Sunshine Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Noosaville featuring boating and general coastal views

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 accommodations. 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

Mooloolaba showing landscape views, views and a 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
Noosa Heads featuring tropical scenes and a 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 Noosa National Park.

Noosa Heads
Kawana Beach showing a beach and landscape views

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
Coolum Beach showing landscape views and a beach 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 Coolum Beach or Peregian Beach might round out your trip.

Coolum Beach
Noosaville featuring general coastal views and a coastal town

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
Alexandra Headland which includes a coastal town, landscape views and general coastal views

Alexandra Headland

Travellers to Alexandra Headland praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Alex Beach and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Alexandra Headland
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is NZ$204 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
NZ$204
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (325 reviews)
"Nice place great breakfast"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is NZ$252 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
NZ$252
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"I didn't like how there was limited signage as so many wings. Would suggest more or colour coding the wings. Limited car parking. Very clean, friendly staff and comfortable bed."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
RACV Noosa Resort
RACV Noosa Resort
5 out of 5
94 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$467 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
NZ$467
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,639 reviews)
"Staff were the best, Shane at the bar was so nice, friendly helpful and a great member of staff. All reception were awesome but special mention to (can’t remember her name) but she was Brazilian, funny friendly and professional. So a great stay and will Come back!"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

RACV Noosa Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
4 out of 5
75 Esplanade, cnr Jellicoe Street and Esplanade, Golden Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a children's pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,520 reviews)
"The Ramada Resort was perfect. Very clean room. Friendly staff. Will definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2024

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
RACV Noosa Resort
RACV Noosa Resort
5 out of 5
94 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,639 reviews)
"Staff were the best, Shane at the bar was so nice, friendly helpful and a great member of staff. All reception were awesome but special mention to (can’t remember her name) but she was Brazilian, funny friendly and professional. So a great stay and will Come back!"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

RACV Noosa Resort
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, internet, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,453 reviews)
Excellent spot!!
"Friendly helpful staff. Very clean. Our one bedroom unit had plenty of space. Great quiet location, yet surrounded by dozens of food outlets, beach, shops, free parking. Kitchen well stocked with appliances, crockery etc. Half size fridge suited our needs. Air-conditioning great when needed. We had ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Sunshine Coast