A few weeks back I spend a girly long weekend in Queensland. Our Sunshine Coast long weekend was exactly what the doctor ordered and I’m not sure who needed it most; me or The Co-Conspirator! We spent 72 hours on the ground and made every one count. If you are planning some time on the Sunny Coast, my suggested itinerary is a great place to start your planning. Read on for all the details …
Sunshine Coast Long Weekend Suggested Itinerary
I am a list maker and our Sunshine Coast long weekend was no exception. I did my research before we left to ensure we had no wasted time and got the very best deals available. Here is how we spend our three days …
Day 1 – Saturday
8am – I booked our flights using my Virgin Velocity points so our flights were free, if you are not so lucky make sure you read my tips on scoring a bargain airfare before you book. Our business class tickets afforded us a touch of luxury in the lounge to kick of our Sunshine Coast long weekend.
11 am – Our representative from Airport Rentals met us in baggage claim and had us underway in our hire car in no time. We scored a serious bargain and only paid $67.20 for the three day hire. I actually booked an automatic Hyundai i20 but we ended up with a manual Nissan Micra. I’m not quite sure what they would have done if I couldn’t drive it. The only inconvenience is that my travel companion cannot drive a stick so I was the designated driver all weekend.
12pm – Eumundi Markets is famed as the best in the area so I knew we had to visit. Their operating hours required driving direct from the airport, luggage and all. The crowds mean parking can be tricky to find but don’t park on the white line like I did as the $47 fine was annoying. Read more in my comprehensive guide of Sunshine Coast Markets. The weather was a little unpredictable and we got caught in a downpour. I had no umbrella but I did have a rather attractive green plastic bag. I will do WHATEVER it takes to stop my hair going fuzzy. I’m not sure the locals were ready for my fashion forward look and I drew some very curious glances and the odd comment. Whatever, I kept my hair dry so I was happy!
2pm – Lunch @ Bohemian Bungalow was delicious! The Cinderella’s Ride pizza was perfect to share. You must check out this funky spot while you are in the area. At only $20 per person it also makes my list of fabulous cheap eats in the Sunshine Coast.
3.30pm – Australia loves a ‘big thing’ and it doesn’t get any more iconic than the Big Pineapple. We arrived right on closing so if you want to do more than just snap a pic make sure you get here a little earlier.
4.30pm Sightseeing done for the day we headed back to our hotel. Novotel Twin Waters made for a very comfortable home away from home and the facilities are out of this world. Check out my comprehensive review of the Novotel Twin Waters Resort here.
7.30pm We were on a budget and grabbed a Groupon voucher for dinner at Yabbies on the Esplanade. $59 for two course for two people including a bottle of wine is superb value in my book. More details in my Sunshine Coast eats guide.
Day 2 – Sunday
8am Breakfast was included in our stay at Novotel Twin Waters so we fueled up for a busy day ahead. Full details are in my Novotel Twin Waters Review.
9.30am – Caloundra is a sleepy beach town that swells with visitors on the weekend and during the summer months. If you haven’t had your fill of markets after Eumundi, the Caloundra Street Fair is just perfect on a lazy Sunday morning. For more details visit my Sunshine Coast Markets guide.
12.30pm I can never resist a winery and Maleny Mountain Wines was a winner! I bought two bottles of white. Who could you resist a name like sunshine? The grounds are absolutely breath-taking so have a wander around as well as visiting the cellar door. If you are peckish they can also organise a cheese platter to go with your wine tasting.
1.15pm Cheese is the perfect partner to wine and you are spoiled for choice at Maleny Cheese. Pick up a tasting plate for just $10 where you can sample 5 types of cheese. We really enjoyed the feta 🙂
2pm Flame Hill Vineyard is just a short drive away and as picturesque as they come. Another bottle was added to my bag before we left the cellar door. An in-house restaurant invites you to linger a while.
