Welcome to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
The Sunshine Coast of Australia is a beautiful destination
that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for stunning
beaches, exhilarating water sports, delicious food, or family-friendly
activities, you'll find it all here.
We have gorgeous beaches on the Sunshine Coast!
Mooloolaba Beach at Sunrise
The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the best beaches in Australia,
with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. From the popular tourist
spots of Noosa and Mooloolaba to the quieter beaches of Caloundra and
Coolum, there is a beach for every taste. Some of the most popular
beaches on the Sunshine Coast include:
Summertime on Sunrise Beach, Queensland
- Noosa Main Beach:
This
iconic beach is known for its calm waters and beautiful surf breaks,
making it a popular spot for both surfers and swimmers. Be warned-
because it is so popular, parking is a bit of a nightmare. Prepare to
park far away and walk.
- Mooloolaba
Beach: With its lively atmosphere and long stretch of sand, Mooloolaba
Beach is a favorite with families and tourists alike. It is a very
popular destination in summer months. We suggest going early to watch
the sunrise and plan to leave by 10 or so.
- Coolum Beach: One of our favourites! Usually not too
crowded, except around the lifeguard station at the height of summer. Excellent surf conditions
here. It can be rough, so this isn't for very small children or weak
swimmers. Great stretch of beach for watersports. It also leads to a dog
beach, so you can bring Fido along (go left if you are facing the sea
and keep walking)
- Kings Beach: Located in Caloundra. Kings Beach is a great option for families, with a
large playground and splash park nearby. This beach is sheltered and
perfect for young children. With ample sand, there are plenty of spots to set up for the day. Be sure to bring your own shade! This beach gets extremely busy in the
summer and parking can be a bit of a headache. Easy access to cafes, restaurants and shops.
The Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia... more than just beautiful beaches
The Sunshine Coast
is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, with a variety of activities
on offer. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pro, you'll find
plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Here are some of the
most popular water sports on the Sunshine Coast:
Storm brewing. Coolum Beach, Queensland, Australia
- Surfing: With its perfect waves and warm waters, the Sunshine Coast is a great place to learn how to surf. There are many surf schools and instructors available, such as Coolum Surf School, Learn to Surf Noosa, and Maroochy Surf School.
- Stand-Up Paddle-boarding (SUP): Stand-up paddleboarding is a fun and relaxing way to explore the waterways of the Sunshine Coast. You can take lessons from instructors such as SUP Groms, Noosa Stand Up Paddle, and Caloundra SUP School.
- Kite-surfing: If you're looking for a more adventurous water sport, kite-surfing might be for you. There are several kite-surfing schools on the Sunshine Coast. Looking for the best place to go? Golden beach during low tide is a great place to practice!
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the most beautiful dive sites in Australia, including the ex-HMAS Brisbane wreck (Australia's best military wreck dive). You can take scuba diving lessons from schools such as Sunreef Scuba Diving Services and Scuba World (both Mooloolaba). There are also many dive shops where you can rent or buy equipment for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Windsurfing at Golden Beach in winter- proof it isn't always sunny here!
Activities for Families
Activities for Families
The Sunshine Coast is a great destination for families, with plenty of fun activities on offer. Here are some family-friendly activities you can enjoy:
- Australia Zoo: This famous zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including crocodiles, koalas, and kangaroos.
- Sea Life Sunshine Coast: Formerly known as Underwater World, this aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, including sharks, turtles, and stingrays.
- Ginger Factory: This popular attraction offers tours, rides, and tastings, all centered around the delicious and spicy root.
- Surfing Lessons: Many surf schools offer lessons specifically for kids, so the whole family can learn to surf together.
- Hike the Glasshouse Mountains. Lots of different trails for different abilities, or simply drive up to a look-off!
- Parks: There are so many great parks here, you will be spoiled for choice. Some come with really great beach views too! A great place to relax, have a picnic and let the kids play on equipment and in the sand. We have parks for all ages, so you can definitely find something for everyone on your crew :)
- Explore the small towns of the hinterlands! They are cute, cute, cute! Our personal favourites: Yandina, Montville (the VIEWS!!) and Flaxton.
Look-off in the Glass House Mountains, Queensland
Lots of Accommodation
Places to Stay
The Sunshine Coast offers a wide range of accommodation options, from
luxurious resorts to cozy beach houses. Some popular places to stay
include:
- Noosa Heads: This upscale area is known for its
stunning beaches and high-end resorts, such as the Sofitel Noosa Pacific
Resort and the Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas. This is the Sunshine Coasts most popular destination by far. If you want to stay here, be sure to book months in advance!
- Mooloolaba: This lively beach town has a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and resorts.
- Caloundra: Home to Kings Beach. This area a filled with holiday home rentals. Popular with families. Very walk-able and with great public transport too. Lots of nice cafes and shops right on the waterfront.
Walk over the rain forest at the Mount Coolum Beach Boardwalk. That's Mount Coolum in the distance :)
Return to The Sand Castle Chronicles Home Page