Travel Guide of Sunshine Coast in Australia by Influencers and Travelers

Sunshine Coast is a peri-urban region in South East Queensland, Australia. It is the district defined in 1967 as "the area contained in the Shires of Landsborough, Maroochy and Noosa, but excluding Bribie Island".

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Pictures and Stories of Sunshine Coast from Influencers

8 pictures of Sunshine Coast from Kyle Head, Jack Tindall, Photoholgic and other travelers

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How to visit Sunshine Coast ?

The Sunshine Coast in Australia is a breathtaking destination, known for its stunning coastline, pristine beaches, and lush hinterland. Traveling to this region offers visitors a chance to explore charming coastal towns, indulge in delicious cuisine, and partake in various outdoor activities.

To get to the Sunshine Coast, the easiest way is to fly into the Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) at Maroochydore, which offers domestic flights from major Australian cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Brisbane Airport (BNE) and drive about 1.5 hours north to reach the coast. There are also train and bus services from Brisbane, making it easy to access the area.

Booking in advance is highly recommended for certain activities and experiences. The Australia Zoo, the famous wildlife park founded by the late Steve Irwin, is a must-visit attraction; pre-booking your tickets can save time and ensure entry. Additionally, if you plan on taking guided tours or participating in water-based activities such as whale watching, scuba diving, or sailing, it's best to secure your spots ahead of time.

Costs can vary depending on your preferences and activities. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly hostels and motels to luxurious resorts. Dining options are also diverse, with casual eateries, cafes, and upscale restaurants available. Expect to pay around AUD 20-30 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant.

The best things to do on the Sunshine Coast include visiting Noosa National Park, where you can hike through rainforests, explore secluded beaches, and spot native wildlife. Mooloolaba Beach is another popular spot, offering a beautiful stretch of sand and clear waters for swimming and surfing. For a more cultural experience, visit the Eumundi Markets, the region's largest art and craft market, held every Wednesday and Saturday.

When it comes to dining, The Spirit House in Yandina is an award-winning restaurant serving contemporary Thai cuisine in a lush, tropical setting. For a more casual option, try Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co. at Noosa Heads, offering delicious burgers and ice cream. For seafood lovers, visit the Mooloolaba Fish Market, where you can enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood.

Suggested places to stay include the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort in Maroochydore, offering modern rooms and a range of amenities including a private lagoon. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Noosa Flashpackers, a highly-rated hostel with private and dorm-style accommodation. For a unique experience, consider staying at the Spicers Tamarind Retreat, a luxury rainforest retreat in Maleny.

Off the beaten path: For an unusual and memorable experience, visit the charming hinterland town of Montville. This picturesque village is perched on the Blackall Range and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Stroll through the main street, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes, and take in the European-inspired architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Kondalilla National Park, just a short drive from Montville, featuring the impressive Kondalilla Falls and numerous walking trails through lush rainforest.

The Best Things to Do and Visit around Sunshine Coast

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1 - Sunshine Coast QLD

Sunshine Coast Stadium is a multi-sport venue located at Kawana Waters on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. The stadium is the main venue in a sporting precinct that also includes seven fields.

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2 - Sunshine Coast Queensland

Sunshine Coast is a peri-urban area and the third most populated area in the Australian state of Queensland. Located 100 km north of the centre of Brisbane in South East Queensland, on the Coral Sea coastline, its urban area spans approximately 60 km of coastline and hinterland from Pelican Waters to Tewantin.

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3 - Ziplining | Treetop Challenge Sunshine Coast

   8 km away

Fly through the rainforest at Australia's largest adventure course, The TreeTop Challenge Sunshine Coast. Navigate 12 flying foxes and zip lines, tackling 100 challenges across six courses. Each course increases in difficulty so that you can progress at your own pace. The first courses (Green and Purple) are easy, while the later ones (Black and Black Diamond) are more difficult. Enjoy tree-hopping with your family, with staff always available for supervision. You will find yourself suspended up to 25 meters above the ground. Located at The Big Pineapple, this treetop adventure features 100 challenges, 12 flying foxes and zip lines over 100 meters, and six courses from easy to Black Diamond extreme.

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4 - Mudjimba Beach

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5 - Mooloolaba

   6 km away

Mooloolaba is a coastal suburb of Maroochydore in the Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. It is located 97 kilometres north of the state capital, Brisbane, and is part of the Maroochydore urban centre.

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6 - Mooloolaba Beach

   7 km away
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7 - Coolum Beach QLD

   14 km away

Coolum Beach is a beachside town and coastal suburb of the Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia and is also the name of the beach around which the town is based. In the 2016 census, Coolum Beach had a population of 8,497 people.

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8 - Kings Beach QLD

   18 km away

Kings Beach is a coastal suburb of Caloundra in the Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia, located directly east of Caloundra CBD. In the 2016 census, Kings Beach had a population of 2,788 people.

