Located north of Brisbane in the state of Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is the ideal place in Australia to combine sandy beaches, lush mountains, and marine wildlife encounters. In this blog post, I share the top spots to visit on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. After reading this travel guide, you will have all the information you need to plan your trip to the Sunshine Coast and enjoy it to the full.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to get to the Sunshine Coast?
Located on the East Coast of Australia, the Sunshine Coast is easily accessible from any part of Australia. In other words, you can get to the Sunshine Coast region either by coach, plane, or car.
BY COACH
You can easily reach the Sunshine Coast thanks to the numerous Greyhound coaches from Southern Australia (Brisbane, for example) or from Norther Australia (Cairns, for example). You can book your seats online in just one click and you are ready to go! Price are competitive and the services is efficient.
BY PLANE
The Sunshine Coast has its own airport with flights from many destinations within Australia. However, there is no International flight to MCY Airport (Sunshine Coast Airport), except from New Zealand. As a result, coming from overseas, you’ll need to land at one of the country’s many international airports (such as Brisbane or Sydney) and then take an inter-flight to the Sunshine Coast.
BY CAR
Located just 1h30 from the big city of Brisbane, the region is easy to access from any part of Australia by car. Sealed roads and highways lead to the Sunshine Coast. Also if you decide to visit Australia’s east coast by car, the Sunshine Coast will undoubtedly be a highlight of your road trip.
How long to stay on the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast is the ideal place to combine a seaside vacation with postcard-perfect white sandy beaches with a more adventurous getaway in the green mountains. Not to mention that the region is packed with marine life, so you’ll have the opportunity to see whales, turtles, and dolphins from the shore. So, I would suggest staying for at least 4 nights on the Sunshine Coast to soak up the region and its wonders.
Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast?
As the Sunshine Coast is a coastal region with many seaside towns such as Noosa Heads, Coolum Beach, or Mooloolaba (to name a few), , it offers many opportunities for ocean-view accommodation.
I recommend staying in one of the three hotels mentioned below, depending on your budget and desires.
- High-quality apartments with tropical green exteriors and a magnificent swimming pool. Check it out!
- Beautiful nicely decorated hotel at a very reasonable price for the region and the amenities offered. Book your room now!
- The most beautiful boutique hotel in the region in my opinion. Enjoy your stay here!
How to move around the Sunshine Coast?
Given that the Sunshine Coast is a rather a vast region, with numerous beaches stretching for over 70 km and points of interest inland, you’ll need a car to get around. No doubt about it!
I’ve been lucky enough to discover part of Australia’s East Coast thanks to my travel partner Alpha Car Hire, which offers short- and long-term cheap rental cars. How great is that? Also, you can choose what insurance coverage you want during your rental, for peace of mind. The good news is that Alpha Car Hire is present in several cities in Australia, including the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, and Melbourne.
Top spots to visit on the Sunshine coast
You’ve understood by now, the Sunshine Coast is a region rich in natural wonders. From miles of sandy beaches to hiking trails in the green mountains, to coastal adventures and wildlife viewing. There’s something for everyone!
THE BOARDWALK MT COOLUM
Mount Coolum Boardwalk is the ideal place to enjoy the postcard-perfect scenery that the Sunshine Coast has to offer. In fact, this paved wooden path runs along the coast with magnificent views of Coolum Beach. In addition, much of the walk is sheltered by vegetation, making it a pleasant all-day stroll.
There is a small car park at the beginning of the boardwalk.
POINT CARTWRIGHT LIGHTHOUSE
Located in the Mooloolaba district, point Cartwright Lighthouse offers an unobstructed view of the ocean and its beautiful sandy beach. But that’s not all: it’s also a perfect spot for wildlife watching with migrating whales (from May to October) and sea turtles (from November to May). What’s incredible is that you’ll have the opportunity to see them right from the shore. How amazing it that?
Point Cartwright Lighthouse is also a must for sunset viewing on the Sunshine Coast. There are even benches facing the sunset, so you can enjoy the show to the full.
There’s free parking for twenty cars and public toilets.
NOOSA HEADS
Located at the very Northern end of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa Heads is without a doubt a must-see during your stay in the region. With its many kilometers of National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to go on several nature walks with breathtaking views of the coastline. I recommend hiking the Noosa Heads Coastal Walk. The path is paved and relatively flat, making it easy to access for all levels.
There’s free parking for around 50 cars, as well as public toilets. Also, you can find an Information Center at the end of the parking if you have any questions about Noosa Heads National Park.
GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS
Glass House Mountains is an incredible place to visit composed of lush green landscapes and mountain peaks. In other words, it’s a must-see during your stay on the Sunshine Coast. You’ll also have the opportunity to hike through the Glass House Mountains with many hiking trails. However, all hikes are moderate to difficult level. So it’s important to come equipped at any time!
If you don’t want to hike, don’t worry, there’s a breathtaking lookout that allows you to see the extent of the region and its various mountain peaks. Accessible by car and without having to walk, this viewpoint is ideal for everyone and well worth the detour!
In conclusion
Sending you lots of Love,