3.30pm We almost missed Montville Village but I’m so glad we found it as it is just too cute for words. You get the feeling you have stumbled back in time with the quaint buildings and relaxed vibe. We happened upon it quite by chance after hunting down Chocolate Country (enter your email address in their website for a 20% off voucher). Make sure you visit Mason Wines where I picked up a sticky to add to my ever-growing collection of wine. Well worth an hour or two of wandering.
7.30pm Tapas is one of my favourite ways to eat. The small shared plates offer the opportunity to sample a wider variety of dishes than simply ordering a single main and the reasonable prices mean you can be a little more adventurous by trying something you wouldn’t normally. BaVigo’s menu was tasty and the service speedy. Read more in my Sunshine Coast dining guide.
9.30pm – What girly weekend is complete without a chick flick. We were debating between My Big Fat Greek Wedding II and The Boss, which was our choice in the end. Event cinema Maroochydore was almost deserted to the point where it was almost a private screening and eerily quiet when we left at almost midnight.
Day 3 – Monday
9.30am Buderim Forest Park is a must for nature lovers or those that have an hour to spare. Take the 20 minute walk (easy) down to the waterfall (title picture) and take a dip in the refreshing waters if you are keen.
11.30am A little bit of pampering was critical on our Sunshine Coast long weekend. We originally had other plans which fell through at the absolute last minute so I was thrilled when Shine Beauty could fit us in. We opted for the majestic facial which was divine. I liked it so much I bought the exfoliant 🙂
1pm Well we were already in the centre for our facial anyway so it only made sense to have a little look around the Sunshine Plaza while we were there. This centre is just so pretty with a river running through the middle and lots of sunny spots to grab a caffeine fix. All your usual favourite stores can be found here and we somehow managed to buy ten pairs of shoes between us which played havoc with our luggage restrictions!
7pm Funds were running low on our last night (the shoe purchases may have had something to do with it!) so Solbar’s cheap as chips Monday night menu was just the ticket. You’ll find about ten options for $10 and the fairy lights across the road make for a very pretty view if you sit out front. Head to my Sunshine Coast cheap eats guide for more details.
Day 4 – Tuesday
9am After breakfast a stroll on the beach across for our hotel was a fitting way to farewell the Sunny Coast. We had the sand virtually all to ourselves save for a few dedicated surfers carving the morning waves.
11am – A short drive to the airport and the simplest of hire car drop offs made for a fuss free departure. One word of warning; there is no petrol station in the airport complex so fill up about 2k’s back. I even manged to get an awesome aerial view of the hotel on take off which was an unexpected conclusion to our Sunshine Coast long weekend. We will be back!
How would you spend your Sunshine Coast long weekend? I would love to hear about your favourite places to visit in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
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Marion Halliday (Red Nomad OZ) says
The Eumundi Markets are always a favourite, but I’m a BIG fan of Ginger – so a visit to the Buderim Ginger factory is always a must for me! The Koalas in Noosa NP and a bit of body surfing if the weather’s playing nice always go down well too. But next time I’ll try some of the places on your list too 😀
Munchkin Treks says
The Sunshine Coast sounds like a great place to visit! I love that you provided such a detailed itinerary. I’m a nature lover so the forest park sounds like a good fit. The beach looks amazing! It sounds like there are a lot of good tapas there too!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
You would love the hinterland them. Lots for nature lovers to appreciate not to far inland at all ?
Kathy says
It sounds (and looks) like you both had tons of fun over the weekend. I have never been to the Sun Shine Coast but there sounds like there is plenty to do.
Also well done for the bargain car hire! Although it really annoys me when there are not any local petrol stations to the car hire place. many a time, I have had to turn back and worse of all I am always cutting it fine for my flight!
Great post!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s exactly what happened Kathy! We made it in the end but I was slightly panicked for a bit. It hard when you don’t now the area and are just randomly driving around looking for petrol lol
Juliette | Snorkels to Snow says
The first time I went to the Sunshine Coast I was about 8 years old and it was my first trip outside of NZ. My memories of it are filled with pineapples!! I remember my brother & I posing next to the big pineapple. Would like to return to the Sunshine Coast again soon, I remember loving it.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s awesome Juliette! When I was a kid we would drive up to Caloundra almost every year with the caravan. I remember lots of ‘are we there yets?’ Lol. Lots has changed of course but some things (like the big pineapple) are preserved in time exactly as I remember it as a kid ?
