Noosa and Sunshine Coast’s 14 Best Lunch Experiences

Noosa and the Sunshine Coast are famous for their stunning beaches and laid-back vibe, but they also shine when it comes to lunch experiences. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, scenic views, or a delicious taste of local wines and cheeses, this region offers something for every taste. For example, the Seafood Lunch Cruise (More info here) is perfect if you want to combine a relaxing boat ride with fresh prawns and coral sea views. Meanwhile, the Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour (details here) offers a chance to sample regional flavors amid lush mountain scenery. Whether you prefer the coast or the hinterland, these tours deliver memorable meals with a side of stunning landscapes.

Some experiences stand out for their unique mix of scenery, local flavors, and insider knowledge. Our favorites include the Seafood Lunch Cruise—a laid-back cruise with table service and fresh seafood—and the Montville, Maleny and Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour with Lunch (see more)—a full-day journey through charming towns and lush rainforests with a tasty included lunch. Check out the full list below for detailed options designed to suit different interests and schedules.

1. Seafood Lunch Cruise

At number 1, the Seafood Lunch Cruise puts you aboard a cozy cruise ship along Mooloolaba’s coast, where fresh seafood is the star. For around $46.78, you can enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise on the Coral Sea, with perfectly prepared prawns, calamari, or fish included in the price. The cruise offers comfortable private booths, table service, and entertaining commentary—making it a relaxing way to see the beaches and mansions of Mooloolaba. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable captain and the fresh seafood, with reviews highlighting the intimate atmosphere and great value. This experience is ideal if you want a casual, scenic lunch with local flavors and a chance to unwind on the water.

Bottom Line: A great choice for seafood lovers after a quick yet memorable cruise, perfect for a laid-back afternoon with insider commentary and fresh fare.

2. Montville, Maleny and Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour with Lunch

This full-day tour offers a scenic escape into the hinterlands, with stops at Mapleton, Montville, and Maleny. Over approximately 9 hours, your guide shares insights about the region’s rainforest, mountains, and charming villages. The tour includes visits to Mapleton Falls, Montville Artisan Village, and McCarthy’s Lookout, with local wine and chocolates tasting along the way. The highlight is the included 2-course lunch, served with stunning mountain views. Guests love Joel’s knowledge and the peaceful, lush scenery. This tour suits those interested in nature, art, and regional flavors, offering a well-rounded day with plenty of photo ops and tastings.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to combine scenic landscapes with local food and craft experiences, making it a worthwhile full-day escape.

3. Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour – with 2 course lunch included

For around $190.14, this 6-hour tour takes you to some of the best food and drink producers in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. You’ll visit Flame Hill Vineyard for a private wine and cheese tasting, then enjoy a hearty 2-course lunch at a local restaurant with mountain views. The tour also includes stops at a distillery for craft spirits, making it a perfect day for foodies. With excellent reviews praising the knowledgeable guide and the diverse tastings, this tour offers a balanced mix of wine, cheese, and spirits, all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards.

Bottom Line: Designed for those who love regional wines and cheeses, this tour offers a flavorful day with a relaxed pace and high-quality tastings.

4. Mary Valley Tour with Mary Valley Rattler, Lunch and Kenilworth

This 7-hour private tour combines scenic mountain views, a historic steam train ride, and a delicious local lunch. Starting with a picturesque drive to Gympie and Amamoor, you’ll experience a ride on the Mary Valley Rattler—an authentic steam locomotive—before exploring the charming town of Imbil. The day includes tasting local wines at Dingo Creek Vineyard and visiting the town of Kenilworth for a relaxed lunch. Reviewers appreciate the personalized service and the combination of nature, history, and regional cuisine.

Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers who want an all-in-one experience with a memorable train ride and regional food.

5. Sunshine Coast and Noosa Private Tour Inc. 2-Course Gourmet Lunch

Offering a flexible, private experience, this tour allows you to customize your day with visits to scenic spots like Maleny’s Scenic Reserve, and lakeside lunch at Secrets on the Lake (more details). With personalized attention, you can choose to focus on outdoor activities, beaches, or wildlife, while enjoying a 2-course meal. The tour’s strength is its flexibility—ideal for travelers wanting a tailored day with a gourmet touch.

Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a bespoke experience with the option to include a scenic, lakeside lunch and local sights.

6. Noosa Hinterland Tour with Lunch, Wine & Cheese Tasting & more

This 7-hour tour offers a comprehensive taste of the Noosa Hinterland, with visits to Kin Kin, Maleny, and Amrita Park Meadery. Highlights include tasting award-winning wines and cheeses, along with a delicious lunch at local venues. The guide shares expert insights about the region, and the small-group setting ensures personalized service. Reviewers remark on the well-paced itinerary and excellent food and drinks, making this perfect for gourmand travelers.

Bottom Line: Ideal for fans of wine, cheese, and scenic countryside, combining multiple tastings with a delicious meal.

