Sunshine Coast has as many adventurous activities as its size, from the coastal city of Caloundra to the Great Sandy National Park in the North. Gett
Sunshine Coast has as many adventurous activities as its size, from the coastal city of Caloundra to the Great Sandy National Park in the North. Getting spoiled by fresh local produce and seafood is a great place for your family holiday. A dining experience with wonderful wineries and breweries. Not many places can up to compare to the east coast of Australia. If you are looking for an ideal year-round destination that would surprise you in unexpected ways, just one hour drive north of Brisbane, then you are all set to leave your worries behind.
Are you ready to visit the Queensland mainland? Our ultimate guide is here!
Where Exactly Is And How To Get To The Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast is a coastal region located approximately a hundred kilometres north of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. It is located inland and atop the mountain range, which is forested and has an amazing view of the coast.
The main landmark is Brisbane Airport. From there, you can either hire a car or get a shuttle bus or private chauffered transport to your accommodation on the Sunshine Coast. It usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to arrive at the coast. You can also go by train, however, you will need to get a taxi or local bus from Nambour (the main Sunshine Coast train station) to your accommodation. But if you are from Melbourne or Sydney, you could exclusively fly to the coast airport directly.
10+ Perfect Things To Do At The Sunshine Coast
Family activities
The Sunshine Coast is perfect for your next family holiday. Noosa is popular for both its calm sandy bays and beaches to learn to surf. Likewise, Caloundra, Mooloolaba, and Maroochydore. Then there’s Steve Irwin’s famous Australia Zoo. There really is no other zoo like it. Plus, tons of other kid-friendly and outdoor attractions, such as;
- Eumundi Markets – The largest outdoor market in Australia, full of an eclectic mix of local artisans, performers, and colourful characters. Shop for unique handcrafted goods, try a range of international street food and see plenty of entertainment.
- Noosa wandering – Beaches, national parks, shopping, and dining places, Noosa is a perfect getaway. Hit the beach, trek the park, and spend the rest on Hastings street, a day full of joy.
- Aussie World – A theme park full range of features, rides, attractions, dining, and a shopping mall. They even have a BBQ festival, how about that?
- BigKart – The largest go-karting track in Australia. Do you know what night and weather racing is like? Then go check them out!
- The Ginger Factory – A unique ginger-based retail precinct and fascinating tour, joy the fun ride, swamped by 18 flavours of gelateria and dessert from Gengerlatis. And most important, it is free entry!
Hinterland nature and wildlife
There is no Australian experience if there is no wildlife. And if you think Australia is merely about Kangaroo, well, it is only 10% true. Underwater is another world you need to discover on the Sunshine Coast.
- Swim with whales – From July to October, you can swim with majestic humpback whales as they migrate through the waters just off the coast. Sunreef’s expert crew will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, and certainly one you would never forget.
- Explore an underwater shipwreck – An underwater world just off the coast of Mooloolaba lies the ex-HMAS Brisbane just waiting to be explored. This former Royal Australian Navy warship is now an artificial reef and one of Australia’s best diving sites.
- Kayak Australia’s only everglades – As one of only two everglades on the planet, the Noosa Everglades is a place of unique and incredible beauty. Explore its mirror-like waterways fringed by tea tree forests on a guided kayak tour or river cruise.
Festivals and events
The sub-tropical climate at the Sunshine Coast provides perfect events that you need to be a part of.
- Music – Caloundra and Big Pineapple music festivals.
- Cultural Celebration – Noosa Alive, a 10-day straight event that has everything for every genre.
- Food – Noosa Eat & Drink, The best of the region’s local cuisine. At other events.
- Plant – Queensland Garden Expo, A must-see gardening event that is filled with lectured, demonstrated, and workshopped by Australian gardening experts.
- Sport – Noosa Triathlon, One of the world’s top 10 triathlons. Enjoy the unmatchable experience of a week-long and beautiful beach-side sporting calendar!
Beach!
The Sunshine Coast is home to 100-kilometre of beaches bordered by crystal-clear waters. It is the perfect place to learn or pursue a passion for diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, snorkelling, surfing, or swimming. For a bucket-list experience, drive on the “sand highway” from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach.
The Perfect Time To Visit?
The Sunshine Coast is perfect for an action-packed holiday any time of the year. Temperatures average 28°C in summer in the coastal region; it’s slightly cooler in the hinterland. During the winter months, the average daytime temperature is 20°C and the evening brings a cooler 10°C.
Is The Sunshine Coast an Expensive Destination To Visit?
The short answer is no.
The long answer is like all holiday destinations, there are plenty of opportunities to splash out on amenities if that is what you are looking for. However. the Sunshine Coast offers an outstanding range of affordable holiday options. Well-priced self-catering accommodation is the ideal way to save money on dining out. Facilities like malls and markets are available if you wish to cook your meals. There are also an excellent number of free activities and attractions on offer including the beaches, esplanades, and playgrounds. Fancy restaurants are certainly still an option, but if you’re looking to cut costs then there are plenty of affordable local cafes, fish and chip shops, and takeaways available.
That’s it. I think we cover everything and hope you enjoy your visit to the Sunshine Coast. If there is anything you need to know more about Australia, check us out and you won’t be disappointed!
