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Sunshine Coast, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Guide to the Sunshine Coast
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- Getting to the Sunshine Coast
- When to visit
Whether you’re seeking action-packed, nature-filled adventures or a relaxing beachside escape, the Sunshine Coast delivers the best of both worlds.
Stretching for more than 60km (40mi) along the Queensland coast, the Sunshine Coast is as vast as it is varied. White sand beaches and pristine waterways sit alongside lush rainforests and Heritage-listed national parks, with charming historic villages sprinkled throughout. You’ll be spoiled for choice with fresh local seafood, unique dining experiences and many wonderful wineries and breweries. Top it off with a subtropical climate and exceptional nature experiences and you’ve found an ideal year-round destination.
The Sunshine Coast is serviced by two airports: Brisbane Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport. Both airports will allow you to reach the Sunshine Coast’s many popular destinations, like Noosa and Mooloolaba.
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) is located between a one and two-hour drive from the Sunshine Coast, depending on your destination and services both domestic and international arrivals
- Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is located about a 30-minute drive from most towns, with direct flights from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland
Car hire is available from either airport, and driving is a convenient way to visit different destinations within the region.
Due to its subtropical climate, the Sunshine Coast enjoys pleasant weather all year long. Visiting in spring between October and November offers comfortable temperatures, low rainfall and fewer crowds.
- High season: Summer (December to February) and during school holiday periods
- Low season: After Easter holidays (April) until mid-September
Trips and Itineraries
Sunshine Coast: 8-day family road trip holiday
3 days on the Great Sunshine Way
The Pacific Coast Way: a must-do Gold Coast to Cairns road trip
4-day road trip through Queensland’s Scenic Rim
Destinations near the sunshine coast.
Travellers' stories
Planning your trip to Australia?
Featured articles.
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Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.
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*Product Disclaimer: Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.
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Explore the Sunshine Coast
You won't be disappointed.
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Dive in and discover all that the Sunshine Coast has to offer. From Pelican Waters to Noosa and all the way to Tewantin; there is no shortage of sights, attractions and fun things to do on the coast and hinterland.
TOP DESTINATIONS
27 listings, 12 listings, 51 listings, places we recommend you visit, handpicked places by our team, maleny botanic gardens, lush property featuring walkways past exotic plants & waterfalls, plus bird & animal enclosures..
- +61 (7) 5344 0010
- 233 Maleny Stanley River Rd
The Smash Pit
Destruction therapy or just plain fun, a unique adrenaline rush.
- 26 Price Street
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Formally underwater world, the number one destination on the sunshine coast.
- +61 7 5458 6226
- Parkyn Parade
The Latest & Greatest
Here's our most recent listings to keep you up to date with what's going on in the sunshine coast, decisions cafe, at decisions cafe in qld's sunshine coast region, patrons indulge in a unique culinary experience blending….
- +61 451 067 263
- 4/10 Capital Pl
Cafe Sisily
Serving up an enticing blend of aromatic coffee and delectable bites, cafe sisily in qld's sunshine coast….
- +61 402 049 812
- 40 Landsborough Parade
Aurenda Coffee Co.
Aurenda coffee co. invites visitors to savor the perfect blend of artisanal coffee in a serene setting.….
- 34 Esplanade Headland
Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar
Serving up a curated blend of exceptional coffee and laid-back vibes, lamkin lane espresso bar is a local….
- +61 402 527 118
- 31 Lamkin Lane
The Pastry Lab
Dive into the delightful world of the pastry lab on the vibrant sunshine coast. indulge your taste buds in a….
- 2/80 Lower Gay Terrace
White Picket Fence
White picket fence invites patrons to experience a delightful blend of artisanal coffee and delectable bites….
