Sunshine Coast Travel Guide

The Sunshine Coast lies just north of Brisbane and is one of Queensland's top holiday destinations. Lush, golden, and laidback, it stretches from Caloundra in the south to Cooloola in the north, near the gateway to UNESCO-listed Fraser Island (K'gari), and is among the most charming stops in Australia.

The region combines vibrant coastal towns with stunning beaches, the Blackall Range, and the Noosa Hinterland, offering something for every kind of holiday. With an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, it's easy to see why the Sunshine Coast is so popular. The area boasts more national parks than any other part of Queensland, world-class golf courses, excellent reef and deep-sea fishing from Mooloolaba, and over 60 miles (100km) of soft, white sand beaches perfect for relaxing or surfing. Waves are particularly good around Noosa National Park and the right-hand point break at Alexandra Headland.

Noosa is the region's most popular resort town. Visitors can explore the tranquil Noosa Everglades by boat, hike in the Blackall Range, and visit charming hinterland villages such as Montville, Flaxton, and Mapleton. The area also features spectacular natural attractions like Mapleton Falls and Kondalilla national parks. Further south, the iconic Glass House Mountains rise dramatically from the landscape. This area is home to Australia Zoo in Beerwah, founded by the late conservationist and television personality Steve Irwin, whose passion for wildlife made him a global icon.