Sunshine Coast
Signature Experiences Guide
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Discover our Sunshine Coast
Wonders of nature, beachside culture, fresh local food, immersive encounters and world-class events. The Sunshine Coast is one of the most vibrant regions in Australia; renowned for its natural environment, subtropical climate and friendly locals.
Kondalilla Falls Front cover: Pumicestone Passage
Location and access Air Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is centrally located just 10 minutes north of Maroochydore. Regular daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne, and three times weekly services from Adelaide, connect the Sunshine Coast to more than 55 Australian and international destinations. Direct flight services from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast are available on a seasonal basis.
Travel times Brisbane to Sunshine Coast
1 hr 10mins
Sydney (SYD) to Sunshine Coast (MCY)
1 hr 30 mins
Melbourne (MEL) to Sunshine Coast (MCY) 2 hr 20 mins Adelaide (ADL) to Sunshine Coast (MCY)
2 hr 45 mins
Auckland (AKL) to Sunshine Coast (MCY)
3 hr 30 mins
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is the international gateway to Queensland and is an easy one hour drive to the Sunshine Coast. Self drive For those coming from further afield, it is an easy one hour drive from Brisbane’s domestic and international airports before arriving at the Sunshine Coast’s Glass House Mountains. All major car rental companies have outlets at both the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast airports. Ground transport Regular bus shuttle services, group transfers, limousines and business class mini-coaches operate door-to-door between Brisbane Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport seven days a week. Transport between Brisbane Airport and the Sunshine Coast can also be accessed via rail to Beerwah, Landsborough or Nambour train stations.
Climate The Sunshine Coast enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year with a subtropical/temperate climate ideal for outdoor activities and events virtually all year long.
Darwin Cairns
QUEENSLAND
Alice Springs
SUNSHINE COAST AIRPORT
Brisbane Gold Coast Perth
Adelaide
Sydney Canberra Auckland Melbourne Hobart
Rainbow Beach Tin Can Bay Gympie
SUNSHINE COAST
Mary Valley
Noosa Eumundi
Coolum Beach
Maroochydore Montville Mooloolaba Maleny Caloundra Glass House Mountains
Where to stay Whether it is five star luxury beachfront resorts and apartments, international standard hotels, luxury lodge escapes, eco-accredited accommodation, quaint bed and breakfasts, golf and spa resorts, a private island, houseboats, or camping and caravanning; the Sunshine Coast offers accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Average temperatures Summer (Dec - Feb) Low 17C / 63F
High 28C / 82F
Autumn (Mar - May) Low 13C / 55F
High 25C / 77F
Winter (Jun - Aug)
Low 7C / 45F
High 22C / 72F
Spring (Sept - Nov)
Low 13C / 55F
High 25C / 77F
Sunshine Coast signature experiences From the majestic Glass House Mountains to Noosa and the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, the Sunshine Coast region includes over 100 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches, surrounded by the quiet beauty of coastal and hinterland villages. Enviably positioned, the region is tucked between Brisbane and Fraser Island and is a natural haven of specialty experiences just waiting to be explored. Kayak amongst dolphins, swim with rescued seals, ride a horse along the beach, try yoga poses on a stand up paddle board, or fly over the landscape in a seaplane or helicopter... the options are endless.
Rainbow Beach Horse Rides, Rainbow Beach
Taste the Sunshine Coast A natural food bowl, the Sunshine Coast is becoming one of Australia’s favourite taste destinations. Paddock to plate has never been closer with farm gates, food and wine tours and farmers markets.
Belmondos Organic Market
The region has an appetising variety of producers, waterfront restaurants, wineries, breweries, food festivals and cooking schools.
Craft beer tasting, Brouhaha Brewery
The Tamarind Cooking School, Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Artisan cheese, Maleny Food Co
Mooloolaba is home to one of the busiest fishing ports in Australia The wharf is a hive of daily activity - with trawlers bringing in fresh catches of fish, Mooloolaba prawns, lobsters and spanner crabs, all available for purchase at the local seafood shops.
