The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s top holiday destinations. This is no coincidence: stretching 60 km along Queensland’s east coast, the Sunshine Coast is vast and diverse, from shimmering golden beaches to dense volcanic mountains.
The 300 days of sunshine live up to the name, making this coast the ideal place to enjoy a laid-back, surf-style lifestyle. But if surfing isn’t your thing, the Sunshine Coast is full of quiet, family-friendly beaches. Without a doubt, though, our favorite spot was the spectacular Coastal Walk in Noosa National Park—a super easy and super cool trail where you might spot everything from dolphins in the ocean to echidnas strolling along the path. So cute!
And if you’re here to sample the local fish, don’t miss the seafood restaurant at Mooloolaba Wharf. It’s absolutely delicious!
The Sunshine Coast is a peri-urban region in southeast Queensland, about an hour and a half north of Brisbane. With a population of nearly 400,000, the region stretches from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north, extending inland into the Queensland hinterland.
This coast is dotted with famous beaches like Sunshine Beach in Noosa and national parks like the Glass House Mountains. In fact, the Sunshine Coast region has more individual national parks than any other region in Queensland.
For this reason, it offers a unique variety found nowhere else in Australia and is a must-stop along the Queensland Pacific Coast Way.
Like Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast has a dry, sunny (subtropical) climate, meaning you can visit year-round.
However, it’s worth considering your plans before choosing when to go. If you’re into water activities like surfing, snorkeling, or simply swimming, the best time is during the summer months, December through February.
Keep in mind that summer in Australia coincides with school holidays and Christmas, so the Sunshine Coast can be extremely busy.
If you’re more interested in outdoor exploration, like visiting national parks, it’s best to travel between June and September. During these winter months, it’s cooler and far less crowded—perfect for enjoying nature at your own pace.
We know that the subject of visas can be somewhat confusing, especially for India, where obtaining one is an essential requirement for entry. In the article on how to obtain an Australian visa step by step (coming soon) you have information on how to apply for one online for up to 5 years.
It’s essential to travel to Australia with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular 5% IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well. You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
If you’re flying in from overseas, the best option is to land in Sydney and take a direct flight to Sunshine Coast Airport. Alternatively, fly into Brisbane and continue using the options listed in the section below.
There are no direct flights from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, they’re simply not needed. This region is just over an hour and 20 minutes by car. It’s also easily accessible by public transport: take a train to Landsborough Station (1 hour 20 min), then bus line 615 (approx. 47 min) to the coast. The total journey takes just over two hours.
From elsewhere in Australia, direct flights are available. It’s 2 hours from Cairns, 2 hours 20 minutes from Melbourne, and about 1.5 hours from Sydney. Trains or buses are not recommended unless you want a long journey—over 10 hours from Sydney, and more than 20 from Cairns or Melbourne.
Nowadays, finding hotels, guesthouses, or restaurants with free Wi-Fi is pretty common. However, there are still those who prefer (or need) to stay connected at all times.
That’s why we’ll show you how to get an eSIM Australia card with internet— now also available with unlimited data.
The Noosa Coastal Walk hugs the shoreline of Noosa National Park in the seaside town of Noosa Heads. Yes, the name is repeated a lot, but the area offers five different trails from the recreational area at Noosa Heads to Sunrise Beach.
The trails feature stunning rocky beaches often filled with surfers (and yes, you can join them 😉). A standout stop is the Fairy Pools, a natural pool ideal for a refreshing swim at low tide.
But our favorite part of the Sunshine Coast was Hell’s Gate. Why? Because from the cliffs above, we saw two sea turtles surfing the waves below. Absolutely incredible!
It’s no surprise this is considered the best coastal walk in Australia.
The Sunshine Coast is full of stunning beaches for every taste. For example, if you’re in the mood to surf, head to Coolum Beach between Noosa and Marcoola. It offers waves for all levels—and if you’ve never surfed before, this is a fantastic place to learn.
If you’re traveling with kids or just want a calm swim, head to Bulcock Beach. Enjoy shallow waters at low tide, crystal-clear seas, and a lovely boardwalk for soaking in the sunset. Plus, you’ll find beach bars, cafes, restaurants, and more at the southern end.
Just under 10 minutes from Buderim town lies this hidden gem. Picture a subtropical forest trail winding toward waterfalls and crystal-clear pools nestled in the rocks. Take a dip if it’s hot—or just relax to the sound of cascading water. Sounds perfect, right?
It’s a picturesque spot, perfect for a picnic or a laid-back afternoon with friends and family.
Another must-see on the Sunshine Coast is Point Cartwright Lighthouse near Buddina. Visit at sunset to enjoy a spectacular view bathed in golden-orange hues.
