Sunshine Coast Travel Guide (South East Queensland/Queensland/Australia/Oceania)

Introduction to Sunshine Coast
List of Places to Visit in Sunshine Coast
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Sunshine Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Sunshine Coast
Best Things to Do in Sunshine Coast: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Sunshine Coast
Food and Drink Scene of Sunshine Coast
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Sunshine Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Sunshine Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Sunshine Coast
Best Time to Visit Sunshine Coast
Do’s and Don’ts of Sunshine Coast
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Sunshine Coast
- Health in Sunshine Coast
Getting to Sunshine Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Sunshine Coast
Where to Go Next from Sunshine Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Sunshine Coast

Located in South-East Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is a stunning region boasting scenic drives, pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and natural wonders. This coastal paradise stretches from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north, and it’s a must-visit destination for travellers seeking sun, fun, and adventure.

Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, culture buff, or foodie, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine Coast. Here’s everything you need to plan your perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in Sunshine Coast

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sunshine Coast offers a rich cultural experience with its variety of museums, galleries, and historical sites. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Queensland Air Museum: Located in Caloundra, this museum showcases Australia’s aviation history, featuring aircraft, engines, and memorabilia from World War II to the present day.
Aussie World: This is a family-friendly theme park in the Palmview suburb of the Sunshine Coast with plenty of rides and attractions.
Sunshine Coast Art Gallery: Enjoy works of art from international and local artists at this iconic gallery situated in Birtinya.
Eumundi Markets: Running since 1979, Eumundi Market is a fantastic spot for locally made handicrafts, jewellery, fashion, and fresh produce in the region.

Natural Attractions of Sunshine Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Home to one of Queensland’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, Sunshine Coast is a nature lover’s dream. Here are some of the many natural attractions to visit:

Noosa National Park: Offering stunning coastal views, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, including koalas, dolphins, and sea turtles, Noosa National Park is a must-visit.
Maleny Botanic Gardens: This 18-acre private garden is home to an extensive collection of plants and flowers from around the world.
Glass House Mountains: Hike to the top of these volcanic peaks for breathtaking views of the coast, the hinterland, and the beautiful Sunshine Coast landscape.
Fraser Island: Located just off the coast, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island with unique freshwater lakes and wildlife, such as dingoes, turtles, and whales.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast is an ideal destination for hikers and bikers looking to explore the area’s natural beauty. Here are some of the most popular routes:

Coastal Pathway: This 96-kilometre path runs parallel to the coast, providing access to some of the most stunning beaches and headlands in the area.
Noosa National Park: With a range of trails leading through scenic landscapes, Noosa National Park is perfect for hikers and walkers.
Glass House Mountains: These peaks offer a range of trails suitable for all levels of fitness, with some offering challenging mountain climbs and breathtaking panoramas.

Best Things to Do in Sunshine Coast: Activities and Tours

There’s plenty to see and do in Sunshine Coast, whether you prefer outdoor activities or soaking up the culture. Here are some of our top picks:

Surfing: Take advantage of the region’s pristine beaches with surf lessons from qualified instructors.
Dolphin Watching: Go on a dolphin-watching tour and get up close and personal with these incredible marine mammals.
Kayaking: Paddle through the calm waters of the Noosa River and explore the stunning scenery of the Sunshine Coast.
Overnight Camping: Book a camping tour in one of the many national parks in the region and sleep under the stars in the Australian wilderness.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sunshine Coast

Make the most of your trip to Sunshine Coast with this itinerary for a week-long stay:

Day 1: Explore the stunning beaches of Noosa, shop at Hastings Street, and stroll around Noosa National Park.
Day 2: Visit Australia Zoo in Beerwah which was established by the late Steve Irwin, watch the animals, and learn about conservation.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Fraser Island, which lies just off the coast of Sunshine Coast and enjoy its freshwater lakes, rainforests, and wildlife.
Day 4: Experience the tranquil beauty of Maleny and surrounding mountain ranges.
Day 5: Head to the Glass House Mountains and choose from a range of hiking trails as per your preference.
Day 6: Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Ginger Factory and taste locally made ginger products.
Day 7: Relax on Mooloolaba Beach, soak up the sun, and try watersports like surfing and paddle-boarding.

Food and Drink Scene of Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast offers a diverse food and drink scene that caters to all tastes, budgets and preferences. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Pavlova: Indulge in this iconic Australian dessert, made with a meringue base, whipped cream, and fresh fruit.
Fish and Chips: Find the freshest fish and chips at Mooloolaba Fish Market, a popular takeaway joint in the area.
Burgers: The burger scene is strong in Sunshine Coast, with a variety of locally owned options such as Beefy’s Pies or Grill’d.
Souvlaki: The Greek delicacy featuring succulent grilled meats with salads and sauces.

