☀️ Australia's #1 Holiday Coast
🌿 UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Sunshine Coast Sun, Surf & Hinterland

60km of golden beaches, ancient rainforests, and vibrant towns — from Noosa to Caloundra and everything in between.

Humpback Whales Are Here

Every year from June to October, thousands of humpback whales migrate through the waters off the Sunshine Coast on their journey north. Join a guided whale watching tour from Mooloolaba — or simply watch from the shore as these gentle giants breach and play. It is one of Queensland's most spectacular natural events.

Whale Watching Guide →
🐋 Whale Season · June – October

✦ Sunshine Coast · Queensland

About the Sunshine Coast

Boasting over 300 days of pristine sub-tropical weather, Queensland's Sunshine Coast is the ultimate Australian travel destination. Stretching from the calm waters of Caloundra up to the pristine shores of Noosa Heads, this iconic region effortlessly blends laid-back coastal vibes with breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you are chasing an adrenaline-fueled escape or a slow, restorative getaway, the “Sunny Coast” caters to every travel style.

What truly sets Sunshine Coast tourism apart is its incredible geographical diversity. In a single afternoon, you can transition from burying your toes in the golden sands of Mooloolaba Beach to hiking through the ancient, volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains. Just a short drive inland lies the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland — where charming mountain villages like Maleny and Montville offer sweeping coastal views, artisanal craft markets, and hidden rainforest waterfalls like Kondalilla Falls.

For nature lovers, the region is a literal paradise. It is home to the pristine Noosa Everglades — one of only two everglades systems on Earth — and the world-famous Australia Zoo. Beyond the landscape, the local food scene is a major drawcard. Taste your way through a booming craft beer capital, sample ocean-to-plate dining at bustling coastal wharves, or pick up organic treats at the famous Eumundi Markets.

In recognition of this extraordinary natural environment, the entire Sunshine Coast was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2022 — one of only a handful in Australia. The listing celebrates the region's remarkable biodiversity, from the volcanic Glass House Mountains and the rainforests of the Blackall Range to the wetlands of the Noosa Everglades and the rich marine life along the coast. More than a title, it reflects a community-wide commitment to protecting these landscapes while living, farming and travelling sustainably within them. For visitors, it's a reminder that the beaches, bushland and waterways here are not just beautiful — they're globally significant, and worth treading lightly to preserve.

From luxury beachfront resorts to tranquil eco-cabins nestled in the rainforest canopy, the Sunshine Coast offers a deeply authentic slice of Queensland paradise. Discover an unrushed pace of life where the spectacular coastline meets vibrant green ranges, and start planning your unforgettable Sunshine Coast holiday today.

Find Your Match

Which Destination Suits You?

Every part of the Sunshine Coast has a distinct personality — find the right fit for your trip

Crystal-clear water at Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast Queensland
Noosa
Travel Style🌿Noosa🏄Mooloolaba🌊Coolum🦅Caloundra🌳Hinterland
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Families ●● ●●● ●● ●●●
💑Couples & Romance ●●● ●● ●● ●● ●●●
🏖️Beach Lovers ●●● ●●● ●●● ●●
🏄Surfers ●●● ●●● ●●● ●●
🌿Nature & Wildlife ●●● ●● ●● ●● ●●●
🍽️Foodies ●●● ●● ●● ●●●
🥾Hikers & Adventurers ●● ●● ●●●
💰Budget Travellers ●● ●● ●● ●●● ●●
🐕Pet Owners ●● ●●● ●● ●●
🚗Day-Trippers ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●●
●●● Top pick●●○ Great choice●○○ Worth considering
🌿
Noosa
National park, Hastings Street & dolphins

Queensland's crown jewel, where coastal luxury meets raw wilderness. The north-facing beach delivers perfect swimming year-round, while Hastings Street's celebrated restaurants and boutiques set the tone. Noosa National Park's headland trails reveal wild koalas, dolphins, and hidden coves. Beyond, the Noosa River winds through to the ancient Noosa Everglades — one of only two everglades systems on Earth.