Outdoor dining, Maleny Manor
Sunshine Coast pineapples
Only on the Sunshine Coast The Sunshine Coast is a country and coast natural utopia brimming with surprising, enchanting and delightful activities and world-class natural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else.
Fraser Island beach landing with Air Fraser
Journey along the Great Beach Drive, paddle through the Noosa Everglades, explore Fraser Island by private plane or four wheel drive vehicle and learn about the region’s quintessentially Aussie surf culture.
Walking the Coastal Trail, Sunshine Beach
Stand up paddle boarding on the Pumicestone Passage
Kayaking through the Noosa Everglades with Kanu Kapers
The best place to view the Glass House Mountains is from the beautiful lawns of Maleny Botanic Gardens, preferably accompanied by a picnic of local produce.
The Great Beach Drive, Rainbow Beach. Credit: Glen David Wilson
Get up close and personal The Sunshine Coast is full of authentic and immersive encounters!
Sunrise yoga, Mount Coolum
Noosa Red Tomatoes at Eumundi Markets
Experiences abound – swim with humpback whales, enjoy canapés with a camel, cuddle a koala, help conserve local wildlife. Learn to surf with a pro, salute the sun overlooking the ocean or meet local artisans at Australia’s largest open-air market.
Animal encounter at Australia Zoo
Fun at Aussie World
Swim alongside majestic humpback whales as they migrate along the Queensland coast between July and October. Swim with the whales by Sunreef Mooloolaba Credit: Migration Media
Camels & CanapĂŠs experience with Live it Tours
Relaxing massage, Noosa Main Beach
Experience nature’s ampitheatre
Breakfast event on Cotton Tree sandbar
Caloundra Music Festival
Almost every week of the year the Sunshine Coast hosts a major national or international event, ranging from major sporting events to cultural, food and business events. Compete, join in, learn, be entertained or simply soak up the atmosphere and discover why the Sunshine Coast’s natural ampitheatre is the perfect place to experience an event.
Mooloolaba Triathlon
Noosa Food & Wine
Horizon Festival of Arts and Culture
Noosa Triathlon and Multi Sport Festival is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting over 10,000 competitors to the Sunshine Coast every November.
Velothon Sunshine Coast
March
Ocean Swim Festival Mooloolaba Mile Mooloolaba
January
Ginger Flower and Food Festival Ginger Factory, Yandina
Noosa Festival of Surfing Noosa Heads Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival Mooloolaba
Maleny Wood Expo Maleny
Queensland Triathlon Series R6, Caloundra
Big Pineapple Music Festival Woombye Noosa Ultimate Sports Festival Noosa Heads
August
Gympie Muster Amamoor State Forest 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon Maroochydore
July
Queensland Garden Expo Nambour
Wanderlust Sunshine Coast Twin Waters Caloundra Music Festival Caloundra Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival Caloundra
November
Sea N Sound Festival Mooloolaba
April
Grape Stomp, Flame Hill Vineyard, Montville
Noosa Food & Wine Noosa Heads
June
Ocean Swim Festival Noosa Heads
February
October
May
Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival Noosa Heads
September
Noosa Alive! Noosa area
Maroochy Music and Visual Arts Festival Maroochydore
Velothon Sunshine Coast Maroochydore
Tin Can Bay Seafood Tin Can Bay Horizon Festival of Arts and Culture Sunshine Coast Ironman 70.3 Mooloolaba
December
Woodford Folk Festival Woodford
Clean, green and protected for future generations Living in one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet comes with a certain responsibility, and the Sunshine Coast takes great care to protect its environment for today’s residents and for future generations. The region offers a range of nature and wildlife experiences, from the rocky outcrops of the iconic Glass House Mountains to the pristine waterways of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park. The adjoining Noosa and Great Sandy Biospheres are home to many rare and endangered species, while the nearby Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world, provides serene tranquility. Glass House Mountains view from Mt Ngungun. Credit: Jason Charles Hill
ITINERARY
Adventure seeker Day 1 Head to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to discover the picturesque rainforests, stunning waterfalls and nature. Continue on to Mooloolaba for super swimming beaches and a beachside feast of Mooloolaba prawns, spanner crabs or reef fish fresh, washed down with a local craft beer. Overnight in one of Mooloolaba’s budget or luxury accommodation options.
