Maroochydore

It might be the business heart of the coast, but central Maroochydore has little to offer visitors. The biggest attraction is the Sunshine Plaza shopping centre, which does have the distinction of having a large creek running through the middle of it, but is ultimately just another shopping centre.

Stick to the prettier parts of the Maroochy region such as the waterfront parks of Cotton Tree or the beaches of Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland. You can do a cruise or go jet skiing on the Maroochy River and there are lots of good picnic spots. For a drink or a meal, the Alex Surf Club is a popular spot with good food and great views.

The awful wharf

If you are going to Mooloolaba, steer clear of the wharf area, which is filled with tacky shops and takeaway food outlets. The Underwater World aquarium next to the wharf is well worth a visit, but go no further. Double back to the esplanade if you are looking for something to eat, or head straight past the wharf, down Parkyn Parade, to the low-key but excellent fish markets at the end of the spit.

And don't get excited if you hear about the "Loo with a View" promoted by the local tourism body as "world famous". It is just a viewing platform combined with some very ordinary public toilets and only worth visiting if you need a wee.

Attractions?

I would personally avoid big 'attractions' such as Aussie World, Sunshine Castle at Bli Bli and the Top Shots Fun Park — contrived attractions are not what the Sunshine Coast is about. And whoever gave permission for an Ettamogah Pub to be built on the highway at Palmview ought to be subjected to a public flogging.

The Big Pineapple at Woombye and The Ginger Factory at Yandina scrape through as worthwhile attractions because they at least relate to the local area. The Ginger Factory has a new bee show and honey tasting tour that is more interesting than you might think, and the on-site ice creamery makes really fab ice cream. And the Big Kart Track at Landsborough is saved by being the largest commercial track in the country.

Who needs to see that?

The Noosa National Park is one of the most beautiful places on the coast, but I generally try to avoid the (unofficial) nudist beach at Alexandria Bay — anyone who says nudist beaches don’t attract weirdos is deluded! It’s also a really dangerous place to swim, with dangerous rips and no surf patrols.

Souvenirs ad nauseam

It is not without its appeal, but the pretty hinterland town of Montville long ago disappeared under a raft of gift and lolly shops. None of the shops are particularly offensive, but do you really need a new pot holder or a tin frog that spits water?

There are a couple of authentic antique shops on the high side of the street and the quaint Poets Cafe is a good place to have a coffee or lunch, but then it is best to skedaddle out of town. There are worthwhile things to do nearby, such as walking in the Kondalilla National Park or driving the Maleny-Blackall Range Tourist Drive, and the nearby town of Maleny has the cafes without the kitsch.

Got any more places to avoid? Have your say using the comments form below.

Next: Near the beaten track