It's peaceful, its beautiful, its natural, its the Sunshine Coast, one hours drive north of Brisbane. This stretch of coast with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and national parks is surely a paradise.
Visit the breathtaking Glasshouse Mountains, travel by four wheel drive to Fraser Island , the largest sand island in the world, fossick for gold at Gympie or just relax and revitalise on the beach at the resort town of Noosa.
The Coast is stretching north of Brisbane to Noosa, is a more pedestrian version of the Gold Coast, where largely domestic tourist development is tempered by, and sometimes combined with, agriculture. Much local character is due to the lack of death taxes in Queensland – something which, together with the pleasant climate, attracts retirees from all over Australia.
The towns tend to be bland places, lively enough at Christmas, but out of season you may be hard pushed to find much to do after dark. Even so, the beaches and surf are good, improving in character as you go further north and providing an excuse to linger for a few days. And though you’ll find the Hinterland far tamer than it is down south, it still has some arresting landscapes and scattered hamlets rife with Devonshire cream teas and weekend markets.
Without your own transport, the easiest way through the area is by bus – Sunshine Coast Coaches (tel 07/5491 2555) is the local alternative to the national operators – or on a tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast; Brisbane’s Citytrain network can take you as far as Caboolture. For the intrepid, Adventures Sunshine Coast (tel 07/5444 8824) organizes day-trips climbing in the Glasshouse Mountains, bushwalking the Obi Obi gorge in the Blackall Range, or canoeing the Mooloolah River south of Maroochydore ($75 per person, including lunch and pick-up from lodgings along the coast).
For more regional information on the Sunshine Coast, go to:
Other Towns
- Alexandra Headland is a renowned surfing beach, and from the headland one has sweeping views of awesome Mount Coolum, Mudiimba Island and Point Cartwright.
- Buderim, with its quiet village charm boasts some delightful gardens displaying an array of native plants and annuals. Buderim Forest Park and Foote Sanctuary offer walking trails through rambling rainforests.
- The coastline offers quiet unspoiled, patrolled beaches stretching from Mudjimba through Yaroomba and Coolum to Peregian. Perfect for that sunset stroll or early morning walk to gather your thoughts.
- The hinterland township of Eumundi comes alive every Saturday morning with the Eumundi markets, where over 200 stall holders sell everything from leather hats to handblown glassware.
- Maroochy: Right in the heart of the Sunshine Coast is Maroochy Shire, with its hinterland and mountain ranges offering sweeping views of beautiful white sandy beaches and a blue green sea. From a coastal seafood lunch of prawns, bugs, or fresh fish to mountain-top devonshire teas, and ploughman's lunches, you have the choice of top dining at restaurants with beach, river or rural settings.
- Maroochydore: Bordering on the Maroochy River, Maroochydore has shopping complexes, magnificent beaches and waterside accommodation, and is recognised as the Business Centre of the Sunshine Coast. With sea and river fishing, beach activities, parks along the river and beaches, it satisfies every experience desired.
- Other townships like Palmwoods, Woombye, Yandina, Chevallum and Eudlo have their own distinctive character and charm. Buy a variety of locally grown tropical fruits from quaint roadside stalls where honesty boxes are still common. Kenilworth (Bellbird) country via the Obi Obi Valley is an old pastoral area known for the Kenilworth Cheese Factory.
Events
- Dates: December 27 to January 1 annually
- Location: Woodford, Queensland (Sunshine Coast Hinterland, 1 hour north of Brisbane)
Climate
The locals take the climate and lifestyle very seriously. Clothing is comfortable and casual. Ties are rare. You will need a jacket for winter evenings. The rest of the year, resort wear is ideal for both day and evening.
Maps
Sunshine Coast
Greater Sunshine Coast Area
Southeast Coast Region