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Queensland the Sunshine State: Your Ultimate Guide

Family walking seaside in the Moolalooba spit

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Queensland is the Sunshine State and Australia’s top holiday destination, and best of all, it has something for everyone with beaches, rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef. 

This guide is focused on the Sunshine Coast, a gem within Queensland where you can relax and adventure. Whether you’re a family, couple or solo traveller, this hotspot has endless experiences on offer.

Let’s dive in.

What’s the Deal With the Sunshine Coast?

The Sunshine Coast is in South East Queensland, from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north. This region has over 60km of coastline, charming beach towns and a stunning hinterland of green hills and valleys. 

It’s famous for its beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and friendly people, making it the perfect holiday destination. The natural beauty and warm weather are why people come from all over the world. 

Other major cities in Queensland include the Gold Coast, known for its stunning beaches, warm climate, and vibrant lifestyle.

Rainbow Beach is another notable location in South East Queensland, offering proximity to various attractions in the region.

When to Visit the Sunshine Coast

Queensland, the Sunshine State, has a subtropical climate, so it’s a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit the Sunshine Coast is during the shoulder season of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). 

These months have comfortable weather, warm temperatures, low humidity and fewer tourists. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid with school holidays and more crowds, while winter (June to August) is mild and perfect for those escaping colder climates.

Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast

In Queensland, the Sunshine State, the Sunshine Coast is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and has something for everyone. Here are the top things to do:

Beaches: Including Rainbow Beach

The Sunshine Coast has some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Mooloolaba Beach is famous for its white sand and is family-friendly. Noosa Main Beach is beautiful and surfy. Kings Beach in Caloundra is family-friendly, with rock pools and a vibrant boardwalk.

Hinterland Towns

A trip to the Sunshine Coast wouldn’t be complete without visiting the hinterland. Towns like Maleny and Montville have a charm of their own with their quaint shops, cafes and stunning views of the Glasshouse Mountains. These towns are a great escape from the coastal heat and offer bushwalking and local produce.

Australia Zoo

There’s no better place to see Australian wildlife than at the famous Australia Zoo near Beerwah. Founded by the late Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, the zoo is an interactive experience where you can see native Australian animals, including crocodiles, koalas, and kangaroos. It’s a great family-friendly destination that’s all about conservation and wildlife education.

Glasshouse Mountains and Other National Parks

Just a short drive from the coast, the Glasshouse Mountains are a range of volcanic peaks with stunning views and walking trails. The park has various walking tracks, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is a great spot for nature lovers and those who want to see rugged Queensland.

Shop and Dine on Hastings Street

Hastings Street in Noosa is a bustling precinct with boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. This street has everything you need, whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a beachside lunch. Be sure to try the fresh local seafood and regional produce; it’s the best on the Sunshine Coast.

Where to Stay

Accommodation on the Sunshine Coast is easy as it has something for all budgets. For a luxury experience, stay at a resort in Noosa or Mooloolaba with beachfront access and views. For budget-conscious travellers, Caloundra has a range of family-friendly hotels and holiday parks. If you prefer a home-away-from-home experience, there are many holiday rentals available for families or groups.

How to Get Around: Sunshine Coast Airport and More

The Sunshine Coast is easy to get to, with Sunshine Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport being the closest major airports. Renting a car is recommended if you want to see everything the region has to offer, as public transport is limited compared to major cities. Alternatively, local buses run along the coast, so you can hop between beaches and towns.

Our Top Sunshine Coast Tips for the Perfect Getaway

  1. Swim Safely: Always swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches where lifeguards are on duty. Swimming in these zones is the safest.
  2. Sunscreen and Water: Queensland is the Sunshine State, so remember to pack sunscreen and drink plenty of water when you’re outside.
  3. Book Ahead: During peak season, accommodation fills quickly. Book your stay well in advance, especially for popular spots.
  4. Go Beyond the Coast: While the beaches are a must-see, don’t miss out on the hinterland. Plan a day trip to the towns and national parks.
  5. Local Food: Try local produce and seafood at the farmers markets, coastal eateries and restaurants. The Sunshine Coast has fresh ingredients!
  6. Visit the Capital City: Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is known for its vibrant culture and attractions, so make sure you add a visit here to your itinerary. 

Key Takeaways

  • Queensland, also known as the Sunshine State, is a top holiday destination in Australia. It offers diverse attractions such as beaches, rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef. 
  • The Sunshine Coast, located in South East Queensland, boasts over 60km of coastline, charming beach towns, and a stunning hinterland of green hills and valleys. 
  • The best time to visit the Sunshine Coast is during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) when the weather is comfortable, and there are fewer tourists. 
  • Top things to do on the Sunshine Coast include visiting beautiful beaches like Mooloolaba Beach and Noosa Main Beach, exploring hinterland towns like Maleny and Montville, and experiencing wildlife at Australia Zoo. 
  • Hastings Street in Noosa offers a bustling precinct with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, showcasing the best local seafood and regional produce. 
  • Accommodation options on the Sunshine Coast cater to all budgets, from luxury resorts in Noosa to family-friendly hotels in Caloundra and holiday rentals for families or groups. 
  • Getting around the Sunshine Coast is easy with Sunshine Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport as the closest major airports, and renting a car is recommended for exploring the region effectively. 
  • Useful tips for the perfect getaway include swimming between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches, packing sunscreen and staying hydrated, booking accommodation well in advance, exploring the hinterland and trying local food beyond the coast.

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    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Sunshine Towers. Very clean and presentable unit on the 5th floor. Cathy the Manager was extremely pleasant and obliging especially as the floods had closed roads and we required more accommodation. After a couple of hours Cathy had us staying another 2 nights. Take care Cathy and once again many thanks for taking good care of us.
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