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Image courtesy of Tourism Queensland
TRAVEL GUIDE, TOP ATTRACTIONS AND HOTEL DEALS
Renowned as one of the iconic beach destinations of Queensland, Sunshine Coast is full of attractions and activities. From pristine white sand beaches to lush hinterlands, sophisticated charming villages to relaxing country towns, boutique designer shops to local craft markets, the beach haven is perfect for an unforgettable getaway.
Situated just 1.5 hours drive north from Brisbane and 2.5 hours from the Gold Coast, the coastal strip boasts beautiful weather all year round. The main town area includes Noosa, Mooloolaba, Coolum and Caloundra. There are plenty of holiday options, including family fun, adventures, romantic escapes, resort stays, luxury holidays, beach breaks and more. The choice is yours!
Noosa
Noosa is a beach paradise. The main beach welcomes sparkling calm waters suitable for swimming, sunbathing, surf lessons, and other water activities. Next to the beach, stylish designer boutiques, galleries, open-air cafes, bars, beachfront restaurants, shopping centres and beach resorts lined Hastings Street, one of Australia�s gourmet hot spots. The area has a cosmopolitan feel with a relaxing atmosphere and a great base for exploring Noosa. For great surfing spot, try Peregian Beach or Sunshine Beach on the east. Just a stone throw away is Noosa National Park - where a great network of walking tracks allow you to explore lush rainforest and spot native wildlife at your own pace. Just 5 minutes drive away is Noosaville, a lively centre with shops, bars and restaurants next to the Noosa River.
Caloundra
Unspoilt beaches with sparkling blue waters and breathtaking views of lush hinterlands come to mind when visiting Caloundra. If you want a relaxing getaway, Caloundra�s is the one of the best in Queensland. The area is also great for family holidays, adventure seekers and spending quality time with your loved ones. Caloundra beaches are renowned and Kings Beach is the most popular as a surf beach but also safe for swimming and snorkelling. There are also lots of facilities including BBQ, playground and a rock pool. Other beaches include Dicky Beach, Golden Beach, Kawana Beach, Currimundi Beach, Shelly Beach, Mofat Beach and Wurtulla Beach.
Coolum
About 20 minutes drive away from Noosa, Coolum�s laid back atmosphere is perfect for a stress free beach holiday. Coolum is also an excellent choice as a base to explore the nearby hinterlands, national parks and wineries of the Sunshine Coast. Coolum beach is safe for swimming and the bays to the south are worth exploring. The best scenic lookouts are Point Arkwright and Point Perry. At the end of the beach is Stumers Creek, a great spot for canoeing. Further away is Mount Coolum, a dome shaped volcanic rock great for rock-climbing. Take some time to explore Mount Coolum National Parks and explore local flora and fauna.
Maroochydore
Sunshine Coast�s CBD equivalent, the Maroochy area is the commercial hub next to the beach. With lots of shopping centres, shops, cafes, restaurants and accommodation sandwiched between the Maroochy River and the beach, there are plenty of holiday options. A great spot to visit is the nearby Alexandra Hedland or �Alex� which boasts a thriving beach and surf culture.
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Climate
Sunshine Coast has a mild weather with an average of seven hours of sunshine daily. Average Temperature:
Summer: 17oC � 29oC
Autumn: 13oC � 25oC
Winter: 7oC � 22oC
Spring: 13oC � 25oC
Getting to Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is located in Marcoola and is serviced by the following airlines: Jetstar (JQ), Virgin Blue (DJ) and Tiger Airways (TT). Flying to Sunshine Coast is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Sydney and 2 hours 20 minutes from Melbourne. Airtrain and bus shuttles connect Brisbane Airport and Sunshine Coast and the drive time is about 75 minutes.
The approximate drive time from Sunshine Coast Airport is 10 minutes to Coolum, 35 minutes to Noosa and 45 minutes to Caloundra. Trains and local buses regularly run through the region, but the best way is to hire a car and explore at your leisure.
Australia Zoo
The late Steve Irwin is very much the face of Australia Zoo still and the park�s dedication to animal conservation never falters. The zoo has more than 1,000 local and exotic animal species and lots of exciting shows including crocodiles, tigers, koalas and more. Get up close and personal with wildlife in their natural habitat and the wonderful exhibits throughout the park.
Eumundi Markets
Renowned as one of the best outdoor markets in Australia, Eumundi house over 300 stalls showcasing the best local produce, original arts, crafts, clothing and more. The market is a definitely a shopping haven for unique souvenirs and occurs every Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Aussie World & Ettamogah Pub
A trip to the quirky and cartoonish Ettamogah Pub is a must. The iconic establishment serves great Aussie meals and fronts Aussie World, a family theme park filled with fun rides and attractions suitable for little kids and thrill seekers.
Glass House Mountains
A series of volcanic formations formed the Glass House Mountains, one of the most picturesque hinterland landscapes of Sunshine Coast. The surrounding national park is a great place for activities such as camping, picnic, bush walking, rock climbing and abseiling. You can explore the park at your leisure with numerous walking tracks catering for all level of fitness.
ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park
HMAS is a former Navy vessel sunk east of the Mudjimba Island. Divers interested in ship wrecks will like the opportunity to explore the warship in detail, including interiors such as the engine room and crew quarters.
Ginger and Chocolate Factory
The Ginger Factory produces some fascinating product including snacks, candy, marmalade and more. You can also enjoy educational tours or watch a live bee show in the factory. Just across the road you�ll find Nutworks and the Chocolate Factory where you can sample Macadamia nuts and buy confectionery at outlet prices.
World Class Golf Courses
Tee off with one of the best Golf courses in the country, such as the Pelican Waters Golf Club with Greg Norman�s signature courses and the Hyatt Regency Coolum which host the annual Australian PGA championship.
Top Events
Noosa Food and Wine Festival
A foodie�s favourite, the festival happens in May every year and showcases the country�s top chefs, winemakers and restaurateurs. This is the weekend to indulge in great food and enjoy superb culinary skills on display.
Australian PGA Championship
The professional championship occurs every November on the Hyatt Regency Coolum�s golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. The tournament features some of the best golfers in the world and is a major Australia sporting event.
| Sunshine Coast | From Price* | |
| Noosa - Hastings Street, Noosa Head, Sunshine Beach & more | $100* |  |
| Coolum - Coolum Beach, Peregian Beach, Yaroomba & more | $170* | |
| Caloundra - Kings Beach, Currimundi, Kawana Beach & more | $133* | |
| Sunshine Coast Region | $100* | |