Noosa HeadsNoosavilleTewantinEumundiCooroyPomona
🏄
Mooloolaba
Esplanade dining, beach & whale watching

The vibrant heart of the Sunshine Coast, where a sparkling north-facing bay and lively Esplanade dining combine into one of Australia's great beach experiences. Every August and September, humpback whales rest in the sheltered bay — visible from the shore with the naked eye. SEA LIFE Aquarium, fresh seafood markets, and whale-watching vessels all operate from the wharf.

MooloolabaAlex HeadlandMaroochydoreCotton TreeBuddinaBirtinya
🌊
Coolum
Surf point break & Peregian village

The Coast's unhurried middle stretch, where those who wander off the highway find some of the region's most rewarding beaches. Coolum's surf point break is a favourite with experienced surfers, while Peregian's boutique village charms with weekend markets. Inland, Mount Coolum National Park rewards a challenging hike with breathtaking 360-degree coastal panoramas stretching from Noosa to Caloundra.

Coolum BeachPeregian BeachMudjimbaYandinaTwin WatersPacific Paradise
🦅
Caloundra
Seven beaches & a heritage ocean pool

The Sunshine Coast's southern gateway anchors seven distinct beaches around a dramatic headland, each with its own character. Kings Beach is the social heart — its heritage-listed saltwater ocean pool carved into the rocks is one of Queensland's most beloved landmarks. Moffat Beach draws surfers; Golden Beach faces the calm Pumicestone Passage, perfect for paddleboarding with the Glass House Mountains as a backdrop.

Kings BeachMoffat BeachGolden BeachDicky BeachCurrimundiPelican Waters
🌳
Hinterland
Rainforest villages & Glass House peaks

Just 30 minutes from the beach, the Blackall Range feels like another world entirely. Rainforest villages like Maleny and Montville offer artisan galleries, farm-fresh produce, and sweeping coastal views that will genuinely surprise you. Ancient Mary Cairncross Reserve and Kondalilla Falls reward those who venture deeper. The Glass House Mountains — sacred volcanic peaks visible for miles — anchor the landscape with dramatic beauty.

MalenyMontvilleMapletonKenilworthBeerwahGlass House Mtns
📖 Travel Guides

Sunshine Coast Local Guides

Browse all guides →
💧
The Natural World
Waterfalls & Swimming Holes

Kondalilla, Mapleton Falls, Gardners Falls — the hinterland's best rainforest cascades and natural swimming holes.

Read guide →
🆓
Planning
Free Things to Do

The best of the Sunshine Coast costs nothing: beaches, coastal walks, national parks and weekend markets.

Read guide →
🛍️
Planning
Eumundi Markets

600+ artisan stalls every Wednesday and Saturday in a beautiful hinterland village. Go early, go hungry.

Read guide →
🤿
Ocean & Wildlife
Scuba Diving

The sunken HMAS Brisbane is one of Australia's top wreck dives — a decommissioned navy destroyer carpeted in soft coral.

Read guide →
🚩
Ocean & Wildlife
Surf Life Saving Clubs

New to the surf? Everything you need to know about swimming between the flags and staying safe in Queensland surf.

Read guide →
🐊
Ocean & Wildlife
Australia Zoo

Steve Irwin's legendary wildlife park — 1,200+ animals, croc shows and a full day of up-close wildlife encounters.

Read guide →
🐕
Planning
Pet-Friendly Guide

Travelling with your dog? Off-leash beaches, dog-friendly cafés and pet-welcoming stays all the way along the Coast.

Read guide →
🥾
The Natural World
Mountains to Climb

Every climbable Glass House peak rated by difficulty — from a family-friendly scramble to a hands-and-feet technical climb.

Read guide →
🎒
Planning
School Holiday Hub

Events, deals and family activities updated for every Queensland school holiday period. Bookmark this one.

Read guide →
🌋
The Natural World
Glass House Mountains

Thirteen ancient volcanic peaks sacred to the Kabi Kabi people. Dramatic, hikeable and utterly unforgettable.

