Sunshine Coast Lastminute Hotels & Travel Guide
he Sunshine Coast is a beautiful coastal area about one hour’s drive north of Brisbane. Beaches, hinterland, rivers, bush, forest and villages merge to form an area of scenic beauty that makes the Sunshine Coast a very popular holiday destination.
The Sunshine Coast stretches from Caloundrain the south to Rainbow Beach in the North. Noosa marks the top end of the developed area and beyond is the North Shore providing access to Fraser Island.
The visitor to the Sunshine Coast will enjoy a perfect climate, excellent restaurants, beaches, rivers, hinterland and award winning attractions. Golf, sailing, fishing, surfing, walking, pampering and lots more are all available on the Sunshine Coast.
Wineries
The Sunshine Coast has a number of boutique wineries and vineyards producing award winning wines. The vineyards are in the cooler hinterland areas of the Blackall range, Kenilworth and Traveston.
Natural Areas
Glass House Mountains – The Glass House Mountains are located to the West of the Bruce Highway near Beerwah. They are very visible from the Bruce Highway and appear as volcanic cones. Many bushwalking opportunities exist in the Glass House Mountains and several of the mountains can be climbed. Mt Beerwah 556 m is 2.6km climb and recommended for experienced climbers only. Mt Tibrogargan is 364m and a challenging 3-4 hours. Mt Ngungum at 253m is the easiest Glass House Mountain to climb.
Mary Cairncross Park – Great views from this vantage point with bushwalks in the natural rainforest. Mary Cairncross has a cafe and Natural History Education Centre. Mountain View Road, Maleny. Mt Coolum National Park Mount Coolum is a distinctive landmark on the Sunshine Coast and has a 1.6km walk to the summit. The car park is located on Tanah Street West, just off the David Low Way. The path is well marked.
Plantation & Factory
Big Pineapple Plantation – working pineapple farm at which a number of additional tours have been added over the years since it opened in 1971. These include a ride on the Macadamia nut mobile where enthusiastic guides explain how Macadamia nuts are processed, the Harvest Boat ride that educates us on hydroponics, the rainforest walk or visit the wildlife gardens
Ginger Factory – The world’s largest high tech Ginger processing plant with historic cane train through native rainforest and gardens. The ginger shop sells the biggest selection of ginger produce in the world. Enjoy the magical adventure ride on “Overboard, Adventures of a Stoaway”.
Places To Go
Noosa – Noosa has a north facing surfing beach. Noosa Heads is the resort area that contains Hastings Street and the main tourist area behind Hastings Street. The main beach fronts onto Hastings Street. At the eastern end of Hastings Street is the Noosa National Park.
Alexandra Headland – Beerburrum Locally called ’Alex‘, is a small coastal community surrounded by Mooloolaba, Buderim and Maroochydore. Alexandra Headland’s main attraction is the beach, headland and parks. The beach is patrolled and good for surfing. There is an outdoor skate park on the beach.
Beerwah – Beerwah is a small town off the Bruce Highway on the Glass House Mountains Tourist Route. Good views of the volcanic peaks and home to Australia Zoo.
Caloundra – Caloundra is at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast one hour’s drive from Brisbane. It is the second largest shire in the Sunshine Coast area with a fast growing population. Caloundra has 10 excellent patrolled beaches, some rainforest areas and a number of national parks. The drive from Caloundra to Noosa at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast takes about one hour along the Sunshine Motorway.
Coolum – Coolum is between Noosa and Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast. Coolum has a very popular beach and has a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Cafes, restaurants and shops line the main street. Golfing enthusiasts will enjoy the proximity of golf courses at the Hyatt, Noosa Springs, Novotel Twin Waters and Pelican Waters. Bushwalkers will enjoy Mt Coolum and the walks alongside the beach. Surfers will enjoy the waves and swimme
Attractions
Australia Zoo – Australia Zoo established by the late Steve Irwin, offers visitors wildlife action, priding itself on promoting hands on interactive experiences with pythons, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, tigers, elephants and many more animals. Book your Zoo or Sanctuary Tours in Sunshine Coast online.
Beaches – The range of beaches on the Sunshine Coast is enormous. From the open waters of Rainbow Beach through to the white sands at King’s Beach at Caloundra which is a unique combination of a surf beach with a salt water swimming pool. The calm waters of Mooloolaba Spit and Golden Beach are perfect for kids. Popular surf beaches include Alexandra Headlands, Coolum, Peregian, Marcus Beach, Sunshine Beach and Noosa Heads.
Ettamogah Pub – The famous Ettamogah Pub, with attached small theme park is a good stopping point on the Bruce Highway. Attractions include mini golf, roller coaster, carnival fairground, giant Ferris wheel, fun luge, dodgem cars and specialty shops.
Underwater World – The largest oceanarium in the Southern Hemisphere with around 20,000 sea creatures and an 80 metre walk through tunnel. A number of shows are held during the day.
