooloolaba’s river and canals while enjoying a choice of fish and chips, calamari, prawns, or a burger. English-speaking crew members such as Captain Shorty, Sandy, Ollie, and Darren are known for lively local commentary, with drinks and seafood upgrades available onboard.
“This was my final activity with my nephew from England, it was a wonderful way to conclude his holiday, plus the sun was shining.”
Leave Noosa by coach, cross by ferry, then ride a 4WD vehicle across K’gari’s beaches and forest tracks. Guides such as Dan, Rory, Jess, Jeff, Paul, and Hannah share island facts while you visit Eli Creek, the SS Maheno, Lake McKenzie, and, when tides allow, Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek. Lunch, drinks, park fees, and Noosa transfers are included.
“Hannah was absolutely amazing! From the warm welcome and easy pickup to the whole experience, everything was so well organised. The tour itself was incredible—we got to explore beautiful spots on the island, learn about its history and wildlife, and enjoy plenty of time to take in the scenery. Hannah’s knowledge of the island was truly impressive, and she shared so many interesting stories. She also gave us great recommendations for Noosa and places to visit afterwards, which was super helpful. Her easygoing, fun vibe made the day even better. We genuinely enjoyed the entire experience and would definitely recommend this tour—and especially Hannah as a guide!”
Join Everglades Ecosafaris at 2pm for a 2.5-hour cruise from Boreen Point into the upper Noosa River. Guides such as Paul, Chris, Peter, Sonny, and Cal share local stories as you glide through tea-tree waters, pause for a short rainforest walk, and enjoy a complimentary beer or bubbles while watching the reflections change.
“It was a peaceful and informative experience. I was fortunate to be part of this tour and visualise the millions-of-years-old Australian Everglades. We saw turtles, pelicans, tawny frogmouths, and a lot of beautiful plants.”
Meet the Coastal Cruises crew at The Wharf Mooloolaba for a 90-minute evening cruise through the harbor, river, and canals. Watch the sun set toward Noosa, hear stories about Minyama’s Millionaires Row, and order fresh seafood, cocktails, wine, or beer onboard. The fully enclosed boat runs in most weather.
“Great team couldn't be more welcoming. I would love to come back and do it again”
Set out from Wharf Mooloolaba on a small, comfortable cruise through the river mouth, harbour and canals. You will see the fishing fleet, pilot boats and local vessels while listening to commentary about the area. The $25 fare covers the cruise, while fresh seafood, dinner and drinks are available to buy on board.
“The seafood, drinks and astrosphere was excellent. The tour guides were great and are very passionate about their home town. Highly recommend this casual tour to spend 'chilled afternoon' cruising around the waterways.”
Join Brent and Min from Noosaville for a small-group whale-watching cruise along Noosa’s coast. The 12-seat boat gives everyone a clear view, while the skipper searches for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Expect a scenic, speedy ride, possible spray, and about 1.5 hours on the water after boarding and safety checks.
“Loved it Great boat Lots of whales close up Good, fun guide”
Settle aboard a relaxed Noosa River cruise from Noosaville and watch the light change across Woods Bay, Weyba Creek, the river mouth, and Noosa Sound. Your English-speaking skipper mixes local history, wildlife, architecture, and gentle jokes with chilled music. Bring snacks, buy drinks at the licensed bar, and allow about 2.5 hours from Noosaville.
“Incredible evening. Captain is really knowledge and i loved learning about the real estate and history of noosa itself. Would highly recommend to anyone if you have a free couple hours. drinks were really good value on board!”
Set out from Sunreef Mooloolaba for a three-hour humpback whale cruise along Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. You’ll have indoor, outdoor, upper, and lower viewing areas, live English commentary, onboard bathrooms, and a whale guarantee: if none appear, you receive a free return trip. Dolphins, turtles, and seabirds may join the show.
“I was always on the wrong side to see the whales and would need a hand to cross sides 😆”
Cruise from Noosa Marina down the river and out past Noosa Heads with guides such as Mike, Michael, Christian, and Nathon. The two-hour trip uses a speedy boat to search for migrating humpback whales, with binoculars and rain jackets supplied. Expect beautiful coastal views, possible dolphins, and a bumpy ride in rough seas.
“We got to see a pod of dolphins and we got to hear lots of interesting information about the sight of Noosa Heads from a different perspective”
Set out from Noosa Marina with a maximum of 12 people for a two-hour cruise along the Noosa River, past Noosa National Park, and into open water near Noosa Heads. Skippers including Mike and Christian share whale facts while you watch for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and other marine life. Binoculars, raincoats, and life jackets are supplied.
“Our “Captain” was very professional, friendly and experienced. He did his best to find the whales for us”
Spend about two hours cruising Mooloolaba’s calm waterways and river mouth as the sun drops behind the Sunshine Coast. Saltwater Eco Tours includes a grazing box of local cheeses, meats, nuts, and crackers, plus a complimentary cocktail and live music. Singer Essi has performed on this relaxed evening cruise, with extra drinks available from the licensed bar.
“What a perfect way to see the Sunset! Great live music and friendly service onboard, loved the complimentary fizz and snack box. Enjoyed the different cocktails available to buy. Such a memorable experience!”
Pick a coastline, a desert or a cellar door.
