There’s an entire coast of sunshine in Australia, a land where you’ll discover flawless beaches, amazing surfing, cosmopolitan coastal cities, pretty villages, and superb rural hinterland. Stretching from the coastal city of Caloundra, near Brisbane, to the Great Sandy National Park, the Sunshine Coast invites travelers to enjoy an action-packed holiday or just be lazy on a beach, both glorious ways to spend some days in the Australian sun.
Spreading along 100 km from the tip of Bribie Island to the Cooloola Coast, the coast is home to relaxed, sun-kissed locals, hip cafes, and a thriving food scene. It’s a fun playground for surfers and water activities fans, but also a corner of paradise for tourists searching for a quiet escape on an endless ribbon of powdery sand. But there’s more to the Sunshine Coast than its beaches and exotic vibes. The land is home to the sublime Glass House Mountains. Regardless if you’re a passionate surfer, an experienced sun worshipper or an adventurous hiker, the Sunshine Coast will keep you entertained and happy. Discover the most popular destinations on the coast and choose your favorite:
Noosa
All roads eventually lead to Noosa, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. The city is stylish and not at all aggressive with low-rise architecture and a laid back atmosphere that invites to daydreaming. The first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Queensland, Noosa combines stunning beaches with the greenery of the Noosa National Park and invites visitors to discover a spectacular dining scene, as well as high-class fashion boutiques.
An ideal destination to enjoy the finer things in life, Noosa is the gateway to spectacular coastal scenery and the fabulous native Australian forests and wildlife. Even when you’re just walking along the trendy Hastings Street, you’ll feel that you’re already one step close to nature due to the abundance of subtropical trees and greenery that add the final touches to the lovely painting created by trendy cafes, crowded bars, designer boutiques, and open-air terraces. It’s so easy to feel good in Noosa!
Mooloolaba
Known for its fabulous restaurants and organic cafes, Mooloolaba is situated 90 minutes away from Brisbane. A great family destination, the lovely Mooloolaba awaits with accommodation on the beach and a splendid beachfront esplanade where visitors stop to have al fresco dinners, enjoy a cappuccino or visit the fashion boutiques. The Mooloolaba Beach is dressed in pure white sand and is the town’s heart, while Mooloolaba Spit is a haven for those searching for calm waters and excellent seafood cafes.
The town’s main beach is known as one of the safest and most family-friendly surf beaches in the country, so you’ll be able to relax knowing everyone is going to have fun. Kids will be happy to spend their time at the UnderWater World or watching the yachts at the marina, while adults will certainly enjoy the fine dining options and various night entertainment. Mooloolaba is glamorous without being pretentious and exciting without being crowded or tiring.
Caloundra
The mellow vibe of this resort town attracts families with kids but also couples searching for romance. The laid back ambiance, the superb coastal paths, and pretty boardwalks invite to spending as much time outdoors, in the sunshine. Kings Beach is the perfect place to start your day, an idyllic corner of paradise wrapped in a never-ending festive ambiance. If you want to admire fantastic views, head to Shelly Beach and then stop for a while at Moffat Beach too. Nearby you’ll find the Dicky Beach aquatic playground.
From hiking and canoeing to surfing and sunbathing, the activities available in Caloundra will keep the serotonin levels high and visitors happy. The calm inlets and lakes in the area create fun playgrounds for kids while parents can enjoy the superb views of the Glass House Mountains and beautiful beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Walk along the 25 km-coastal walk and admire the beauty of the region, as well as the birds and dolphins that will make an appearance at Pumicestone Passage. This channel of pristine water is an amazing playground for aquatic escapades, especially kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and jet skiing.
Glass House Mountains
And there are always the ethereal Glass House Mountains, a fabulous collection of 16 volcanic crags that pierce the skyline with their dramatic peaks and diaphanous silhouettes. Surrounded by eucalyptus and pineapple plantations, the mountains seem to be a wrapped in a veil of mystical tales, especially if you think they’ve been around for more than 20 million years. Intimidating monoliths, the Glass House Mountains were once a navigational landmark for the Aborigines and the backdrop for many legends and myths. Drive along the Glass House Mountains Lookout Circuit and you’ll discover fantastic views, as well as a gorgeous hiking trail to Mount Tibrogargan and a rock climbing route to Mount Beerwah. For glorious views of Pumicestone Passage, the Glass House Mountains and the coastal plains put in some effort and hike the Wild Horse Mountain. Don’t forget to explore the hinterland towns to taste fabulous food and spend the night at cozy boutique hotels.
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