Sunshine Coast

The Gold Coast may have grabbed all the glitter, but Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has a natural beauty and easy style that’s impossible to resist.

Stretching from Caloundra to the coastal dunes of Great Sandy National Park, the Sunshine Coast has got beachfront beauty down to a fine art. Stop off at little villages along the coast and experience seafood caught fresh daily. Noosa is a popular spot for shopping and exploring markets, while Maroochydore wears the crown of cultural capital. Hit up secret surf spots along the coast or head west into the ruggedly beautiful hinterland.

Explore the Sunshine Coast

Endless sun and lazy days await you at the Sunny Coast's beaches and towns - find your favourite here.

Noosa

Spend a morning relaxing at the beach, shop all afternoon at Noosa’s boutiques and then put on a glam outfit for alfresco dining at one of the town’s varied…

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is one of those places everyone loves. No longer a quiet summer getaway, it attracts glamorous couples and sun-seeking families alike.

Mooloolaba

If you were in Mooloolaba, you could reach the beach from your accommodation in the time it takes to finish reading this paragraph. Tempted yet?

Noosaville

You’re never far from the water in Noosaville. This part of Noosa hugs the shores of Lake Weyba to the south and the Noosa River to the north, and it’s just a short…

Caloundra

The ocean steals the show in Caloundra. The Sunshine Coast’s southernmost community faces a sublime sweep of Pacific shoreline.

Alexandra Headland

Meet the mellow little coastal suburb of Alexandra Headland, tucked between the vibrant Sunshine Coast hotspots of Maroochydore and Mooloolaba.

Maroochydore

Touted as the Sunshine Coast’s cultural heartland, Maroochydore sure loves to entertain.

Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach is where the Pacific Ocean greets the Coral Sea. It's not just a beach though. It’s a boutique suburb of the Sunshine Coast and home to a large community.

Kings Beach

Great views, great location and great beach. This is just the beginning at the popular coastal suburb of Kings Beach.

Tewantin

Tucked away in the north of the Sunshine Coast, the historic timber town of Tewantin tends to fly under the radar… making it the perfect place for a quiet getaway.

Golden Beach

With views across the water to a national park and great options for watersports, as well as a tranquil atmosphere, Golden Beach shines as a holiday spot.

Montville

We won’t lie: Montville will charm your socks off. You can’t help but love this cute historic village, set in rolling green hills, with sweeping views across the…

Rainbow Beach

Kick back beneath the coloured dunes of Rainbow Beach, one of Queensland’s favourite fishing and off-road destinations.

Sunshine Beach

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Sunshine Coast’s holiday heartland of Noosa Heads is the stunning little beach community of Sunshine Beach.

Peregian Beach

Peaceful Peregian Beach is one of the more relaxed spots to visit on the Sunshine Coast as it has more of a local feel than some of the touristy hubs along the coast.

Glass House Mountains

Like sleeping giants, the dormant volcanic plugs that are the Glass House Mountains rise from the forested Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Don't miss the Sunshine Coast's top attractions!

Beyond the spectacular beaches, get in touch with nature of a different kind at the Sunny Coast's gardens, parklands, and world-famous Australia Zoo.

Aussie World

Twist and turn on exciting rides, climb great heights, fall at high speeds and thrill yourself in a day at this popular theme park north of Brisbane.

Australia Zoo

Cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos or watch a crocodile show at this famous wildlife park, the former playground of the late crocodile hunter Steve Irwin.

Kawana Beach

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.

Kondalilla National Park

Discover the walking trails and waterfalls of the Sunshine Coast hinterlands in this breezy mountain retreat just outside the charming country town of Montville.

Maleny Botanic Gardens

Have an up-close experience with macaws and Australian parrots in this aviary and garden surrounded by rainforest, which overlooks the Glass House Mountains.

Things to do in Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Restaurants

We’ve got the insider info on restaurants so get your GPS out and let the Sunny Coast dining odyssey begin!

Best things to do on the Sunshine Coast

Take on board the advice we've collected from tourists and locals, from parks to markets and mountains.

Sunshine Coast Hikes

Climb above Coolum or meander around Maroochy.

Sunshine Coast Beaches

Pack your beach bag for a full day of fun.

Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast

From the cute sea-shell-adorned villas to five-star pleasure palaces, we're here to cater to every pocket.

Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas

Little Hastings Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Noosa Heads, this luxury resort is within a 5-minute walk of Yunaman Bushland Reserve and Hastings Street. Noosa Beach is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) away.

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach

Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Mooloolaba, this luxury aparthotel is steps from Mooloolaba Esplanade and Mooloolaba Beach. Alex Beach and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast are also within 15 minutes.

