Sunshine Coast

Travel Guide

Sunshine Coast featuring a house, boating and a river or creek
Noosaville showing boating and general coastal views
Sunshine Coast
Noosa National Park which includes general coastal views and landscape views
Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Travel Guide Video

Enjoy pristine beaches, lush rainforest and exciting cities in this area north of Brisbane, famous for its surf breaks, fresh seafood and laid-back locals.

The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful area of South East Queensland that takes in incredible beaches, cosmopolitan cities and scenic mountain landscapes. The area runs from Caloundra in the south to Noosa Heads in the north and inland to the verdant Blackall Ranges.

Drive about 1 hour north of Brisbane to reach Caloundra, which has six pristine beaches and a range of accommodation. Mooloolaba, Coolum Beach and Noosa Beach are also popular coastal destinations.

Stay in cosmopolitan high-rise hotels along Mooloolaba’s busy Esplanade. A short walk from here is Underwater World SEA LIFE Mooloolaba, an award-winning marine park and wildlife sanctuary. Just north of Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland is a quieter destination known for its surfing beaches. Coolum is similarly relaxed and offers world-famous golf courses. Visit Noosa to dine in chic bistros and hike through rainforest in Noosa National Park.

The Sunshine Coast hinterland is a great daytrip from the coast or a romantic mountain getaway. Artistic communities such as Maleny and Mapleton offer organic food, art galleries and incredible views. Visit the markets in Eumundi on Wednesdays and Saturdays to browse fresh produce and arts and crafts, among more than 500 stalls.

The Sunshine Coast has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Lifeguards patrol many beaches every day of the year and you’ll find visitors and locals swimming even during winter. Try your hand at watersports such as surfing, windsurfing and kayaking. You can hike and bike ride through the forests and mountains that surround many communities on the Sunshine Coast.

Caloundra is about 90 kilometres (56 miles) from Brisbane. Hire a car at the Brisbane Airport and drive. You can also fly in to the Sunshine Coast Airport at Marcoola, south of Coolum. The privately run Sunbus buses operate between towns and let you hop on and hop off anywhere along a route. You can get around towns on foot or by bicycle, but you’ll also find plenty of free parking.

The beautiful Sunshine Coast is an easy holiday destination for families and an exciting adventure for travellers.

Where to stay in Sunshine Coast

Noosa Heads which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Noosa Heads

A noteworthy feature of Noosa Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Hastings Street and Yunaman Bushland Reserve.

Noosa Heads
Mooloolaba showing views, landscape views and a sandy beach

Mooloolaba

A noteworthy feature of Mooloolaba is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out The Wharf Mooloolaba and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Mooloolaba
Kawana Beach showing landscape views and a beach

Caloundra

Caloundra is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Caloundra Events Center and Bulcock Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Sunshine Coast.

Caloundra
Maroochydore which includes landscape views, a beach and tropical scenes

Maroochydore

Maroochydore is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Maroochydore Beach and Sunshine Plaza while you're in town.

Maroochydore
Coolum Beach featuring a sandy beach and landscape views as well as a couple

Coolum Beach

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Coolum Beach. A stop by Aqua Fun Park or Coolum Beach might round out your trip.

Coolum Beach
Noosaville which includes a coastal town and general coastal views

Noosaville

Noosaville is known for its stunning river views, and you can see some sights area like Shorehaven Bushland Reserve and Keyser Island Conservation Park.

Noosaville

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