And if you’re bringing your furry friend, this is one of the few places in Queensland where dogs are allowed off-leash—fun for everyone!
On this tour, you’ll cruise across Lake Cootharaba to explore the unique Everglades north of the Noosa River. Why is it unique? Because they remain untouched—filled with mangroves, jungle, and the serene River of Mirrors. You can hike through the Everglades, or better yet, paddle through by canoe. It’s truly magical!
If you’ve walked the Noosa Coastal Walk between July and November, chances are you’ve seen humpback whales offshore. If so—and you want a closer look—this tour is for you. And if you missed them, even more reason to hop aboard!
This cruise brings you within 100 meters of these gentle giants—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Surely, with all the talk about surfing, you’re feeling the urge to give it a try. And it’s no wonder—if Australia is known for one thing, it’s that surfing is considered by many to be its national sport.
Well, if you’re eager to surf but don’t know how just yet, this next activity is for you. Learn to surf with professional instructors in this two-hour beginner’s lesson. The best part? By the end of the session, you’ll be riding waves at the iconic Noosa Head Beach with confidence.
After so much beach and surf, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. That’s where the Sunshine Coast Food and Wine Tour comes in—a day trip into the scenic Hinterland.
More importantly, you’ll get to sample artisanal cheeses, handmade chocolates, and local wines. The tour includes a delicious two-course lunch with panoramic views of the lush landscape.
And finally—if you’re after an adrenaline rush—this is the tour for you. Near Noosa, you can jump from 15,000 feet, experiencing 60 seconds of freefall. Totally wild!
And if that’s not enough, your instructor might even let you pilot the parachute almost all the way to your landing on Coolum Beach.
As always, we’ve put together a selection of the best places to stay on the Sunshine Coast, so you don’t have to stress about it. And if you’re traveling by campervan, we’ve also included a couple of campsites—so no complaints, okay? 😉
If you’re looking for a cool, budget-friendly hostel, our top pick is Noosa Flashpackers. This backpacker-style hostel is located in Noosa, just a minute away from Noosa National Park in the Sunrise Beach area of Noosa Heads.
With its unbeatable location and free surfboards, this spot is a dream for beach lovers. The hostel offers both private rooms and shared dorms, includes breakfast, and even has a private pool. Vacation goals!
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach is perfect for those who want to enjoy the Sunshine Coast in full holiday mode. It’s not overpriced, but it offers all the comfort and style you’d want.
Heated pools, suites with kitchenettes, beach views from your room, and a rooftop bar… This amazing hotel located in Mooloolaba is just a 15-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport.
Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort is the ideal spot to unwind without ever leaving the hotel.
With a full resort feel, you can enjoy up to 60 different spa treatments, relax in the heated outdoor pool, or take in the views from your private balcony while indulging in room service. Now that’s what we call a vacation.
If you’re exploring the Sunshine Coast by campervan or a 4×4 with a rooftop tent, here’s a list of campsites and holiday parks for you.
Starting with holiday parks, the options are endless, but we’ll stick to the two we liked the most. First up, Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park, right across from Dicky Beach. Second, Coolum Beach Holiday Park.
If you’re on a tighter budget but still want a campsite with hot showers, drive to Eumundi Showgrounds, just 20 minutes from Noosa Heads. That’s actually where we stayed while visiting Noosa.
Unfortunately, there are almost no free campsites in the area. The only real option is for fully self-contained motorhomes in the public parking lot in the center of Noosa Heads.
If you’re traveling the Queensland Pacific Coast Way in your own vehicle, good choice! The Sunshine Coast covers a wide area, so you’ll be doing a lot of driving to get to all the sights. For example, it takes about an hour to drive from Caloundra to Noosa Heads. Taxis and Uber are also available, but they can get pricey.
If you don’t want to drive or can’t, public transport is a solid alternative. Buses and trains make it fairly easy to get around the region. Use the Translink tool to plan your trip. It’s also a good idea to buy a Go Card if you’re staying for a while, although Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards are accepted for bus and train travel too.
Unless you’re obsessed with beaches and surfing, we don’t recommend spending more than three days here. Since there’s still a long journey ahead on the Queensland Pacific Coast Way, we’d say two days and one night is the sweet spot.
As we mentioned, the Sunshine Coast, while quite complete, has just a couple of standout highlights along the Queensland Pacific Coast Way. So what makes it worth it?
For Thea, the Coastal Walk in Noosa National Park was the best part of the trip. And honestly, I completely agree. During the walk, we saw so much wildlife roaming freely, it felt like being in a zoo or an aquarium (insert irony here).
And as always, we’ll wrap up with some basic but essential travel tips to help you enjoy the Sunshine Coast safely and stress-free:
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel to Sunshine Coast.
