Stepping out of the Sunshine Coast’s Airport in Maroochydore, you’re immediately greeted with warm weather, palm trees and ocean air. The Sunshine Coast is home to several coastal hubs that make up one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations. Wherever you’re staying, be sure to pay a visit to one or more of Australia’s most popular coastal towns that make up the entirety of the Sunshine Coast.
With beaches, rainforests and fun-filled day trips abound, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the convenience that comes with a hire car so you can make the most of your stay in this small slice of paradise in the Sunshine State.
Driving south from the airport
Take a short drive south of the airport and head straight to Maroochydore, the centre of the Sunshine Coast action, and the perfect base for your travels. Even though you’re at the centre of the area, the town is more relaxed than your average city, where laid-back beachside vibes are plentiful. Visit Maroochydore for some of the Sunshine Coast’s best seaside shops, bars and restaurants that lie along Wharf Street.
Beneath Maroochydore, travel an extra 5 minutes to Mooloolaba where you’ll find a more laidback neighbour to its big sisters Noosa and Maroochydore. Spend a lazy day on Mooloolaba Beach, or learn about the local aquatic life at Sea Life Sunshine Coast.
Heading north from the airport
A 10 minutes’ drive north of Sunshine Coast Airport is where you’ll find Coolum, a resort town known for its world-class golf courses, beautiful beaches, and charming local cafés, set against the impressive backdrop of Mount Coolum. Relax in comfort and style at one of the numerous beachside resorts or picturesque golf courses.
Noosa Heads, known for its tranquil and expansive beaches, is a bustling holiday destination located just a 30 minutes’ drive north of Sunshine Coast Airport. Popular with surfers and holidaymakers alike, the town sees close to a million visitors per year. Be sure to spend a day relaxing on Noosa Main Beach, or trek through Noosa National Park along the coast – and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for dolphins!
Top tourist attractions to keep the kids occupied when the beach loses its appeal
While for many the Sunshine Coast is a mecca of relaxation, it may be a different story for those with children. To help keep the whole family entertained, there are a number of inexpensive, family-friendly options to enjoy that are dotted throughout the entire region.
Previously helmed by Australian icon Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo near Beerwah and the Glass House Mountains is a zoo known for its conservation efforts, as much as it is for its famous owner. Spend a day at the zoo to get up close and personal with many mammals, reptiles and birds, including species native to Queensland such as the Southern Cassowary. The home of the Crocodile Hunter is home to over 1,000 animals, and general admission prices range from $30 to $60.
The Big Pineapple in Woombye is an iconic Australian tourist attraction and a rite of passage for visitors to the Sunshine Coast. As one of Australia’s notorious ‘Big Things’ to see, a visit to the Big Pineapple isn’t complete without taking a trip on the ‘Pineapple Heritage Train’ or visiting the store to purchase some of the various pineapple-related paraphernalia.
For something a little more thrilling, take a drive out to Aussie World in the southern region of the Sunshine Coast. A family-owned amusement park, Aussie World has been keeping families entertained for close to three decades and is home to nearly 30 rides and attractions as well as the famed Aussie World Pub.
Take a day trip out to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and explore it’s magically charming and quaint towns
Starting in Mapleton, a sweet and sleepy town sandwiched between the rainforest and rolling coastal plains, take a leisurely stroll down the main street past the independently-owned Mapleton Village Bookstore and Art Antiques Antlers before stopping off for a slice (or three) of gourmet pizza at the Tuscan-style Bella Vista Pizza & Pasta.
Drive down the road from Mapleton to Montville, where it’s a little busier, and walk through the village’s main street lined with an abundance of cafés and dining options to choose from. Be sure to stop in at the German-inspired Clock Shop, home to hundreds of ticking clocks within its stone and shingle building.
From Montville, journey to Maleny, a picturesque dairy town, and peruse its specialty shops and the famous Maleny Cheese factory, a boutique cheese and yoghurt factory producing goods using milk sourced from local dairy farmers.