Read guide →
🏞️
The Natural World
Noosa National Park

Wild koalas, hidden coves and dolphins — all ten minutes from Hastings Street. One of Queensland's great coastal walks.

Read guide →
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Planning
Family Activities

Australia Zoo, calm patrolled beaches, free playgrounds and rainy-day backups — all organised by age group and area.

Read guide →
🌤 Weather

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Live forecastClimate data →
Best time to visitSeasons guide →
☀️
Summer
Dec – Feb
26–29°C

Peak beach season — warm ocean, long days and a buzzing holiday atmosphere. Start early to beat the afternoon heat and the occasional tropical storm.

🍂
Autumn
Mar – May
23–27°C

Arguably the sweet spot — warm, dry and less humid, with fewer crowds. Ideal for hiking, waterfalls and still-warm ocean swims.

🐋
Winter
Jun – Aug
20–22°C

Mild, sunny and dry — clear blue-sky days perfect for whale watching, hinterland drives and the zoo. Pack a layer for cooler evenings.

🌸
Spring
Sep – Nov
23–26°C

Warming days and a packed events calendar as the water heats up again. A great all-rounder for beaches, festivals and the outdoors.

🎉 Events & Festivals

Sunshine Coast Events

View all events →
AUGRunning

Sunshine Coast Marathon

📍Sunshine Coast Beachfront

One of Australia's most scenic marathons — a flat coastal course with ocean views the entire way, held under perfect mild August conditions. Race categories from 5km to 42.2km.

Find out more →
SEPTriathlon

IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast

📍Mooloolaba

Asia-Pacific's premier middle-distance triathlon — 1.9km harbour swim, 90km hinterland bike, 21.1km Esplanade run. A World Championship qualifier drawing athletes from across the globe.

Find out more →
OCTMusic

Strummingbird Festival

📍Bokarina Beach, Kawana

The Sunshine Coast's biggest music event returns to Bokarina Beach in 2026, headlined by Post Malone. Multi-stage, beachside, and family-friendly — with the ocean as a natural backdrop.

Find out more →
OCTTriathlon

Noosa Triathlon

📍Noosa Main Beach

One of the world's premier multi-sport events draws 10,000 competitors for an iconic swim-bike-run through Noosa National Park and along the sparkling Noosa River.

Find out more →
✨ Experiences
Things to Do
View all →
Stunning Coastal Views from Pt Arkwright: Mt Coolum and Coral Sea Surf
1 / 7
Novotel North E-Bike Tour
5.0(2)

The Easy Peasy Novotel North e-Bike Tour stands out as the ultimate beginner-friendly e-bike experience (you m

By ecoTekk Electric Bikes Sunshine Coast
From $123.00
Book Now →
Noosa Everglade Kayak -South/Noosa End - Searching for Stingrays!
1 / 14
Noosa Everglade Kayak -South/Noosa End Searching for Stingrays!
4.8(235)
2h 30min

Winner of Australia's Most Magical Experience 2022 and Noosa's most accessible Everglades experience. The Sout

By By Earth & Ocean
From $79.00
Book Now →
Adventure Rafting - Mooloolaba Turtle Tour
1 / 9
Adventure Rafting Mooloolaba Turtle Tour
4.9(86)
1h

Experience our Mooloolaba Turtle tour which takes you along the stunning Mooloolaba coastline, aboard our cust

By Adventure Rafting Mooloolaba
From $69.00
Book Now →
Whale breaching
1 / 9
Whale Watching Cruise from Mooloolaba
4.8(120)
3h

Aboard Crusader 1, our massive 55ft vessel, we offer a truly unique and intimate experience. Originally buil

By Sunshine Coast Afloat
From $147.95
Book Now →
300+
Days of sunshine per year
60km
Of pristine coastline
40+
Towns & villages to explore
30+
Beaches to explore
🏖️ Sunshine Coast

Ready to book?

Beachside hotels, hinterland retreats, and everything in between — find your perfect Sunshine Coast base.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know

Plan your perfect Sunshine Coast trip with our guides, itineraries, and travel information.