Other must-visits are Kenilworth Country Foods for cheese, the town of Montville for fudge, and Buderim for the ginger factory.
To make the most of the gorgeous, white-sand beaches and fantastic shopping, and the beautiful scenery inland, base yourself in one of the coastal towns, such as Maroochydore or Mooloolaba.
If food is not your motivation, this stunning part of Queensland has much to keep you happy.
With temperatures that can still reach the low- to mid-20s in winter, the beaches that stretch around the coast are always pleasant.
If you're feeling fit, try climbing Mt Coolum, where you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views that take in the entire Sunshine Coast.
As you walk you'll also be able to admire the incredibly diverse species of plant life - more than 700 - all confined within the one square kilometre of the mountain.
Further inland and south of Maroochydore, Buderim Forest Park is a great escape from the Queensland heat, filled with waterfalls under a thick green forest canopy.
The really active can try the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk - a 58km, five-day trek that takes in five of Maroochy's national parks and forest reserves.
If five days seems a little extreme you can just pick a section. It's a great way to see this surprisingly lush part of Australia from the ground up.
