11 Reasons To Visit Australia's Beautiful Sunshine Coast

With its pristine beaches, zen-friendly hinterland and laid back lifestyle, the Sunshine Coast has long been a favourite for a relaxing getaway. While retaining its country town charm, the coast now also hosts a thriving cafe and dining scene and a plethora of cultural experiences, making it an even more attractive destination — all just an hour north of Brisbane. If you need any more encouragement, here are 11 excellent reasons to make the trip to the Sunshine Coast.

Perfect weather

Every coastal local thinks the weather in their region is absolutely perfect. The strange thing about the Sunshine Coast is that the locals are 100 percent correct. They enjoy around 300 days of sunshine each year, and the coastal breezes cuts through the oppressive humidity that Queensland’s famous for.

Point Cartwright

This is another dream destination. Follow Kawana’s dog-friendly beaches north, stopping to pat a few sandy pooches on the way (and perhaps even the teacup pig that’s been known to make an appearance). The sand will give way to a monstrous pile of volcanic rock — that’s Point Cartwright. Kids love exploring the sea life in the rock pools around the point’s base. Clamber up the grassy slope to the lighthouse for impressive views, most breathtaking when the summer storms are rolling in over the ocean. Follow the short bush-walking track for a fabulous family picnic spot.

Currimundi Lake

With all that perfect weather, the most obvious way to spend the time is to hit up the beaches. While Caloundra’s Kings Beach is a hit with the tourists, locals tend to flock a few minutes’ further north at Currimundi Lake. Walk over the scrubby dunes to discover a pristine beach with rolling waves that delight both surfers and swimmers. If you’d prefer to chill, the quiet river mouth is perfect for zoning out in the shallows.

Cotton Tree

Similar to Currimundi, Cotton Tree gives you the choice of swimming in the calm rivermouth or out among the breakers. This is where the saltwater adrenaline junkies like to get their kicks — stand up paddle boarding, kitesurfing and kayaking are all popular. Also keep an eye on the skies; skydivers often choose the open beach as a landing spot. Venture back past the iconic caravan park to find a selection of fantastic cafes and local market stalls.

Blackall Range Tourist Drive

Don’t spend all your time at the beaches; there’s a whole other fantastic side to the Sunshine Coast in the lush green hills over the other side of the highway. For a simple introduction to the awesome hinterland, spend a day travelling along the 55 kilometre Blackall Range Tourist Drive. You’ll be introduced to the ever-popular townships of Maleny, Mapleton and Montville, which effortlessly blend antique charm and down-to-earth modernity.

Mount Ngungun

You’ll be able to see the mighty Glass House Mountains from almost every point in the hinterland. On a cool day, it’s well worth lacing up your trainers and tackling a trail up to one of the many summits. Mount Ngungun is a popular choice, because you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains plus glimpses back across to the coast.

Australian animals

No visitor to the Sunshine Coast hinterland should leave without stopping off at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. Here you’ll have the chance to see big crocs up close, plus meet all sorts of iconic Australian critters.

An energetic events calendar

With all this wonderful outdoors to enjoy, it’s no surprise that many of the top events in the region involve a bit of sun and sweat. The triathlons at Noosa and Mooloolaba are a worthwhile challenge, the Noosa Festival of Surfing brings top talent from around the world, and the newly launched Velothon claims to be the largest cycling event on earth. The local music festivals — Gympie Music Muster and Caloundra Music Festival — are great chances to discover your next favourite band.

Arts scene

The Sunshine Coast hinterland has always been a bit of a haven for hippies, outsiders and eccentrics, so it’s no surprise that there’s a thriving arts scene hidden amongst the hills. Follow the Art Gallery Trail to sample the works of regions best painters, sculptors, glass blowers, jewellers, and ceramicists.

A bevvy of breweries

Like every region in Australia, the Sunshine Coast has developed a strong brewing scene in recent years. Sunshine Coast Brewery has been crafting fine ales and lagers for many years now, and they’re now joined by 10 Toes Brewery, Moffat Beach Brewing, Your Mates and Brouhaha, among many others — all worth an afternoon of your attention.

Fabulous food

At the end of the day, when it’s time to indulge, the Sunshine Coast will not disappoint. You’ll find options for every taste and budget, from humble fish and chip shops to inventive fine dining. There’s never a bad spot to be for a night out, but Noosa certainly takes the cake. You’ll find an abundance of chic establishments perched right by world-famous Noosa Beach.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.