- 0474 771 969
- 140 Bulcock Street
Are you looking for the best hotels in Noosa in Australia? The key to a truly memorable trip lies in choosing the perfect place to stay. Noosa, with its beautiful beaches, lush parks, and amazing dining scene, offers plenty of accommodation options. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best hotels in Noosa, carefully […]
Whoever named it the ‘Sunshine Coast’ may have not been the world’s most creative person, but they sure were on the money! Home to long, warm days throughout Summer, the Sunshine Coast has some of the best beaches Australia has to offer! How we Picked the Best Beaches in the Sunshine Coast With so many […]
It’s no secret that the Sunshine Coast is home to some of the best cafes, restaurants and bars around. But with so many options available, it can be a difficult task to dodge the tourist traps and experience local favourites. That’s why we’ve done the work for you and rounded up the most locally-loved cafes, […]
- Food & Drink
When you get a perfect cup of coffee, whether it is pure and black or more like a delicious dessert, you sit up and take notice. There’s nothing like a good cup of coffee to wake you up in the morning, perk you up during the day and end a great meal at night. For […]
Beautiful beaches, natural wonders and popular attractions form the backdrop for the laid-back lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast. The area is an ideal place for shopping, sightseeing and outdoor recreation. When visiting the Sunshine Coast on your next holiday, consider these seven attractions that are fun for the whole family. 1. Underwater World Mooloolaba Underworld […]
Things To Do
Attractions
Marvel at amazing animals, race around a go-kart track, or get lost in a hedge maze – you'll find endless hours of fun at attractions on the Sunshine Coast.
On your next visit to the Sunshine Coast, make sure to get up close and personal with animals at Australia Zoo . Their team of passionate conservationists work around-the-clock to deliver animal experiences like no other. Cuddle a koala, feed the gorgeous kangaroos, walk a wombat, and don’t miss the daily shows in the Crocoseum.
Keen for some more wildlife fun? Wildlife HQ in the Nambour region also features an array of native and exotic animals, while Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World is home to over 700 birds from around the world.
Wildlife HQ, Woombye
Indulge your inner child at fun park Aussie World , or get your heart rate up at the Big Kart Track : the largest commercial go-kart track in the country. Alternatively, check out the underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast . The aquarium here is home to the Sunshine Coast's only colony of Little Blue Penguins, as well as seals, sea horses, and an amazing array of marine life.
Amaze World, Tanawha
For a one-stop-shop that offers food, entertainment, and education, you can’t go past The Ginger Factory . If you've got a competitive side, you'll love getting lost amongst the twists and turns of the star shaped living hedge at Amaze World . Rediscover the magic of a bygone era aboard the historic Mary Valley Rattler , or discover Australia’s largest and most diverse historic aviation display at the Queensland Air Museum .
Queensland Air Museum (QAM), Caloundra West
Get the adrenaline racing at TreeTop Challenge , where you can experience 120 high ropes games while gliding along 12 ziplines over a rainforest canopy. Or, take on Australia’s largest high ropes course on poles at Next Level - High Ropes Adventure Park at Sunshine Coast Plaza . All that is just the tip of the iceberg!
Local Experiences
Caloundra Jet Ski
Caloundra Jet Ski is Queensland's premier jetski experience. Operating in the Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay Marin...
Maroochydore
Paradise Seaplanes
Experience the joy of flight, the beauty of the Sunshine Coast, and the romance of a bygone era when you take off from p...
Thunder RoadTours Sunshine Coast
The ultimate Moto experience available , cruise the hinterlands and soak up sea and forest vapours aboard a hand made Ge...
Rainbow Beach
Wolf Rock Dive Centre
Wolf Rock Dive provides guided scuba diving tours to the amazing Wolf Rock, Australia's best shark and ray dive. Just t...
Pippies Fraser Island Tours
Experience the Ultimate 4WD Australian Beach Driving and Camping Adventure on Island, with Pippies Fraser Island Tours. ...
Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours
A trip to Queensland's Sunshine Coast is not complete without escaping the bitumen and indulging in a unique once in a l...
Dingo's Fraser Island 4WD Tours
Dingo's Fraser Island Tours make sure you get to see all the special places that Fraser Island (K'Gari) has to offer and...
Aquaduck Sunshine Coast
Departing in front of SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, the Aquaduck tour offers a perfect blend of city sightseeing and river cr...
Sunreef Mooloolaba
The home of ocean adventure! Scuba dive, snorkel with turtles, swim with whales, or go whale watching plus ocean jet ski...
Regional Attractions
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo, one hour north of Brisbane on Queenslands Sunshine Coast, is home of The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. N...
Aussie World
Experience one of Australia's favourite Theme Parks! With so many thrilling rides and attractions on offer, Aussie Worl...
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Go on an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, a multi-award winning, all weather attraction, situated right ...
Landsborough
Big Kart Track Pty Ltd
Big Kart Track is the largest commercial go kart track In Australia. They have 50 karts going on their 1.2 kilometre lon...
Xperiences is a custom built adventure training, team building and leisure centre in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Lo...
Mary Valley Rattler
Let them take you back in time to a bygone era aboard the Historic Mary Valley Rattler! The Historic Gympie Station on T...
