Queensland's Sunshine
Coast starts about sixty miles north of Brisbane at Caloundra and
continues for a sixty miles a
long
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 o
f
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, and where the Australian PGA championships were 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.
