Sunshine Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Noosaville which includes boating and general coastal views
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 accommodation. 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.

Where to stay in Sunshine Coast

Mooloolaba showing landscape views, views and a beach

Mooloolaba

A noteworthy feature of Mooloolaba is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out The Wharf Mooloolaba and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Mooloolaba
Noosa Heads featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Noosa Heads

A noteworthy feature of Noosa Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Hastings Street and Noosa National Park.

Noosa Heads
Kawana Beach showing a beach and landscape views

Caloundra

Caloundra is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Caloundra Events Center and Bulcock Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Sunshine Coast.

Caloundra
Maroochydore showing landscape views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Maroochydore

Maroochydore is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Maroochydore Beach and Sunshine Plaza while you're in town.

Maroochydore
Coolum Beach showing landscape views and a beach as well as a couple

Coolum Beach

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Coolum Beach. A stop by Aqua Fun Park or Coolum Beach might round out your trip.

Coolum Beach
Noosaville featuring general coastal views and a coastal town

Noosaville

Noosaville is known for its stunning river views, and you can see some sights area like Lake Weyba and Noosa National Park.

Noosaville
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is ₹8,596 per night from 26 May to 27 May
₹8,596
per night
26 May - 27 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (353 reviews)
"Pool and breakfast were great and a short walk to town"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is ₹11,404 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
₹11,404
per night
11 Jun - 12 Jun
Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews.
7.6/10 Good! (977 reviews)
"Beautiful"

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
The price is ₹14,116 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹14,116
per night
19 May - 20 May
Enjoy free parking, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,478 reviews)
Mini break
"Great service and staff were very helpful. Short stroll to beach, with cafes and shopping on your doorstep."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
4 out of 5
75 Esplanade, cnr Jellicoe Street and Esplanade, Golden Beach, QLD
Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and a theme park shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,545 reviews)
"Polite, happy staff. Clean and well presented room"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
Enjoy free parking, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,478 reviews)
Mini break
"Great service and staff were very helpful. Short stroll to beach, with cafes and shopping on your doorstep."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
RACV Noosa Resort
RACV Noosa Resort
5 out of 5
94 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,660 reviews)
"Unreal place for kids. Our boys loved it and we had such a good time. Shuttle bus was great for getting around and the staff were fantastic."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

RACV Noosa Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Sunshine Coast