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Sunshine Coast, Queensland

The Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, Australia, extends over 60 kilometres along the southeastern coastline from Bribie Island to the Cooloola Coast. Known for its beaches, hinterland, and towns, it is a holiday destination that attracts visitors throughout the year.

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SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast, nestled in beautiful Queensland, Australia, is a breathtaking region that stretches over 60 kilometres along the southeastern coastline, from the charming Bribie Island to the picturesque Cooloola Coast. Known for its stunning beaches, lush hinterland, and lively towns, the Sunshine Coast invites you to experience its magic all year round. With a friendly community with an estimated urban population of about 398,840 as of June 2021, it proudly stands as the fifth most populated area in Queensland, highlighting its incredible appeal as a beloved holiday destination and a fantastic place to call home.

Sunshine Coast Geography

playing on the beach

The Sunshine Coast is a true treasure, boasting a delightful mix of geography, including beautiful beaches, gently rolling hills, and vast national parks. Nestled within a UNESCO Biosphere corridor, this region enhances its stunning biodiversity and natural splendour. Picture the coastline with its soft, white sandy beaches and inviting, clear blue waters—perfect for swimming, surfing, and soaking up the sun. Meanwhile, the hinterland is home to vibrant rainforests, breathtaking mountains, and cherished national parks, all providing fantastic opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and immersing yourself in nature’s wonders.

Sunshine Coast Tourism

seaplane flying over sunshine coast

The Sunshine Coast is a gem of a tourist destination, welcoming over 3.2 million visitors each year! There is much to explore here, from the famous Australia Zoo and the fascinating UnderWater World Marine Park to the fun-filled Aussie World with the quirky Ettamogah Pub. Don’t forget the delightful Buderim Ginger Factory, the iconic Big Pineapple, the bustling Eumundi Markets, and the charming Majestic Theatre in Pomona. Throughout the year, vibrant annual events like the Mooloolaba Triathlon, Noosa Triathlon, and Sunshine Coast Marathon attract sports enthusiasts from near and far. Adding to the excitement since November 2020, NightQuarter has emerged, offering an Eat Street-style vibe with live music and immersive experiences you won’t miss! Additionally, with various tour operators and around 3.6 million domestic overnight visitors recorded by September 2021, the Sunshine Coast has become a thriving hub. These visitors boost our local economy, contributing about $2.7 billion and supporting countless local businesses!

Sunshine Coast History

The charming towns on the Sunshine Coast have a rich history. They blossomed from ports and jetties that supported the timber industry in the vibrant 1860s and 1870s when lush forests covered the area. Likewise, many of the region’s roads became logging tracks to assist in transporting timber. Timber workers cleverly utilised the beautiful creeks, rivers, and lakes as waterways to move their precious cedar logs, which found their way to global markets!

Sunshine Coast Airports

The Sunshine Coast is a delightful destination just a quick trip away! It is easily reached via the Sunshine Coast Airport, which is conveniently located about 10 kilometres north of Maroochydore. Additionally, many visitors find it just as easy to arrive through Brisbane Airport, which is about 100 kilometres to the south.

Sunshine Coast Climate

The Sunshine Coast boasts a delightful subtropical climate, where you can enjoy an average of seven hours of sunshine daily! Summers are pleasantly warm, with temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius, while winters offer a mild escape at about 20 degrees Celsius. This fantastic weather makes the Sunshine Coast a perfect spot for outdoor adventures and relaxation all year!

Sunshine Coast Economy

The Sunshine Coast economy has grown significantly over the past 15 years, driven by diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, and business services. According to May 2019 Australian Bureau of Statistics data, approximately 184,200 people were employed in the region. The largest employment sectors included healthcare and social assistance (26,800), construction (26,500), and education and training (21,200). Other notable industries include accommodation and food services, retail trade, and professional services. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing employed 2,600 people, making up 1% of the workforce.

Sunshine Coast Geography

The Sunshine Coast features diverse geography, including pristine beaches, rolling hills, and expansive national parks. The region lies within a UNESCO Biosphere corridor, enhancing its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The coastline has white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. In contrast, the hinterland hosts lush rainforests, scenic mountains, and heritage-listed national parks, offering ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring nature.

Sunshine Coast Popular Destinations

The Sunshine Coast is dotted with charming towns and vibrant communities, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Sunshine Coast Noosa Heads

Known for its upscale atmosphere, Noosa Heads is famous for its stunning beaches, boutique shopping, and fine dining. The Noosa National Park, with its scenic coastal walks and diverse wildlife, is a must-visit for nature lovers.

