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REGION: Sunshine Coast


North of Brisbane, the 48km coastal stretch bound by Caloundra to the south and Noosa Heads to the north is called the Sunshine Coast. The name conjures vivid images of the region's many surf beaches stretching to the horizon; its pictur-esque lakes; unspoilt rainforests; and cliffs of rainbow coloured sand.

The Sunshine Coast offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the Gold Coast's excesses. With an average temperature that does not drop below 20°C year-round and a wide choice of accommodation, the Sunshine Coast invites visitors to experience its balmy, laid-back way of life. The once sleepy coastal villages and modest holiday destinations have become glamorous retreats for the glitterati; others retain the charm of quieter times. Attractions are varied and include theme parks such as Australia Zoo UnderWater World, The Big Pineapple and Aussie World. For a different kind of holiday, there are many national parks and state forests to explore, including Coochin Creek SF, Great Sandy National Park, Mount Coolum National Park and Noosa National Park.

Aboriginal legend of the coloured sands: According to the Kabi Kabi Aboriginal people, the coloured sands at Rainbow Beach were formed when the Rainbow Spirit was shattered by a boomerang in a fight over a woman. The pieces fell onto the sand cliffs, colouring them forever.

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Tourist info

Sunshine Coast Information Centres

  • Ph: (07) 07 5459 9050
    Email: visitorinfo@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
 

Parks/Reserves

  • Great Sandy NP
  • Mount Coolum NP
  • Noosa NP

latest stories

Flying over Queensland's Sunshine Coast

Glass House Mountains queensland | 2009-04-09 | It was a different perspective to view the Sunshine Coast and its beautiful wineries, towns and rainforest from the air during my Mustang joy-flight from Caboolture Airport just north of Brisbane | read more

History of the Mary Valley Railway Line

The Museum and Station at Gympie Rattler | 2008-12-17 | Provides the history of Gympie's train station and Mary Valley Railway Line | read more

Mary Valley Railway Line

The Red Rocket Rattler | 2008-12-17 | A brief history on the Mary Valley Railway Line | read more

Race the Rattler

rattler2.jpg Rattler | 2008-12-15 | A man vs machine footrace, Gympie, QLD. | read more

 

latest business reviews

Noosa Luxury Resort - Maison Noosa

Twilight MaisonNoosa | 2009-04-23 | Maison Noosa is the perfect Noosa Accommodation to stay before you set out to explore all Noosa has to offer a visitor. | read more

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Main Attractions

Australia Zoo

  • Located on the Glass House Mountains Tourist Route at Beerwah, this is the home of TV's Crocodile Hunter.

Dolphin Viewing

  • Tin Can Bay is a great place for viewing a pod of uncommon Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sina chinensis).

Eumundi Markets

  • These popular markets sell all manner of wares in a charming village setting.

Maroochydore

  • The heart of the Sunshine Coast offers surfing beaches, excellent fishing, shopping and river cruises.

Mooloolaba

  • This is a thriving beachside town. Two of its attractions are the 'Loo with a view' at the Esplanade and UnderWater World, which features a seal show.

Noosa Heads

  • Noosa offers great beaches, world-class shopping and sophisticated restaurants, as well as Noosa NP.

Tewantin

  • Tewantin is home to the House of Bottles, constructed from over 35 000 bottles, plus a giant beer bottle built from 17 000 stubbies.

The Big Pineapple

  • This park is based on a working pineapple and macadamia plantation. The Big Pineapple itself is a tower with a lookout at the top.

editors picks

Flying over Queensland's Sunshine Coast

Glass House Mountains queensland | 2009-04-09 | It was a different perspective to view the Sunshine Coast and its beautiful wineries, towns and rainforest from the air during my Mustang joy-flight from Caboolture Airport just north of Brisbane | read more

Children friendly Maroochydore

Fishing at Maroochydore Emma | 2008-01-31 | Calm beach for toddlers to take a dip and shaded playground close by | read more

Eumundi Market

Food Stalls, Eumundi Emma | 2009-01-18 | Eumundi Markets are in Southern Queensland (Sunshine Coast) and are a short drive from the popular tourist destinations; Noosa, and Maroochydore. | read more

Great Holiday Views From Mount Coolum, Maroochydore, QLD.

Views to Moreton Island in the distance harley | 2008-11-03 | On a recent trip to visit friends in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, we climbed Mount Coolum which had great views over the entire Sunshine Coast. | read more

Race the Rattler

rattler2.jpg Rattler | 2008-12-15 | A man vs machine footrace, Gympie, QLD. | read more

All aboard! Catch a ferry upstream at Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast

Our departing point from the jetty in centre of Noosa Heads harley | 2008-11-04 | It's not the first time I've been on holiday to Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast, so this time whilst still enjoying the rainforest walks and the water, we decided to take a ferry-trip upstream from Noosa to Tewantin | read more

Mary Valley Railway Line

The Red Rocket Rattler | 2008-12-17 | A brief history on the Mary Valley Railway Line | read more

History of the Mary Valley Railway Line

The Museum and Station at Gympie Rattler | 2008-12-17 | Provides the history of Gympie's train station and Mary Valley Railway Line | read more

Eumundi - Kevin Rudd's birthplace

Garry | 2008-02-06 | Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was born in Eumundi on 21 September 1957, the youngest of four children. | read more

The Valley Rattler

rattler1.jpg Rattler | 2008-12-15 | An original AEC Badge has been attached to the "Red Rocket" Railmotor | read more

 

 
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