Question 1

What's the difference between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast?

Accepted Answer

The two are very different experiences. The Gold Coast is Australia's theme-park and high-rise capital — a densely built strip of towers, busy nightlife and big crowds. The Sunshine Coast takes a different path entirely. Building height limits have kept it low-rise and human-scaled, the pace is relaxed, and nature sits front and centre: a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the pristine Noosa Everglades, the volcanic Glass House Mountains and 60km of beaches that never feel overdeveloped.

Question 2

Do I need a car on the Sunshine Coast?

Accepted Answer

A car gives you the most freedom — it's the best way to explore the Glass House Mountains, the hinterland villages of Maleny and Montville, the waterfalls, and to move between the different coastal towns at your own pace. That said, you can absolutely have a great holiday without one. Noosa is the most walkable base on the Coast. Mooloolaba is another excellent car-free base.

Question 3

Is the Sunshine Coast accessible for people with limited mobility?

Accepted Answer

The Sunshine Coast has made significant strides in accessibility, and many of its best experiences are genuinely well suited to visitors with limited mobility. The main beach towns are largely flat and easy to navigate. Mooloolaba's Esplanade is a wide, paved foreshore path suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids, with accessible facilities and beach wheelchair hire. Noosa Main Beach has a paved boardwalk and accessible amenities.

Question 4

Where is the best shopping on the Sunshine Coast?

Accepted Answer

Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore is the largest shopping centre on the Sunshine Coast, with over 300 stores. Hastings Street in Noosa is a world away from the mall experience — a beautiful, leafy strip of boutique fashion, homewares, jewellery, and art galleries. The Eumundi Markets are among the best markets in Australia, held every Wednesday and Saturday.

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