Mantra French Quarter Noosa

62 Hastings Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Well located with good sized 2 bedroom apartments and great pool. Just across the beach and very close to Noosa National Park - perfect for a Noosa getaway!

By Marcela D

The Sebel Noosa

32 Hastings Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Noosa Heads aparthotel is in the city center, steps from Hastings Street and Noosa Beach. Noosa National Park and Noosa Marina are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort

2 Landsborough Parade

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Golden Beach, this luxury aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Bulcock Beach, Caloundra Events Center, and Queensland Air Museum. Kings Beach and Moffat Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel

270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Twin Waters, this beachfront hotel is next to a golf course and within a 15-minute walk of Mudjimba Beach and Twin Waters Golf Club. Marcoola Beach and Sunshine Plaza are also within 6 mi (10 km).

RACV Noosa Resort

94 Noosa Drive

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Sunshine Coast aparthotel is located on a river, within a 5-minute walk of Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North, Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve South, and Keyser Island Conservation Park. Noosa Beach and Hastings Street are also within 2 mi (3 km).

BreakFree Alexandra Beach

Cnr. Alexandra Parade & Pacific Terrace

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Sunshine Coast aparthotel is located near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Alex Beach and Mooloolaba Esplanade. Mooloolaba Beach is 1 mi (1.5 km) away.

Noosa Blue Resort

16 Noosa Drive

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Noosa Heads, this luxury apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North, Hastings Street, and Noosa Beach. Yunaman Bushland Reserve and Noosa National Park are also within 15 minutes.

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

923 David Low Way

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Nestled on the beach, this Marcoola hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Marcoola Beach, Mount Coolum National Park, and Mudjimba Beach. Twin Waters Golf Club and Mt Coolum Golf Club are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort

14-16 Hastings Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Noosa Heads, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Hastings Street and Noosa Beach. Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve and Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North are also within 10 minutes.

At The Sound

119 - 127 Noosa Parade

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Noosaville, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North, Hastings Street, and Noosa Beach. Keyser Island Conservation Park and Weyba Creek Conservation Park are also within 5 minutes.

See all Hotels in Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast activities

So much to see, so little time! Get the most out of your trip to the Sunshine Coast by checking out all the fun to be had both on and off the beach.

2-Day Fraser Island Tour

By The Discovery Group

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Discover Fraser Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a 2-day guided tour. Explore the largest sand island in the world and visit Tin Can Bay, swim in Lake

Duration: 2d

Sunshine Coast, Montville & Maleny Village Tour

By Con-x-ion Airport Transfers

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Experience the culture, heritage and natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast on this full-day tour. Explore the quaint villages of Montville and Maleny, take in

Duration: 8h

Noosa, Eumundi & Sunshine Coast Hinterland Excursion

By Qtour Australia

Recommended 84% by Travellers

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,

Duration: 9h 20m

Taste of the Sunshine Coast Tour

By Con-x-ion Airport Transfers

Recommended 50% by Travellers

Discover the flavors and sights of the Sunshine Coast on this guided tour. Sample native nuts, cheeses, and ginger, explore the artisanal village of

Duration: 8h

How to get to the Sunshine Coast

It's never been easier to get to Australia's most loved coastal region. Follow the links and find your way to the Sunny Coast.

Sunshine Coast Hotels

View All Sunshine Coast Hotels

Sunshine Coast Car Hire

From Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), you'll be 6.2km from Maroochydore, 40.9km from Noosa and 15.4km from Mooloolaba. Why not score some wheels to cruise through the Glass House Mountains?

Reserve your car now

Sunshine Coast Airport Transfers

Don't wear yourself out by driving during your well-deserved holiday-make someone else chauffeur you around. Book yourself a private car service, bus or shuttle and enjoy the ride to paradise.

View Airport Transfers

Main Airport Information

Brisbane Airport is a couple of hours away by car, but you can also fly directly to the Sunshine Coast Airport. This small international airport near Coolum is open 24/7 and has regular flights to/from the bigger cities in Australia and New Zealand.

Main Airport Information

Sunshine Coast Airport is situated in Marcoola, which is 10km from Maroochydore. If you fly into Brisbane Airport, you'll be about an hour away from the Sunny Coast by car. You can also take a bus from Brissie up to the Sunshine Coast.

What you need to know about the Sunshine Coast

True to its name, you'll enjoy sunny weather all year round. But beyond packing your zinc cream, here's a few handy tips.

Wotif's insider tips for the Sunshine Coast

Read about the local favourites for all things dining, daring and fun fairing.