FRASER ISLAND
5 RAINBOW BEACH
4 NOOSA 3 COOLUM BEACH 2 MONTVILLE 1 MOOLOOLABA MALENY GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS
Day 2 If it is in, on or under the sea, Mooloolaba has it all. Swim with humpback whales (Jul - Oct), dive the ex-HMAS Brisbane, sail the pristine waters or get up close and personal to view other marine life at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. Head north to Mount Coolum and walk the summit for spectacular 360 degree views. The perfect spot for on-land whale watching (Jul-Oct). Take time out to immerse in nature! Stroll through Noosa National Park to spot resident koalas and revitalise in the azure waters of Laguna Bay at sunset.
Day 3 Start your day early and travel to Rainbow Beach, ensuring you consider tides. Enjoy a thrilling four wheel drive (4WD) adventure like no other! Kayak with the dolphins at Double Island Point or take a relaxing horse ride along pristine Rainbow Beach, one of the region’s best kept secrets. Catch the ferry across to explore World Heritage-listed Fraser Island via self-hire 4WD (National Park permits are required) or join a guided tour.
Choose from one of the many dining options on Hastings Street or nearby Noosaville, before retiring for your overnight stay. • Visit the mysterious Glass House Mountains National Park to learn about the ancient Aboriginal legend of Mount Beerwah, Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Coonowrin. • Adventure pursuits abound! Paddle the Noosa Everglades, learn to surf, para-sail, skydive or take a spectacular Sunshine Coast scenic flight to experience Fraser Island. Lake Cootharaba, Noosa
ITINERARY
4
Indulge in the sunshine Day 1
Day 2
Start your day in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and stroll through Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, which promises to delight with its tranquillity and natural beauty.
Depart early for a scenic drive through Noosa’s picturesque hinterland, a region renowned for its abundance of fresh, local and delectable produce.
Indulge in a long relaxing lunch at one of the Hinterland’s award-winning restaurants and explore the unique galleries in the quaint villages of Maleny and Montville.
Indulge at one of the many cosmopolitan eateries, galleries and decadent spas the region has to offer.
Join a hinterland tour to learn more about this historic natural region, indulge at a local day spa or take part in a local cooking school before retiring to your Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation. • Relax in the peaceful surrounds of an eco-certified lodge or bed and breakfast in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Explore the Noosa National Park, which encompasses Queensland’s first UNESCO Biosphere reserve and immerse yourself in world class nature. Stay at one of Noosa’s luxury resorts on elegant Hastings Street or nearby Noosaville precinct. Savour the flavours prepared by dedicated and experienced chefs at awardwinning restaurants, cafes and local eateries.
3 2 EUMUNDI
RAINBOW BEACH
NOOSA
MONTVILLE 1 MALENY GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS
Day 3 Experience the beauty of the coloured sand cliffs on a private 4WD tour taking in the breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Great Beach Drive. Horse ride along the spectacular beach or bushland, or kayak and surf with the dolphins. Fresh seafood platters, a typical Aussie barbecue or white table cloths, the choice is yours. Overnight in deluxe apartment at Rainbow Beach or try a night of ultimate beach camping at Inskip Point under the stars.
