Sunshine Coast
Welcome to the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a popular destination for many visitors, including Australians who seek sunshine, natural experiences and long open pristine beaches.
Why is it so popular? The Sunshine Coast is a naturally abundant and beautiful region just north of Queensland's capital city Brisbane. The coast has it all - sunshine & mild weather, long stretches of open pristine beaches & surf breaks, scuba diving on reefs & wrecks, coastal & hinterland villages with quaint shops and world-class eating & drinking, rural green mountains with waterfalls and sub-tropical rainforests, picturesque rivers and lakes. It really is Australia's Nature Coast!
You may have already heard about some of the Sunshine Coast's iconic destinations and experiences - be sure not to miss these!
- Australia Zoo - Beerwah
- Surf Beaches - over 100kms
- Dining, shopping & surf precincts of Caloundra, Mooloolaba & Maroochydore
- Glass House Mountains for hiking & photography
- The Hinterland country villages of Maleny & Montville for scenic vistas, food & wine, art & craft
- Scuba Diving amongst vast marine life on reefs & shipwrecks
Sunshine Coast
Must Do Experiences
Sunshine Coast Accommodation
Sunshine Coast
Things To Do
With 100km of idyllic coastline & beaches, quaint villages and a sub-tropical hinterland to explore, there's enough amazing Things to Do in nature to please everybody.
Beaches - The Sunshine Coast has some of the best and safest beaches in the world. Because the coast stretches so far, you can find the ideal swimming spot (from surf breaks to sheltered waters) and with so many open spaces you won't have to share with many others.
The Hinterland - Don't miss experiencing this beautiful country drive through the Blackall Range Hinterland. Covered in lush green sub-tropical rainforest and dotted with farms & waterfalls, you can also explore the hinterland's villages of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton, famous for their unique culture, art, shopping and farm fresh produce and dining.
Glasshouse Mountains - You know you're near the Sunshine Coast when you see these uniquely shaped rocky mountains that evolved from volcanic activity more than 25 million years ago. They are culturally & spiritually significant, and you'll be awestruck whether you just take in the vast picturesque views or experience the many hiking tracks.
Great Beach Drive - From Noosa to Rainbow Beach you can experience the Great Beach Drive. Join a guided 4WD tour and along the way stop to surf, swim, kayak, fish or just relax. We promise you won't have experienced anything like it. As you reach the village of Rainbow Beach, take in the coloured sand cliffs and arrive to a view of K'gari (Fraser Island).
Getting to the Sunshine Coast
The magnificent Sunshine Coast in Queensland is the southern gateway to Australia's Nature Coast and very easy to access with it's own international airport and its close proximity to Brisbane, Queensland's capital city.
The Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is located centrally near the stunning seaside village & surf beach of Marcoola. It is serviced by a range of domestic airlines with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland. Hire cars, taxis and Uber can get you from the airport to your preferred location, with Mooloolaba approximately 20 minutes drive away and Noosa 30 minutes drive.
From Brisbane's International and Domestic Airport or the Brisbane CBD, the Sunshine Coast is only one hour's drive (100km) north via the Pacific Coast Way (Bruce Highway). Driving yourself with either a rental car or your own vehicle is one of the best ways to explore the region.
We highly recommend you plan your Nature Coast Australia Road Trip using our itinerary tips here.
Sunshine Coast
Eat & Drink
The Sunshine Coast is a food lovers paradise that showcases it's natural fresh food bowl location. From the hinterland farms, wineries, breweries and dairies, the village bakeries, cafes and markets, and the vibrant coastal dining hubs, seafood and unique restaurant experiences, world-class chefs welcome you to enjoy the best.
Top Notch
Fish on Parkyn - Mooloolaba
Harry's On Buderim - Buderim Forest Park
Pier 33 - Mooloolaba
Embassy XO - Sunshine Beach
Spirit House - Yandina
The Tamarind - Maleny
The Long Apron - Montville
Warrior Restaurant & Bar (The Crocodile Hunter Lodge) - Beerwah
Terrace of Maleny - Maleny
Daawat Indian Restaurant - Maleny
The Tamarind (Spicers Retreat) - Maleny
Spirit House - Yandina
Honeysuckle Restaurant - Buderim
Orleans - Maroochydore
Bocca Italian - Bokarina Beach
DeeDen - Buderim
Spice Bar - Mooloolaba
The Long Apron (Spicers Retreat) - Montville
Bella Venezia - Mooloolaba
Casual
Rice Boi - Mooloolaba
Lilianas Trattoria - Maroochydore
Pavilion - Mooloolaba
The Surf Club - Mooloolaba
Ricks Garage - Palmwoods
Amici Restaurant Pizzeria - Caloundra
Shotgun - Maleny
Rick's on 6th - Maroochydore
La Petite Souris - Alexandra Headland
Glass Coffee House & Wine Bar - Maroochydore
The Island Surf & Espresso - Mudjimba
Ricks Garage - Palmwoods
Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar - Caloundra
Drift Coffee Bistro Bar - Caloundra
One Block Back - Caloundra
ZeeCaf. Nosh Co. - Moffit Beach
Cafe Phillies - Beerburrum
Dirty Moes - Mooloolaba
Brews & Bars
Pomona Distilling Co - Pomona
20 20 Distillery - Cooroy
Botanik Spirit School - Cooroy
Sunshine & Sons - Woombye
Diablo Co - Woombye
Moffat Beach Brewing Co - Caloundra
Beachtree Distilling Co - Caloundra
Eumundi Distillers - Eumundi
Flame Hill Vineyard - Montville
Brouhaha Brewery - Maleny
Sunshine Coast Brewery - Kunda Park
Paradise Rum - Warana
Your Mates Brewing Co- Warana
10 Toes Brewery - Alexandra Headland
Sunshine Brewery - Maroochydore
Explore Australia's Nature Coast
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Traditional Custodians
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.