A travel agency for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands

Tourism Australia Premier Aussie Specialist
Accredited Tassie, Northern Territory, NT Outback, NSW, Victoria & Queensland Specialists
Matai Fiji Specialist

THE SUNSHINE COAST

Queensland's Sunshine Coast starts about sixty miles north of Brisbane at Caloundra and continues for a sixty miles along some of the world's best beaches to Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay. Another popular holiday destination for Australians, the Sunshine Coast is also home to Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo. Sunshine coast has white sand surf and protected beaches, rivers suitable for canoeing, National Parks to explore, a wealth of wildlife, and a farming area famous for its tropical fruits such as pineapples. The hinterland is home to the Glasshouse Mountains and the culture and crafts of Maleny, and both the coast and hinterland are becoming a mecca for adventure sports. Golf is not overlooked with several fine courses offering their own challenges. Just offshore of the northern section is Fraser Island, a destination in its own right.

At the south end the Glasshouse Mountains and Beerwah inland, and Caloundra on the coast offer surf beaches, perhaps the region's best protected family beach, rock-climbing, and Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo. The Buderim Ginger Factory is also interesting, and their products are a must to bring home - there's more about them on our Buderim Ginger page. Mooloolalaba has become its own complete destination, with superb beaches, a wide range of quality accommodation and innovative restaurants right on the beach, and outdoor activities such as sea kayaking, canoeing and wildlife tours. Relatively undeveloped Alexandra Headland is a prime surfing area, and has a more relaxed and laid back feel than its neighbors to the north and south. Next is Maroochydore, the region's commercial hub, but still has excellent beaches and the Maroochy River, with calm water and wonderful fishing opportunities. Coolum Beach is an amazing sweep of fine white sand and blue water, and home to a five-star Hyatt Resort set on 400 acres, complete with a championship golf course, where the Australian PGA championships are played though 2006. Cafes, restaurants, parks and other hotels complete the Coolum picture. Behind Coolum lie the hinterland towns of Yandina and Eumundi, each with their own charm and culture.

Noosa is the next section, and one of the prime tourist destinations. Once again blessed by perfect beaches, Noosa has developed a sophisticated but casual outlook, with a lively beach and nightclub scene. Noosa is probably the most international of the Sunshine Coast destinations, but Mooloolaba and Coolum are quickly catching up. In addition to the beaches and lifestyle, Noosa National Park borders the town, and just to the north is Great Sandy National Park, a pristine area of heaths, dunes, waterways, wildlife and untouched beach. Finally the Sunshine Coast ends at Rainbow Beach, so named for its colored sands. Cooloola National Park is one of the attractions here, and nearby Tin Can Bay is a departure point for Fraser Island. Rainbow Beach is an ideal destination for the vacationer looking to get away from it all, wanting peace and quiet, but with a somewhat hedonistic outlook.