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Sunshine Coast Travel Guide Beaches, Hinterland Towns & Natural Escapes
- Apr 28, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 6
Sunshine Coast Travel Guide Beaches, Hinterland Towns & Natural Escapes
The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most loved coastal destinations, known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed lifestyle, lush hinterland and year-round sunshine. Stretching roughly 100 km north of Brisbane, the region runs from Caloundra in the south to Noosa Heads in the north. With world-class surf beaches, national parks, charming villages and excellent dining, the Sunshine Coast is a fantastic destination whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or exploring with a caravan or motorhome.
Where is the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast is located in south-east Queensland, about 100 km north of Brisbane (around 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic). The region includes several popular coastal towns and suburbs as well as a scenic hinterland of mountains and rainforest. The main airport servicing the region is Sunshine Coast Airport, located near Marcoola, with domestic flights from major Australian cities.
Towns & Attractions on the Sunshine Coast & Hinterland
Caloundra is a popular coastal town at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, located around 94 kilometres north of Brisbane. Known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed seaside atmosphere, vibrant street art and great cafés and restaurants, it’s an ideal stop for beach days, coastal walks and easy Sunshine Coast exploring.
👉 Click here for more Information about Caloundra
Mooloolaba is a popular Sunshine Coast destination located at the mouth of the Mooloolah River. Known for its stunning beach, lively wharf precinct and relaxed coastal atmosphere, it’s a great spot for swimming, dining, coastal walks and seaside exploring. 👉 Click here for more information about Mooloolaba
Maroochydore sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Maroochy River and is the commercial heart of the Sunshine Coast. With pristine beaches, grassy riverside parklands, a vibrant local culture and a laid-back coastal vibe, it’s a great base for exploring the region.
Coolum is a relaxed beachside town known for its stunning surf beaches, sheltered bays and rockpools. With popular coastal and mountain walks nearby and an easy-going beach vibe, it’s a great spot for outdoor adventures and laid-back Sunshine Coast escapes.
Noosa is a stylish coastal town that blends stunning natural beauty and pristine beaches with laid-back sophistication. A popular day-trip and holiday destination, it’s known for its coastal walks, national park, great dining and relaxed Sunshine Coast atmosphere.
Eumundi is a charming historic village in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, best known for the iconic Eumundi Markets held every Wednesday and Saturday. Located just 15 kilometres from Noosa, it’s a great place to browse local stalls, enjoy cafés and soak up village charm.
Montville is a charming village in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, known for its stunning views, boutique shops, cafés and art galleries. With a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surrounds, it’s a lovely spot for a scenic stop or a leisurely wander.
Maleny is a popular Sunshine Coast Hinterland town set in the Blackall Ranges, surrounded by rolling hills, dairy farms and rainforest. Known for its relaxed pace, local produce and scenic views, it’s a favourite stop for hinterland exploring.
Australia Zoo is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular attractions, open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. With live shows, keeper talks and a strong focus on wildlife conservation, it’s a great place to learn about Australian animals up close.
Glasshouse Mountains
The Glass House Mountains are a striking group of 11 volcanic peaks rising from the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. One of the easiest ways to see them is from the lookout in Beerburrum State Forest, which offers sweeping views across this iconic landscape.
Where to Stay on the Sunshine Coast
Ingenia Holidays Rivershore is a relaxed resort-style holiday park set beside the Maroochy River at Diddillibah. The park offers a mix of luxury safari tents, cabins, and spacious caravan and camping sites, along with fantastic facilities including two swimming pools with waterslides, mini-golf, a restaurant and bar, camp kitchens, and family-friendly recreation areas.
Its central Sunshine Coast location makes it an excellent base for exploring the region — it’s about 10.6 km (around 11 minutes) from Mooloolaba, 6–7 km from Maroochydore, around 15–18 km from Coolum Beach, about 25 km from Peregian Beach, and around 45 km from Noosa’s Hastings Street. With beaches, shopping, and coastal attractions all within easy driving distance, it’s a great place to relax while exploring the Sunshine Coast.
Best Time to Visit the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast has a subtropical climate, making it a great destination all year round.
Summer (December–February) Warm and humid with temperatures around 25–30 °C. Perfect for beach days and swimming, although this is also the busiest tourist season.
Autumn (March–May) One of the best times to visit, with warm weather, fewer crowds and excellent conditions for exploring the hinterland.
Winter (June–August) Mild temperatures around 20–23 °C and plenty of sunshine. Winter is also whale watching season, when humpback whales migrate along the coast.
Spring (September–November) Another fantastic time to visit, with warm temperatures and beautiful wildflowers in the hinterland.
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