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Discover Sunshine Coast

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.

Top hotels in Sunshine Coast

Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
NZ$138
per night
17 Nov. - 18 Nov.

Located in Twin Waters, this beachfront hotel is next to a golf course and within a 10-minute walk of Aqua Fun Park Twin Waters and Mudjimba Beach. Twin Waters ...…

4.1/5Very Good! (1,706 reviews)

"Wonderful facilities to suit every age Great relaxing property"…"

Reviewed on 4 Nov. 2019

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Oaks Oasis Resort
Oaks Oasis Resort
4.5 out of 5
2 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, QLD
NZ$153
per night
12 Nov. - 13 Nov.

Situated by the ocean, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Bulcock Beach and Caloundra Events Center. Kings Beach and Queensland Air Museum are also ...…

4.2/5Excellent! (1,746 reviews)

"The resort is excellent for younger children. The splash zone and pool areas are great but they require more seating for families."…"

Reviewed on 11 Nov. 2019

Oaks Oasis Resort
Oaks Seaforth Resort
Oaks Seaforth Resort
4.5 out of 5
98-110 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland, QLD
NZ$210
per night
13 Nov. - 14 Nov.

Situated near the beach, this luxury apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Suncity Tenpin and Maroochydore Beach. Mooloolaba Beach and Sunshine Plaza ...…

4.3/5Excellent! (1,429 reviews)

"We stayed in a ground floor three bedroom apartment. We are a family of two adults with 4 kids (ages between 2 and 6). The apartment was spacious and well appointed. An improvement would be to have some kids style cutlery and crockery ie plastic or melamine. The patio was a good space but the lounge ..."…"

Reviewed on 24 Sep. 2019

Oaks Seaforth Resort
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Popular activities in Sunshine Coast

Australia Zoo
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Australia Zoo

4.5/5(290 reviews)

Cuddly koalas, cute kangaroos and amazing crocodile shows – get up close to Australia and the world’s most amazing animals in Brisbane’s famous wildlife park.

Noosa Beach
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Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland

Noosa Beach

4.5/5(1,158 reviews)

Enjoy the calm surf of this protected beach located near Noosa’s fashionable town centre and the wilderness of Noosa National Park.

Kawana Beach
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Kawana Beach

4.5/5(244 reviews)

Relax at one of the Sunshine Coast’s most attractive beaches, where fishing is abundant, the surf is great and the rolling waves are perfect for swimming.

Mooloolaba Beach
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Mooloolaba Beach

4.5/5(1,153 reviews)

Cool off in the water, stroll along the coastal esplanade and scuba dive among military shipwrecks.

Bulcock Beach
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Bulcock Beach

4.5/5(383 reviews)

Clear ocean waters, a dazzling stretch of sandy shore, warm paddling pools and a beachside boardwalk combine to make this a classic seaside getaway.

Shelly Beach
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Shelly Beach

4.5/5(275 reviews)

Discover tidal pools amid the fascinating rock formations and crashing waves of this rugged beach, enclosed by Caloundra’s scenic pine-covered headland.

Top activities in Sunshine Coast

Noosa & Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour
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Noosa & Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tour

NZ$117

Explore Brisbane's neighbors, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, on this full-day tour. See the beautiful coastline of Noosa Heads, spend time at the famous Hastings Street, enjoy a scenic ferry ride on the Noosa River, and marvel at the breathtaking Glass House Mountains.

Noosa, Eumundi & Sunshine Coast Hinterland Excursion
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Noosa, Eumundi & Sunshine Coast Hinterland Excursion

NZ$117

Experience the best of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast on this full-day tour from Brisbane. Shop till you drop at the popular Eumundi Market and Hastings Street, enjoy a scenic ferry ride on the Noosa River, and marvel at breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains.

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast General Admission
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SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast General Admission

NZ$43

Delve under the sea at Queensland's largest aquarium and oceanarium. SEA LIFE Moolooba makes a marine-minded exploration easy—the abundant aquatic animals and exotic crustaceans that call this water arena home are ready and waiting for a personal introduction.

Noosa Surfing Lesson
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Noosa Surfing Lesson

NZ$77

Learn what it takes to surf like a pro and pick up the techniques required to ride the waves during this helpful lesson with excellent instructors. On a board designed with beginners in mind, get your balance in the surf and aim to ride a wave fully standing up in your very first lesson.

Australia Zoo Day Trip from Brisbane
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Australia Zoo Day Trip from Brisbane

NZ$149

Hop on board the Croc Express and ride to Australia Zoo—made famous by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. Explore the zoo at your own pace and see plenty of wildlife action and exciting wildlife shows.

Fraser Island 2-Day ECO Tour
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Fraser Island 2-Day ECO Tour

NZ$384

Explore the natural wonders of the world's largest sand island on this 2-day adventure. Venture to breathtaking beaches, lakes, and rainforests in this UNESCO-listed paradise, and stay overnight in fun hostel-style accommodations.

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