The Best Cheap Hotels to Book on Australia's Sunshine Coast

This quiet seven-room motel is discreetly removed from the bustle of the Sunshine Coast. But it’s also well placed when you feel like a jaunt to the beach – we’re talking a 10-minute trip. Make yourself a cuppa, rearrange the bright throw cushions, and settle in by the grassy garden’s retro-cool kidney shaped pool, right out front. Your pet pooch will be welcomed if you book a double room. The super-engaging hosts, Brett and Tina, will direct you to the Big Pineapple, a 16m (52ft) homage to the Sunshine Coast’s favourite fruit, not even 10 minutes away.

Spread out among seven landscaped acres (2.8ha), this place in no way comes across as a budget option – the studios as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments are impressively appointed. Snap up one apartment or, if you’re a larger group or a family, hire upstairs and downstairs to make a townhouse. Arranged around three lagoon pools, this is the place to relax into the comfortable deck chairs and watch the kids splash about. Or wander 150m (500ft) across the bridge to the Noosa Marina, which is home to Noosa Italian Restaurant and Pizza, the best place in town for a quattro formaggi or helping of gnocchi.

You’ll be smiling the moment you set eyes on these brightly coloured beach houses. Each flaunts a snazzy coat of turquoise, yellow or blue, mirroring the magic of the landscaped central pool, spa and BBQ area, with its broad shade sails. The position is perfect – next to the ocean at Peregian Beach – and there are 22 dual-level townhouses to choose between, all resplendent with fully equipped kitchens. Rather eat out once in a while? You’ll find cafes on the stretch of beach just beyond Peregian Beach village, or make the short drive to Coolum or Noosa.

Having parked the car in the underground carpark, you’re about three steps from heaven – simply drop your bags in your modern two- or three-bedroom apartment (there are 18 to choose from, with pale-timber furnishings looking straight out of Stockholm) and hit the strand right outside. Or keep things more private with a splash in the heated pool. That should burn enough calories to have you ready for lunch; towel off and throw a prawn or two on the BBQ. The location of Beachcomber on the Spit – between the main shore and the river – means you’re close to art galleries, bars and restaurants as well as amazing marine creatures at Underwater World. For more animal action, Australia Zoo is just 20 minutes’ drive away.

Staying here couldn’t be handier – it’s just an hour from Brisbane, and there’s a shuttle available. Halfway between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, these apartments present exceptional value. The modern kitchenette was designed for travellers on a budget, particularly families – eating in is a cinch with these amenities. Young ones will love the lagoon pool complete with its waterslide and swim-up island, stretching the entire length of the attraction. There are palms and lounges for adults to flop on, while for the kids there’s fun to be had at the heated pool and playground, protected under broad shade sails.

Here’s fun for the whole family – introduce your kids to the heated pool, tennis court, games room and play area with its giant Jenga blocks, and they’ll be sorted for the duration of the holiday. For you, there’s the up-to-the-minute gym and adults’ heated pool and spa. Now’s your chance to get good at kayaking and paddle boarding, too, as the necessary equipment can be rented. Everyone’s a winner at the on-site Thai restaurant, Copper Spoon: order the tom yum, superb curries and stir-fries. It’s a cool place to linger, with its blue-lit bar, high-backed comfy chairs and views of the next-door pumice-stone passage from the sheltered terrace.

Looking for affordable Sunshine Coast accommodation in the thick of the action? You’ve got it right here, on the arterial Bulcock Street. It’s jammed with places to eat, whether you fancy wood-fired pizza, ribs, gelato and/or pastries. Oh, there’s also the Caloundra seafood market – well worth a browse. For art lovers, the regional gallery is one block away. For beach lovers, the Bulcock Beachfront is just a 10-minute walk. And, for shoppers, the Sunday Street Fair is nearby. All 47 rooms have balconies, and the resort has a heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym and rooftop terrace with BBQ area. Whether you stay in or head out, you’ve got fun in store.

You really don’t have to go anywhere once you’ve checked into your studio room or two-bedroom apartment – this cheap accommodation option on the Sunshine Coast has not just one but two dining options on site. The Golden Beach Tavern family bistro serves up some stonking pub classics –watch the kids play in the sand pits or on the climbing wall as you dine. Or there is Alfresco’s Cafe for great coffee and a casual vibe. Alternatively, rustle up a BBQ and dine under the two shady cabanas poolside.