Queensland Air Museum
Queensland Air Museum is Australias largest and most diverse historic aviation display. Located at Caloundra on the beau...
TreeTop Challenge - Sunshine Coast
Get Ready to Push your fears to the limit and get your adrenaline racing at the Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast. The...
Amaze World
Voted the number 1 thing to do on the Sunshine Coast 2021. Take A Step Into Their World In the midst of the subtropic...
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World - An Unforgettable Experience - The 'Jewel' of Maleny. Maleny Botanic Gardens is ...
The Ginger Factory
Welcome to The Ginger Factory, where your unforgettable adventure awaits! Located just off the Bruce Highway in Yandin...
Guided Tours
Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours
Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours provides a range of personalised tours and event experiences on the Sunshine Coast, Noo...
Mystic Mountain Tours
Looking for a local guide to see the Sunshine Coast? Mystic Mountain Tours specialise in Tours of their home towns of Ma...
Croc Tours specialise in small group day tours from Brisbane and Noosa to the iconic Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo. A loc...
Coast to Hinterland Tours
Coast to Hinterland Tours is a Sunshine Coast Tour Operator incorporating storytelling, sightseeing, food & wine into cu...
Noosa Heads
Epic Ocean Adventures Noosa
Epic Ocean Adventures Noosa offer unique 4X4 Dolphin View Kayak Tours, Surf Lessons on Australia's longest wave and Stan...
Ride On Mary - Kayak and Bike Bush Adventures
Kayak the beautiful Mary River or Yabba Creek and take in the breathtaking scenery! The river winds through patches of ...
Noosa Oceanrider
Noosa Oceanrider is the original and best rated offshore boating experience in Noosa. Noosa Oceanrider invites you to i...
Golden Beach
Bills Boat Hire and Tours - Caloundra
At Bills Boat and Hike hire, they offer a range of BBQ Pontoon Boats, Half Cabin and tinnies, No Boat license is require...
Horizon Trike Tours Sunshine Coast
Horizon Trike Tours offers three-wheeling adventures through the idyllic coastal villages of the Sunshine Coast from Cal...
Boreen Point
Everglades Eco Safaris
Explore Australia's only Everglades with Everglades Eco Safaris. They offer you an unforgettable wilderness cruise in...
Epic Ocean Adventures Rainbow Beach
Epic Ocean Adventures Rainbow Beach offer unique Dolphin View Kayak Tours, Surf Lessons on Australia's longest wave and ...
Relax and Enjoy
M.V. Noosa Queen
Leave your troubles and everyday stresses of life behind, as you come on board the M.V. Noosa Queen. Their Sunset Cruise...
Run Amuk Cruises
Run Amuk Cruises are a veteran social tourism enterprise operating SV Run Amuk, a commercially registered ocean-going 43...
Noosa River And Canal Cruises
The best way to explore Noosa is from the water and with Noosa River and Canal Cruises youll have the best seat in town...
Mooloolaba Canal Cruise
Mooloolaba Canal Cruise is a small family-run business that takes immense pride in providing an unforgettable, family-fr...
Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba - Bottomless Lunch Cruise
Embark on an exclusive journey with breathtaking views along the Mooloolah river and canals. A bottomless lunch journe...
Things to learn and do
Coolum Beach
Coolum Surf School
Coolum Surfing School is located on the naturally refreshing Sunshine Coast, only 90 minutes north of Brisbane and 10 mi...
Caloundra West
Sunshine Coast Skydivers
Sunshine Coast Skydivers skydive over beautiful Caloundra with views from Bribie Island to Mooloolaba out to Moreton Isl...
Skydive Noosa
Skydive Noosa - Famous For Fun! Tandem skydive with Skydive Noosa from up to 15000 feet, youll experience an insane 60 s...
Weyba Downs
Noosa Horse Riding
Take the opportunity to go riding on Lake Weyba just 10 minutes from Noosa part of the beautiful Noosa River System, par...
Noosa Learn to Surf
Learn to surf in Noosa with Noosa number one preferred operator. Noosa Learn to surf is the only surf school in Queensla...
Rainbow Beach Surf School
Rainbow Beach Surf School is located in spectacular Rainbow Beach offering learn to surf and stand up paddle boarding le...
Go Ride a Wave Noosa
When you join a surfing lesson with Go Ride A Wave, you are learning to surf with Australia's largest and most professio...
Rainbow Beach Horse Rides
Rainbow Beach Horse Rides have the only permit in existence to ride a horse along Rainbow Beach, which was rated in the ...
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