Just to the North of Brisbane, past Bribie Island and beginning at Caloundra, the Sunshine Coast stretches for some 50kms northward.
Much of the natural beauty here has been preserved, there are scenic beaches, volcanic mountain remnants and the Noosa Heads National Park, where, with a bit of luck, you can spot koalas.
Towns along the coast include Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Coolum Beach, which have grown into tourist holiday centres. You can find great dining, a beach lifestyle and an excellent range of choice in accommodation to suit almost any budget.
Glass House Mountains
The Glass House Mountains offer an ancient backdrop to the region, these striking pinnacles are remnants of an ancient volcano chain. On Mt Ngungun, Mt Beerwah and Mt Tibrogargan, you can explore the trails for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and ocean views.
Caloundra - Things to Do
On the south end of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra has a great collection of nearby beaches, good for a variety of watersports. The Pumicestone Passage, between the mainland and Bribie Island, is renowned for excellent fishing.
You can hire boats in Caloundra, go canoeing or relax on a cruise, even go jet skiing. Kitesurfing, windsurfing and of course, surfing are popular activities here, but you also can go sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba attracts visitors for its magnificent beaches, charming restaurants and great resort style shopping.
Visit the Underwater World at Mooloolaba for fantastic underwater views of the sea and coral life. Great for the kids, there are shows at different times of the day, including feeding the crocodiles and seals.
You can even book a swim with the seals or sharks. At the Touch Tank, you can get close and personal with a variety of marine life without the adrenalin of swimming with sharks. Or seals, for that matter. Located at the Wharf Complex, Parkyn Pde. Phone +061 7 5444 8488.
Maroochydore
Although Maroochydore is the commercial hub of the Sunshine Coast, it is also a popular beach resort.
For safe swimming, head off to the southern bank of the Maroochy River. In the surrounding parklands you’ll see plenty of native birdlife.
The ocean beaches have a number of excellent surf spots, surfers have been journeying here since the 60s and 70s and continue to do so. Which all adds to the beach lifestyle allure of the Sunshine Coast.
You can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding country and coastline at Mount Coolum National Park, an 800 metre walk will take you up to the summit.
Noosa Heads
Noosa Heads, at the Northern tip of the Sunshine Coast has grown into a coastal resort town since the 60s when it began to attract surfers from all over the world for its beauty, fun in the sun lifestyle and great surf beaches.
Noosa has retained all of that. Combined with the great weather, close by natural attractions of Noosa Heads National Park and the Springbrook National Park it makes for a great holiday destination.
You might even get to see koalas in their habitat at the Noosa Heads National Park. There are enchanting and secluded beaches between the headlands to explore, the coastal walk will take you past them for easy access.
At the Springbrook National Park, wildflowers bloom in the heathlands during spring, the banksia trees and the many waterways of this coastal are inhabited by diverse and protected bird and wildlife. Both the national parks have easy walks, canoeing and kayaking is a relaxing way to explore the Springbrook.
For the family - safe swimming is available at the beach in Noosa itself on the river.
Tours and Cruises
Laguna Tours offer Wilderness Walks and can take you to the Australia Zoo, Home of Steve Irwin. Phone 1800 11 44 34. Sunshine Trike Tours offer a whole range of experiences from gourmet picnics, touring the green hinterlands, checking out the best vistas or a pub lunch - Phone +061 7 5473 0927.
For something different, why not book a helicopter flight at the Caloundra Aerodrome, which will give you the chance this glorious part of the world from the air. Phone +061 7 5491 8588.
Cruise the surrounding area of Caloundra and the Pumicestone Marine Park on smoothwaters for an enjoyable one hour and 30 mins. Caloundra Cruise, Phone +061 7 5492 8280.
Getting To the Sunshine Coast
Getting To the Sunshine Coast is a one hour drive north from Brisbane. Take the Bruce Highway, the nearest highway to the coast. There are plenty of coach services available from Brisbane as well.
