The Sunshine Coast stretches about 60 kilometres along Queensland's coastline, from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north, with a stunning hinterland of mountains, rainforest, and charming villages behind it. It's less developed and more relaxed than the Gold Coast, which is exactly why people love it. This is where Queenslanders go to escape, and once you visit, you'll understand why.
Getting There from Brisbane
The Sunshine Coast is about 100 kilometres north of Brisbane. You've got a few options:
- Drive: About 1 hour 15 minutes via the Bruce Highway (M1) and then the Sunshine Motorway. The most flexible option for exploring the region.
- Train + Bus: Take the train from Brisbane to Landsborough or Nambour station (about 1.5 hours), then connect with a local bus. All public transport in South East Queensland is currently just 50 cents per trip with tap-and-go.
- Sunshine Coast Airport: If you're flying domestically, Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore) has direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. It's about 10 minutes from the coast.
Noosa: The Crown Jewel
Noosa is the Sunshine Coast's most famous town, and it completely lives up to the hype. It manages to feel sophisticated without being pretentious, beachy without being tacky.
- Noosa Main Beach: A stunning north-facing beach sheltered by the headland, so it's calm, clear, and swimmable almost every day of the year. Families love it because there's no real surf, just gentle waves and golden sand. It's patrolled by lifeguards year-round.
- Noosa National Park: This is the gem. A free national park right at the end of Hastings Street with walking trails through coastal headlands, secluded bays (Fairy Pools, Tea Tree Bay, Hell's Gates), and almost guaranteed koala sightings in the trees along the Tanglewood Track. The coastal walk from the car park to Hell's Gates and back takes about 2-3 hours and the views are spectacular. Get there early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the koalas before they climb higher.
- Hastings Street: Noosa's main strip with boutique shops, restaurants, gelato, and cafes spilling out onto the street. It's right behind the beach and has a relaxed European-riviera feel. Window shopping is free; eating and drinking is not (but worth it).
- Noosa Everglades: One of only two everglades systems in the world. You can kayak or take a guided boat tour through the pristine waterways of the Noosa River system, surrounded by ancient paperbark forests. It's genuinely magical and surprisingly uncrowded.
Mooloolaba & Alexandra Headland
Mooloolaba is the Sunshine Coast's more lively beach town: beach bars, fish and chips on the esplanade, and a buzzing weekend vibe without the high-rise intensity of the Gold Coast.
- Mooloolaba Beach: A beautiful curve of white sand with good swimming and gentle waves. The Esplanade behind it is lined with restaurants and shops.
- The Wharf Mooloolaba: A revamped dining and retail precinct on the waterfront. Great for fish and chips, seafood, and sunset drinks.
- Underwater World (SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast): Good for families, with touch pools, seal shows, and an ocean tunnel walk-through.
- Point Cartwright: Walk out to the lighthouse at Point Cartwright for incredible views up and down the coast. The rock pools below are brilliant for exploring at low tide.
Caloundra
At the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is a family-friendly gem with some of the best beaches in the region.
- Kings Beach: The main patrolled beach with a saltwater ocean pool, parkland, and cafes.
- Bulcock Beach: Sheltered and calm, perfect for young kids.
- Coastal Pathway: A beautiful 25km walking and cycling path that stretches from Caloundra all the way to Mooloolaba, passing through Dicky Beach, Currimundi, and Kawana. You can walk sections of it or rent a bike.
Glass House Mountains
Rising dramatically from flat farmland about 30 minutes inland from Caloundra, these ancient volcanic peaks are unmistakable. They were named by Captain Cook in 1770 because their shape reminded him of glass furnaces back in England.
- Mt Ngungun: The most popular hike. A 45-minute climb to a stunning 360-degree summit with views across the other peaks and out to the ocean. Not too strenuous, suitable for fit beginners.
- Mt Tibrogargan: A more challenging scramble. Allow 2-3 hours return. Rock-hopping to the summit with incredible views. Not suitable for wet conditions.
- Wild Horse Mountain Lookout: If you don't want to hike, this roadside lookout gives you a panoramic view of all the Glass House Mountains. There's a short walk to a viewing platform, free and easy.
The Glass House Mountains are sacred to the Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi people, and each peak has its own story in the Dreaming. Respect the land and stick to marked trails.
Eumundi Markets
The Eumundi Markets are one of Australia's best artisan markets, held every Wednesday and Saturday morning in the hinterland town of Eumundi. Over 600 stalls sell handmade crafts, local produce, fashion, art, skincare, and gourmet food. The Saturday market is the bigger of the two. Live music, street performers, and an incredible atmosphere make this a must-visit even if you're not buying. Get there early as parking fills up fast on Saturdays.