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9 - Caloundra QLD

   18 km away

Caloundra is a coastal town and the southernmost town in the Sunshine Coast Region in South East Queensland, Australia.

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10 - Flaxton

   20 km away

Flaxton is a rural locality in the Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, Flaxton had a population of 931 people.

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11 - Australia Zoo

   23 km away

Australia Zoo is a 1,000-acre zoo located in the Australian state of Queensland on the Sunshine Coast near Beerwah/Glass House Mountains.

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12 - Mapleton Falls National Park

   23 km away

Mapleton Falls is a national park near the town of Mapleton on the Blackall Range in South East Queensland, Australia, 95 kilometres north of Brisbane. The falls are part of Pencil Creek and drop 120 metres. The waterfall became a forest reserve in 1938 and then in 1973 it was declared a national park.

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13 - Marcus Beach

   23 km away

Marcus Beach is a coastal suburb in the Shire of Noosa, Queensland, Australia.

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14 - Mount Ngungun

   25 km away

Glass House Mountains National Park is a heritage-listed national park at Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. It is also known as Beerburrum Forest Reserve 1.

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15 - Noosa Heads QLD

   28 km away

Noosa Heads is a coastal town and suburb of the Shire of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is located approximately 136 kilometres north of Brisbane, the state's capital.

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16 - Noosa National Park

   30 km away

Noosa National Park is a national park in Queensland, Australia, 121 km north of Brisbane. It is situated near Noosa Heads between the Pacific Ocean and the Sunshine Coasts's northern area of urban development and extends southwards, past Lake Weyba to Coolum.

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17 - Glass House Mountains

   30 km away

Glass House Mountains is a hinterland town and locality of the Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia, named after the famous Glass House Mountains of the area. Colloquially it is often known simply as "Glasshouse". At the 2016 census, Glass House Mountains had a population of 5,065.

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18 - Noosa

   33 km away

Noosaville is a town and suburb in Noosa in the Shire of Noosa, Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, Noosaville had a population of 8,124 people.

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19 - Glass House Mountains Lookout

   36 km away

D'Aguilar is a national park in Queensland, Australia. It contains the D'Aguilar Range and is located along the northwest of the Brisbane metropolitan area. The park is traversed by the winding scenic Mount Nebo Road and Mount Glorious Road.

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Learn More about Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a coastal region in South East Queensland in Australia. The Sunshine Coast region is a new local government area that has combined the city of Caloundra with the counties of Maroochy and Noosa, making it a region of 1200 square miles (3,126 square km). It is an area that welcomes many tourists. The Sunshine Coast is the place to be for an active vacation or a relaxing break at any time of year. Discover its vast beaches, thriving Noosa cuisine and many hidden treasures. The Sunshine Coast is home to picturesque villages and legendary surf spots. Enjoy the many fashion boutiques and trendy cafés along the beaches. Surfers and golfers will love the town of Coolum, while market lovers will find plenty of local products to discover in Eumundi where you can find the most beautiful artisanal markets of the region, which takes place every week. The Sunshine Coast offers an incredible calendar of great events from arts to sports to food. In March, don't miss the Noosa Festival of Surfing, where you can watch and attend surfing competitions. For sports enthusiasts, the Sunshine Coast Velothon in June is the biggest cycling event on the planet. In May, you can also check out the annual Noosa Food and Wine Festival, which regularly attracts Australian chefs. A whole host of events not to be missed. The place is suitable for all kinds of nautical activities, scuba diving, swimming, sailing, you can even observe whales. This region is ideal to discover Australian life, many activities are waiting for you, you will not have time to get bored during your stay. The Sunshine Coast is rich in diversity and shows all that Australia has to offer, from its heavenly beaches to its tropical forests and its mountains, there is plenty to do!

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Sunshine Coast

Are there van sites/ caravan parks in Sunshine Coast?

Cotton Tree Holiday Park, Noosa North Shore Beach Campground, Coolum Beach Holiday Park and many other places where you can stay in a van and still have access to water and electricity, there is no shortage of caravan park sites in the area!

Things to do in Noosa near Sunshine Coast?

If you go to Noosa, you must enjoy its beaches, go to the Noosa National Park to walk and discover the tropical vegetation of the region. For a shopping break, head to Hasting Street, which is full of stores and souvenirs, or the Farmers Markets for local produce. In short, Noosa offers a wide range of activities!

What are the best wildlife experiences to do in the Sunshine Coast?

​​The Sunshine Coast area is great for nature and wildlife activities, you can go to Australia zoo to discover exotic species, or whale watching from the sand dunes, seal encounters with experts and many other activities are waiting for you.

   Where to Stay near Sunshine Coast

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Sunshine Coast

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