Sunshine Coas Mooloolaba

The Sunshine Coast is a delightful destination just a quick trip away! It is easily reached via the Sunshine Coast Airport, which is conveniently located about 10 kilometres north of Maroochydore. Additionally, many visitors find it just as easy to arrive through Brisbane Airport, which is about 100 kilometres to the south.

Sunshine Coast Caloundra

This family-friendly destination offers a variety of attractions and activities suitable for all ages. Caloundra’s beaches are ideal for swimming and surfing, while the nearby Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin, provides an interactive wildlife experience that is particularly popular with children.

Sunshine Coast History

The charming towns on the Sunshine Coast have a rich history. They blossomed from ports and jetties that supported the timber industry in the vibrant 1860s and 1870s when lush forests covered the area. Likewise, many of the region’s roads became logging tracks to assist in transporting timber. Timber workers cleverly utilised the beautiful creeks, rivers, and lakes as waterways to move their precious cedar logs, which found their way to global markets!

Sunshine Coast Coolum Beach

Known for its laid-back vibe, Coolum Beach is a favourite among surfers and beachgoers. The Coolum National Park offers hiking trails with breathtaking coastline views, making it an excellent spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sunshine Coast Activities and Attractions

The Sunshine Coast is not just about beautiful beaches; it also offers a plethora of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy:

Sunshine Coast Water Sports

The region is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. The calm waters of the Noosa River and the surf breaks at Mooloolaba and Coolum Beach cater to both beginners and experienced adventurers.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland features stunning landscapes, charming towns, and natural attractions. It is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking tranquillity. The region offers scenic views of the Glass House Mountains and lush forests. Activities include hiking, visiting local markets, and enjoying the cuisine. Towns like Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton provide charming shops and cafes, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Sunshine Coast National Parks

The Sunshine Coast has several national parks, including the Great Sandy National Park and the Glass House Mountains National Park. These parks offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning vistas, making them ideal for day trips and outdoor exploration.

Sunshine Coast Glass House Mountains

A stunning range of volcanic peaks offers various hiking trails for different skill levels. These trails lead to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and provide opportunities to explore unique flora and fauna native to the region. The mountains are a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, making them a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Australia.

Sunshine Coast Maleny

A charming town nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, known for its vibrant art galleries, cosy cafes, and stunning gardens that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Visitors can explore local artisans’ work, enjoy fresh produce at markets, and take in the serene landscapes surrounding the area, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat or an artistic experience.

Sunshine Coast Montville

Renowned for its charming European-style architecture, it is a unique character town. Visitors are drawn to its boutique shops, which offer a variety of artisanal goods and local products. The city also offers stunning scenic views of the mountains and lush landscapes, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals seeking a picturesque getaway.

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Explore Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is home to unique spots for holidays or just a fun day out! You can soak up the sun at Noosa, which is well-loved for its gorgeous beaches and beautiful national park. If you’re in the mood for some good vibes, Mooloolaba awaits with its vibrant cafes and the iconic Esplanade. Families will find Caloundra’s welcoming beaches perfect for a relaxing day together. Don’t miss the chance to visit Australia Zoo in Beerwah, where you can have unforgettable wildlife encounters! And if you enjoy scenic drives, the route to Montville and Maleny is filled with charming villages and breathtaking hinterland views. Plus, the Eumundi Markets, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, showcase delightful local crafts and fresh produce you’ll want to check out!

Things to do Sunshine Coast

Let's go on your Sunshine Coast Tours!

There is a Aussie Touring, Aussie Kiwi Day Tours and Cooee tour to suit every traveler type and budget. View all your tour options online here and see where a Aussie Touring, Aussie Kiwi Day Tours and Cooee tour can take you.

Aussie Touring, Aussie Kiwi Day Tours and Cooee Tours offers some of the best day trips from the Sunshine Coast, where we are going to take you to enjoy the famous weather/locations in the Sunshine state.

Further north off the coast of Hervey Bay is Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. This World Heritage Listed sand bar is a natural paradise, home to over 100 freshwater lakes and among the cleanest lakes in the world. Here you can visit the gorgeous 75 Mile Beach; a national highway, aircraft landing strip and home of the Maheno Shipwreck.

Sunshine Coast Tours

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