7. Secrets of Noosa Tour with Oceanview Lunch, Nature & Noosa River Ferry

This 7-hour tour reveals Noosa’s lesser-known spots, from Laguna Lookout to Lake Weyba’s birdlife. The highlight is a scenic oceanview lunch in Sunshine Beach. With the option to explore Noosa’s historic center and enjoy a river ferry, this experience offers a mix of nature, culture, and cuisine. Reviewers mention the engaging guide and the scenic stops. It’s perfect for those who want to uncover Noosa’s secrets while enjoying a leisurely meal with ocean views.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers interested in local secrets, wildlife, and a scenic coastal lunch.

8. Glass House Mountains Tour with Lunch, Lookouts, and Nature Walks

This all-inclusive 7h45m tour provides breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains. Starting with a scenic drive, you’ll visit Mt Beerwah, Mt Coonowrin, and a lookout with 14 peaks in sight. The tour features a delicious lunch at a lookout cafe with panoramic views. Each stop includes informative commentary, making it perfect for geology or nature enthusiasts. The reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the scenic diversity.

Bottom Line: Best for those who want to explore iconic Queensland landscapes with a hearty lunch and expert insights.

9. Sunshine Coast Seaside Explorer Private Tour with Lunch

This private 8-hour tour hits the coast’s top seaside spots, including Peregian Beach, Emu Mountain, and Coolum Beach. The highlight is a scenic climb and a delicious lunch overlooking the waves in Coolum. The private setting makes it ideal for couples or small groups wanting a flexible, intimate day exploring beaches, villages, and scenic lookouts. Reviews note the personalized experience and stunning coastal views.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a private, customizable coastal day with a memorable ocean-view lunch.

10. Scenic Hinterland Guided Day Tour Inc Lunch, Tastings From Noosa

This 7-hour tour combines scenic mountain views with artisan food stops. Starting at the Flamehill Vineyard, you’ll enjoy wine and cheese tastings, a stop at Maleny Chocolate Factory, and a gourmet lunch at Maleny Food Co. The guide’s knowledge makes this a rich experience for food lovers. Reviews highlight the delicious tastings and beautiful scenery.

Bottom Line: For travelers who love food and wine paired with scenic hikes and charming villages, this tour has it all.

11. Rainbow Beach Private Tour with Lunch, Carlo Sandblow & Cooloola

This private 8.5-hour tour offers a full day at Rainbow Beach, including a scenic drive, a walk at Carlo Sandblow, and a beachside lunch. The highlight is the colorful beach and the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of K’Gari (Fraser Island). The personalized service ensures comfort and flexibility. Reviewers appreciate the seamless experience and the incredible scenery.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a private, tailored day at Rainbow Beach with plenty of photo opportunities and a beachside lunch.

12. Sunshine Coast and Noosa Gin Distillery Private Tour Inc. Lunch

For gin enthusiasts, this private 7-hour tour covers three distilleries, including Beachtree Distilling and Sunshine & Sons. It includes tastings of craft spirits and a gourmet lunch. The guided experience offers insights into the distilling process and regional flavors, making it perfect for connoisseurs. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the quality of spirits.

Bottom Line: Best for those interested in craft spirits and a curated, intimate tasting day with lunch included.

13. Sunshine Coast & Noosa Private Wine Tour Inc. Lunch & Tastings

This private 8-hour tour offers visits to Sunshine Coast Cider, Clouds Vineyard, and more. Including a 2-course gourmet lunch, it’s ideal for wine and cider lovers. The guide shares production insights while you enjoy sweeping views of farmland and vineyards. Reviews mention the memorable tastings and relaxed atmosphere.

Bottom Line: Perfect for a comprehensive wine and cider experience with a scenic backdrop and delicious meal.

14. Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch

Last but not least, this 5-hour brewery tour takes you behind the scenes at three local breweries, including Moffat Beach and Your Mates Brewing Co. Each stop offers tastings of craft beers like pale ales and IPAs, with a tasty lunch included. It’s a great pick for beer lovers looking for an informative and fun day. Reviewers highlight the friendly guides and quality brews.

Bottom Line: Great for casual beer fans wanting a fun, relaxed day with food and local brews.

How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience

When selecting the best tour, consider your budget, interests, and time available. If you’re after a quick, tasty seafood fix, the Seafood Lunch Cruise (more info) offers excellent value. For a full day of sightseeing, the Montville, Maleny and Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour (see details) combines nature, art, and regional flavors. If wine and cheese are your passion, the Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour (more) provides a flavorful day in the hills.

For a private, highly personalized day, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Private Tour (details) offers flexibility. Similarly, those interested in craft spirits should consider the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Gin Distillery Tour (more) for a distilled adventure.

Final Thoughts

Noosa and Sunshine Coast offer a wide array of lunch outings, from quick seafood cruises to full-day hinterland explorations and tastings. For travelers who want to combine scenery with regional flavors, options like the Seafood Lunch Cruise or the Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tour are excellent choices. If you seek a customizable experience, private tours provide flexibility and comfort.

Remember to book early, especially for popular experiences, and think about what kind of experience fits your interests—whether it’s coastal cuisine, wine and cheese, or scenic nature. Whatever you choose, these tours promise a tasty way to explore the beauty of this stunning part of Australia.