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, a splash area and a sea water pool. This beach has lifeguards on duty year-round, making it a safe spot for young children when the sea is calm. With plenty of sand, there are lots of places to set up for the day. Don't forget 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.
Kings Beach Pool at Sunset
The Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia... more than just beautiful beaches
The Sunshine Coast is perfect for anyone who loves water sports, with lots of fun things to do. Whether you're just starting out or have been into it for years, you'll find plenty of chances to enjoy 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.
- Windsurfing: If you're looking for a more adventurous water sport, windsurfing might be for you. Find lessons in Caloundra at Sunshine Coast Board Sports. Looking for the best place to go? Golden beach 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. Cafe on site. Book tours in advance during school holidays.
- 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 fantastic 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 Maleny.
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. Access to public transport.
- 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 :)
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