Joanna says
It seems like you had a blast without taking too much money out of your pockets. I would probably have never thought of doing relaxing things like going to the movie or just get a facial. It actually sounds like the perfect girls gateway. 🙂 I liked your winery and cheese stops. The more the better, haha 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I think a girls weekend is less about where you go and much more about enjoying the company. Sometimes you just need a movie, a facial, wine and a good time ?
Clare says
Looks like you had a great few days. I can’t believe you packed so much in!! I would of loved the hike, beach and the pamper. I don’t like wine or shoes so maybe more outdoor stuff for me if I was to visit 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
There would be plenty to keep you busy Clare. The beaches are lovely and so is the hinterland.
Khansa says
Trips on a budget are a challenge, and also so much fun at the same time. The Novotel Hotel looks great. Never stayed in one though yet!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I have stayed in lots of Novotels but this one is quite unique. Well worth a visit. The facilities are unmatched.
Deni says
It looks like you had a great long weekend! Firstly, how did you get such a cheap deal?! Granted, I still have to pay young driver’s fees, so I’ve had to pay over $300 for a 3 day rental! Less than $70 is insane! Also loved how you were walking in the market with a plastic bag on your head! Definitely had a laugh at the photo!! What would you say was your favourite part of the girls weekend?
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I found airport rentals are incredibly good value. I always look for ‘off airport’ options as they are so much better value but are still just as convenient and I usually (not always) skip the insurance. The best part was really just spending time with my bestie with non of the distractions of every day life getting in the way ?
Julie Cao says
It is great that you visited so many places at the Sunshine Coast on the weekends. I am not peckish, at least not for now, but wine with cheese platter sounds wonderful to me. And I would love to spend more time on the beach too!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
You can never go wrong with wine and cheese Julie ?
L J Legend says
Wow, what a great girly weekend (who doesn’t like a good weekend) and the hotel and vineyard haha sounds great to me! As always I really enjoy your posts and you make harder and harder not to wanna hop on a plane and head down under.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The girly weekend is one of the greatest things in life. I wish I could fit them in more often. Get on that plane! You will live Oz ?
Jean says
Love a good ladies weekend away. Looks like you had a lot of fun
Amanda says
This sounds fantastic! I will definitely be saving this as reference next time I plan a trip to the Sunshine Coast!
Melinda says
I live in Sunrise Beach and love hearing about how people have holidayed here- always gives me fresh ideas for staycationing! Haven’t been to Maleny Wines yet- will have to give it a go!
Carly Gordon says
Awesome ideas for a getaway! Looks like so much fun
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Carly. Throughly needed and much enjoyed!
carlien coultate says
Lovely blog, I’m now following you ! I love hearing about great time spent with gal pals. We all need time with our besties. Happy blogging 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks so much Carlien! We had a great weekend!
Faith says
Is it sad I’ve never even heard of this beautiful place? I could spend the whole vacation on it’s lovely beach shores.
xo
Faith
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
You wouldn’t be alone Faith! It about an hours drive North of Brisbane and a great spot for a mini getaway ?
Erin Bosanquet says
Greta post! I haven’t been to the Sunshine coast for years so I’m about due for a return trip.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Erin! It was a fabulous weekend and Was the first time I had been back in about 10 years. So much had changed and it was great to reconnect!
Michaela says
This looks like such a fun trip! Good food, beautiful sights – not much more to ask for 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Michaela. We had a great time. Would be a fantastic place to take the kids as well. Lots for them to do ?
The Velvet Runway says
Beautiful photos! It looks like you had a great long weekend!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was really good to spend some girly time with my bestie. We have been friends for over 30 years!