Australia Zoo
Steve Irwin's famous Australia Zoo is located at Beerwah, about 30 minutes south of the Sunshine Coast airport. It's much more than a zoo. It's a wildlife conservation centre that's genuinely world-class. The Crocoseum live show is spectacular, and you can hand-feed kangaroos, get up close with koalas, and see some of the biggest crocodiles in captivity. Allow a full day. Tickets are around $60-65 for adults. It's one of the best wildlife experiences in Australia and absolutely worth the trip.
The Hinterland: Maleny, Montville & Mapleton
The Sunshine Coast hinterland is a world away from the beaches: rolling green hills, dairy farms, rainforest, and charming mountain villages that feel like they belong in a storybook.
- Maleny: A creative, community-minded town perched on the edge of the range with jaw-dropping views of the Glass House Mountains. Browse the main street for local art, organic produce, and independent bookshops. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a 55-hectare rainforest with a free boardwalk and an eco-education centre. Maleny Dairies offers farm tours where you can see the cows being milked and taste fresh milk and cheese.
- Montville: A quaint village with a distinctly European feel: clock towers, fudge shops, art galleries, and German sausage houses. It's touristy but charming. Kondalilla Falls National Park is a short drive away, and the 4.7km walk to the falls and rock pools is one of the best hinterland walks.
- Mapleton: The smallest of the trio, with Mapleton Falls National Park offering bushwalks and a lookout over the Obi Obi Valley.
Where to Eat: Budget-Friendly
- Betty's Burgers: (Noosa, Mooloolaba): Australian-born burger chain with excellent burgers and concrete shakes. Around $15-20.
- El Capitano: (Caloundra): Wood-fired pizza by the beach. Pizzas from $18. Great for families.
- Noosa Surf Club: Right on the beach with surprisingly good pub meals and ocean views. Mains $18-25.
- The Shack: (Mooloolaba Esplanade): Casual fish and chips, burgers, and acai bowls. Everything under $20.
- Eumundi Markets food stalls: Amazing variety including Thai, Japanese, wood-fired pizza, crepes, and fresh juices. Most dishes $10-18.
Where to Eat: Mid-Range
- Sum Yung Guys: (Sunshine Beach): Modern Asian fusion in a relaxed beach setting. Creative share plates, great cocktails. Expect $50-70 per person.
- Pier 33: (Mooloolaba): Waterfront seafood with excellent fish dishes and sunset views. Mains $30-42.
- The Canteen: (Noosa Junction): Seasonal modern Australian cooking. Popular for brunch and dinner. Mains $28-38.
- The Long Apron: (Montville): Fine dining in a hinterland retreat setting. Tasting menus from $95. Beautiful for a special occasion.
Where to Eat: Fine Dining
- Wasabi: (Noosa): Consistently rated among Australia's best Japanese restaurants. Omakase and sushi from $80-150 per person.
- Locale: (Noosa): Italian-inspired fine dining on Hastings Street with a wine list to match. Mains $40-55.
Best Coffee
- Clandestino Roasters: (Noosa): Specialty roaster with a warehouse cafe. Serious about their beans.
- The Bean Counter: (Caloundra): Beloved local cafe with excellent coffee and brunch.
- Belmondos Organic Market: (Noosa): Great coffee alongside organic groceries and a deli.
- Guru Life: (Mooloolaba): Healthy brunch and specialty coffee with a surf vibe.
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: The Sunshine Coast is beautiful year-round. Winter (June-August) has perfect weather with clear skies, sunshine, and 20-22°C. Summer is warm and humid with occasional storms. School holidays (especially December-January) bring bigger crowds to Noosa. - Getting around: A car is ideal for exploring the hinterland and moving between beaches. Without a car, local buses connect the main towns (all 50c with tap-and-go). Noosa itself is very walkable. - Swimming safety: Always swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches. The Sunshine Coast has some beaches with strong rip currents, so check conditions before jumping in. - Sun protection: Queensland is the skin cancer capital of the world. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Reapply after swimming. The UV is serious, even on cloudy days.
Recommended Tours
We're adding curated Sunshine Coast tours from verified local operators. Ask Dingo to search for tours near Noosa, Mooloolaba, or the Glass House Mountains, or browse the Discover page to see what's available.
AUBIS Tip
: The Sunshine Coast pairs perfectly with a Brisbane city break. Spend 2-3 days in Brisbane, then head north for beaches and hinterland. Use AUBIS to build a combined itinerary, add tours from both regions, and track your total costs.