Question 1

Where Is Sunshine Coast?

Accepted Answer

Australia’s Sunshine Coast region of southeast Queensland includes many small towns from the northern point of Cooloola in Great Sandy National Park spreading down to Caloundra, north of the country’s third largest city, Brisbane. Brisbane Airport is the nearest and largest airport serving the region. The Sunshine Coast Airport flies domestically with regular flights from Sydney and Melbourne. There are also busses that run through the region and connect with Brisbane — but to really get out and explore, a personal vehicle would be more liberating.

Question 2

What Is Sunshine Coast Known For?

Accepted Answer

The Sunshine Coast region is all about surf, sand, natural parks, and having a good time. It is the fastest growing area of Queensland, encompassing a 45-mile stretch of coastline and the inland area commonly known as “The Hinterlands.”  The area draws visitors with its white sand beaches, lush greenery, delicious produce, and relaxed pace of life.

Question 3

A Quick Guide to Sunshine Coast

Accepted Answer

Noosa National Park: Occupying a promontory in the central coast region is a popular destination for hikers and wildlife lovers. At Noosa National Park, you can feast your sights on both dolphins and koalas. The park can be accessed on foot from Noosa Heads, Noosa Main Beach, and Sunshine Beach. The popular Coastal Trail follows a path on the outer edge of the park closest to the water and takes about an hour and a half to complete. Don’t miss the Fairy Pools and Tea Tree Bay at the tip of the park between Hell’s Gates and Boiling Pot Lookout.
Great Sandy National Park: The northernmost end of the Sunshine Coast includes the sparsely populated Great Sandy National Park, known for its rainbow colored sands, mangrove forests, and wildlife — including exotic birds and humpback whales. With a 4WD permit, drive from Noosa North Shore along Great Beach Drive to Double Island Point for an unforgettable drive. Tin Can Bay is a common base for the area and is famous for the Barnacles Dolphin Centre, where visitors can feed and get close to dolphins.
Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium: Complete with interactive exhibits, live shows, and 200-foot long transparent underwater tunnel, the Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium even accepts reservations for overnight stays. Located in the town of Mooloolaba — which also features great surf spots — Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright Lighthouse, and boat tours are other local sights to explore.
The Original Eumundi Markets: The Original Eumundi Markets is an artisan market with 600+ stalls featuring local art, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, furniture, food vendors, palm readers, street performers, and live music. The market occurs every Saturday and Wednesday year-round, rain or shine. Located in the hinterland of Eumundi about 30 minutes southwest of Noosa, the town also features a state-of-the-art brewery inside the Imperial Hotel.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve: Outside of the town of Maleny is a large rainforest park called Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve that’s vibrantly alive with wild bird chatter. The park is shaded, lush, and well-situated with an educational discovery centre, cafe, and views of the Glass House Mountains. Gardners Falls, Maleny Botanic Garden & Bird World, Maleny Dairies and Beerwah are all nearby as well.

Question 4

Popular Destinations Near Sunshine Coast

Accepted Answer

Brisbane: Set on the ocean and split in half by the Brisbane River, the capital of Queensland state is as relaxed as it is large, with an ever growing population of two million people who bask in the year-round sunny and mild weather. The South Bank District hosts the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, South Bank Parklands, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Mt. Coot-tha looms over the city and offers a phenomenal panoramic view from the peak’s lookout, where the Botanic Garden is also located.
Gold Coast: An hour south of Brisbane begins the Gold Coast — which for as relaxed and uncrowded as the Sunshine Coast can be — the Gold Coast is the party-hardy little sister. The nightlife scene is as vibrant as the beach scene with high-rise hotels, apartments, nightclubs, and a sea of amusement parks. The main surf beaches are Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, and South Stradbroke which are active all year-round. The hinterlands are a lush and wildly natural counterpoint of rainforests, valley, and waterfalls. Additionally, Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Park offer easy access from the coast.

Question 5

Best Neighborhoods in Sunshine Coast

Accepted Answer

Noosa: This neighborhood's name refers to most of the attractions in the area including Noosa Junction, Noosa Heads, Noosa Woods, and more. The upscale and cosmopolitan town in the middle of the Sunshine Coast is also the gateway to gorgeous Noosa National Park, with its many beaches and lookout points. Noosa Heads Main Beach, an ever-popular beach destination, and the endless Sunshine Beach are on either side of the commercial areas. Noosa is a great place to learn how to surf, especially in Noosa Beach’s protected bay. The town has many accommodations and restaurants spread throughout, but particularly near the waterfront areas. For those who want to take home some goodies, Hastings Street is a shopper’s paradise.
Beerwah: The home of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin’s famous Australia Zoo and the entry to Glass House Mountains National Park, Beerwah is a flat plains area punctuated by many dormant volcano cores. The zoo is expansive, well-maintained, and actively run by the Irwin family.
Montville: A small hinterland town not far from Maleny is Montville, a place known for its European architecture and artsy, bohemian flair. There are many art galleries, cafes, and specialty gift shops in this neighborhood. Additionally, any curious adventurers would love to explore the waterfalls and swimming hole at Kondalilla Falls National Park and the peaceful Lake Baroon. Accommodations are dotted around town with the bulk of restaurants located in the town center.

Question 6

What is the price range for rentals in Sunshine Coast?

Accepted Answer

Vacation rentals in Sunshine Coast have a price range between $39-$16,676. The average price for rentals in Sunshine Coast is $214 per night.

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