Sunshine Coast: Top 10 things to see and do

1. Dine out in style
With surf, sun and tranquil hinterland as the backdrop, fabulous food is high on the agenda on a Sunshine Coast holiday. Try an award-winning restaurant, seafood fresh from the trawlers or enjoy a classic Aussie meal at one of the many surf clubs.

2. Have fun on the water
Join one of the Coast's many accredited instructors to learn how to surf, windsurf, standup paddle or kite surf. If you prefer your water play with a motor, hire a jetski or jump waves on a jet boat.

3. Spot a koala
A short stroll from Noosa's fashionable Hastings St is Noosa National Park. Spot koalas dozing in the trees, swim or surf at beaches around the headlands or retreat into the cool forests on inland tracks.

4. Cook up a storm
Impress friends at your next dinner party with skills from one of the Coast's famous cooking schools - Freestyle Escape, Spirit House, The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate, Tamarind At Spicers Tamarind.

5. shop till you drop
Choose from boutiques and specialty stores On Noosa's Hastings St and Mooloolaba Esplanade. Find something unique at outdoor markets or the quaint hinterland village of Montville, or enjoy a mall at Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore.

6. Play a round
Tee off against spectacular scenery at one of the Coast's championship golf courses - Twin Waters, Palmer Coolum Resort, home of the Australian PGA championship; Peregian Springs, Pelican Waters or Noosa Springs.

7. Discover art
The Coast is home to many galleries that showcase leading local, national and international artists and craftspeople. The Sunshine Coast Art Gallery Trail brochure from Visitor Information Centres will set you on your way.

8. Eumundi Market
Bring a recyclable bag and enter shopping heaven at one of the hinterland or seaside markets. "Make it, bake it, grow it or sew it" is the ethos of the famous Eumundi Market, an hour's drive north of Brisbane.

9. Go whale watching
From June to November 8000 humpback whales migrate along the Coast. Boat trips depart from Mooloolaba or take a day trip to Hervey Bay. View the migration from headlands including Pt Cartwright, Noosa National Park and Coolum.

10. Relax in a day spa
From Romanesque-inspired aqua treatment pools to exotic Balinese retreats, day spas provide a serene environment and use quality products. Palmer Coolum Resort, Noosa Springs Golf Resort, Crowne Plaza Pelican Waters, Sheraton Noosa Resort, Spicers Clovelly Estate and Novotel Twin Waters have on-site spas. For a Balinese experience, visit Ikatan Spa at Doonan.