Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in Australia.
Holiday on the Sunshine Coast for sun-drenched beaches, national parks and lush countryside and a cosmopolitan lifestyle and climate that invites year-round swimming and surfing that just can’t be beat.
Beyond popular Noosa, there’s an array of stunning locations for holidaymakers to explore including the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Caloundra, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Kawana, Eumundi and Nambour.
The Sunshine Coast region offers endless outdoor adventure, a thriving food and dining scene, a creative community, fabulous shopping and a lively events calendar, which all adds up to an unforgettable holiday escape.
Here’s our pick of the best things to do in the Sunshine Coast to make the most of your next Sunshine Coast getaway.
Getting to the Sunshine Coast is easy; you can fly, drive, or catch a bus or train to the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast is a 2-hour drive from Brisbane and is serviced by Sunshine Coast Airport, located at Marcoola. Getting around is easy by car, bus, train or ride sharing services however the region covers a large area, so having your own car is recommended to make the most of your time exploring the region.
The Sunshine Coast embraces its creative communities and there are a host of artisan and farmers markets to browse. Eumundi Markets, held every Wednesday and Saturday heads the list of must-visit market destinations on the Sunshine Coast. Other great markets include Noosa Farmers Market and Peregian Beach Market.
The Sunshine Coast wine region encompasses vineyards situated primarily in the cooler climate Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The best Sunshine Coast wineries with spectacular views over lush vines include Flame Hill Vineyard, Settlers Rise Wines, Mason Wines Montville, Ocean View Estate and Dingo Creek Vineyard. These boutique vineyards may offer cellar door tastings and tours at selected times, so check local guides for details.
Flee to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and chase waterfalls at Gardeners Falls, a hidden gem on the Sunshine Coast. Easily accessible and supremely beautiful, visitors will be rewarded with a freshwater swim in the large swimming hole underneath the falls with grassy areas to relax and enjoy a picnic. Kondilla Falls offers walking tracks and the opportunity to take a plunge alongside the cluster of small waterfalls. There are even more waterfalls to discover nestled within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for those seeking some natural adventure.
If it’s an adventure you seek, choose skydiving while you visit the Sunshine Coast. Sunshine Coast Skydivers offer tandem skydiving with a spectacular beach landing, making for a memorable Sunshine Coast holiday. Likewise, Skydive Noosa offers the ultimate adrenaline rush, freefalling then floating over the stunning Sunshine Coast region with views of the beaches below.
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Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family holiday or group getaway you’ll find the perfect Sunshine Coast accommodation to suit your style and budget. From Sunshine Coast caravan parks with enviable beachside locations to pet friendly holiday houses and holiday rentals to accommodate the whole family, there’s plenty of choice and assistance available to help decide where to stay on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast camping spots are easy to find, with great camping grounds dotted along the coastline from Caloundra to Noosa. Choose your level of comfort from powered and unpowered sites, cabin accommodation, caravan sites or traditional camping along the shimmering coastline, rivers, lakes or lush hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. If you like a little more luxury, Sunshine Coast glamping experiences are available with safari style tents, tipis or bespoke luxury bell tents across various locations. Take the hassle out of camping by outsourcing to Pitch Luxury Camping where you simply choose your location and let the Pitch team do the rest. Simply arrive, relax and enjoy!
The Sunshine Coast offers a choice of resorts and hotels from cheap hotels, holiday apartments to beachfront luxury resorts. There’s no shortage of accommodation, but if you’re seeking a romantic getaway in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland then consider the award-winning Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat for peace, privacy and seclusion. For large-scale luxury, book a getaway to Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort located on Hastings Street and boasting a central pool, cabana club and all the resort style facilities you’d expect from a 5 star hotel.
Make your base one of the Sunshine Coast’s best beachfront hotels for the quintessential Queensland beach holiday. Popular choices include Oceans Mooloolaba, Breeze Mooloolaba and Element on Coolum all offering modern, apartment style accommodation close enough to hear the ocean and feel the sea breeze. For absolute beachfront bliss, checkin to one Noosa’s beachfront hotels with just the boardwalk separating you and the ocean.
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To determine the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast it depends if you’re planning a day surfing, sunbaking or splashing about with the kids. Popular Sunshine Coast beaches include Noosa Main Beach, if you also want easy access to dining and shopping along Hastings Street.
If you have the kids in tow, head to the calming waters of Golden Beach Caloundra. Packed the pooch on your Sunshine Coast getaway, then head to dog-friendly beaches such as Sunshine Beach or Currimundi Beach. For the best surf on the Sunshine Coast, surfers flock to Noosa National Park, home of the Noosa Festival of Surfing.
Restaurants making waves on the Sunshine Coast include Peter Kuruvita’s Noosa Beach House for casual eats and cocktails overlooking Hastings Street. At Sunshine Beach, Masterchef’s Matt Sinclair has opened popular Asian eatery Sum Yung Guys.
Local favourite Thomas Corner Eatery delivers a menu featuring fresh, local produce from the breezy terrace overlooking the Noosa River.
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Savour farm-to-fork flair and excellent morning elixir at the best Mooloolaba cafes. Slow mornings and brilliantly brewed coffee ...
Get a taste of the Sunshine Coast’s freshest seafood and inventive produce-driven dishes at our favourite Mooloolaba restaurants...
Soak up serious culture just 15 minutes from Noosa at the world-famous Eumundi Markets. Attracting over one million people each y...
Kick off your coastal adventure with outstanding coffee and breakfast in Noosa. A smorgasbord of local produce, chilled out local...
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