March 07, 2024
We may be biased, but we’ve always said that the Sunshine Coast is the place to live. It’s not just the pristine beaches and the surf either, it’s all the hidden gems that only the locals know about (and don’t want the rest of the world to know about). But we’re not one to gatekeep, so here we present you with our favourite recommendations to eat, play, drink, shop and rest from people who have the Sunshine Coast coursing through their veins — and have lived here our whole lives.
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Hey Day: 5/5 Bermagui Cr Buddina
Go for the coffee, and stay until it’s time for sundowners - you won’t regret it.
Fee-ka Espresso: Shop 21/7 Lindsay Rd, Buderim
IYKYK - and the locals do. This Scando-fusion gem is the place to come for Swedish Cakes and great coffee.
JK (aka: John Kyle Espresso): 1/19 Main Street, Buderim + 2/9 First Ave, Maroochydore
This cafe is the great all-rounder: great specialty coffee (tick) great atmosphere (tick) and delicious brunchy-style food that never misses.
Rick’s On 6th: 61-65 Sixth Ave, Maroochydore
If your sweet tooth is calling, there’s only one fix for it: Rick’s on 6th. This bakery serves all the goods. From Portuguese tarts to Brulee donuts and biscoff fried croissants, if you can’t find something to eat here, you’re doing it wrong.
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Vrina Mezze Bar: 5 Grand Parade, Parrearra
It’s got the view, it’s got the Greek-island vibes and it’s definitely got the delicious food (and an excellent happy hour).
Pier 33: 33-45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
Love a long lunch? Us too — and this is where to do it. They call it Hamptons of the Sunshine Coast — it’s chic, delicious and right on the marina so you can both enjoy the view and the people watching at the same time.
The Doonan: 6 Beddington Rd, Doonan
If you’re looking for family-friendly, but with an adult-friendly menu, The Doonan has got your back. The food is good, the drinks are great, the playground is the kind they’ll never want to leave (which means an extra round for you, right?)
Lanai Noosa: 1/201 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
For a long girls lunch , Lanai is IT. The chic interiors would be enough to score points, but the menu, focussed on sustainable seafood and local artisan produce, is what will keep you re-booking each month.
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Mariella : Unit 4/2 Kingfisher Dr, Peregian Beach
Marg-O-clock? There is only one place to quench that thirst: Mariella Mexicantina. Hands down the best Marg’s on the coast.
The Rooftop Bar : 8 Maroochydore Rd, Maroochydore
If you like your wine paired with a panoramic city view, this is the place to come.
Casita Wine Bar : 3/26 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba
If your vibe is more cosy-wine-bar, this cute mediterranean serves delicious drinks with a always-on-holiday feel.
Your Mates Brewing : 41 Technology Drive, Warana
For a casual catch-up with mates and some very drinkable beer, Your Mates Brewing is worth the stop. It’s as local as it comes, with a real community vibe, friendly staff and chill atmosphere.
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TH7 Body Labs : 97 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads
A wellness clinic with a focus on longevity, they specialise in evidence-based procedures that will help the body from the inside out. Think: infrared saunas, hyperbaric oxygen chambers and ice baths.
Tank Bath House : 209 Brisbane Rd Mooloolaba + 457 Bli Bli Rd, Bli Bli
The chicest bathhouse we’ve ever seen, grab some friends and make a day of it, because conveniently it’s also a restaurant and champagne bar, which is just about all our love languages rolled into one.
The All : 143/147 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba
One space for all your beauty needs: hair, makeup, injectables, facials, all wrapped up in one painfully chic space.
Aesthete : 34 Duporth Ave, Maroochydore
THE place to go for cosmetic and wellness treatments, it has all the latest technology and innovations, the most knowledgeable staff, and even a fresh award under their belt for best medispa asia pacific, 2023. Your skin will be well looked after here.
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The Romantic : 4/12 Grebe St, Peregian Beach
It’s fashion, it’s lifestyle, it’s home, and it’s beauty. It really it a one-stop shop and the curation, especially of Australian brands, is excellent. Plus, you’ll also find Tokyo Milk and Urban Apothecary there, so you know they have excellent taste.
Alterior Motif : 1/12 Hastings St, Noosa Heads + Shop 2, 30 King Street, Cotton Tree Parade, Maroochydore
Fashion girlies know that this is the place to shop on the Sunshine Coast. They showcase Australian talent, from established designer brands to emerging local talent, and have an eye for the next big thing. While you’re there, you can also pick up your favourite Demeter Fragrance Library Cologne too, so your whole look is sorted.
Maple Street Co-op : 37 Maple St, Maleny
The place to go for all your health food supplies, local and organic produce plus ethical products (like our favourites from Badger), it’s been a mainstay in the community since the early ‘70s.
The Real Grocer: Shop 2, 42 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach
The Real Grocer’s mission is to support a healthier community by connecting them to organic, local and whole foods (at a reasonable price!), and providing accessible education as to why this is the real soul food. They also stock a bunch of ethical toiletries (you’ll find Badger here) and cleaning products, plus have kombucha on tap!
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