The Sunshine Coast is a stunning region located in Queensland, Australia, known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cultural scene.
Stretching over 60 kilometres of coastline and hinterland, the Sunshine Coast is a popular tourist destination and a great place to live, work, and study. With its subtropical climate, the region enjoys warm and sunny weather nearly all year round, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.
Where is the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful coastal region in South East Queensland, Australia, 100km north of Brisbane, the capital.
Approximately 60km of the Pacific Ocean coastline stretches from Caloundra in the south to Cooloola in the north, and includes popular towns like Noosa, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Coolum. The Sunshine Coast hinterland is also home to the quaint mountain villages of Maleny and Montville.
Location and Geography
Sunshine Coast Region
East of the Coral Sea, the Sunshine Coast has a varied landscape of beaches, rainforests, and hinterland. It is a popular tourist destination known for its relaxed lifestyle, outdoor activities, and arts scene.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The Sunshine Coast hinterland consists of hills, valleys, and villages. It also has several national parks, including Mapleton Falls National Park and Noosa National Park, which offer hiking trails, waterfalls, and views.
How to get to the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is accessible by air, road and rail:
- By Air: Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) in Marcoola has direct flights from major Australian cities, and Brisbane Airport (BNE) is 1-1.5 hours south.
- By Road: 1-1.5 hours north of Brisbane on the M1 freeway. Car hire is available at both Sunshine Coast and Brisbane airports.
- By Rail: Regular Queensland Rail services from Brisbane to Nambour and Cooroy on the Sunshine Coast via the Sunshine Coastline, with connecting bus services.
When to Visit
The Sunshine Coast is a year-round destination with something different in each season:
Season |
Months |
Average Temp |
Conditions |
Summer |
Dec-Feb |
21-29°C |
Hot, humid, storms |
Autumn |
Mar-May |
15-25°C |
Mild, less rain |
Winter |
Jun-Aug |
10-22°C |
Cool, least rain |
Spring |
Sep-Nov |
15-25°C |
Mild, occasional showers |
Tip: September to November is the best time to visit weather-wise, while May to October is whale-watching season.
What to Do
The Sunshine Coast has lots of things to see and do:
- Beaches: Over 100km of coastline at some of Australia’s best beaches, Noosa Main Beach, Mooloolaba Beach, Kings Beach and Coolum Beach.
- Noosa: This stylish beach town has chic cafes, boutiques, popular surf spots and Noosa National Park with coastal walks.
- Hinterland: Visit the charming mountain villages of Maleny and Montville, which have art galleries, local produce, and views. Hike the Glass House Mountains or Kondalilla Falls.
- Family Fun: Australia Zoo (home of the Crocodile Hunter), SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, the Big Pineapple and Aussie World theme park.
- Food & Drink: The Sunshine Coast has a thriving food scene with cafe culture, Eumundi Markets (Australia’s largest outdoor market), wineries, breweries and the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival in May.
Visitor Statistics
The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s top holiday destinations:
- 4.2 million visitors to September 2023, 2.5 million holiday visitors
- $4.2 billion in total visitor spend, 11.8% growth on the previous year
- 3.6 night average stay, 15.3 million visitor nights
- Interstate visitation up 14.3% to 1.1 million visitors, with growth from key markets like Melbourne (+21%) and Sydney (+9.5%)
Education and Study
The Sunshine Coast is home to several world-class education providers, including the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and TAFE Queensland. UniSC is a globally recognised institution with a strong commitment to climate action and sustainability, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as business, education, and health.
TAFE Queensland also has campuses on the Sunshine Coast, providing vocational training in areas such as healthcare and technology.
The Sunshine Coast is also a popular destination for international students, with many education providers offering programs and courses specifically designed for international students. The region’s relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, combined with its proximity to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, makes it an attractive option for students looking for a unique and supportive learning environment.
In addition to its education providers, the Sunshine Coast is also home to several research institutions and innovation hubs, including the Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI) and the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast.
These institutions provide opportunities for students and researchers to engage in cutting-edge research and innovation and to collaborate with industry partners and entrepreneurs.
The Sunshine Coast offers a unique and supportive environment for students and researchers, with various education providers, research institutions, and innovation hubs. Whether you’re looking to study, work, or simply enjoy the region’s natural beauty, the Sunshine Coast has something to offer.
Key Takeaways
- The Sunshine Coast is a stunning region in Queensland, Australia, known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cultural scene.
- It stretches over 60 kilometres of coastline and hinterland, offering a popular tourist destination and a great place to live, work, and study.
- The region enjoys warm and sunny weather nearly all year round, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers.
- The Sunshine Coast is located 100km north of Brisbane and includes popular towns like Noosa, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, and Coolum.
- It can be accessed by air, road, and rail, with direct flights to Sunshine Coast Airport from major Australian cities.
- The best time to visit weather-wise is from September to November, while May to October is whale-watching season.
- There are plenty of things to do, including visiting beautiful beaches, exploring charming mountain villages, and enjoying family-friendly attractions.
- The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s top holiday destinations, attracting millions of visitors and offering a thriving food scene.
- The region is home to world-class education providers like the University of the Sunshine Coast and TAFE Queensland, making it a popular destination for international students.
FAQs about the Sunshine Coast
What are the main towns on the Sunshine Coast?
The main towns on the Sunshine Coast are Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum, Noosa, Maleny and Montville. Each town has its own character and attractions.
How far is the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane?
The Sunshine Coast starts about 100km (1-1.5 hours) north of Brisbane. Caloundra in the south is about an hour from Brisbane, and Noosa in the north is about 1.5 hours.
What’s the weather like on the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers (21-29°C) and mild winters (10-22°C). Summer is the wettest season, winter is the least.
What are the best beaches to visit?
Some of the best beaches are Noosa Main Beach, Mooloolaba Beach, Kings Beach (Caloundra), Coolum Beach, Sunshine Beach (Noosa) and Alexandra Headland.
What are the top attractions in the Hinterland?
Must-see attractions in the Hinterland are the Australia Zoo, Noosa National Park, Eumundi Markets (Australia’s largest outdoor market), SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, The Big Pineapple, Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, and The Ginger Factory.