Sunshine Coast Travel

Queensland's Sunshine Coast is broadly defined as the beachside towns to the north of Brisbane.

Unlike the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast (colloquially the "Sunny Coast") is not just one destination, but a collection of them.

A travel experience in Noosa, for example, is likely to be very different from one in Caloundra or Coolum. Behind the coast, in the Blackall Ranges, is the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with the mountain towns of Maleny and Montville.

Caloundra is a city on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Slightly more laid-back than its neighbours Coolum and Noosa, Caloundra still retains a slightly "old-fashioned" air.

Coolum is a quiet town suited to local weekenders, and people who want a beach holiday but none of the razzle-dazzle found in a resort town like Surfers.

Mooloolaba is a young, trendy part of the Sunshine Coast. In the past decade, the area has undergone massive tourism boosts, with increased development and a higher skyline reflecting well the wealth that has come to the area. Numerous up-market bars, cafes and restaurants occupy the Esplanade, with the locally-famous Loo with a View offering superb, er, views, across the bay to the south.

Noosa is generally the most expensive and "touristy", catering increasingly for an upmarket and well-heeled clientele.

Cities and Major Towns of the Sunshine Coast

• Caloundra
• Coolum
• Flaxton
• Maleny
• Mapleton
• Maroochydore
• Montville
• Mooloolaba
• Noosa

TThings to See at the Sunshine Coast

• The Beaches are the major attractions and the Sunshine Coast has a fantastic array of beaches.
•  Australia Zoo, owned and run by the family of the late Steve Irwin, is a popular tourist drawcard. The site tends to be frequented more by overseas visitors.

•   Buderim Ginger Factory -  Unusual theme park based on ginger. Cane Train through rainforest and various rides and features to entertain children. Claims to be biggest selection of ginger products anywhere in the world. Cafe for meals & snacks.

• Glasshouse Mountains and Beerburrum and Beerwah State Forests and Forest Reserves.

• Kenilworth State Forest - Rainforest and eucalypt forest. Camping in various areas. .

• Kondalilla National Park - 327 hectares of lush subtropical rainforest and tall open forest plus Kondalilla Falls dropping 90 metres from Skene Creek into water pools below.
• The Mooloolaba Wharf is host to an array of tacky souvenir shops, expensive surf shops and a number of pubs and restaurants. In large though, you best steer clear of this has-been waterside 'amusement park'.
• Underwater World is a fantastic aquarium located adjacent to the Wharf. Popular with tourists and local alike, you can catch the seal shows, swim with sharks, and learn more about the sea life that so amazes many city visitors.