Type:

Modern Australian

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone, Couples, Foodies

Overlooking main beach at Noosa Head, Bistro C is the go-to restaurant whenever my wife and I are visiting Noosa. It's always got a fantastic vibe, the service is wonderful and view is to die for. The fresh seafood spaghetti (the pan for 2) is magnficent.

Learn more about Queensland

Type:

A spot to get in touch with nature, A place for adventure, A scenic spot

Perfect for:

Eco travellers, Outdoor types

Not exactly hidden, because you can see the 13 peaks of the Glass House Mountains from afar, but full of hidden wonders. There are well-trodden and off-the-beaten-track walking trails and you can climb peaks and explore caves and forests. There are small villages and roadside stalls and farms where you can buy sweet treats, fresh produce and drinks. The perfect place to be when the coastal areas around Brisbane get too busy during the…

Barbara, 44.

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Type:

Burgers

Perfect for:

Youngsters and the young-at-heart, Vegetarians, Vegans

Another fully vegan menu and everything is incredible!

Learn more about Maroochydore

Type:

Italian, Modern Australian

Perfect for:

Foodies, Sweet-tooths

This is such a great location at the start of the Noosa strip. They often have live music and open air dining under umbrellas. The menu selection is great, with lots of Italian-influenced items. It's a nice spot for a late dessert too.

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Type:

A spot to get in touch with nature

Perfect for:

Anyone, Eco travellers, Outdoor types

This is a great spot for hiking. We were looking for koalas, but they're pretty scarce in the wild these days. Instead we found a couple goannas, huge lizards (4 feet long). Fortunately they're not as dangerous as Monitors, but still...We also saw brush turkeys and the big piles of leaves they push together to lay their eggs and let them stay warm until they hatch. Plus some nice views of the ocean.

Nancy, 62.

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Type:

Culture, Art or Show, A place to shop

Perfect for:

Foodies, Shoppers, Bargain hunters

Eumundi says they "make it, bake it, sew it, grow it." And they do. Go early in the morning for coffee and breakfast and then wander around for all kinds of local handicrafts,

Nancy, 62.

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Type:

A scenic spot

Perfect for:

Anyone, Eco travellers, Outdoor types

This is the perfect spot for a sunset in the Noosa area. Hike up or down from Noosa Main Beach and look for Koalas in the jungle (not likely). At the top is a pleasant spot to sit, maybe have a picnic, and watch the sky change colors. When we were there a pair of Kookaburras were sitting overhead in the gum tree. Neat! It's possible to drive up too.

Nancy, 62.

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Type:

Culture, Art or Show, A place to shop, A place for families

Perfect for:

Anyone

Sure this is the main attraction of Eumundi but you still need to make the effort to get to this Sunshine Coast market. Once here you'll be able to shop for one-of-a-kind art, children's toys, cosmetics, jewelry, textiles and more. It takes place on Wednesday and Saturday.

Brad, 35. Buenos Aires

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Type:

A la Carte, Seafood

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone, Couples, the super-hungry, Carnivore

247 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566, Australia

Learn more about Queensland

Close to:

Food Shopping, Key Attractions, Parks, Public Transport

Perfect for:

Outdoor Enthusiasts, Families, Lovers

This is my favourite beach town in all of QLD. Close to Mt Coolum and Emu Mountain, you can spend time taking in the natural beauty on inland Sunshine Coast, and you can spend days exploring the surrounding coastlines and beaches. It remains a bit of a secret gem only attracting a few tourists, instead this town prefers to promote a simpler beach life. Great quiet escape

Archi, Adelaide

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sunshine Coast

What to do with kids in the Sunshine Coast?

Travelling to the Sunny Coast with the family in tow? Hike the many trails of Noosa National Park. And keep your eyes open and cameras at the ready, because this place is loaded with cute koalas.

Where is Sunshine Coast racecourse?

The Sunshine Coast racecourse, also known as the Sunshine Coast Turf Club, is located at 170 Pierce Avenue, Caloundra. Try to time your trip to coincide with the Pool Pro Queensland Cup or the Pump House Caloundra Cup (both in July) and try your luck.

Where is Sunshine Coast Stadium?

The Sunshine Coast Stadium is located at 31 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina. Built in 2011 and expanded in 2017, it's a multi-sport facility that hosts everything from footy matches to concerts. The stadium also has a 30kw solar power system on the roof, making it one of the most sustainable venues in the country.

Sunshine Coast Hotels

Flights to Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Car Hire

Sunshine Coast Holiday Packages