Free Things to Do in Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast rewards anyone happy to skip the entry fee. Between Noosa in the north and the Glass House Mountains in the south, the region packs in national parks, coastal lookouts, open-air markets and stretches of beach that cost nothing to enjoy. This guide pulls together free spots across the coast and hinterland, from the headland walks at Noosa Heads to the rainforest tracks around Montville, so you can plan a day out without spending much beyond fuel and a picnic.

Why Sunshine Coast delivers

Free attractions here are spread across distinct areas, so it pays to group your day geographically. Around Noosa Heads you can combine Noosa National Park, the Hell's Gates lookout, Noosa Heads Main Beach and Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve in one outing. The hinterland around Montville and Caloundra leans into rainforest and mountain scenery, while Coolum Beach and Eumundi offer a mix of coastal reserves and markets. Note that we can't confirm opening hours, parking or facilities for these venues from the information supplied, so check official sources before heading out — and be aware some hinterland parks involve walking tracks of varying difficulty.

Highlights

• Coastal walks and headland scenery around Noosa Heads, including Noosa National Park and the Hell's Gates lookout
• Rainforest and hinterland outings near Montville at Kondalilla National Park
• Beach days at Noosa Heads Main Beach and Coolum Beach reserves like Tickle Park and Point Perry Foreshore Reserve
• Open-air browsing at the Eumundi Markets and Eumundi Square
• Mountain views from the Glass House Mountains Lookout in Caloundra

Our top picks

Hand-picked from our highest-scoring listings:

• Noosa National Park — Noosa Heads
• Hell's Gates — Noosa Heads
• Glass House Mountains Lookout — Caloundra
• Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve — Noosa Heads
• Kondalilla National Park — Montville
• Noosa Heads Main Beach — Noosa Heads
• Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World — Montville
• La Balsa Park — Kawana Waters
• Mount Coolum National Park — Coolum Beach
• Point Perry Foreshore Reserve — Coolum Beach

Explore more

Browse all parks, beaches, galleries, walks, lookouts in Sunshine Coast.

Frequently asked questions

What free things are there to do in Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads has several free options close together, including Noosa National Park, the Hell's Gates lookout, Noosa Heads Main Beach and the Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve, which makes it easy to spend a full day in the area.

Are there free things to do in the Sunshine Coast hinterland?

Yes. The hinterland around Montville includes Kondalilla National Park and the Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World area, while the Glass House Mountains National Park and Glass House Mountains Lookout sit further south near Caloundra.

Can I visit the Eumundi Markets for free?

Browsing the Eumundi Markets and Eumundi Square is free, though we'd suggest checking the market's official market days and times before you go, as we can't confirm them here.

Where can I find free things to do at Coolum Beach?

Coolum Beach has a few free spots, including Tickle Park, the Point Perry Foreshore Reserve and Mount Coolum National Park nearby.