Local Beverages

Ginger Beer: Taste locally made ginger beer at the Ginger Factory, Yandina.
Beer: Try some of the fresh and locally made beer at the Sunshine Brewery, located at Noosa Heads.
Coffee: Visit one of the many coffee shops in the area and enjoy a cup of locally sourced coffee made with roasted beans right here in Sunshine Coast.

Where to Stay in Sunshine Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sunshine Coast offers a range of accommodation options based on your budget and preferences. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Budget option: Noosa Backpackers Hostel. Great for backpackers or budget travellers, this hostel provides both dorms and private rooms plus a range of facilities.
Mid-range option: The Beach Retreat at Coolum. A stylish affordable hotel situated in Coolum Beach with an outdoor pool.
Luxury option: The Point Coolum Beach Resort. Surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Coolum Beach, this resort boasts luxury suites, spa treatments and a tranquil pool setting.

What to Buy in Sunshine Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Sunshine Coast, make sure you bring back some unique souvenirs and locally made products. Here are some top picks:

Eumundi Markets: These markets offer a range of handmade crafts, jewellery, and artwork that give off the Sunshine Coast vibe.
Australian Pottery: Sunshine Coast has several pottery studios that offer handmade, locally sourced Australian pottery that’s sturdy and beautiful.
Nougat: This Little Cove shop sells delicious nougat in a range of flavours using local ingredients where possible.

Local Culture and Customs of Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast is known for its laid-back and outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Locals pride themselves on living a healthy, active lifestyle and taking in the beauty of the region. It is essential to respect its laid-back culture, and no need to hurry into everything but instead take time and savour things.

Best Time to Visit Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons, spring (September-November) or fall (March-May), when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sunshine Coast

Do:

Observe local area speed limits and road rules.
Wear a hat and sunscreen when visiting the beaches.
Respect the local wildlife and their habitats.
Take the appropriate safety precautions and emergency procedures when engaging in outdoor activities.

Don’t:

Leave rubbish behind on the beaches or in the parks.
Litter, it is harmful to the environment and wildlife.
Feed the birds or animals, it can lead to harmful habits for them.
Swim outside of the flag enclosures.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast is quite a safe place to visit. It’s always recommended to take the general precautions you take when travelling in any new place. It’s best to keep a copy of your passport and travel documents when moving around.

Health in Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast is relatively safe when it comes to health, and few things to be cautious about include sunburn or allergic bites if you are out in the bush. Stay hydrated for healthy skin and body.

Getting to Sunshine Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sunshine Coast

Doing daily flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast Airport is on Marcoola which makes it very easy to get access to other parts of the region. Transfers from the airport to other locations can be handled either via public transport or the resorts/hotels own transport service.

Bus Stations Near Sunshine Coast

The bus is a comfortable way of traveling around Sunshine Coast with affordable rates. The main bus station is at Maroochydore, which is a hub for Sunshine Coast and the surrounding areas.

Other Options

For flexibility in moving around and travelling within Sunshine Coast, hiring a car is an excellent option. Car rental companies operate within the area, and it will be easy to get a suitable offer.

How to Get Around in Sunshine Coast

On the Sunshine Coast, getting around is comfortable with different options available- recommend if possible taking advantage of the public bus service, which can provide opportunities to meet new people and explore the region. There are several car rental services in the city that offer reasonable prices and comfortable modes of transport for moving around. You can also hire e-scooters and e-bikes to explore the area on your own.

Where to Go Next from Sunshine Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Sunshine Coast has many fantastic destinations a short drive away that are worth a visit. Here are some options:

Brisbane: The capital of Queensland, Brisbane is known for its charming riverside location, fantastic food and drink, and towering skyline.
Gold Coast: Known for its beaches, surf and theme parks, Gold Coast is roughly an hour’s drive from Sunshine Coast and offers a range of water activities to enjoy.
Hinterland: A quiet, peaceful escape from the beach scene, hinterland is only around an hour’s drive from Sunshine Coast and offers glamourous rainforest walks and stunning waterfalls.

Conclusion

Sunshine Coast is a vibrant region of Australia that offers adventure, culture, and fun in equal measure. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activities, delicious food, or a laid-back beach holiday, you’ll find it here. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip to Sunshine Coast with ease, and be sure to get the most out of your time.