• Learn a new dish at one of Sunshine Coast’s many cooking schools. • Take time to explore the coloured sand cliffs and striking Carlo Sand Blow at Rainbow Beach. 4WD experience on Rainbow Beach
ITINERARY
Family fun Day 1 Get up close and personal with rare, endangered and much loved Australian and exotic animals at Australia Zoo. Enjoy some fast paced fun at the Big Kart Track and family time at the Sunshine Coast’s largest theme park Aussie World, topped off by a delicious lunch stop at the adjoining Australiana pub.
Day 2 Start your day at the Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. Stroll the stunning gardens and take a walk through the bird aviary. Visit the town of Maleny for a leisurely morning tea. Enjoy a short drive to Mooloolaba, one of Australia’s most vibrant and exciting beachfront destinations. Spend the afternoon discovering SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, the region’s marine mammal park, oceanarium and wildlife sanctuary, or join a whale watch experience (Jul - Oct) before retiring to your beachfront accommodation.
Continue on to Caloundra for dinner on the beach at sunset and stay overnight at one of the many beachfront properties in the family friendly playground of Caloundra.
6 NOOSA EUMUNDI MONTVILLE 3 MALENY
5 1
4 2
MOOLOOLABA
GLASS HOUSE CALOUNDRA MOUNTAINS
Day 3 Soak up the sunshine with an alfresco breakfast and refreshing dip in ocean before heading to the Ginger Factory for delicious ginger flavours, honey bee demonstrations, the Ginger Factory tour and fun rides for the kids. Continue on to Eumundi and explore the local delights of the Eumundi Markets — Australia’s premier artisan market (Wed and Sat).
On the Sunshine Coast, it’s all about immersing in the relaxed coastal lifestyle! From saltwater to freshwater – options abound. Take time out to learn to surf, or stand-up paddle board at one of the many patrolled beaches that line the coast.
Enjoy the scenic coastal drive to Noosa taking in the Noosa River precinct and arrive in time for an afternoon surf or stroll through the Noosa National Park — home to many native Australian animals, including koalas and birds. Overnight at one of Noosa’s many family friendly resorts. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny
ITINERARY
Wonders of nature Day 1
Day 2 Your journey continues with a scenic drive to Noosa. Visit Noosa National Park, one of Queensland’s few coastal national parks.
Start your day in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and visit the majestic Glass House Mountains.
Stroll through the park and spot resident koalas dozing in the trees, swim or surf at coves and beaches and retreat into the cool forests of the inland tracks.
Enjoy the picturesque rainforest, stunning views and discover waterfalls as you experience 58km of world class walking trails in the scenic Blackall Range.
Cruise or paddle the pristine coastal waterways of the Noosa Everglades or take the Noosa River Ferry and explore the surrounds.
Overnight at one of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s eco-certified accommodation options.
• Experience off-road driving at it’s best on the Great Beach Drive. • Visit the world’s largest sand island, World Heritage-listed Fraser Island • Explore one of Australia’s most celebrated resort towns – Noosa. • Take in the spectacular scenery of the Glass House Mountains.
4
Day 3 Leave the bitumen behind and head north; self-drive or join a 4WD tour to experience the Great Beach Drive. Explore the beauty of the coloured sands en route. Horse ride at Rainbow Beach, join a kayak tour and gaze the stars at Carlo Sand Blow. Immerse in nature and camp overnight at Rainbow Beach, or choose apartment style accommodation.
3
5 FRASER ISLAND
& LADY ELLIOT ISLAND
RAINBOW BEACH
NOOSA
MONTVILLE 1 MALENY 2 GLASS HOUSE CALOUNDRA MOUNTAINS
Day 4 Catch the ferry across to World Heritagelisted Fraser Island to explore the largest sand island in the world. Overnight on Fraser Island or Hervey Bay.
Day 5 Hop on a 40 minute scenic flight from Hervey Bay to the southern gateway of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island, for an unrivalled reef experience. Find yourself captivated by the green sea turtles during egg laying and hatching (Nov-Mar). Turtle, Lady Elliot Island