australia zoo
This extraordinary private zoo is run by Steve and Terri Irwin who made their name in the television series Crocodile Hunter. Saltwater Crocodiles, Australia's largest and most dangerous predators, are the stars of the zoo. Most were captured by the Irwins and removed from areas where they threatened humans. The crocodiles are fed daily from October to March (they do not eat in the cooler months).

arts & crafts
Maleny in the Blackall Range is highly thought of as the place to go for local arts & crafts. Open Sundays from 9am to 2pm in the RSL Hall opposite the pub, the markets are a good way to start a day in the Blackall Range. They also feature a great range of arts & crafts galleries, and stores.

aussie world
Mainly an amusement park, the Aussie World complex includes an Aboriginal cultural centre where you can see Aboriginal dance or a cultural show with didgeridoo playing. Depending on the day, you may even see a boomerang throwing exhibition. There is a program of activities which runs all day and includes a blacksmithing demonstration, stock whip demonstration with a cup of billy tea and damper, and sheep shearing where children can feed a lamb. Entry is free though there is a small charge for the shows, or you can buy a day pass which covers everything.

ettamogah pub
Right next door is the Ettamogah Pub, a part of Australia's folklore. It was born in the mind of one of Australia's great cartoonists Maynard and featured for many years in a popular magazine Australasian Post. A great spot to stop for a beer.

beaches
The Sunshine Coast offers one of the most beautiful stretches of unspoiled beaches you will find anywhere. The main beaches are patrolled year round offering a safe holiday environment. Coolum, Sunshine, Dickies and Moffat beaches, as well as the bays of the Noosa National Park offer some great spots for the keen surfer. The Sunshine Coast is also host to some great surf carnivals, triathlons and marathons.

the big pineapple
The Big Pineapple is one of the most famous of Australia's BIG tourist icons along with the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour, the Big Merino at Goulburn and several more. The overgrown fibreglass pineapple, which houses a video display on tropical fruit growing, is just the front for a very well organised and popular attraction which is educational as well as entertaining. The 112 hectare plantaion grows a variety of tropical fruit as well as the the very sought after macadamia nut. Take a ride in a Nutmobile or miniture Cane Train.

fraser island
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, 124 kilometres long and covering 163,000 hectares and rising 200 metres in parts. World Heritage listed in 1993, the northern half the island is part of the Great Sandy National Park. A place of great beauty, Fraser Island is a one-of-a-kind travel experience. It has 200 lakes, most of them perfect for swimming. Lake McKenzie, known as the mirror lake, has water clearer than your wildest imagination.

the ginger factory
The Ginger Factory is the largest ginger processing plant in the Southern Hemisphere, some say the world, and the only one in Australia. There is an audio visual explaining the growing, processing and crystalisation of ginger, and a tour of a working ginger farm on the miniature Ginger Train. Open daily and free to visit (except for the train ride), it includes a motor museum, dolls cottage, Koala Kottage, and Macadamia Kitchen. It also sells traditional herbs and scents.

go karting
For some excitement get Go Karting at the Big Kart Track and experience the one and only Bungee Bullet.

hastings street
Both sides of Noosa's Hastings Street, are now crammed with restaurants, cafes, boutiques and luxury holiday apartments for an indulgent holiday experience.

markets
Weekend markets abound on the Sunshine Coast. Most sell local produce as well as local handcrafts, foodstuffs, apparel, novelties and bric-a-brac. But plan to get up early. The biggest (and most say the best) are the Eumundi Markets held every Saturday regardless of weather from 6am to about 1pm. More than 280 stalls set up in the main street, Memorial Drive. Others start at 7am Sundays at Maroochdore, Mooloolaba, and Caloundra. If you're the type who won't get up for anyone that early, try to Noosaville Twilight Markets held Fridays from 5.30pm to 9pm.

national parks
National Parks are another attribute of this beautiful region. High above the coastal plain overlooking the surf and sand stands the magnificent Blackall Range. Offering a cool and pleasant alternative to visitors to the Sunshine Coast, this hinterland provides the Mapleton and Kondalilla National Parks with their dramatic waterfalls and beautiful walking tracks. The GlassHouse Mountains, Noosa National Park and Cooloola National Park are also a must for the nature lover.

nostalgia town
Experience Australian History on a train ride with a difference at Nostalgia Town.

the queensland air museum
The Queensland Air Museum is a real buzz for plane loving kids of all ages, this collection of mostly military aircraft and memorabilia is about the best of its kind in the country. The museum collection of 18 complete aircraft includes the oldest Douglas DC3 in Australia and examples of Sea Venom, Meteor and Sabre jets which were once the pride of Australia's Navy and Air Force. The museum is a community organisation run by volunteers, and is open daily.

superbee honey factory
The Superbee Honey Factory is largely an amusement park for children with fairytale attractions such as the Three Bears Cottage, the House That Jack Built and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It claims to have Australia's largest range of pure honey and offers free samples of more than 28 varieties. There is also a live beekeeping demonstration and a talk on how honey is made and processed. It's free, apart from rides such as the merry-go-round and mini cars.

tourist drive
Take a drive down the Tanawah Tourist Drive and take the opportunity to hand feed the deer and hold a Koala at Forest Glen Sanctuary. Another great scenic drive is out to the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains.

water activities
The Sunshine Coast offers all types of water activities including jet-skis, parasailing, yachting, fishing charters, diving, you can learn to surf take a cruise through the Maroochy Wetlands or Noosa Everglades or just relax on the many beautiful beaches.

underwater world
Underwater World - Imagine yourself an alien in an unknown world. Water is the natural element - sharks, whales, crocodiles and stingrays the natural rulers. These mystifying, primeval creatures preside over an enormous range of fascinating underwater inhabitants: the brilliantly colourful coral and quicksilver fish of warm tropical waters; moray eels, lungfish and giant barramundi; tumbling turtles and friendly frollicking seals.